Invitation to Inquiry: Spring Cleaning and Renewal
by Deborah East Keir

When spring arrives, many of us feel a need to clean and renew our environment. According to Feng Shui, clearing clutter creates more energy flow and harmony. Most of us feel good when the task is done. We stand back and see that we have created order out of chaos, at least for the moment. Of course, the impermanent nature of the universe is order out of chaos, chaos out of order. 

Just as we clean our closets and check to see if a garment still fits, we can also examine our beliefs, concepts, or ideas to see if they still “fit.” One way to begin the process is to ask the question: From were did this thought or belief arise?

Many of our automatic beliefs stem from early life experiences and decisions based on specific events long past. Usually our automatic thoughts are not questioned. Becoming aware of our beliefs and thoughts is like shining a light in a dark corner of the closet to see what is there.

Why is letting go so difficult and accumulating so easy? Some of us have a difficult time separating ourselves from certain things. Perhaps an object reminds us of someone or of a certain time in our life. The object itself is not the issue; it is our attachment to it that keeps us from letting go. Somehow it reflects who we are and is like a snapshot that evokes memories and sensations.

Spring is the perfect time to assess emotional, mental, or physical attachments to objects or beliefs. Professional organizers often use the three-box method: one box is for keepers, another for donations, and a third for throwaways. Whether you are sorting through objects or beliefs, the following exercise is not about getting rid of anything; rather, it is about achieving awareness of attachment and the conscious choice to keep something or let it go. 

1. Pick an object or belief that evokes a memory, feeling, or resistance to letting go.
2. Hold the object or write down the belief.
3. Ask yourself: From where does this feeling or association with the object or belief arise?
4. Consciously hold onto the object or belief. Explore all the reasons for not letting go. Ask yourself: What am I resisting?
5. Consciously let go of the object or belief. Explore the reasons for letting go.
6. How much energy does it take to hold on?  How much energy does it take to let go?
7. Notice how the object or belief seems now.

Deborah East Keir, BSN, MA, offers sessions in Inquiry, Energy Healing, and Inner Essence readings. She can be reached at 508-748-1217 or at deborahkeir@comcast.net.

First appeared in the Apr/May 07 issue of aspire…Magazine.