Embracing a Month of Purification in Work and Life
In times past, February was known as a month of purification. Its name comes from the Latin word februum, which means purification. As the last month of the year in the ancient lunar calendar, February was when Romans held a festival of purification called Februa.
I like the idea of making February a month of purification. Purification isn’t just about cleaning the body. It’s about removing the barriers that keep us from thriving and growing — mentally, spiritually, and physically.
Here in Michigan, December, January, and February are cold. It’s easy to get stuck in the monotony of doing the same things repeatedly to stay warm and active. Purification requires getting away from a normal routine and doing things you don’t normally do.
Going to warmer weather during these months can be a purifying process by itself. In my business, I always look for ways to improve, whether it’s by introducing a new system, building a better patient experience, or strengthening our marketing efforts. Attending professional education or leadership conferences often helps me accomplish these goals.
In February last year, I attended a conference in California for CEOs of private healthcare practices, where I met some good people. Spending this time away really spurred my thinking. It’s awesome to step out of daily monotony and meet people with similar goals who are not in competition with you.
Working inside the thing you are trying to build makes it easy to lose perspective. As I wrote in last month’s newsletter, I have been building my dream team, bringing in the staff and other people I need around me to help us grow and be successful. This month, I aim to step back, carefully observe what I have done so far, and evaluate my ideas and goals. In the process, I hope to keep my creative juices flowing as I move into the rest of the year.
I’m a mind-body-soul person, so improving my personal fitness is going to be part of my purification journey. In the past, I have done intermittent fasting and learned the power of simplifying my diet. This month, I would like to exercise more consistently.
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Also, as a father, I hope to create meaningful moments for my sons by purifying my priorities. I want to give them more of the time they want with me, whether that means snuggling and watching TV, taking them to a game or jump park, or just acknowledging what they are doing. Sometimes, it’s easy to be so busy that you’re not present in the moment. I want to make sure I’m present in the moment for my boys.
For readers, here is a purification challenge for February: Take 10 minutes every day to dedicate to mindfulness or journaling. Try new healthy habits by drinking more water or improving your diet. And consider purification of the spirit by engaging in activities that help you feel whole or find meaning in life. This February, let’s take steps to purify our lives in every way possible!
