We all know that certain substances are toxic to our health.
We know that we should avoid drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, excessive sugar, etc. We have a Poison Control Center to call if we ingest certain chemicals. But, who do we call when what we are ‘ingesting’ isn’t a material? What about when it is negative talk from others or —even worse — from ourselves. It’s a phenomenon I’ve started calling ‘talk-sick.’
Acupuncturists and Chinese Medicine Practitioners are not psychologists, but we are healers and are often charged with helping our clients create a mindset and environment that facilitates health and wellness. This means starting with an honest assessment of what type of talk you are consuming.
1) Who do you spend the most time with?
What do you talk about with these people? What is the tone of the conversation? It’s been said that we become like the five people we are around the most. Look at your circle. . . do they reflect who you want to be?
2) Get to the know the voice in your head.
Is s/he kind and loving or critical and cruel? Many of us hold an internal dialogue that we would never use on another. To maintain healthy relationships with others we know that we need to use discretion with our words and tone. So, why don’t we prioritize maintaining a healthy relationship with ourselves? Next time you catch yourself being mean to yourself I challenge you to stop, apologize and reframe the moment to something more positive and productive.
3) One of my favorite quotes is by Eleanor Roosevelt:
“Great minds discuss ideas; average minds discuss events; small minds discuss people.”
It’s time to Elevate
It’s time to elevate our conversations and develop the ‘great mind’ part of ourselves.
Redirect unhealthy, unproductive conversations and be the positive voice that this world needs to desperately to hear.
Together we can eliminate the talk-cicity that has seeped into our minds, bodies and communities. As a practitioner of Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine, I want to make sure all parts of you are healthy and balanced. This includes the environment you create in your brain and allow in your sphere. Let’s work together to create a life where thriving - not surviving - is the aim.
Purge system.