Do you remember when you were young,watching your mother or grandmother perform the ritual of spring cleaning? I can remember curtains being pulled off their rods, carpets lifted, and mattresses turned. Windows were opened letting the stale winter air out as the new fresh air of spring was ushered in. What has become stale, dusty or disorganized in your life or work? And, what can you do this spring to simplify or freshen things? Let this spring cleaning ritual remind you to focus a little of your attention to the opportunity and possibility just outside of your own door. It's hard to get to the door though, if you are tripping over appointments, schedules, activities and anything else that might be piling up. What steps can you take to lighten your current load, rid yourself of excess "stuff" and begin to simplify your life? Simplifying often begins with an internal desire to improve the quality of your life. Are there activities that take up your time and energy but don't necessarily give you pleasure or satisfaction anymore? Is your house, garage, or office filled with possessions that no longer give meaning to your life? When deciding to simplify, don't try and tackle every area of your life all at once. If you do, you will become overwhelmed and distressed. Think of simplifying as a process. Begin by taking small steps. Start by uncluttering a drawer, closet or desktop. As you clean up some of the clutter and eliminate those little energy drains, you may notice a new energy circulating through your life. You may even feel more alive and in synch with the spring season. When you stop burying, burdening and beating yourself with possessions and commitments, you will have more time to breathe and choose what truly nourishes you. This spring, may you find yourself in what the Taoists call Wu Wei; harmonious action, balance, smooth flowing and in the flow of life. |
