Spring Cleaning Rituals

Spring Cleaning Rituals

We are quickly approaching the change of seasons with the Spring Equinox. On March 20th we transition from Winter to Spring. Around the world, people observe rituals to mark this transition, symbolizing renewal and rebirth. Spring cleaning isn't just about tidying up physical spaces; it's also an opportunity to cleanse both yourself and your environment, spiritually and energetically.

Let's get started. Here are some things you can do to prepare:
 -Clear clutter - Donate / Trash / Save (if saving, put away in it's proper place)
 -Physically clean your home and workspace (soap and water here, vacuum, mop, air out)
 -Energetically and Spiritually clear the space by Saging or Smudging (you can get a kit on Amazon)

Once your space is clean, turn your attention to yourself. Clean outside and inside physically. You might try a Bathing Ritual, Dry Brushing, Sauna, Steam, Scrub. Try a dietary cleanse. Ramadan and Lent are both at this time of year for a reason, and both include some type of fasting. I have mentioned the Master Cleanser drink from Staying Healthy with the Seasons by Elson M. Haas, MD, (recipe below) in previous newsletters. See if you can clear out some of the common allergens from your system by going a few days without caffeine, refined sugar, gluten, and dairy. Then do a fast, maybe just for a day or maybe up to 10 days or longer if you're inspired. The Master Cleanser is a great spring time drink to support fasting. I like to do it for three days just before the season change. While you are changing the physical landscape internally, include some journalling and self-reflection to clear the mental/emotional landscape. Movement will help all the cleansing rituals clear out the body more effectively, so swim, walk, run, hike, bike, dance, drum, stretch, go. 

Then come join the Spring Equinox Fire Ceremony on March 21st (see below) to set your intention for what you want to create in the next season. 

How to sage (your space and yourself) - 
 -Set your intention
 -Perhaps write down your intention and a blessing that you will repeat as you sage
 -Open all the windows and doors
 -Light your sage wand (hold it over a ceramic or metal bowl, so that you don't drop any ashes)
 -Wave the wand and smoke in a circular motion around each doorway and window. As you move through your space room by room, walking around the whole space thinking or reciting your intention to clear the space and invite in new fresh energies. Circle the sage around yourself from head to toe. If you want some guidance on what to say, I have used this or something like it: 
"I open the four directions inviting their energies to assist me in cleansing this (house, workspace, person...). To the South, protector of the fruitful lands-grandmother earth; to the West, Spirit of the great waters, grandmother ocean; to the North, Spirit of the air, grandfather sky; and to the East, Spirit of new beginnings, radiance of the rising sun.  I align with your energies so that your power may flow through me and the power of this sage’s cleansing smoke may be expressed for this cleansing and clearing ceremony. Thank you purifying smoke for helping me to cleanse the energy of this space and balance its vibration. I ask that the smoke releases any negativity, density, or attachments of the past and purify this place.  May this clearing bring renewal, gratitude, peace, and fresh energy."

Once you finish saging, you can clear the air with an aromatherapy spritz, or bring a singing bowl, gong, wind chimes or drum and play some sounds to refresh the energy. These are all ways to clear out the old and welcome in the new. Some people cleanse with Sage and then bless (invite in the positive energies) with Palo Santo, Sweetgrass or Sandalwood incense.

Dry brushing -

A centuries-old practice, involves using a firm, natural-bristle brush or loofa to gently exfoliate the skin. This simple technique offers multiple benefits, from enhancing circulation to supporting lymphatic drainage. Dry brushing aids in removing dead skin cells, leading to smoother and brighter skin. It may also stimulate collagen production, contributing to improved skin elasticity over time. Many practitioners report increased energy levels, likely due to improved circulation and nervous system stimulation.

To maximize benefits, dry brushing should be done on dry skin using gentle, strokes towards the heart. It is usually best to do long strokes over the long bones and circular strokes over the joints, followed by showering and massaging in a nourishing moisturizer. This can be part of a bathing ritual to dry brush first then soak in the bath.

Bathing Ritual - 
Again set your intention for what you want to let go of and cleanse from your system, then fill the bath tub with hot water (to your comfort level) add 2-3 cups of Epsom Salts and soak for 20 or more minutes. If you want to enhance the experience, you can add essential oils (5-10 drops) to the bath water or just diffuse them in the room, light a candle, put some relaxing music on, or listen to a guided meditation. When you feel ready, let the water out and visualize any stress, negativity, whatever you want to let go of gently and easily going down the drain with the water. Then stand up and shower (soap and water). If desired, end the shower with a cool or cold water rinse. When you get out of the tub, before drying off, gently massage in some light moisturizing oil (coconut or sesame). I like the Neutrogena light sesame formula. Give it a moment to soak into your wet skin, then lightly pat dry. 

Master Cleanser Recipe -
Use a large container if possible to make a bottle for the day. I use a 3 Quart bottle. Fill with 80 ounces of spring or filtered water, add I.25 cup of fresh squeezed Lemon juice, 1/4 - 1/2 cup pure Maple syrup, 1 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper. Shake well before each serving. Sip through out the day if possible to keep from being hungry. Drink at least a quart or two of plain water in addition to the master cleanser on your day of fasting. 

There are many things here that you can embrace for your Spring Cleaning. You might do all or maybe just one. If Spring Cleaning your whole home and work space and Self seems way too big a project, try one thing. Maybe clean a drawer in your desk. Or maybe do one thing a day. Just 15 minutes in one room each day can make a huge shift. Put on a timer and just see what gets accomplished, no judgement, no guilt, just moving forward towards that feeling of acomplishment. If you need some support or encouragement, I am happy to set up a coaching session with you. Brad Yates has a Tapping video on YouTube and, the Tapping Solution has a great tapping meditation to help you feel comfortable to even look at the clutter and get started.