When I was in my late 20s I started putting a lot of time and effort into unlearning my own toxic behaviors and patterns that I learned and developed as defense mechanisms. Recently I decided to change things up and hired a boxing trainer and bought an $8 Everlast speed rope that I use nearly everyday. You know what I think about when I’m using it? Absolutely nothing- and that’s the point. Within minutes I’m drenched in sweat and my endorphins are activated and suddenly I feel the way I wish I felt all the time. I also incorporated the practice of meditation into my routine and now also acupuncture. After my first session it felt as though my whole body was vibrating and felt an unrivaled feeling of calm as I walked down the street. The acupuncturist held my wrist and said he could tell I had a dirty liver. As I thought about that within the context of my own lack of any reliance on substances, I realized the liver is the body’s filtration system. While we all move through the world from moment to moment, our bodies hold onto emotional memory that manifests itself physically and my sense is this what the acupuncturist was speaking of. It was a powerful realization and I can’t recommend this practice more emphatically. I feel great.