(Madisyn Taylor)
As the last vestiges of winter depart, all of nature enters into a lively and animated state of renewal. In the springtime, earth's life energy is awakened from dormancy, and the cycle of life starts anew. We have the ability to sense this change taking place even before the seasonal flora around us blooms before our eyes. It is natural, therefore, that during spring many of us begin to feel the urge to clear away the clutter that has accumulated while we've enjoyed being sequestered in our winter nests.
Spring cleaning is traditionally a way to welcome a new season, one in which we open our doors and windows to let visitors and the sunshine in. It is also a way to remove stagnant energy from our homes in order to prepare our personal space for the positive, verdant energy of spring and summer. As you sweep away the dust and clutter that has blocked the flow of energy in your home, you inevitably sweep away some of the issues that may have been blocking you in your life. Intention is important, so before you begin cleaning, ask yourself what needs to be cleansed, what can be discarded, and how you can make your home a reflection of your best self. Once you've begun spring cleaning, you may find that with each piece of clutter you discard and each item that you clean you begin feel increasingly energized.
My Thoughts:
Last year I did a course online about clearing away clutter in a year and I have to say that for the most part I have kept up the good advice and exercises, so there is little to spring clean in the house.
The garden is another matter. The top part through the gate is a haven for wildlife, a central lawn surrounded by different kinds of bushes that the bees love, and they provide cover for animals and a safe place for our resident fox to live. However, I have been unsure just what I want to do with the bottom half. A few years ago, I set paving slabs and gravel with flower boarders but due to expanding our pet family it has all become tired and dishevelled.
It is in desperate need of a make-over, so I have started by making the greenhouse permanent with wooden cladding and a firm base. The upper part will have the clear plastic sheeting replaced, but this time I am going to put wire mesh over it to stop the storms ripping it to shreds. Then make some raised flower-beds for along the full length of the side wall. Once that is done all the slabs will need lifting, weed liners laid before replacing them and concreting them in to stop any unwanted greenery from growing between them. They will all need to be painted, as will all the new woodwork and the stone chippings put back.
Once all that is done, I can crack on with the plants and flowers … which is the best bit.
It is going to be a lot of hard work and an on-going project for a while, but once done it should look great – fingers crossed.