It's that time again, spring cleaning time that is. Clearing out wardrobes, cupboards, attics, happens now; anything not bolted down is moved, thrown out, donated to charity, cleaned and dusted. Spring heralds the arrival of warmer weather and with it we become more active. There are so many things to see and do now without the inconvenience of having to rug up before venturing out. Spend some time in your garden and observe its rebirth, with flowers budding, the emergence of butterflies and other creatures. When you spend a little while in your garden relaxed and open, you might just notice the subtle world of faeries. Spring, I love it! At the beginning of each season spring cleaning happens and as we clean the home in a very physical sense. We vacuum, dust, wash walls, curtains and anything else that stands in our way. It's time for out with the old and in with the new. Something else to consider as a spring cleaning task is that of cleaning the 'subtle world' around us (that which is just beyond our awareness), it's an energy thing. When physical and subtle spring cleaning is done a feeling of calm, peace and comfort is noticed. I've been doing this for many years and after the completion of my spring cleaning tasks, on both levels, there is a noticeable sense of lightness and peacefulness. The first part of this method of spring cleaning is done by cleaning each room in its entirety; windows, walls, curtains, and wardrobes all are cleaned whether they need it or not, before moving to the next room. Items I de-clutter are put in bags for local charity or go into the rubbish bin. The second part has more spiritual overtones and an aspect of aromatherapy (I'm also a qualified aromatherapist) which I love. Before I actually start cleaning any room I mix up an aromatherapy essential oil recipe and as I do so I'll take several deep breaths, centre myself, then say a special prayer requesting protection, healing and love to envelop my home and also give thanks for what I have in my life. The essential oil blend I use for this is 3 drops juniper, 3 drops petit grain, and 2 drops lime which cleans, protects and uplifts all at the same time. As I move from room to room I use an aromatherapy oil burner (electric, they're safer) with my essential oil recipe which remains in the room with me until I've finished cleaning it. I then move it with me to the next room until that one has been cleaned and so on. Not only does this smell divine, it also feels fabulous and above all, the house becomes cleaner, lighter and brighter. As a special note, whenever using essential oils and aromatherapy oil burners please be vigilant toward fire safety (you more than likely are already aware of this) never have your oil burner near curtains or other materials, have the room well ventilated and never leave candles unattended when leaving the room. To complete my spring cleaning fest I use Tibetan cymbals or Tingshas (used in traditional Tibetan Buddhist rituals and meditation) to re-balance energy in each room (I also use them when I do space clearing but that's another story). Tingshas come in pairs and are joined by a leather cord. I begin this exercise by taking a few deep breaths, centre myself, and say a silent prayer. With my hand holding the leather cord I have the Tingshas gently strike each, producing a sound that reverberates throughout my body as well as across the room. I continue this exercise as I move from corner to corner of every room until every nook and cranny in the house has been covered. So that is my spring clean, covering the physical, as well as the subtle aspects of the air that I breathe in my home, ready for whatever the new season may bring. |
