Time to Declutter: Spring Clean Your Mind, Body, and Soul
Soon the days will be getting longer and the weather will begin to warm, sending out a signal to us and the nature around us that it is time for spring. Spring is often associated with words like rebirth, reflection, and renewal that illustrate the stark contrast from the cold, dark, stillness of winter. In springtime we are finally able to open up our windows and bring in fresh air to flush out the stagnant heated air from winter. Spring can bring a renewed sense of vitality to everything around us. We lose darkness, clothing, and sometimes even weight as we are freed to move physically about with more ease. It’s no wonder that it becomes the time of year when cleaning and purging feel right.
Spring cleaning can be a time of shedding the heaviness of the dark, cold winter days to lighten up—literally. Aligning with the seasonal change is a practice that goes back thousands of years with Ayurveda. Simply put, it is a practice of maintaining balance and alignment in all things—especially our physical environment. We can’t go wrong when we synchronize with nature and simulate our own sleepy wake-up from hibernation and begin to flourish once more. We can de-clutter our bodies and prepare for the warmer months ahead, but to remain whole and balanced being, we must de-clutter the mind and the spirit as well.
The Mind
Providing your mind with a detox is always a good idea but becomes an even better one during the transition into springtime. You can relieve yourself of the mental stagnation and sluggishness from the winter months by starting a meditation practice or by learning something new. If you have an immediate aversion to the word ‘meditation,’ how about trying a mindfulness practice or simply focusing on being more present? An easy way to develop a mindfulness practice is to take sticky notes and place them all around your living space. Each time you see one, it is a call to stop, take a breath, check in with your senses of the present moment, and pause the mind from reeling. In your moment of pause, take a moment and ask yourself, “How do I feel?”
The Body
Springtime is a powerful time for the body as we come alive again after winter. The weather allows us to get outside more often, creating space for more movement. What minor changes can you make to improve the health of your body? Can you make it a daily practice to get outside for ten minutes each day or add in 5 minutes of stretching in the morning or the evening? Even small amounts of time will help the body tremendously as it begins to take on the new energy and brightness of the season.
We often hear about doing cleanses this time of year, and while they’re a fantastic fit for the season, you don’t need to make drastic changes or do anything too intense to feel the benefits. Cleanses can be as gentle and as subtle as making small changes to our food by simply buying the produce that is associated with the season or choosing lighter foods to eat. It could be as easy as adding in more fresh vegetables and fruit instead of cooking them. You don’t need to make changes that feel challenging or like you are making a 180-degree turn in your life to be effective. Make small and manageable changes that feel effortless and that you feel confident executing.
The Spirit
What a powerful time to open up the proverbial windows and doors of your soul by starting a consciousness practice—one that is connected to your heart and that can ignite a vibrancy within. Let your new consciousness practice forge a meaningful connection to simply what is. In this time of more light, waking up, and feeling lighter, this is an incredible opportunity to capitalize on this alignment. You’ll feel supported in making positive, uplifting changes in your life—ones that inspire you. Plus, you'll receive an extra boost as these changes sync up with the energy of your environment.
Let your consciousness practice be anything that connects you to your heart and awakens your desire to live life. What about creating a vision board or starting a gratitude journal? How about establishing a morning practice or ritual of some kind? One that is devoted to only yourself, your needs, and your desires and most importantly, one that feels enjoyable. Maybe it’s taking a bath every day. Maybe it’s setting aside 10 minutes just for you, where you have the freedom to choose how to spend that time, focusing on your well-being.
Let the act of establishing something signify your acknowledgment of the powerful change of the season.
Let this next season offer you some insight into what you might want to change or improve upon in your life. The more awareness that we have with our physical, emotional, and mental bodies, the more likely we are to recognize and seize the opportunity to make not only the necessary changes and improvements that we desire but also the ones that are truly right for us. Let the environment be your guide, showing you how to nourish and cleanse your body, mind, and spirit.
Welcome to spring!!
Hi, I’m Sara Rose.
Explore my blog to uncover the extraordinary transformations hidden in everyday moments.
