Written by Guest Contributor: Anastasia Saenz
As the winter months come to an end and the vibrant energy of spring begins to awaken, it’s the perfect time to embark on a deep spring-cleaning journey for your mind, body, and spirit. Incorporating mindfulness into your spring-cleaning ritual can bring a sense of peace and intention to the process, allowing you to create a harmonious and balanced space both inside and out. Plus, the physical process will get you moving and burning calories! What a nice bonus!
Instructions:
Step 1: Start by focusing on one area, such as a closet, bookshelf, junk drawer, pantry, or fridge. If your intention is to clean the entire house, take it one area at a time and complete one area before moving to the next. Please know that you are in control of the timeline. Allow yourself the time you need to work mindfully through your home. It may take a day, a week, or several months.
Step 2: As you work with each space, reflect on the intention you have for that space and express gratitude to the space and the objects within it. Setting an intention for each space in your house can bring mindfulness and gratitude to your cleaning routine, helping you appreciate the space and the role each item plays in your home. Additionally, setting intentions can help you declutter and organize your physical space, reducing stress and anxiety and creating a more peaceful environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. When you work through your home in this way, you imbue a sense of serenity in all corners of your home.
Step 3: If you can, remove everything from the space and sprinkle some salt in the area you’re cleaning. Salt is a potent energetic cleanser and can remove stagnant energy and purify the space. Let the salt sit for a few minutes then vacuum, sweep, or wipe the salt from the space. Then, clean any surfaces that need wiping or scrubbing.
Step 4: Reset the space with objects that fulfill the intention you have for your home and your life.
Step 5: Take a mindful look at the objects you’ve removed and group the contents by function, size, color or however, you see fit. Look carefully at the leftovers that don’t fit into a group. Sometimes those things have been misplaced or need to be disposed of or donated. Dispose of unwanted items in the trash or donation box and return the rest to their designated space. Then, as soon as possible take out the trash or donate your unneeded items.
Incorporating mindfulness into your spring-cleaning ritual can bring a sense of peace and intention to the process. As you declutter and organize your physical space, think of the act of cleaning as a form of self-care and self-love, nurturing not only your physical environment but also your mental and emotional well-being. Clearing out clutter and tidying up can help reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. On a physical level, spring-cleaning your home can improve indoor air quality by removing dust and allergens from your living space. Engaging in physical activity while cleaning, such as scrubbing floors or dusting shelves, can also help increase your heart rate and promote circulation, contributing to a healthier body.
So, remember, deep spring cleaning is not just about cleaning and decluttering your physical space; it’s about nurturing your mind, body, and spirit. By embracing the energetic benefits of spring cleaning and incorporating mindfulness into your routine, you can create a sense of peace, clarity, and renewal that will positively impact all areas of your life.
Anastasia is a certified meditation teacher and the host of Salud SA, a local public access TV show that features alternative healing modalities in San Antonio, Texas. With her background in communications, her education experience and a passion for all things wellness related, Anastasia develops and delivers, wellness seminars and workshops that engage, inspire, and inform.
