Do you spring clean? You know, taking time to clean and clear more than usual? It actually strikes me every few months. I focus on different things. My wardrobe needs to be cleared and sorted as the seasons change. With a distinct fall, winter, spring and summer in the West, we have easy markings to remind us. My home also needs a good spring cleaning a few times per year. Sometimes it really has to do with clearing or cleaning. Other times, it has to do more with rearranging. I get a sudden urge to move things around. They don’t seem to fit anymore where they have been. It is rare that I have time to think about this – it just seems to take over me and I do it. It’s so nice not to have to think about it and just do, just follow what is arising. And then everything feels better, fresher, and ‘right’ again. I recall doing that as a teenager in my room. Everyone was out one afternoon, and this urge to rearrange my room came up. The bookcase and furniture were heavy, but I had to do it! So slowly and surely, I did. I removed all the books, lifted the mattresses and so on in order to move everything, until it looked like a completely different set-up. I can’t tell you how excited and energized I felt.
Whether your wardrobe or your home, I see spring (winter, fall or summer) cleaning as a healthy way to revitalize self. It can take effort to do it, so I find the best time is when it just takes you. On the other hand, if it doesn’t take you or you find yourself stuck, this is a good time to consider hiring someone. An objective opinion can go a long way in helping you let go of things you no longer need or see things (the space, your look, your belongings) anew with fresh eyes.
There is power in doing this work. Recently I’ve been reading “Steering by Starlight” by Martha Beck and she discusses how a simple shift or addition within your home can bring about desired changes in your life too. I completely believe this and the joy of it is that it can be easy, fun, and playful. Are you ready?
