In a typical health or wellness detox program, we usually avoid those foods that we believe are detrimental for our well-being, such as sugar, caffeine, dairy, and so forth.
Yet this detox is different.
This 7-day detox is for healing of our minds; so we actually need to declutter our minds by looking at all the beliefs, ideas, and concepts we hold about shame, guilt, and unworthiness. We are being invited to go towards these beliefs and emotions so they may flush up in our awareness.
How does that feel?
Does it feel too heavy?
Does it feel like I have done that, so why do I have to do this again?
Well, if you signed up for this program, it is not by accident. You are here because there is a willingness to go deeper and truly embody teachings that perhaps have been intellectualized. When I refer to the healing of the mind, I am not referring to your intellect. I refer to the sum total of your experience here on planet Earth. Your mind is the activating agent of spirit and it is the portal to your freedom- depending on how you chose to use your mind.
Yet it is not easy to truly look at these uncomfortable beliefs. Often we try to avoid these thoughts because we fear that we will not be able to move through them. To explore shame, guilt, and unworthiness can feel like sinking into quicksand. It is much easier to pretend they don’t exist and look the other way.
A scene from the movie Lion King illustrates our reluctance to face these fears
The Lion King (1994) tells the story of Simba, a young lion who is to succeed his father, Mufasa, as King. However, Simba’s paternal uncle murders Mufasa and tricks Simba into believing that he was the one who killed his father. Simba flees from the kingdom out of shame and believing himself to be guilty of murdering his father. He tries to forget his past in the company of his carefree friends. Remember the song, Hukane matata ( no worries in Swahili)? 🙂
However, ultimately Simba’s childhood friend and love, Nala, and the shaman, Rafiki, help him overcome his guilt and shame, and return to his father’s kingdom and claim his rightful inheritance.
There is a beautiful scene where the shaman, Rafiki, guides Simba to a pool of water. He asks him to look at the water and tell him what he sees. At first, Simba, sees only his own reflection but Rafiki asks him to look harder. Rafiki touches the water and as it ripples, Simba’s reflection changes to that of his father. Simba realizes that his father still lives on within him.
Simba then is visited by the ghost of this father, Mufasa, in the night sky who tells him that he has forgotten him because he has forgotten who he is truly. Mufasa tells him:
“You have forgotten who you are and so you have forgotten me. Look inside yourself, Simba. You are more than what you have become. You must take your place in the Circle of Life.“
Here is what I hear Mary Magdalene say to us:
I am here to help you.
Like Jesus, the Buddha, Rumi, and mystics from time immemorial, I am here to guide you through the maze of your mind to healing.
You have forgotten your wholeness but I cannot.
I am here to usher you to a new dawning of consciousness where you no longer fear your own power.
It may seem so confusing to you that you would fear your own Self- yet it is true.
A layer of shame, guilt and unworthiness stands between you and the light and love of your true power- which can only be used for the Good if you join your will with mine.
You are safe, little child. I am with you.
Let me lead you. Let me guide you.
Your footsteps may falter and you can loose your way, but I will never let you fall. I will guide each step and make your path straight.
Lean not on your own limited understanding but lean on mine- which is truly your own deepest wisdom. Because you and I are not separate.
We are One- brothers and sisters walking Home together.
Allow yourself to just be with these ideas and see what arises for you. Let yourself be with whatever experiences, beliefs, and emotions come up knowing you are not alone. Let yourself journal, be still, take a walk or do whatever feels nurturing to you.
Zoom gathering
Perhaps you would like to connect live and meet with other mighty companions from all over the world who are also feeling inspired to release blocks of shame, guilt, and unworthiness. You can sign up to join for our zoom circle being held on Saturday May 30th at 11am to 1pm EDT.
We will join in healing, sharing our experiences, and gather for meditation/prayer as well. I know it will be a heart-opening and healing session for us all!
To reserve your spot, please send payment for $25 here. Once I receive your payment, I will add you to the list of participants and you will receive the zoom details the night before the online gathering.
If you prefer to pay via check, you can make it payable to Seema Khaneja and mail to PO Box 18373, Rochester, NY 14618. Let me know you plan to do this so I can add your list to the participant list.
If you feel inspired to attend the online gathering but need some financial help, there are some scholarships available so please email me soon so we can secure your spot. Also, if you feel inspired to pay-it-forward, and sponsor someone to attend who might not be able to attend otherwise, please let me know as well.
Thank you for those that have already registered. Thank you to those who also have offered to support another beloved brother or sister to attend.
Source of photos: Lion King photo; Mary Magdalene ; You can read more about Lion King movie on Wikipedia and Movie Watcher’s Guide to Enlightenment.
