MARCHING TOWARD SPRING - THE ART OF OSOGI
Japanese "Spring Cleaning", the biggest cleaning of the year, is called Osoji. This practice welcomes in a fresh new year. Osoji, focuses on dirt and clutter, but also negative energy and the burdens of the past year. It reflects values of order, cleanliness, and belief that a fresh, tidy space invites good fortune, prosperity, and blessings for the New Year. It offers a moment to reflect on the past, release what no longer serves us, and make room for new opportunities in the year ahead.
Now that winter is almost over, I have noticed my tulips have already emerged and are in a holding pattern. I seem to get in a holding pattern this time of year too. The snow (or lack of) and the flat, gray sky often make me feel like hibernating. However, this is the time to create my own Osoji.
There are things I never finished last year (sometimes never started!). After reviewing my previous list, I take a walk around the house and property to visualize how my yard and garden will look, see what I may have overlooked, and possibly find some new issues that winter brought to light.
Even if you are not a gardener, there is always spring clean up and plenty of projects around the home that you might want or need help with. For example, I contacted Avista for a free energy audit and found several areas of my home that I can improve to minimize those rising utility costs. One of the biggest frustrations is finding people to help with jobs that are often too small for a contractor.
I used to do many projects myself, but my time and energy are at a premium.
Last year standing on a ladder to fix an overhead curtain rod was a challenge. Unfortunately, my friend suffered a shoulder and wrist fracture after a fall from just such a project. Another friend is overwhelmed with the mountains of papers and projects from her retirement as a teacher. Do we really want or need all that stuff? Going through it by yourself is time consuming, frustrating and frankly it’s hard to get motivated.
When you get rid of “stuff”, more seems to magically appear. Making your home more accessible, safer, and easier to manage or preparing to downsize, can be challenging especially with health issues or after the death of a loved one.
Whether you call it spring cleaning or Osoji, we can reset not just our homes, but our minds and spirits as well. Intentionally aligning with our surroundings and aspirations, invites the growth of prosperity, positivity, and balance into our lives. Join us to connect with local experts who can help with home cleaning, organization and home repairs at our next Geezer Forum:
“Organize Your Life - Senior Friendly Resources and More”
April 22nd, 1-2 pm at Lake City Senior Center - 916 N. Lakewood Drive , Coeur d Alene ID (208) 667-4628
The Forum, starts at 1 pm, is free and walk-ins are welcome.
If you would like to join us for lunch 12- 1 p.m., please call to reserve (60+ donation; under 60/$7 fee per meal)
If you would like to be a presenter or have a vendor table contact us at geezerforumcda@gmail.com. Also check out our Facebook group page Geezer Forum CDA. Previous Geezer Forum articles and updated “Travel Tips and Tricks for Seniors” are available for download at virginiataft.com Virginia Taft can be reached at virginiataftauthor@gmail.com
Taft is the author of “The Memory Box Journey - Capturing a Life Story” (Dream Seed Rising 2024) available on Amazon; audiobook on Audible
