As the warmth finally draws near and the birds are beginning to chirp in anticipation for the longer pleasant days, so do we, as humans, begin to enter an often exciting season. Spring.
Although in my geography we had a mild winter with more rain and one that dropped less than 5 inches of snow, we all can still feel that spring in our steps. This Sunday, March 8th already brings daylight savings time and March 20th the official day of spring.
What I have noticed for years is the urge to begin to purge even before the official offset of the new season. There are countless studies on the effects of a tidy home on our lives and even articles on messiness as a sign of genius…all I know is that when my home is organized, I am definitely at peace.
My thought for today is the correspondence to the urge to purge and the mind. Because I always consider the spiritual approach to life, when I notice myself in an excessive cleaning state or need or over organize, I know that it too is time to de-clutter my mental space.
In the spiritual sense what is happening intrinsically also reflects outwardly. As the new season approaches it calls upon a desire to be “born again” in a sense. To release the dead and withered and start uprooting into full expression.
So quick tips for the day, how can you not only physically spring clean, but how can you mentally de-clutter?
Tip #1 Take notice of your stress level - I cannot tell you how many people would shoot from the hip when asked if they are stressed. Typically the answer is NO, and then they find some excuses for the why to explain their current circumstances. Often we do not truly realize if we are in a state of low or even high level of chronic stress. Simply paying attention and offering yourself an authentic answer can be the beginning of a shift.
Tip. #2 Time management - If you are stressed, it is time to take action (or inaction to offer stillness) to address the issue. Often the reason we are clueless is due to time in the first place. First slow down and decrease needless activities if this is possible. You will find that you may be wasting large amounts of time doing things such as social media or elsewhere (which can often promote another type of aggravation for some) instead of being mentally or physically productive with your time. You can begin by making a time management action sheet for yourself so you can begin to understand actually how much time you have to navigate your day and have time to relax efficiently. Next, you can hone in on what exactly you find relaxing. From golf to yoga to reading, everyone has their ideal tools to help them destress. It’s always good to try new activities as well! But the key is you must be aware of your time and how you are filling it. Make healthier choices or swapping one activity out for another or simply taking time to rest can be immensely helpful.
Tip #3 Consistency - In order for any effect to take hold their must be a commitment. All too often the reason we have chronic stress is due to a lack of consistency with the change that needs to occur to re-program your routine. You must understand that in order to make a lasting difference your intention must line up with your actions. Maybe in fact you have a hard time committing to your well-being. Maybe you feel others are more important than you or sadly that you don’t deserve to feel optimal. These are deeper psychological and spiritual issues that would need to be addressed. And it is OK if you care for others! But remember you can only show up for others as much as yo show up for yourself. This is important! Sometimes is seems impossible but anything is truly possible and a great transformation is available to all who commit to the journey.