Healing HOME

We’ve cycled back around to the time of year – warming sunny days as we draw nearer to spring – when we seize opportunities to move stagnant indoor air out the windows. We deep-clean, we dust. We empty from our living space all that isn’t appreciated for either form or function.

Delores Canon once mentioned eight things that should be removed from the home:

• clutter
• negative memories (objects that stir them)
• unwanted gifts
• broken and unused items
• old electronics
• uninspiring art
• synthetic fragrance
• harsh lighting

“Simplify your surroundings to amplify your spirit” was her essential message relative to the home or physical environment. We don’t want our eyes resting upon anything that stirs negative thoughts or feelings, or doesn’t contribute to our vision for a beautiful healing home, unless it contributes to function or a sense of comfort.

I once remarked to my stepson, when I noticed his eyes resting on a small basket of his younger brother’s bottles of meds, vitamins (etc.), that I should remove them from view. They could serve as a reminder of pain and discomfort, keeping it ever present in my son’s body. My wise stepson remarked, “Maybe he finds it comforting knowing they’re there.”

So, we keep what serves us (with everyone’s consideration in mind), what contributes to upliftment of spirit and a fresh opportunity to embrace a new moment. We discard, recycle or donate that which doesn’t serve us, clearing space for a loving Spirit of Home to meander freely and fill every corner, as Louise Hay expressed:

“My home is a peaceful haven. Homes that are loved and appreciated radiate that love . . . I bless my home with love. I put love in every corner, and my home lovingly responds with warmth and comfort. I am at peace.”

When I bless my house (which I like to do on Fridays), I carry pure incense through the house and swirl it counter-clockwise in every corner to dispel stagnant energy, and then clockwise to replace it with love in the present tense. I whisper prayers as I do this, according to which room I’m in. When I’m done, I feel a sense of completion, having provided a fresh, loving background for the week’s activities.

These small acts of love keep our hearts at peace and our bodies in a state of rest. When the body is in a restful state, it is regenerating; thereby our efforts to provide a clean, loving and serene environment are healing – a blessing from the doer to the home’s inhabitants – and palpable to all.