What is Radiant Health?
The term “radiant health” is thrown around quite a bit, but what does it really mean? What does it feel like to nurture the mind, body, and spirit into a space of ideal wellness? I’ve been feeling a deep pull to explore this topic, as this word holds significant weight in my personal health journey as well Living Wholly’s intention to support others on this path. Sometimes, I ask myself - what is radiant health, inside + out, anyway? I am also, curious if others know what that means for them. Let’s explore...
In all honesty, when I consider all of the ways I could begin to shift into radiant health, I never know if it’s possible to actually reach this state of being. It sometimes feels like a double-edged sword to have so many avenues that lead to vitality – so many choices – so much that we want + need to do.
Because of this, the first choice I’m going to make in favor of radiant health is to slow down and give myself permission to explore what creates the most impact and joy. I’m not going to try and do it all. I’m going to gently work through my list of practices, and test out what feels best for me in this moment. I’ll commit to what feels effective, and let the rest go – for now. I’m going to keep it simple, and celebrate myself every time I show up, taking one step at a time towards optimum health.
The holistic approach may seem cliché or cosmic to some people. It is NOT. It is necessary. If you consider the profound connection emotionally, mentally, physically and spiritually - you will understand how important it is to acknowledge each piece of the puzzle. It is all interconnected. It just is. Trust me.
Let’s start with Emotional Detox.
- Give yourself permission to feel the emotions. I resonate with the truth in Sigmund Freud’s assertion that “Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.” This is a fact as ALL dis-ease is connected to the mental + emotional components. Where are you repressing emotions? What is stagnant inside of you? Are there unexpressed emotions that need to come up and out? I find talking with a therapist or coach to be incredibly supportive of this process, helping to prevent emotional stagnation, which can cause toxicity and dis-ease. If talking through these emotions triggers a need for big expression, I suggest finding a safe environment to express and expel through screaming, crying, or even hitting a pillow. Don't freak out. This is healthy.
- Journal about my deepest, darkest, grittiest emotions once a week, then burn the pages for maximum liberation. I can also use this exercise to practice forgiveness, and release resentments, old grudges, and past hurts. I often use the following questions as prompts.
What did the person do or say that hurt me?
How did I feel about it and why did it hurt me?
What has holding on to this grievance cost me?
What are the benefits I will receive by forgiving and letting go?
- Freeing myself from anger, grief, and resentment. My recent health opportunities have required an in-depth exploration of my womb health, which is significantly impacted by the fore-mentioned limiting emotions. It is proven that the journaling, therapy, and emotional expression mentioned above will begin to break up and shed this these layers of suffering.
Next up, Physical Health.
The somewhat obvious component of physical health is highly significant to the whole and is generally the piece that most people can tangibly connect with. Therefore, it is easier to commit to with food + exercise. Check out a few highlights that are important to focus on.
- Search out farmer’s markets or local CSA’s to create a more intimate and wholesome connection with your food. Buy organic as much as you can. Trust me, it is worth every single penny.
Helpful Hint: To be labeled certified organic, crops must be grown without the use of pesticides, bioengineered genes (GMOs), petroleum-based fertilizers, and sewage sludge based fertilizers (yuck.) All of these elements can play a significant role in inflammation and dis-ease in the body.
- Drink half of your body weight in high quality water, in ounces, every day. For example, a 130-pound woman would drink 65 daily ounces of water. Doing something as simple as using a point of use water filter can remove lead, chlorine, bacterial contaminants, and over 2,100 other known toxins that may be present in drinking water. Personally, we have excellent quality live, spring water from Oregon delivered to our home 2x per month. I am very discerning about the quality of water that we drink. I find that when I know it is packed with minerals, clean and alkalized - I will drink copious amounts of it. Humans are made up of approximately 65% water. Therefore, we need excellent water to thrive.
- Start my morning with water and lemon to alkalize the body. I’ll also drink celery juice, or something green, before coffee or tea.
- Commit to liquids-only, one day a week. I will start in the evening and juice for dinner. The following day, I juice for breakfast and lunch. I’ll break the fast with dinner, having a soup or smoothie. This will support my body in using the energy it would use for digestion, to instead rebuild and heal.
Clearing the Mental space is super crucial in the modern world. It takes commitment to cleanse the subconscious and neutralize the mind daily.
- Meditate once a day for at least five minutes. This is a great place to start. Work your way up to 20 minutes 1x per day. Then, go for 2x per day (morning and night). If I’m needing guidance, I’ll use the app Calm and Headspace. I can also utilize Kundalini meditations or mantras, which I can provide to any readers who are interested (just reach out!)
- Move your body and sweat for at least 30 minutes a day. This is a game changer for me. Walk, jog, hike, dance, practice yoga, pilates, etc. Do what feels good for you!
- Do mirror work. I’ll look into my eyes state affirmations. You can also, express love and forgiveness, while celebrating who I am and honoring my journey as perfect and divine.
- Read books or listen to podcasts that support a positive and expansive mindset.
Recommended Books:
“The Power of Intention” by Wayne Dyer, “Ask and it is Given: Learning to Manifest your Desires” by Esther and Jerry Hicks, “The Surrender Experiment” by Michael Singer, “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown.
Podcasts:
Mindbodygreen, Goop, Guru Singh
Spiritual connection to a power greater than yourself is profoundly supportive on this journey. In my experience, my relationship to the Divine guides me and provides messages that guide me along this path. I am devoted to experiencing our connection and cultivating a partnership that is co-creative. All in service to returning home within and remembering who I am again and again.
- Wake up early and commit to a practice that supports you to stretch, move and meditate. Sadhana is what many people call it. The best time to rise and practice is between 3.00 am - 6.00 am which is called the Amrit Vela hours. This is when the subconscious mind is cleared more easily because there is no interference. In this period of calm and peace, before the 'hassle and bassle' of life, one can easily meditate on God and receive the Lord's divine blessing. In kundalini, there are many kriyas and meditations that provide palpable shifts once you show up each morning. A great place to start is to commit to 40 days in a row. Watch the profundity + transformation occur before your very eyes.
- Pray, sing and honor the Divine. As you commune, you will feel connected and more available to receive messages of guidance and blessings that you’ve been holding in your heart.
- Gratitude list every single day. List 3 things you are grateful for in the morning and at night.
As you consider this list, tune in to what piques your interest and ruminate on other simple shifts you can make that will support you in thriving. In addition, take time to ask yourself how you’re feeling and take some time exploring the answer. Even if we feel pretty good, there’s often an opportunity to feel even better and more at ease – and we deserve to give ourselves the tender loving care to get there.
One thing that’s come up as I explore and dedicate myself to radiant health is the truth that it all serves to create a clearer + more expansive path to contributing radical impact into this world. Check out the recording from last month’s LIVE webinar with Jeff Patterson, Success + Leadership Coach sharing more about unleashing the real you and creating your Big Thing (you know, that vision//dream//expression of purpose). Um, who doesn’t want to do that? Register here and we will send you the link. What an exciting motivator to return to greater balance!
Amongst all of these practices, I surely hope a few resonate for you. Experiment with some or all of them. Let us know what unfolds for you. As we begin walking the path to optimum health, we’ll not only feel better, but unleash our wildest, most thrilling dreams. Let’s go for it!!!
With unwavering love + support,
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