Embracing the Essential Role of Purging in Spiritual Growth
The purge is one of the least talked-about parts of any transformational journey, filled with grief, sadness, and relief. For the most part, it is the hardest aspect. Every time we aim to move to a new level of being, shedding the layers that anchor us in our current state is necessary.
If you seek a meaningful life, this process doesn't stop; with each deepening exploration of ourselves, more purging becomes essential.
A purge is a release, a letting go, an upgrade into a deeper part of yourself.
The manifestation of a purge can vary for everyone depending on their journey; however, the most common experience involves losing or releasing people from our lives. People in our lives symbolize relational patterns, revealing how we connect with the world and the story projected about ourselves externally. The closer the person, the closer we are to the root of the pattern.
The internal chaos that arises during this process can feel overwhelming. This is a crucial time for beautiful inner work, especially when you're engaged in something different, leading to the loss or complex decisions you've never encountered before.
It is powerful to turn your perspective inward and ask questions, such as why did I need this? What did it block me from doing or being?
As you purge these energies from your life, it's vital to integrate new strengths and address the mental changes that need to occur. This integration can be approached in various ways.
Physically: An exercise I love is as follows:
Take a few breaths and visualize a golden curtain acting as a cleansing filter for any energies leaving your body.
Ask your body where these "people," "patterns," or "situations" reside in your body. Give yourself time to respond, deepening your breath each time. Identify the specific places in your body. Typically, they manifest as a heavy or annoying sensation.
Inquire about the colors associated with these places. Usually, they are the first colors you feel.
Begin taking gold inhales (through the nose) into these colors, then watch the colors that showed up leave through your exhale (from your mouth).
Engage in this process for at least 20 minutes until the colors are replaced with the gold you are breathing in. This process will also be great for emotional release, so notice the emotions that come and allow them to express themselves and what they need.
Mentally: Reflect on the events conspiring and journal responses to these reflection questions, either in writing or by recording a voice note, etc.
What emotionally charged parts of me are showing up right now?
What is this situation teaching me about who I am?
What are the things I no longer want in my life?
How did I play a role in this situation? Dive deep into this, exploring aspects such as boundaries or trusting intuition.
Take advantage of these purging times to integrate the learning. Remember, the first and most important thing as you purge and release is to take care of your body, mind, and rest. Resting is essential during these processes.
