Hygiene at My Highest Level

Learning How to Keep the Inside Clean

Lately, I’ve been sitting with a question I don’t have a polished answer to yet: How do we keep our souls clean and healthy?

Trusting my intuition that I need to find out and spend time in this process until the deepest part of me feels settled enough to learn and then move steady as the lessons will continue to come. Okay here I go on another deep dive, discovering how to clean my soul and ensure best practice measurements to keep my soul healthy. I know it won't be perfect nor will it be easy, but oh I know it is necessary. The inner work will bring forth a new portion of me, as long as I stay with this until I am grounded enough in new purpose to bring forth new light.

I’m sharing this because I believe transparency matters. I’m in a season of figuring it out in real time—learning what it means to care for my deeper soul, so I can be healthy for myself, my family, and the community I walk alongside of.

We talk a lot about physical hygiene. We understand that tending to our mind and bodies daily is non-negotiable. But our souls? Our inner lives? Those often get attention only when something feels broken or we keep showing up broken.

Soul hygiene, to me, is the practice of noticing what we’re carrying—and choosing not to let it harden inside us.

It’s asking:

• What thoughts am I having and or rehearsing every day? What thoughts are Real and What ones am I making up?

  Every day, we find ourselves caught in a cycle of thoughts that we often repeat, sometimes without even realizing it. These thoughts can range from self-affirming beliefs to negative self-talk that can be detrimental to our mental well-being. It’s crucial to take a step back and evaluate which of these thoughts are grounded in reality and which are mere fabrications of our minds. Are we telling ourselves that we are not good enough, or are we recognizing our strengths and abilities need more attention as we grow?

  
  

• What emotions am I suppressing instead of processing?

  Emotions are a natural part of the human experience, yet many of us have learned to suppress them rather than confront and process them. This suppression can lead to a buildup of unresolved feelings that may manifest in various ways, such as anxiety, depression, or physical ailments. It is essential to recognize the emotions we are pushing aside—whether it be anger, sadness, fear, or joy—and understand their origins and significance. Processing these emotions involves not just acknowledging them but also allowing ourselves to feel them fully, understanding their impact on our lives, and finding healthy ways to express and release them. By doing so, we can cultivate emotional resilience and improve our overall mental health, leading to a more authentic and fulfilling life.

I must admit this is hard self work.

• What stories about myself have I accepted as truth, even when they hurt me?

  We often construct narratives about ourselves based on our experiences, feedback from others, and societal expectations. These stories can shape our self-identity and influence our actions and decisions. However, it is important to critically examine these narratives, especially those that cause us pain or limit our growth. Have we internalized the belief that we are unworthy of love or success because of past failures or criticisms? By questioning these narratives, we can begin to dismantle the harmful beliefs that no longer serve us. This process allows us to rewrite our personal stories, embracing a more compassionate and realistic view of ourselves, which can lead to greater self-acceptance and empowerment. Ultimately, recognizing and transforming these stories can be a powerful step towards healing and personal development.

I’m realizing that rituals are the doorway for me.

Small, intentional practices anchor us when life feels noisy or heavy. A morning pause before the world demands something from us. Lighting a candle Writing a few honest sentences Stepping outside and breathing deeply on purpose These moments aren’t dramatic, but they’re powerful. They remind our nervous system—and our soul—that we are safe enough to slow down.

Now, Rituals don’t fix everything. But they create space. And space is where healing starts.

The other piece I’m learning about is our thoughts—the quiet, constant dialogue shaping our days. As I find myself reading more than ever I read about the brain rewiring itself, but only when we interrupt old patterns and gently practice new ones. That means noticing when our inner voice is harsh, fearful, or stuck in survival mode—and choosing to respond differently.

Not with toxic positivity. Not with denial. But with compassion and curiosity.

Every time we pause before reacting. Every time we choose a kinder thought. Every time we release what no longer serves us—we are practicing soul hygiene.

This is what creates a new beginning.

I don’t share this as someone who has arrived. I share it as someone committed to the work. Because when my inner world is tended with care, I show up differently. I listen better. I love more honestly, even when it hurts. I serve from a place that isn’t depleted.

If you’re reading this and feeling the nudge that something inside you wants attention, know this: you don’t need to overhaul your life to begin. Start with one ritual. One thought. One moment of awareness.

Clean doesn’t mean empty. Healthy doesn’t mean unscarred.

It means cared for.

And that is enough to begin.

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Take a deep breathe and honor your Soul by starting the process