Letting go of toxic encounters

Giving yourself some love

We’ve all been there--we have to interact with someone who is toxic even though every fiber of our being is in resistance mode.  Some toxic individuals are mean and menacing bullies who know exactly what they are doing, others are unintentionally self-centered and negative. Everyone of us can likely name at least one person who leaves us feeling drained and polluted when we are forced to engage with them. Even if we can’t always avoid these individuals, we can set in place protocols for recovery. We do not have to be victims of their toxicity. Here’s what I find to be effective--note that these protocols involve nourishment in the forms of movement, speech, soothing food and drink, and self-care rituals. Avoid toxic people and situations when possible but when that isn’t an option, plan on a retreat process that brings you back to your positive space.

How to detox after a polluting encounter or event

1. Make a cup of tea--the British remedy for all times of trouble, add milk to soothe (Stash’s Breakfast in Paris tea bags give you the base for a London Fog--add milk and a bit of stevia/vanilla)
2. Take a walk and just observe your surroundings
3. Talk it out with a trusted friend, partner or therapist (you could walk and talk with a friend)
4. Take a detoxing bath: Add sea salt and inexpensive herbal tea bags (cheaper than bath sachets).  Think mint and chamomile types of blends--three or four should be plenty. Massage your body with lotion or sesame/massage oil afterwards
5. Grab a good book and head to bed early, read until sleepy
6. Repeat until you feel yourself again supporting yourself during the day by wearing a favorite scarf and/or jewelry; eating nourishing comfort food; listening to soothing music.

Quick Comfort Food

Temple Food Ramen Bowl on the Fly
1 pack of ramen noodles
Handful of dried mushrooms, rehydrated with boiling water and cut into pieces or strips
Two Handfuls of fresh spinach
A few shakes of red chili flakes
A pinch of curry powder
A drizzle of sesame oil
A fried egg or two for protein

Grilled Cheese
Use a good grainy bread (pumpernickel, rye or a seed bread). Butter the bread and put one slice of cheese, add some hot & sweet mustard, then another slice of cheese). Grilled in your pan until desired toastiness. Have with a sliced apple and a pickle spear or two (refrigerated pickles have great probiotics).

Gotta Break Some Eggs Meal
Three eggs scrambled (season with salt and pepper before adding to a heated pan with melted butter in it).  Microwave a cup of spinach.  When eggs have just set, spread spinach on top then add either shredded or sliced cheese (I like swiss on this). Put a pan lid on top and turn off the heat.  While you wait for the cheese to melt; pop two slices of whole grain/low carb bread (I like Dave’s thin-sliced) into the toaster; spread with butter and a little honey or jam or marmalade.
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Nature’s Reeses
Grab three or four prunes--put a dab of peanut butter (preferably natural with a bit of saltiness) in the center of the prune.  Really good!