In a world full of noise, temptation, and disconnection, choosing to live a cleaner, more conscious life is a radical act. This is a deeply personal reflection on the steps I’ve taken—sometimes slowly, sometimes all at once—to purify my habits, thoughts, and environment.
From quitting smoking and coffee to honouring animals, relationships, and inner truth, this journey isn’t about perfection—it’s about alignment.
Alcohol, Cigarettes & Drugs
I stopped smoking in 2018 after almost a decade of smoking. I stopped drinking alcohol, even the freebies in 2024. And explicitly state ‘I don’t drink alcohol’. Before I would drink a couple of times a year, a great disparity with my college days that included experimenting with drugs under the influence of friends.
Honouring Animals
Staying true to the animal kingdom. I became a vegetarian when I was 12 but would sometimes eat meat. I have the bravery to stand up for my vegetarian beliefs even when it’s strange as a guy. Cosmetics can’t be tested on animals in Europe but chemicals can. You can buy brands like Ecover for the dishwasher or laundry detergents.
Meds
Reducing med intake to the minimum amount needed, especially if you feel you can safely.
Food Quality
I buy products from Freshis here in Madrid. It’s food from local farmers and artisanal products. I taste the quality difference and it nurtures my soul through my body.
Coffee
I used to be a coffee addict, and a promise to God about stopping coffee and decaf coffee settled the deal.
Good Homely Habits
Daily cooking with veggies, daily shower if possible, washing, ironing, cleaning and clean clothes.
Beauty
I use facial beauty products and like interesting fashionable outfits that are inspirational. Honor your sense of style.
Hydration
Doterra says that 75% of the world is dehydrated. I carry a water bottle around all day long, and love sipping water or sparkling water. I sometimes add some drops of essential oils for flavour.
Standing Up For What is Right
When people abuse other people, they hurt without good reason. Children and vulnerable adults have to be safeguarded. Don’t be a bystander, contact the police. If a company acts unfairly, and you have the capacity or support to do so, you can even pursue legal action on your own. I’ve done this successfully in Spain with an Iberia refund..
Sexual Purification
For me, anything that separates intimacy from emotional connection felt misaligned. I found that eliminating porn, casual or transactional sex, and certain practices helped me reconnect with my values.
Purification of Thoughts
It’s a hard one, but let your honesty purify your thoughts. Acknowledge when you feel or sense something is not true.
Being Honest
I needed a visa to go back to New York City in 2025, but I couldn’t get the ESTA via the Visa Waiver Program, because I ticked that I had used drugs in the past and had a diagnosis of a mental disorder. Because I disclosed past drug use and a mental health diagnosis, I had to apply for a visa through a longer process—one that tested my patience but ultimately reaffirmed my values.
Next day, I get contacted about receiving an Honorary Doctorate for a well-respected Mexican University. Magic can happen when you do the right thing, instantaneously.
Saying Goodbye to Toxic People
I made the difficult decision to cut ties with my father due to his deeply harmful attitudes. It was painful, but necessary for my own healing and to protect my future relationships.
Saying Goodbye to Toxic Companies
Having to file complaints against companies at a consumer protection agency, or filing lawsuits against companies forces people to go darker. I had to learn this as well. Needing to take these actions is not great for the brightness of the soul. It can be done better by navigating the company landscape better, and not falling into the trap of money obsession and going for the cheaper option, like I have done. It usually doesn’t work out.
Apologise to God
I’ve apologised for watching too much porn, taking drugs in my teens and in college, smoking, odd stuff in elementary school, and participating in singing a bully song in elementary school. You need to come clean with every action and thought and embrace it with divine love.
Purification is a lifelong path, not a final destination. Every choice, from the food we eat to the energy we allow into our lives, shapes our wellbeing and integrity. It isn’t always easy, and it won’t always be popular, but when you live with honesty, intention, and respect, for yourself, others, and the divine, life has a way of reflecting that light back to you in surprising ways.
Main – Photo by Joshua Woroniecki on Unsplash
About the Author: Jonathan Dubrulle
