Reflection #9 The Rite of Spring
The Gap Year: Navigating Life After Retirement
Reflection #9 The Rite of Spring
“Thank God for the things I do not own.” –Teresa of Avila
It is still chilly outside on this spring afternoon. Yet, here I am, diving into my annual week of spring cleaning. Not to be taken lightly, the windows, curtains, floors, and walls must all be washed. The paint is touched up, and the oven is cleaned, not to be outdone by the refrigerator.
Spring cleaning has its roots in an earlier time. When people here in Pittsburgh heated their homes with coal. At the end of winter, it was time to scrub away the dirt and soot. I carry this tradition from my grandmothers’ and mother’s day to today. It is also a time to purge old paper files and donate unworn winter clothing. I relish this cleaning ritual. I do a full deep cleaning once a year.
For me, cleaning is tied to my emotions. Bringing order out of disorder brings me peace of mind. I understand that some people hate cleaning. Perhaps it is an acquired mindset, and some people have not acquired it. Some don’t have the time and others feel guilt around it. Now, living in our right-sized condo, I am happy not to have my four-bedroom-story house. Then I would begin the top floor, and room by room, take the house apart. I’m thankful that today it takes much less time.
I recommend decluttering. Touch each object and possession and ask if it is to keep or go. Anything that remains can be polished, vacuumed, and dusted. When done with intention, my hope is that it feels like peace. The most touching thing about spring cleaning is what it stirs up inside of us. This ridding needs to be accomplished gently, according to the pace of the memories that come; the sorrows that have yet to be liberated to forgive oneself or to move on.
The key question we hold seems simple enough on the surface: “What do I want to let go of and what do I want to hang on to?” The true question is “What do I want to let go of and what do I want to give myself to?” To hang on feels needy and clinging. But in seeking what I want to give of myself is to transform everything. May this Spring take you to places where you find energy, challenge, and a renewed life.
Now it’s your turn.
Take time to reflect and, if in a group, share as you feel able.
As I spring clean (or not), I will:
a) be gentle with myself according to the pace of memories.
b) consider carefully what I need to let go of.
c) examine what I want to give myself to.
d) take it as an opportunity to move on.
I respond to all emails:pdbrown@spiritworks.org
For more information see: www.spiritworks.org
--Tricia