Spring Cleaning inquiries

 Every Tuesday, I look forward to the latest podcast on Amanda Gibby Peters' House Therapy channel. 

 As Rose Cottage nears completion, I'm thinking of those *things* in my storage unit, and what I'll be inviting in to my new home! In that light I'm appreciative the checklist she offers on this week's show. 

At the new kitchen sink

So, what might we ask ourselves, as we curate the objects in and energy of our spaces? What could we consider, as we add something new (to us)?

Here are some of Amanda's suggestions: 

Basic inquiries:

  • Does it make my life easier?
  • How does it make me feel?
  • Whom does it remind me of?
  • Does it inspire me, and lift my energy? Or depress/ make me feel bad?
Regarding past purchases:
  • Why did I buy it?
  • Would I buy it again?
  • How much would I be willing to pay?
  • Am I keeping it because of how much it cost?
  • Do I feel guilty/ scared to pass it on?
  • Why have I been keeping it?
  • Could I replace it/ do I have a better one?
And
  • Is it (still) useful
  • Does it fit/ make me feel good? (Clothes, books, decor, etc)
  • How much maintenance does it take?
  • Has it already been given a 'pass go' in a previous session (and not used since!)
  • Would I buy it again?
  • Do I have something similar I like better?
Clutter and mood
  • Does my clutter/ chaos make me tired just thinking about it?
  • Does it align with who I am now? If not - passing it on can help us reclaim and increase our energy!
  • Am I 'fed up' with some of the stuff in my space?
  • Do I suffer from living in CHAOS - Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome - because I don't feel good about my space?
  • Is this ___ taking room from something I'd rather have? (When we get a new appliance, the old one is moved out, to make room for the new)
Getting started:
  • Where should I start? Some good choices are:
  • Center of the house - Feng Shui suggests having some clear space in the center of the home - this relates to health/ well being
  • Entry - welcomes opportunities - hang a bell to invite them in
  • Bedroom - prioritize yourself by tending your personal space
  • Kitchen - the hearth and heart of the home - infuse it with some energy!
  • And when? - Am I waiting for the perfect time/ day to start? (Secret- There isn't one) - Just start!!
Living room - koi pond out the window

Amanda ends the episode with the reminder that little daily efforts can make a big difference, and are more sustainable that big purge events! 
Setting some time for clutter clearing and fine tuning each week, month and season can help us reclaim our spaces and energy. 

Happy clearing!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Front door

Image
 One of the simplest things you can do to welcome good fortune is spending a few minutes on your entrance and front door periodically!  My Purple Door Stand on your front walk, and look at your wall, porch and entrance Is the path clear and safe? (Opportunities flow) Is your address visible? (Can fortune find you?)  Greenery - are trees, shrubs and potted plants overgrown or in poor shape?  (Overgrown: too 'full' to receive more - dead branches or plants feel un-cared for) Is there clutter or trash? Is the porchlight in good working order? Doorbell? Does your door need a wash, or fresh coat of paint? If there's a mat, is it in good shape? Note anything that needs repaired, trimmed cleared or replaced.  When you're out and about, notice entrances and doors that appeal! Check out doors on Pinterest ( this board of Gwynne's has some lovely ones) When weather permits, go out for a 15-20 minute tidy! As I was preparing to sell my Galloway House, I did this frequentl...
Read more

ᏣᎳᎩ Journey

Image
  In her post for our October blog challenge, a Julie wrote that rather than trying to explain the several personal projects she's undertaking, she's begun saying, 'I'm sort of on a pilgrimage!'  This response makes room for further discussion - or you can simply move on! Ꮡ - su (Simply Cherokee) Since spring, I've been enrolled in the live  ᏗᏕᎶᏆᏍᏗ -  dideloquasdi   (school/ learning) via online classes, via the ᏣᎳᎩ - Tsa-la-gi   (Cherokee) Nation !  The weekly classes are offered at no charge to the students, and I'm on a pilgrimage of my own! Taught by first language speaker Ed Fields, with assistance from Meli (Mary Rae - who began studying with Ed nearly a decade ago), these classes offer a wonderful glimpse into the world view and culture!  (Here's  Meli and Ed's site  which includes little word puzzels) The online classes are open to anyone who wishes to learn Cherokee, no matter your heritage nor location. In pers...
Read more

Conscious Corners

Image
 I'm looking forward to the February invitation to Resetting the space of your Living Altar,  which several friends from our Intentional Creativity community host. I'm also a bit nervous, as I've been invited on board to help facilitate the group this year! Red Thread A decade ago, our IC teacher  Shiloh  issued this invitation:   " I would love for you to finish your painting if you haven’t, and then to clean your studio. Reset your altars. Make new room for the sprouts to come up through the ashes. You need space and time to see what’s coming up and what wants to be shared and prepared for...." Whatever your space and projects, giving time and attention to a reset often inspires us, and gives access to new ideas and insights.  The Resetting group description reads,  "think of this, what if your whole home was a sacred space? Throughout February, (we) will lead a month of consciously clearing spaces in your home, and you're invited!"  While...
Read more