In Ayurveda, we practice an annual tradition of seasonal cleansing, typically twice a year, once in the Fall and once in the Spring. The nature of these two cleanses are very different since the seasonal transitions affect our minds and bodies in very different ways. In the springtime, there is a sense of heavy and wet qualities present in the weather. If there is still snow, notice that it's not the light, delicate flakes of early-mid winter, but it's slushy and heavy. The ground is cold, damp, and fertile...ready to support Spring planting, and rainy, cloudy days are frequent.
Ayurveda recognizes that what is happening in Nature, outside of us, is also a sign of what is happening inside. You might find you have allergies, phlegm, or other mucus-related troubles. Your belly might feel bloated and heavy, and suddenly you're aware of a few extra winter pounds!? It's time for a Spring Cleanse to lighten up! Here are a few things that you might want to start doing to prepare for your own Spring Cleanse, so you get the most out of the process. When we cleanse, it's a 3-stage process: the preparation, the cleanse period, and exiting a cleanse. This week, I'm all about preparation, and here are some things I'm starting to incorporate in my practice. Preparing Your Body To create space for change, we must let go of some things. In order to transform, we need to throw some junk in the fire. It's time to say goodbye to a few of your favorite vices. Begin today with giving one thing up, add another into the fire tomorrow or the day after, then another in a few days. By the time Day 1 of your cleanse rolls around, you're off to a great start and your body can get down to the task at hand: deep cleaning. Things to throw into the fire
Preparing Your Habits There are a few things you can start doing that will help you build good habits that will become second nature by the time you start your official cleanse. It can be difficult to make all of these changes all at once, so start now by replacing some of the things you're letting go of with these practices:
Preparing Your Space Over my years of cleansing, I've some to realize that this is a vital element in the process: a deep clean of your home, office, car, and garden. Clean and organize any space that you spend your time in and you might notice has also started to get a big clogged with clutter. Notice the connection between what's going on in your space and how you feel in your mind and body. This weekend I got really focused and tackled my kitchen first, since that will be an important space for cleanse preparation and cooking. I cleaned and organized my tea/spice/herb cabinet, scrubbed countertops, cabinet doors, the stovetop, appliances, and shelves. It only took 2 hours and I felt a great sense of accomplishment after.....and now my space is ready for cleansing and healing to happen! Look at your calendar for the cleanse week and try to block off as much time as possible to relax, prep your meals, go for walks in nature, journal, organize your closets...this is the time to re-set, establish healthy routines, and put your energy towards where you want to be going/how you want to be feeling. Think of Spring Cleanse Week as your own mini-retreat and plan accordingly. Join Meghan Dwyer and me for Aluna's Inner Sanctuary Spring Cleanse this April! Details will be released soon, make sure you're on our mailing list so you're first to know! ~be bright, live inspired~
1 Comment
4/6/2015 03:28:40 am
I love these ideas. Excited to incorporate at least a few into my life. Thanks!
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AuthorMeg Townsend Archives
October 2019
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