Ready, Set, Let Go...

Spring is in the air and spring cleaning has begun.  You may find yourself craving getting rid of all the extra "stuff" we carry through our hibernation in the winter months. Our natural rhythm encourages us to embrace this season by taking off layers, and clearing out the clutter and other obstructions to blooming. We get rid of the weeds in the garden, we clean out our closets, we clean anything off the windows that is blocking us from seeing clearly...what about emotional spring cleaning?

"When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be." - Lao Tzu

Today, take a moment to have a conversation with your true self. Sit down with a pen and paper (or your journal) and see what emotional clutter you have been holding onto...

~ waiting for someone's approval, approval that may never come

~ insecurities in your own value

~ misconceptions of how beautiful you truly are (see yummy you-ness for more)

~ desire to fit in where you need not

~ physical insecurities

~ etc.

Now comes the tricky part...letting go. How? How do you let go of insecurities, lies, or self-doubt you may have carried for WAY too long?

1. Realize that what you have been carrying does not deserve the precious real-estate it is taking up with-in you. Write this down somewhere where you will read it to yourself for a few nights right before you slumber to fully absorb this message.
2. Breathe. Take a couple breaths visualizing the person, action, concern in your minds eye.  For the next few exhales see yourself blowing the negativity out of your being and see it carried off into the wind.
3. Create a ritual. Maybe it is burning the piece of paper you wrote your concerns on. Maybe it is opening all the windows in your home and walking around with your favorite incense or scented candle (similar to smudging in Aboriginal traditions). Whatever resonates most with you to "clean" your space and yourself.
4. Nurture this new space. There is no rush to fill areas clear of clutter BUT you have now created space for more joy, love and acceptance! Read books that inspire you, meditate, walk in nature, take a candlelit bath, do yoga, and/or journal.

Give yourself permission to do some spring cleaning and let go of what is past; it cannot be changed. Then step forward with a nice clean slate.