Many of us are counting down the days until our next vacation. Some of us are even able to fly up to 17 hours to experience peace, but what exactly is the meaning of these getaways? It seems that our lives can be so hectic that we have to run away from them to create balance.
But why not create paradise at home for a balancing daily dose? Making your home a paradise and feeling balanced is a process that requires two parts to complement each other. What’s more, doing all of this without spending any money makes it doubly exciting.
There is “outside” work, which is active (i.e., cleaning your house) and “inside” work, which will take you to your core. As you explore the next five steps, move forward carefully and take time for both parties.
1. Get rid of everything you haven’t used in years
When we are in paradise, we feel free and unfettered. To create this feeling at home, we have to get rid of everything that we no longer use. This can be difficult for some of us, so try to start in one room (or area) at a time. Put on music, breathe, cry, do whatever it takes to let go of things. You know your limits, but a good rule of thumb to keep in mind is to only keep items that you have used in perhaps the last most recent years. Another tip is that you allow yourself to store only one or two souvenir swimsuits, and no more.
2. Only keep the things that make you happy
Now take an even deeper look at what’s left in your home and what it really is. Do certain photos, clothing, or collectibles trigger unpleasant memories? Everything in your house should reflect who you are NOW or at least be a positive attachment. When we are in paradise, we leave our “stories” behind and enjoy being present. A daily start reviewing what really has value and how you feel releasing negative mirrors is a great way to reclaim more of yourself.
3. Don’t think of it as a cleanse, but as a transformation
We rarely do clean when we go on vacation. Instead, we like the care and attention that someone else has taken for our stay. In your home, if you have resistance to cleaning, try to change your approach. Open all the windows, put on your rubber gloves, and give your home a good clean. Use sea salt mixed with lavender soap for bathtubs. Perfection is not the goal in this case, transformation is. As the famous Buddhist Master Thich Nhat Hanh once said, “Don’t leave drawers untouched, shed light everywhere.”
4. Establish routines at home that bring you peace
Establish a place in your home to feel peace: to meditate , breathe, stretch, or read things that motivate you to be better. What brings you the peace of each day? Setting aside a little time each day to tune in to it, it can make you feel blissful like you do on vacation (and at no cost). Remember, there is no right way to find peace; your trip will be for a lifetime and very personal.
5. Tune in to what excites you
What excites you when you are on vacation in paradise? Is it art, music, bright colors, or exotic foods? What can you do to get inspired in this way at home? Perhaps create an oasis in your bathroom, with seashells, potions, live houseplants , ocean colors, essential oils, and sponges. What about you? Do you have a secret creative passion?
Pay attention to your internal and external needs and spend time regularly seeking balance at home. Exploring yourself in this way can be so much fun.
