Letting go of what no longer serves you is made easier when you know how to ‘spring-clean’ the soul. Take inventory of your emotional clutter, learn how to release what doesn’t serve you, and steps to make this a regular ritual.

Dear Spirited Earthling,

As the seasons change, many of us feel inspired to refresh our homes, clear out clutter and bring in new energy. Each of the seasons brings their own energy – winter calls for rest and preparation, spring welcomes new beginnings and action, summer says live fully and nurture growth, and autumn speaks of reaping and reflecting. So, what if you took that same energy and turned it inward? What if you used this time of change to declutter not just your physical spaces, but your mind, heart, and soul?

Spring cleaning isn’t just about tidying up for a new beginning, it's about creating space for what truly matters. As you remove physical things from your space (donate clothes you outgrew or let go of broken items), it is also a chance to release any emotional baggage, limiting beliefs, and habits that no longer serve you. (Of course this can be done at any time, in any season). Here’s how you can start your own “spring cleaning for the soul”.

woman standing outside smiling with her arms up looking content and free

How to Spring Clean for the Soul

1. Take Inventory of Your Emotional Clutter

Before taking inventory, let’s go over what emotional clutter is and how it accumulates. Emotional clutter refers to the unresolved feelings, thoughts, and experiences that accumulate over time and weigh you down. Just as physical clutter may fill your home with unnecessary items, emotional clutter fills your mind and heart with unnecessary baggage. It can include:

Past regrets or mistakes you can’t stop thinking about.
Unresolved anger or resentment toward others (or yourself).
Limiting beliefs like "I’m not good enough" or "I don’t deserve happiness."
Toxic relationships that drain your energy.
Unprocessed grief or trauma from past experiences.
Fear of the future or anxiety about things you can’t control.

Emotional clutter often manifests as stress, anxiety, fatigue, or a general feeling of being "stuck." It can cloud your judgment, sap your energy, and prevent you from living fully in the present and connecting with others. Remember, your personal wellness is made of different facets, all of which are interlinked. Therefore, emotional clutter may be a mental burden, but it can affect your overall wellbeing.

||"Clutter is not just physical stuff. It’s old ideas, toxic relationships, and bad habits. Clutter is anything that does not support your better self." ~ Eleanor Brownn ||

How Emotional Clutter Accumulates

As with any clutter, emotional clutter doesn’t necessarily happen overnight. It can gradually accumulate - often without you realising it - until it feels overwhelming.. Emotional clutter can accumulate when you:

1. Avoid Emotions

Many of us are taught to suppress or ignore our feelings, especially "negative" ones like anger, sadness, or fear. But emotions don’t just disappear when you push them down. Instead, they linger, creating a backlog of unprocessed feelings.

2. Hold onto the Past

Replaying past mistakes, conversations, regrets, or hurts keeps you tethered to moments you can’t change. This habit of dwelling on the past can prevent you from moving forward.

3. People-Pleasing and Poor Boundaries

Saying "yes" when you need to say "no," or prioritising others’ needs and approval over your own, can lead to resentment and emotional exhaustion. Over time, this builds up as emotional clutter.

4. Toxic Relationships

Relationships that are one-sided, manipulative, or draining can leave you feeling depleted. Even after these relationships end, the emotional residue can linger.

5. Unrealistic Expectations

Perfectionism or holding yourself to impossibly high standards can create a constant sense of failure or inadequacy, adding to your emotional load.

6. Trauma or Unresolved Grief

Painful experiences, especially those that haven’t been fully processed or healed, can leave emotional scars that continue to affect your daily life.

7. Overthinking and Worry

Ruminating on problems or catastrophising about the future can create mental clutter, making it hard to focus or find peace.

||"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection." ~ Buddha ||

woman stuck in a full closet of clothes, toys, and sports equipment

Taking Inventory of Emotional Clutter

Think of your mind as a closet. Over time, it becomes filled with clothes you never wear (old regrets, grudges, fears). These clothes not only take up space, they also make it harder to find what you really need. Once these clothes have been removed, you are able to see the things you do wear and have room for things that truly matter.

