Belated spring cleaning, and godliness

If you’re like me, your spring cleaning comes in fits and spurts rather than as a single, big-push effort. So here it is, eleven days into May, and I’ve still got a good bit left to do.

The old adage says, “Cleanliness is next to godliness.” I’m not sure exactly what that’s supposed to mean, considering that some of the neatest, cleanest people I know have also been royal anal pains that I wouldn’t necessarily classify as “divine.”

But there is something relaxing and soothing about being in a space that is clean and free from clutter. There’s an openness in such homes, where you feel better able to take a deep breath, to ponder deep thoughts, or to go deep into meditation.

My place, unfortunately, is not one of those homes. Not right now, anyway.

Several years ago, I picked up a book called, “Clean House, Clean Planet” by Karen Logan. It’s filled with household cleaning tips and recipes using everything from baking soda and olive oil to white vinegar and lemon juice. These make-at-home cleansers not only smell great and are non-toxic, but they’re more economical than commercial cleaners, too.

My copy of Logan’s book is heavily dog-eared, marking recipes for toilet bowl cleaners, insect repellants, soap sprays and carpet cleaners/deodorizers. I suppose if I’m ever feeling particularly “ungodly,” I can take that old adage to heart, reach for Logan’s book, and get busy green-cleaning my condo.

(If you don’t have the time or inclination to make your own green-cleaning products, there are a host of eco-friendly alternatives on store shelves. Trader Joe’s even has a line called — you guess it! — Next to Godliness.)

Ostara

Walking the dog this morning, I was struck by the suddenly mild temperatures, the birds singing just past dawn and the light fragrance of honeysuckle on the air. Within a few minutes, I had a gentle smile on my face and wondered why I don’t spend even more time outdoors. No matter what may be going wrong in my world, a simple walk around the neighborhood — in the company of trees, ravens and squirrels — always makes me feel better.

I’d forgotten that today is the Vernal Equinox — when light and dark are said to be equal — and this pleasant stroll seemed the perfect way to begin Ostara, the Pagan holiday marking the renewal of the Earth each year.

As one of the quarters of the year, the Vernal Equinox is a great time to do periodic chores around the house — from turning the mattress to clearing out cobwebs. You can give your home an excellent spring cleaning without the use of potentially toxic commercial cleansers. Tried-and-true agents baking soda, vinegar and water will get the job done and leave your home feeling and smelling fresh and clean without artificial fragrances.

(If you do like a bit of fragrance, add a few drops of essential oil to your home-made cleansers.)

Smudging is another fine way to clear out the mustiness of winter when it’s time to open up the house in spring. Smudge sticks are made with dried sage, sweetgrass and other herbs that are tied together into a bundle. The smudge stick — or smudge wand — acts like a large stick of incense that you can carry with you to literally “smoke out” the stagnation of winter from the corners and recesses of your home.

Smudging is also appropriate for blessing new homes and new enterprises — another perfect fit for spring, the season of new beginnings.

There’s lots to be done outside the house as well. Gardening and fence repair are usual favorites, but don’t forget the world that lies beyond your property bounds. For many, this is the beginning of recreational hiking season. Trekking through the woods and other wild areas is a great way to appreciate nature and keep your body healthy and strong, but even normal wear on trails can take a toll.

I keep meaning to volunteer for a trail repair project close to home — Portland has Forest Park, home to abundant wildlife, natural areas and the 30-mile Wildwood hiking trail — but haven’t been able to fit these programs into my schedule. Today, Ostara is the perfect time to put trail maintenance into my calendar now, before my time fills up with other activities and obligations.

Be sure to visit Míchealín Daugherty’s Ostara page for more great ideas on how to incorporate concern for the environment into your holiday festivities.