As the snow melts away and flowers begin to bloom, spring is the perfect time to do some much-needed cleaning.
There’s still a lot of snow on the ground where I live. It doesn’t feel like spring is here yet, but I’m starting to clean out some drawers and closets, letting go of what I no longer need or genuinely cherish.
In Sweden, a tradition known as dostadning translates to “death cleaning”—decluttering and simplifying your belongings so your loved ones won’t have to deal with them after you pass away. Some have referred to this process as “downsizing for death.”
While death cleaning might seem morbid, it can be a liberating and refreshing experience. By eliminating excess items, you can make room for new opportunities and experiences in your life. It also helps you become more mindful of the things you truly value and want to keep with you.
To begin your death-cleaning journey this spring, go through your possessions and ask yourself whether they bring you joy. If an item no longer serves a purpose or brings you happiness, let it go. Consider donating, selling, or recycling items in good condition.
It’s also important to think ahead and plan for what will happen to your belongings after you pass away—create a will and designate certain items for family members or friends. By taking care of this now, you can ensure that your loved ones aren’t burdened with sorting through your belongings during a difficult time.
In addition to clearing out physical clutter, spring is also a great time to do some mental decluttering—taking time to reflect on your goals and priorities and letting go of anything that no longer aligns with them. This mental decluttering can help you feel more focused on what truly matters.
I’ve reflected on my goals and priorities for Spring 2023, especially as they relate to my yoga offerings (April 8th – June 17th), and below is what I’ve planned:
Saturday 10-11 a.m. Morning Glow Vinyasa Flow
Monday 4:00-5:30 p.m. Yin, Yang & Restore
Tuesday 10-11 a.m. iRest Yoga Nidra Meditation
Tuesday 7-8 p.m. Gentle Vinyasa Flow
Wednesday 10-11 a.m. Gentle Yoga Flow
Wednesday 5:00-6:15 p.m. Ashtanga Vinyasa Flow
Thursday 1-3 p.m. Five Steps for Better Sleep
I’m fortunate that current and new class participants continue registering for my live, interactive, online sessions. They have no desire to return to in-person classes. Why? Here are some of the reasons:
Participants love the ease and convenience of practicing from home, the office, the cottage, and numerous travel destinations.
Live virtual yoga has become their favourite way to take classes. They can practice in their pyjamas and with their pets in the room (shout out to Gilbert and Lucy).
Participants also save money because they don’t have to drive to and from the yoga studio.
And during each live virtual class, they get individual attention with real-time feedback, just as they would attending in-person classes.
With this in mind, I’ve posted Spring 2023 details on my website. Click here to see the offerings.
Turning our attention back to dostadning, while death cleaning may seem daunting, it can be a valuable and rewarding experience. You can create a more peaceful and intentional life by simplifying your belongings and focusing on what truly matters.
And as the flowers bloom, the birds start to sing, and the weather warms up, there’s no better time to start decluttering than now.
With joy and gratitude,
Jeannine
P.S. Only two spots are left for the March 26th IN-PERSON restorative yoga workshop: Relax. Restore. Rejuvenate. Click here for more information.
