Spring Cleaning Time!

I remember the Spring Cleaning of my childhood. The winter on the prairie was long and cold with little opportunity to open the windows or air out the house. So, at the first sign of melting snow and warmer days, there was a flurry of activity. Rugs and quilts were taken outside to hang in the sun. Walls and cupboards were washed, and the windows were opened wide! Our winter clothes were washed and stored, and I got to wear shoes to school, rather than heavy snow boots.

What freedom that was!

I no longer practice the same ritual of spring cleaning in my home. I live in a warmer part of Canada where I can open windows all year round. There isn’t the dust from a coal burning furnace. Or the long days of staying in doors because of the freezing temperatures. Even so, I notice my desire at this time of year to freshen up my home.

[pullquote width=”300″ float=”right”]I am allowing for unexpected gifts[/pullquote]

My home is a reflection of my inner being. As I take time to clear out closets and cupboards, I am creating harmony in my surroundings. Rather than being resentful about the cleaning chores, I am choosing to be intentional about which objects I still love and use, and which things I want to lovingly give away.

Here’s the thing about clearing out and creating space in my home. I find it challenging to let go of my precious things. There is a sadness in the midst of my choice to give away something special.

What I am learning is that as I do this, I am allowing for unexpected gifts. This is both a practical and a spiritual experience. I notice I feel lighter as I give away clothes I no longer wear. I imagine who may enjoy the coat or boots I have worn for so many years. I also want to practice living with less. I am curious what might happen as I learn about generosity and sharing my abundance. What might enter my life as I ‘make room’ for the new and unexpected?

There are some other aspects of spring cleaning that are calling for my attention.

I call this my inner spring cleaning. What does this look like?

1. My Thoughts

Some days the closet of my mind is filled with bags of negativity, complaining and self-pity. It is time to declutter and clear out this baggage. I have choice over what I allow my mind to dwell on. I want to notice my thoughts, observe them and choose to focus on life-giving ideas.

2. My Emotions

This is a tough one for me. I used to think that there were ‘good’ emotions and ‘bad’ ones. I would stuff away my anger or sadness or impatience and pretend I wasn’t feeling these things. Of course the feelings didn’t go away. They piled up and caused clutter in my heart and body. What is different now? I name my emotion. I admit if I am angry and I allow myself to feel it. Then I get curious and wonder what is beneath the anger? Is there something I need to check out with someone? Naming the emotion is a form of preventing ’emotional clutter’ in my life. I then have choice about my actions and I have space for peace and joy in my heart. I am more connected to myself and to others.

3. My Communication

It is one thing to be clear with myself as to my thoughts and emotions. Self-awareness is an important step in making wise choices. The next step is describing my experience to others. I want to tell others what is happening for me, and there are times when this doesn’t turn out the way I wished it would. I also want to be curious. How do I ask questions without triggering the other person?

What are some ways I can clean up my communication style?

• I speak about my experience
• I talk about what is happening for me right now, not what occurred ‘way back when’
• I take responsibility for what I am feeling and thinking, without blaming others
• I acknowledge that the other person’s perspective might be different from mine
• I listen carefully to the other person
• I accept that we may have different ways of looking at something, and that is okay. Letting go of my need to be ‘right’ is a powerful step to cleaning up my communication clutter

4. My Health

On my journey to renewed energy and zest in my life, I have been ‘cleaning up’ how I eat. Rather than viewing this as deprivation, I am describing it as devotion to my health. The letting go of foods that are not promoting increased energy gives me the opportunity to experiment with new foods and recipes. I have been imagining myself as a ‘tourist’ in a foreign country. What do the locals eat? What language do they speak? How can I learn more? In my quest for a healthy, energetic body, this metaphor has helped me to see the ‘clean up’ of my diet as an adventure, rather than a punishment. Once more I am letting go in order to experience spaciousness and newness in my life!

What does Spring Cleaning mean to you?

I find that cleaning is often more fun and productive when done with others. Would you be interested in joining me for a ‘Day of Spring Cleaning’? Together we can discover tools to declutter our lives. Let’s learn about clearing out the junk that is holding us back. Be prepared to be surprised at the adventures that will show up as new space is created by you and for you.

Come spend a day with me at a day retreat on Saturday, April 28. There will be time to reflect, share with others and play together. Good food is guaranteed! Keep tuned for more details.

[question]I would love to hear what your rituals might be for both the outer and inner aspects of spring-cleaning. Please comment below or send me a message.[/question]