The tradition of clearing out the home to welcome a new year crosses cultures. Space clearing remains a ritual in many parts of the world.
Clearing a space is not only reserved for the end of the year. It is also a good idea before shifting into a new home or office, after a major change in life, if guests have been staying for an extended period of time or if someone has been sick.
Consider it also for when there is negative energy from arguments or as a daily practice in your office, especially if you work with clients on heavily emotional issues.
We can see dust and grime from daily living. The energetic residue of our emotions cannot be seen with our ordinary eyes. This also accumulates and affects us and our relationships.
A good space clearing can shift the energy in a home, and remove toxicity.
Simple tips to clear your home of the old and free up space for the new:
Clear the Clutter
Get rid of anything not useful, broken, or that you don’t absolutely love. Marie Kondo who created the massively popular system KonMari Method suggests that we hold the item and see if it sparks joy.
If it has sentimental value or is useful, keep it – only if it raises your vibrations! If that jacket with the broken zipper has been lingering in your closet for several months, repair or donate it. If there are any items that cause consternation, it is best to let them go.
The mental associations with unfinished projects or simply something that you don’t like sitting in the house can cause stress and bring down your energy.
Physically Clean the House
Give the house a good once-over by removing dust and dirt. Get rid of any cobwebs and get soft linens cleaned. Don’t forget the ceiling fans, underneath furniture, books, around light switches, and all the nooks and crannies.
Energetically Clear the Space with Sage
White Sage is known for its cleansing properties. Light some sage, open the windows, and go through each room to clear the space, especially the corners. Begin at the front door, and move in a clockwise direction.
You can purchase sage bundles or sage incense sticks. Or you can wildcraft your own. Forage responsibly!
Use Salt
Salt not only absorbs bad odours; it also gets rid of negative energy. Leave a bowl in the corner or all the corners of a room for space clearing. Use Himalayan crystal salt, or a pure sea salt. Let it sit for several hours or overnight, and toss when finished.
Use Sound and Music
Singing bowls, bells, and music can alter a space significantly. Not only do the harmonics uplift the energy, but sound can break up stagnation. Some mantras to try – Ek Ong Kar Sat Gur Prasad (“There is one Creator of all Creation. All is a blessing of the One Creator. This realization comes through Guru’s Grace.”), Om Mani Padme Hum, and Gayatri mantra.
Set an Intention For the Space
Intentions are very powerful. Setting an intention can set up the right energy for a space, whether you plan on using the area for meditation, creative activities, or for work.
In today’s hectic lifestyle, our home is our sanctuary. Regular space clearing can help maintain energetic lightness that is both supportive and nurturing.
