On the tenth day of detox, I gave to me…
ten musical minutes,
nine cleansing herbs,
eight salt baths,
seven layer massages,
six spicy swishes,
five yoga poses,
four foods that heal,
three meditations,
two cleansing breaths,
and the most vibrant vision of me.

Detox through dance

“Sweat and laugh every day” said Yogi Bhajan, and turning up the music to groove and move with yourself, your kids, family, friends or a community is an invigorating and uplifting way to detox body, mind and spirit.

A daily ritual of dance, whether 10 minutes daily in your living room or a 1 hour class at a local gym or dance studio, lubricates the joints and sheds excess baggage from the body and the mind, lightening the spirit.

Want to jump-start an exercise routine? Start with dance. If you find it difficult to get outdoors during the cold for activity or you despise stationary exercise equipment, do something fun, healthy and vibrant for yourself. Dance.

Choose your favourite music, something upbeat, and start to move. Rock some old dance moves, have your kids show you some new ones or allow your body the freedom of intuitive movement, arms swaying, hips swirling, shoulders releasing and tension melting. Let go and take a ride on the rhythm of the music. Drum beats carry you to new places, flute serenades your spirit, piano pulls at possibilities and guitar stirs your creativity.

“Dress classy and dance cheesy” as Psy says. Crank up Gangham style and have some fun anytime of day. Make dance a regular part of your detox and daily routine. Start your day with dance, before you hit the shower. Or pick a time of day when your energy drops and you need a boost. Try a pre-dinner dance party with the family to raise everyone’s spirits.

 

One of my favourite musicians and healers, Shine Edgar’s didgeridoo and chanting elevates and transports me to new places every time I play his music. Turn up Great Central Sun and allow the primal rhythms to infuse your body. You can’t help but move, sway, spin, jump, shake, stomp and celebrate your body, mind and spirit.

 

Bonus detox tip: Smile. Bring a smile to your lips everyday. When you make eye contact with people, smile. When you pass others in stores, particularly this time of year when stress can run high, smile. Curling the corners of your mouth into a friendly smile is an instant mood boost and spirit lift for you and others. Feeling strained? Smile. Traffic heavy? Smile. Turkey not ready? Smile. Family members pushing buttons? Smile. Do it for you, others benefit as a bonus. Smile while you dress, while you cook, while you shop and while you dance. People will want to know your secret.