Spring brings with it that magic of renewal, new growth, celebration and cleaning out of the old. The appearance of fresh blossoms and new tiny eggs nestled in their nests waiting to pop, fill us with positive anticipation and heightened energy to bring that newness to our own spaces and hearts. The lingering of daylight signals more time and space for us to breathe and expand.
Besides the seasonal lure of disposing with encumbrance to growth, the idea of a periodic “sorting out” makes sense in terms of general mental and physical health. While in previous centuries, the order of things was a necessity and natural by-product of the rhythm of light and dark, cold, damp and hot seasons. Life depended on the order dictated by natural forces.
These days we live life despite natural forces and therein run the risk of doing a great number of things simultaneously while experiencing the bombardment from sources not natural, but rather man-made simultaneously. Smartphones, pads and computers are constantly providing information and seductions that might not have occurred in the old-fashioned linear, one thing at a time, way. The overflowing paper arrives often unbidden, in the form of mail, junk and otherwise. People can signal their need of us in a variety of ways including pings and dings on our various devices (often simultaneously) as well. It’s no wonder we can often feel anxious and overwhelmed!
Taking time out to sort, systematically or in a great purge, is necessary for our psyches to take stock, make sense, prioritize and take action.
Knowing when your time is ripe for the process is a very individual matter.
For some of us, the time is right when a chapter of our life has closed; an end of a semester, a new position or role, or a relationship. For some it’s a matter of removing the excess and irrelevant, for others it’s sorting out a progression of mementos and making sense of a time in life that’s over but not best forgotten. While many of us might organize through sentimentality, others may be more rigorous and have a radical change kind of modus operandi.
Psychologically, the WHY we choose to organize now, at this time, is fundamental to our motivation to begin anew and ultimately to follow through.
Removing what’s no longer necessary or relevant from files and papers, and books and magazines that take up valued real estate can simply create space for new, more timely and useful collecting. Now we can face tomorrow with a freshness that allows our good ideas or creativity, space to bloom.
There’s plenty of anecdotal evidence where folks tell the stories of their improved sense of well-being, freedom, ease and simple happiness as a result of clearing their spaces. While there may not be research that scientifically proves these claims, taking wise action when you are looking to raise your energy or to remove clogged thinking usually pays off in better moods.
If the idea appeals to you, roll up your sleeves! Our suggestion is that you begin with one tiny drawer, perhaps a kitchen or bathroom drawer. These places are typically loaded with tiny half-baked decisions made once upon a time to keep “this or that.” From this current distance of months or years of accumulation, very little is actually necessary for your daily routines. You are very likely to feel successful with this small action step!
Do not underestimate the very motivating feeling of success. No matter how
small--- the fact is that our nervous systems can process tiny incremental gains better than large sweeps of accomplishments.
Once you have that tiny sample of pride in de-cluttering of a small space, you’re likelier to be motivated to try again with another small challenge. These accomplishments begin to accumulate, affording you the energy to keep on going! A natural process begins to take over and the feeling of overwhelm is replaced by an “I can do it” and even an “I kinda like this.”
Spring ushers in the notion of harmonious and even melodic living. In future articles, we’ll examine how the practice and art of incorporating Feng Shui in our daily living can heal, restore balance and encourage growth. We’ll look at how the connected nature of things can impact how you feel inside you by simply changing the decor or layout of your home or workspace. We really are one with the energy around us.
We’d love to hear from you. Send us your questions and thoughts about clearing and making room for growth to: info@ boomtalkmedia.com and check out our podcasts at boomtalkmedia.com. Your stories and curiosity power our programs!
