As our winter hibernation period winds down, we lethargically come out of our cozy caves, stretch, and feel the warmth of the sun. When our muscles and limbs warm up, we receive a surge of new energy. Spring has arrived! After a good afternoon frolic in the sun, we are given an opportunity to return to our caves with fresh eyes. After inventorying our oftentimes-cluttered environments (or closets), we may become inspired to engage in some spring cleaning.
The great thing about spring cleaning is that we are given an opportunity to assess that which physically inhabits our caves (or homes). For example, we first clarify what is currently serving us and therefore still belongs in our environment. The second step is to determine what is no longer serving us and give it away, sell it, or have it recycled. If we have objects or “keepsakes” to release that have sentimental value, then we can consider taking photos of each one and creating a photo album to contain and honor the memory of these treasures.
After we’ve made some space, we can then take the fun third step of inviting in whatever else we need. This is the time to consider if there are new things we want to add into the existing mix. The exciting opportunity here is that we can each update our environment so that it resonates with who we are today. So there you have, in a nutshell, the act of physical spring cleaning.
Did you know that there is another type of spring cleaning beyond the physical? Yep, I call it emotional spring cleaning. Emotional spring cleaning is what I often do with clients in my private practice—year round. For example, I ask someone who is seeking tools for stress relief, “What are you carrying in your life that feels like a burden?” Then, our work often consists of hoisting the burdens off the client’s shoulders, and onto the floor between us. We metaphorically let the burdens gently spill onto the floor allowing each one to receive some light. From this higher perspective…we now let the healing begin. Ely, use purple sentence for enlarged quote?
We sit patiently together, identifying, sorting, and clarifying what each burden represents in his or her life. “Paths not taken,” is a recurring topic of discussion. Guilt, shame, regret, and grief are commonly uncovered during this inquiry process. For example, feelings of grief due to:
- Unrequited love
- Job choices
- Unhealthy choices regarding physical health
- Childbearing or childrearing choices
Sometimes, even when outwardly a person’s life looks rich and fulfilling, inwardly he or she may be experiencing a sense of emptiness. In addition, many clients are carrying emotional burdens for other people—burdens over which they have no control or any power to change. If they determine they are carrying an emotional burden that is truly someone else’s, then they can consider compassionately releasing the burden and energetically returning it to the rightful owner.
For this purpose, I offer numerous tools, including hypnotherapy, which often assist in lightening emotional loads. These internal spring cleaning and personal inventory processes offer my clients an opportunity to strengthen their boundaries and choose to carry burdens that are appropriately within their realms of control.
In my own life, when I first learned about healthy boundaries, I began releasing numerous heavy burdens that I’d carried for far too long. As a result, I used tools to assist me in sorting issues out. Then I would explore whether I owned the problem, or if the problem belonged to another. These new skills enabled me to set healthy boundaries with others and myself…what a life-changing time! This was a time when I stopped sleepwalking, with the weight of the world on my shoulders, and gratefully…woke up. With newfound vision, I finally had the clarity to decide what I needed to release and what was truly one of my own issues to feel, heal, and integrate.
I often see a recurring gift that clients receive after they’ve gone through this process of sorting through their burdens with me. Once a layer of the emotional spring cleaning is complete and they have clarified and compassionately released burdens that are not appropriately theirs to bear—a clearing appears. After they’ve created some space and added breathing room, they then have an opportunity to invite in what they need in their lives today.
This empowering process can be a great way for each of us to update our “internal environment” and continually clear out heavy burdens we have no control over. We lose emotional weight, which then often inspires losing physical weight (an added benefit). Meanwhile, we no longer need to unconsciously “feed” and continually grow the pile of stress-full burdens!
When we dive in to release and renew both physically as well as emotionally, we are honoring who we are in this precious moment—mind, body, and spirit. Finally, from this recharged place we can declare that indeed, spring has sprung…inwardly and outwardly!
Trina Swerdlow is proud to be one of the honorees at the upcoming celebratory event, Women of Influence, on Wednesday April 21, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. Join us at Back Forty Texas BBQ, 100 Coggins Drive, Pleasant Hill. Complimentary food and live music provided by Fundz Jazz.
Trina Swerdlow, BFA, CCHT, is a certified clinical hypnotherapist, an artist, and the author of the 2-CD Set, Weight Loss: Powerful & Easy-to-Use Tools for Releasing Excess Weight. She is also the author of Stress Reduction Journal: Meditate and Journal Your Way to Better Health. Her CDs and her book are available directly from Trina or from John Muir Women’s Health Center online store: www.womenshealthcenterstore.com/books1.html
Trina has a private practice in downtown Danville. She soulfully shares her creative approach to personal growth and passionately supports her clients in reaching their goals. You can reach her at:
(925) 285.5759, or info@TrinaSwerdlow.com. Next time you’re online, check out Trina’s inspiring website: www.TrinaSwerdlow.com
Certified Clinical Hypnotherapy services in California can be alternative or complementary to licensed healing arts, such as psychotherapy.