Universe Order Pad
A new meaning to Spring cleaning!
By Lisa Brooks
Apr 4, 2008, 10:00

Whenever I’m cleaning out things from my living space, I usually come across an item or two that I debate about getting rid of.  My two little mantras are, “if you haven’t touched it in a year, get rid of it” and “out with the old and in with the new”!   Making room for “the new” can be healing and therapeutic.  When we rid ourselves of outdated things, whether in our living space or our minds, we then create space for the newness to come in.  In a way it’s a death and re-birth process.  Items come in to serve us for awhile and then, it’s time for them to move and create space for the new.  Notice how when you create space in your home and get organized you feel calm and your mind doesn’t race as much.  I have found peace in simplifying my living space.  I only want to have things around that I truly use. 

My friend owns a company called “Gloveables” and her tag line is, “Suddenly, cleaning has new meaning”.  Cleaning really has new meaning when we think of cleaning out the cob-webs of our minds.  How are we to allow new thoughts and ideas to come in to your minds, if we are holding on to the old thoughts? 

In Buddhism they talk a lot about attachment.  We are creatures of habit and it is easy for us to become attached to things and thoughts.  But, this attachment is an illusion.  When we can see this, a new sense of freedom is found.  Buddhists believe that attachment leads to suffering.  Most of us try to grasp or hold onto things and thoughts to have a sense of control in out lives.  Ultimately though, we end up losing control.

"Grasping at things can only yield one of two results: Either the thing you are grasping at disappears, or you yourself disappear. It is only a matter of which occurs first." ~ Goenka

Be still and ask yourself a few very important questions…

What am I holding on to? 
What am I finally ready to let go of? 

No matter what you’re debating about, ask yourself…

How does this item, thought or person serve me? 
How is this good for me?
How does this better my life?

There is also a physical element to letting go.  We hear a lot about creating space for deep breathing and for yoga practice.  Our muscles are able release and relax, so we then don’t hold tightness in our shoulders or abdomen.  Tension dissolves and we feel a sense of freedom in our bodies.

The energy of Spring (my favorite season) is a gift…use it!  Allow it to “spring” you into a place of re-birth and re-newal.  Take a deep breath and smell the “newness” in the air.  It’s there and it’s powerful! 

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About Lisa Brooks:  I started studying metaphysics when I was 15 years old in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  I remember the first day I learned "I could decide how I feel" and that "I have active participation in creating my life."  What an "aha" moment for me.  My passion for learning more on the subject grew.  I enjoy discovering new ways to better my life and help the lives of others.  A career in modeling brought me out to Los Angeles in 1998.  I am blessed with a flexible job that allows me time to pursue my other passions.  Living in this area has brought me more in contact with like-minded souls and more opportunities to learn and grow.  I am a Reiki practitioner and plan on becoming a Reiki Master soon.  Visit www.useyouruniverse.com for more information.  If you have questions or comments, email lisabrooks@useyouruniverse.com.