Clean Space, Clean Mind

It all started innocently enough -- I noticed a pile on my desk. Time passed and one pile became three piles. Before I knew it, I had a nasty case of The Clutters (I know, I know -- I'm taking liberties with the English language). This past week, I've been treating The Clutters to the point that I'm just about cured (if you need help with your own case of The Clutters, read this book). The piles are now gone. I've filled multiple large trash bags with stuff that I don't need. My inbox is down to zero, which is quite the feat for me (I found this wonderful book quite helpful in my digital de-cluttering). I've recycled an inordinate amount of paper. I've given things away to others who might like them. My physical space looks cleaner, yes. More importantly, my mind feels clearer, better able to focus on what's truly important.

This morning I stepped onto my yoga mat and -- perhaps it was my newfound clarity -- realized that my mat needed cleaning as well. Funny how when you use something every day you sometimes fail to truly "see" it. I wondered if cleaning my yoga mat would have the same effect on my psyche that cleaning my physical space (and computer space) had. The wonderful scent of my mat cleaner added a new dimension to my yoga practice. My sense of smell was actually present during my practice.

When was the last time you cleaned your yoga mat? If it's been a while, I highly recommend whipping up this wonderful yoga mat sanitizer recipe to give your yoga mat a quick refresh.

Also, if you'd like to be sure what you're putting in your body is clean and you'd like to create a scentsual experience for yourself, check out Love Peace Yoga for more information and special offers on Eat Cleaner fruit and veggie wash and Buddha Nose Heart Spray.

And don't forget -- yoga -- and chanting -- can also clear the clutter in your mind (which works if you don't have time to devote to de-cluttering your physical space). Try this short, simple mind-clearing/calming yoga practice:

• Stand with your feet about hip width apart.
• On an inhale, raise your arms up from the side (your arms should be fully raised by the time you reach the top of your inhale) and lower them on an exhale. Repeat 3 times.
• On an inhale, raise your arms up from the side (this time let your palms touch at the top of the inhale/movement) while simultaneously raising your heels off the ground. On an exhale, lower your arms and your heels (to coordinate the movement, start lowering your heels once your arms come down to about shoulder height). Repeat 3 times.
• Do the same movement as above but chant the sound MA on the exhale. Repeat 3 times.

Now how do you feel? Less cluttered? More focused? There's something to be said for a little cleaning!

Namaste!

Comments

[Evelyn]

That is extremely useful information. Cleanliness is a sign of the divine.

[babs]

Great post! I find that I de-clutter when I am procrastinating. At least I'm still achieving something and when I come back to my actual work I am a lot more focused.

[Namaste_Heather]

Isn't it amazing what cleaning the clutter will do! It translates over into all areas of our lives. Great post.