Spring Cleaning for Your Home & Mind
BEGINNING OF SPRING & ECLIPSE SEASON
We finally arrive at spring, after a long winter that always seems never-ending. The sun’s rays and tiny buds appearing on the trees signal a new beginning—and we feel the desire for one too.
After shedding old energy during winter, we enter spring with renewed enthusiasm and fresh ideas. So let’s embrace it. Let’s start again from scratch.
Imagine that you have a blank slate and can follow your true desires—your inner calling. What would you do? What do you want to do? What brings you joy and happiness?
Sometimes, these questions are difficult to answer. At least, they are for me. But when you give yourself the space to truly listen, the answers begin to emerge.
Just listen.
Stop for a moment, and listen.
Imagine that you don’t need to rush anywhere or do anything. Imagine simply finding some time for yourself.
It isn’t selfish. It’s self-care.
Be there for yourself. Give yourself the time and space to restore your energy, so you can be fully present for the people, work, and things you truly care about.
WHAT WORKS FOR ME:
First of all, I am a little bit of a cleaning freak… (okay, maybe a lot). So naturally, I start by cleaning my space.
You don’t have to do everything at once. Start slowly and clean in small sections so you don’t become overwhelmed. There is no need to rush—try to enjoy the process.
#1 — DECLUTTER
I would start with decluttering and giving away the things that no longer serve you.
Imagine that everything you own is something you carry with you every day. That is how I think about the energy of our possessions. Everything we own requires some amount of our attention and care. The fewer unnecessary things we surround ourselves with, the more space and energy we have for what actually matters.
Start with your wardrobe. If you haven’t worn something in a year, perhaps it is time to let it go—unless you have a strong emotional connection to it. But even then, ask yourself why you are keeping it and how it makes you feel.
Then move on to the linen closet and those drawers filled with random things—so packed that you barely remember what is hiding inside. If you don’t remember what is there, that might be a good sign that it’s time to go through it.
And don’t forget to rest and give yourself credit for what you’ve accomplished.
#2 — CLEAN THE WINDOWS
Clean the windows.
It may not be everyone’s favourite task, but it makes an incredible difference. Clean windows allow more natural light into your space and instantly make your home feel brighter and fresher.
I think we can all agree that sunlight and longer days tend to make us feel more awake and active. Allowing more daylight into our homes can give us a little boost as well.
Personally, I’ll keep going and clean the other surfaces in the house too—but that part is optional. Do as much or as little as feels right for you.
#3 — ENJOY WHAT YOU’VE CREATED
Take some time to enjoy your work.
Cook yourself a delicious meal, pour your favourite drink, sit down, and appreciate the space you have just cared for.
And appreciate yourself too.
#4 — GO OUTSIDE
Don’t forget to step outside and take a walk while consciously noticing your surroundings.
I love walking meditation, for example. It gives me space to listen to my thoughts. My body is occupied with the simple rhythm of walking, while my mind is free to wander, observe, imagine, and daydream.
Notice the changing season. Look at the trees, the light, the sky, the little signs of life appearing around you.
#5 — BRING SOMETHING NEW IN
Now—finally—you can bring something new into your space.
Choose something that makes your everyday life better, either functionally or emotionally.
By functionally, I mean something that makes an everyday task easier, more efficient, or less time-consuming.
By emotionally, I mean something that simply brings you joy. Something you see every day that makes you smile—and that is a huge plus.
You don’t necessarily have to buy something new either. If you are handy or feeling creative, try repurposing something you already own and giving it a new function.
By this point, you may notice that your energy and motivation have shifted. Your surroundings feel lighter, you feel more grounded, and there is a little more space—both physically and mentally—to hear what you actually want.
And perhaps that is where the real spring cleaning begins.
SOLAR ECLIPSE — APRIL 8, 2024
By now, almost everyone has heard about it—at least here in North America. The total solar eclipse on April 8 will cross parts of the continent and, for many of us, it will be quite an extraordinary event.
My little disclaimer for these days is simple: relax.
Don’t rush or push yourself too hard. There is already so much happening around us and within our own lives that sometimes the best thing we can do is slow down and give ourselves space to process it all.
Human beings are remarkably adaptable. We constantly adjust to changes in our environment, our circumstances, and our lives. But that doesn’t mean we always need to move at full speed.
So be kind to yourself.
On the day of the eclipse, if you feel excited to find the perfect viewing spot and experience it surrounded by a crowd—do it. (And, of course, protect your eyes and use proper eclipse glasses.)
If instead you feel like resting, staying quiet, and reflecting on your life, that can be meaningful too.
There isn’t one correct way to experience a moment like this.
Listen to yourself. Listen to your intuition. Trust that it is playing on your team.
And thank you, lovely humans, for being lovely.
If you are. 😉
