Cleaning Tradition
In this middle of the national events this week, in a sense of loss of control, I found myself cleaning. There is something that I find deeply comforting to having a clean space. I like knowing where my things are, I feel at ease when I walk into a clean room, and it is also a sensory experience for me. When I feel something grimy, I feel grimy. I am that full on weirdo that will clean people’s houses when I come to visit. Whenever I have office work or school work to do, I always clean my space in order to clear my head.
Beyond my personal experience, there are many tested theories that speak to the benefits of having a clean space. Things like, you will actually know what you have in your space, you save time because you know where things are, when your space is organized your thoughts are organized, you will be more social because you will feel more comfortable inviting people to your space, your physical, emotional and mental health will improve, and it will be a safe space for animals and children.
It can also be a cathartic experience purging yourself of things that you do not need. Marie Kondo has made a fortune touting this very theory (I highly recommend her book and show on Netflix). There is something so satisfying to throwing out all the expired medicine in the bathroom, or getting rid of clothes that don't fit anymore, or purging the memorials of love that has fizzled out. Create a physical space that inspires you, brings you joy, and makes you feel comfortable.
Taking this theory into the realm of Neuro Diverse is a game changer. We each have a physical body. And for many of us our physical experience to something is linked to when our body comes into contact to something. For individuals with different Neuro Diverse needs their physical being extends into their whole surrounding space. People who are sensory sensitive can often feel attacked by the world at large with each passing moment and a messy room can be a real nightmare to them. And here is the real twist: they may not even notice it! They may not be able to connect to the idea that the physical space is uncomfortable for them, we on the outside may just be witnessing a notable shift in behavior.
An example: I used to live and work with a man who was clearly a product of his surroundings. Every week with a support person he would clean his room. I noticed over the span of a few weeks that he was becoming more obstinate, had lost his capacity to be flexible, and though generally of a sunny disposition was becoming dark and moody. On the surface that was no reason for this shift. His schedule had stayed the same, as had his diet, there were no holidays on the horizon to become anxious about, we hadn’t even changed any cleaning products in the house. So I went to his room with him sat on his bed and looked around.
Now it looked clean at first glance, there was no clutter, and it was clearly vacuumed. When I stood up and looked on top of his shelf, it was caked with dust, when I looked in the corners there were cobwebs, and when I opened his closet his clothes were not properly organized. So we played some music, and cleaned his room together. Let me tell you the next day he was his chipper, helpful, and loving self. A true testament to the power of cleaning.
So to end this, may you go forth with your cleaning rags and chemical free cleaning spray, and begin to clean and organize your life with a vigor. Knowing that you are commiting to your health and well being while cleaning (total side note I highly recommend singing or playing music while cleaning.)
It is no coincidence that there are phrases such as mental cobwebs, or a cluttered mind. If this is a topic that resonates with you and you want to explore it further, then please reach out so we can start you Mindful Tradition today. It could be for yourself or support for a member of your family, either way I am here to help.
