Spring Cleaning
Spring has sprung in Australia! The grass will turn greener, the flowers have already started to bloom. Waking up to an alarm in sunlight instead of in the dark is a treat. It is such a welcomed and highly anticipated change. Spring signifies newness in so many ways. This newness in climate doesn’t just bring the animals out of hibernation, it feels like us humans are also waking up after a long few months, itching for some change. Especially these days as we have spent much of our time around our homes in stages of isolation, a change in weather like this can lift our moods and bring a sense of hope with it. How can we take advantage of these new circumstances and make change so much more effective?
A big part of our Spring Cleaning process is the act of getting rid of unnecessary clutter. We pack away our winter woollies and bring out our shorts and hats. We roll away our heaters and bring out the fans. We clean out our kitchen cupboards of the chocolate treats and replace them with some healthier, greener options to start shedding the winter weight. Some of us are also cutting out our unhealthy relationships and replacing them with new connections. You might say that we aren’t really clearing out the clutter, just replacing it. As motivated as we are to get rid of the old, we are even more motivated to replace them! Because generally speaking, the majority of us are really uneasy with empty spaces; regardless of whether it is in our cupboards, on our bookshelves, in our schedules or in our minds. Spaces are uncomfortable. Gaps are awkward.
Can you think back to the last time you had to wait for something, the bus or in a queue? Do you recall how you resorted to mindlessly scroll through your phone as you waited? Was there something specific you were looking for? Do you even remember what you read? Many times, our phones act as fantastic distractions to help us escape the momentary gaps in our schedules and give us “something to do”. These are the habits we must get better at changing.
These gaps in time and in our schedules are so important for our personal well-being and advancement in our lives. They allow us to reflect, to observe and grow. They gives us the chance to re-evaluate our lives, our surroundings and get reorganized. These are the opportunities for resetting, refocusing and realigning ourselves. To become present. To make a conscious next step instead of a mindless one.
The best place to start decluttering is in our physical space, mainly our homes. They are a reflection of our internal environment. So decluttering our home is going to undoubtedly change our internal landscapes too. This change allows newness, in self-awareness and growth for better connections, opportunities and happiness!
So I encourage you to join me and change your usual Spring Cleaning process to a Making Space process instead. Starting with your homes, use this occasion to clear out the clutter and make space for new opportunities, growth and connections. And there’s no better time for it than Spring.
For more guidance with decluttering your home, I can recommend the easy to read book: Clear your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston. For decluttering your mind, reach out to me and let me help you!
Daily Reflections
Notice the moments of spare time or gaps in your schedule;
What thoughts do I fill it with?
What actions follow these thoughts?
What emotions does it raise?
How are these thoughts/actions/emotions helpful?
How do these thoughts/actions/emotions serve me and my purpose?
Are these thoughts/actions/emotions necessary?
What would be left should I let these thoughts go?