“Clutter is not just the stuff on the floor. It’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living” Peter Walsh
Spring is in the air; the visitors have flocked to see The Sculpture Gardens famous snowdrop display (well done Gemma and team) and next is the bluebells. Aren’t we lucky to live in such a beautiful place!
This is the time of year to dust off the winter cobwebs and come out of hibernation and spring clean inside and out!
In yoga this practice of cleansing fits well with the practice of “Shaucha” which translates to “purity” and “cleanliness”. Shaucha helps us remember who we are without the distractions and obstacles and lightens the load on ourselves (Deborah Adele – Yama’s and Niyamas)
It asks us to consider what we put into our mind and body. What we eat, drink, what we say, the people we surround ourselves with, what we listen too, information we absorb? Also how do we live in our homes and workplace? With too much stuff weighing us down or in a light and airy space to get breathe and even get creative. I know how it affects me when there is too much clutter and dirt in my house – it makes me irritable (as my husband will tell you!).
Cleansing our environments can be fun and hugely beneficial. How about a deep clean this spring (whilst de-cluttering of course!). Shake your rugs outside and let them air, open the windows and consider using natural non toxic products and a few drops of essential oils to make your environment smell divine! To go a step further burn some white sage cleansing the energy of the space. I use this as a great grounding ritual before and after I teach yoga and massage.
Cleansing ourselves can form of increased exercise, water intake, fasting, spending more time in nature or we make choose to purify our tongue by speaking no harm or untruths for an entire day (a great practice!). I also like to shack my body, use a dry brush before a shower and may even start having a blast of cold water at the end of the shower soon as its nearly spring!
I am a great believer that we should all take responsibility of cleaning our environment outside the home. It really hurts to see rubbish in the verges and poison in the river – the state of the river last summer still haunts me. As a tourism business that uses the environment to attract customers, I believe we and other tourism businesses should take more responsibility to lead on environmental protection. Save The Wye are doing a great job of raising awareness and just hope this awareness and actions can save the river before it’s too late. We as a family litter pick everywhere we go, but unfortunately usually miss the Tintern litter pick due to work commitments at weekends.
I would personally like to propose half a day litter picking during the school Easter Holidays Tuesday 11 April 2023 meeting at the village hall. If you would like to join, please email me on info@forestretreats.co.uk or text 07826-557211. It’s great to litter pick as a community and anyone that attends is invited to a free yoga class!
We have a friendly group of people that attend yoga classes in person at Hill Farm and via zoom. Suitable all levels and themed weekly based on interesting and relevant subjects. We enjoy some movement, stretching and time for contemplation and simply being! Again, reach out if you are interested or book online via website.
Hope you enjoyed and look forward to hearing any feedback.
Hayley
Forest Retreats and Hill Farm
