“For a short cleanse or refresh, I like taking a shower. The heat on my back draws my attention into that part of my body, pulling me out of my head into awareness of my whole body. The agenda of life feels so hard-edged sometimes. The water is a live metaphor for washing away anything that is blocking me. It comforts me.”
–Grace Evans, ADHD coach
Dear Folks,
I went through my closet and bureau drawers this week and cleared out all the clothes that didn’t belong there anymore. Some clothing items still evoke memories of people and places once part of my life: a sundress I can no longer fit into that I wore to a wonderful party in college, a too-large faded denim shirt given by someone close to me, a comfy pair of cords I wore into the ground. I couldn’t let go of those old clothes and old stories before, but now I find I can and am excited to make more space in my house and in my life.
This week and next I am also getting ready to offer an online Fall Stress Cleanse with my friend and fellow yoga teacher, Hannah Leatherbury. As Hannah and I reflect on why we offer this cleanse and what is important about cleansing and refreshing in general, my thought is that the process acts as a reset button. We need many ways to let go of the past and bring ourselves into the present moment, whatever those ways are. Hannah says, “For me, during the day, I’ll drink a glass of warm tea to refresh myself. The feeling of holding something warm in my hands and waiting for it to cool, slows me down and helps me feel like I’m taking my time the way I want to take my time.”
Over time we accumulate so many layers, old clothes, stories, habits that we just don’t need anymore. I noticed that once I folded and placed my clothes in bags by the front door, ready to go to Goodwill, I felt lighter, like there was more room to breathe. I also felt appreciative of all that I do have and the space I opened up to be who I am now.
I’d love to hear some of the ways you hit the reset button, what do you do to refresh yourself?
Cheers,
Eliza
P.S. The online Fall Stress Cleanse with Hannah Leatherbury and me starts Oct. 27th. For description and registration details, click here: http://www.hannahleatherbury.com/12-day-stress-cleanse.html
Hi Eliza. My favorite refreshers are either a lovely, mid-afternoon cat nap, preferably in the sun – and a quiet walk in the forest with my 2 dogs. Cheers, Steve.
My husband and I just spent several days with his father, helping him to sort through his house in the wake of my mother-in-law’s death. The experience inspired us on our return home to begin reorganizing, cleansing, and decluttering our own space. It makes such a difference, as if physical space and cleanliness inspire mental space and possibilities.