De-clutter your life – emotional and spiritual benefits of releasing things

As Spring is in full swing now, we often feel a need to clear out accumulated things in order to make room for the new. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the amount of ‘stuff’ we hold on to, because of indecision, vague sentimentality or hoarding tendencies. Clutter negatively affects our wellbeing on the physical, mental, emotional and even spiritual level, since it creates the energy of stagnation, frustration and confusion. When energy stops flowing, less life force is available to us. We feel out of control, overwhelmed and disempowered to initiate positive change in our life.

Much has been written about identifying ways to de-clutter your environment and therefore your life. In a society driven by consumption, strong movements have emerged that focus on simplicity and minimalism. In order to start sorting out physical clutter, I begin with the two simple questions: do I use it? Do I love it?

Clearing out physical clutter becomes a powerful healing tool for transformation. Can de-cluttering also be a spiritual practice? We believe so. If it is true that our outer environment reflects our inner state, then the act of organizing and clearing out leads to a more relaxed, clearer mind and a heart that is open to new beginnings. Letting go of things helps us to let go of the past and make more room for present and future selves. Hoarding is fear-based, whereas releasing invites us to trust in the generosity of the universe. It really becomes a control issue: do I place my faith in objects and accumulations or in an abundant universe and a loving Source that provides for me? New freedom and awaits us as we welcome transformation and the energy of new beginnings.

Spiritual awakening is a transformational moment or process much desired by spiritual seekers. People may undergo rigorous training towards that goal or travel to ashrams in India in search for an enlightened teacher. But spiritual awakening can also happen in completely unpredictable ways, when we least expect it. Even seemingly trivial circumstances may give rise to a time of profound change, where all our cherished concepts of reality are shattered in one moment of clarity. A sense of truth emerges that wipes out all beliefs and concepts, giving way to a profound sense of connection and all-encompassing love. Time seems to stand still.

This state can last just a few moments, or weeks and months. Few are able to maintain what is also called a state of grace, or enlightenment, even ascension. The rhythms and ordinariness of life can take over again. But one is never the same after a spiritual awakening. Something inside has undergone a profound and irreversible change, and our attitude about ourselves and all of life has shifted into a different level of awareness.

The invitation is not to find fault, but to examine your own soul’s architecture and that of your partner. Asking the questions below may not always result in clear and concise answers, but you will gain deeper understanding about the level of resonance between the two of you.

1. Do we feel physically attracted to each other, is there an erotic spark between us?
This first one seems to be an easy one, especially when we have just ‘fallen in love’. Erotic attraction can be all-consuming, even blinding us to other factors that will become more important once this initial spark has quieted down. In long-lasting healthy relationships physical attraction often takes backstage to other characteristics of your love connection. However, if eroticism has become dormant or even absent over the years, one or both of the partners may feel a need to seek erotic polarity outside of the relationship.

My husband Gary recently said to me: “the season of eating is coming up. How can we enjoy without guilt, without regrets?” Interesting, that we associate the Holidays not only with company, generosity, sharing and gratitude, but also with an over-abundance of food that makes us feel great at the moment, but sluggish and heavy afterwards.

What are your earliest food memories? How have your family traditions shaped your experience of shared feasts of eating? Many of us have happy memories of early childhood family gatherings centered around “breaking bread” with others. Sometimes we may connect with painful experiences connected to food.

A friend visiting from Germany commented on the multitude of choices our supermarkets offer. To illustrate her opinion, she pointed out that, for example, “milk” comes in so many varieties that the abundant choices create an almost paralyzing effect on the puzzled consumer.