So, just as you’d sort through a messy closet or cupboard into what needs to be donated or thrown away, begin by taking inventory of what’s weighing you down. Pay attention to the stories you tell yourself about yourself. Think about your habits. It isn’t always easy to let go, even when its heavy stuff. Be gentle and ask yourself:

What thoughts or beliefs are holding me back?

Thoughts and beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’ll never succeed” are immensely limiting mindsets. Feeling underserving of love, grace, friendship, a clean environment reflect in your physical reality. These thought patterns and emotions will keep adding to your emotional clutter.

Are there relationships that drain my energy?

If you often feel unsupported and undervalued in a relationship, then it is probably time to distance yourself from it for a while. Remind yourself that history does not always equal value. Consider relationships that you may be holding onto out of obligation or fear of being alone and how they affect you. Any relationship (friendship and romantic) require equal effort. People evolve with their changing life circumstances and experiences, and that’s okay. Sometimes, friendships need to change with the evolution, and that’s okay.

Am I clinging to past mistakes or regrets?

Constantly replaying past mistakes and conversations or worrying endlessly about the future only keeps you ‘stuck’. Repeating scenarios in your head isn’t going to change the one that happened.

The way you speak to yourself, overthink, and the people you spend time are habits that you can begin to break. Write the answers down in a journal or on a notepad or speak aloud the answers. If you are not feeling empowered, inspired, or safe and your cup isn’t full after thinking something or spending time with someone, take inventory of this.

Listen to Your Mind, Body, and Soul

There is a reason why this blog focuses on wholesome personal growth – looking at the mind, body, and soul. The mind is powerful and drives growth, but it can get stuck in loops and being out of touch with emotions takes away from truly experiencing life. The soul is intuitive and feels deeply, but needs grounding and focus. And the beautiful body that carries the two holds the joy and trauma of this human experience. Finding some sort of balance and listening to all three will guide you in knowing what needs to be released and not.

So, when your mind is cluttered with built up emotions and feelings, let them be a compass, pointing you toward what is working and away from what isn’t. Check in with your body, because sometimes it knows things your mind hasn’t full processed. Ask yourself:

What makes me feel drained or heavy? (e.g., certain people, situations, or thoughts)
Do I feel tense, anxious, or uneasy when I think about a certain person, situation, or memory?
What brings me joy or lightness? (This helps you identify what to keep.)
Do I feel lighter or more at ease when I imagine letting something go?

If something or someone consistently leaves you feeling anxious, resentful, or exhausted, it’s a sign it might be time to let it go. When your mind, body, and soul are in sync, your inner voice (intuition) can be clearer. Sometimes, you just know who and what needs to go.

a lot of lights floating up into the sky, representing letting go

2. Release What No Longer Serves You

After taking stock of emotional clutter, it’s time to let it go. This phrase is said so often, but it can feel like an ambiguous, unactionable concept. So, what does releasing what no longer serves you look like, and how do you do it? Well, it could look like:

Forgiving yourself or others: Holding onto grudges or embarrassment and guilt keeps you feeling stuck. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself because it can provide some distance from the scenario.
Setting boundaries: If certain people or situations drain your energy, it’s okay to step back or say no. Prioritising your needs is an act of self-love and self-care that is necessary for a happier life.
Releasing limiting beliefs: Replace thoughts like “I’m not good enough” with empowering affirmations like “I am worthy of love and success” is a step towards rewiring your brain into positive thought patterns.
Letting go of toxic relationships: Distancing yourself or going no contact with people you have unhealthy relationships with takes courage and may be difficult, but it will be unbelievably worth it.

Releasing what no longer serves you, or letting go, can mean no longer letting some things define you or dictate your actions and reactions. This can take some time and practice, so with each step forward (regardless of how many steps back), keep reminding yourself that you are creating space for positivity, love, happiness, and all other good things in life.

man sitting in a park with a tree behind him meditating - eyes closed, legs criss crossed and palms up on his knees

3. Create Space for Growth

There is a physics concept attributed to Aristotle - horror vacui – that commonly translates to nature abhors a vacuum. The concept means that nature will fill a space; there are no naturally occurring empty spaces that aren’t being filled by surrounding material. This can become a philosophical concept that the soul also abhors a vacuum and will fill a space with surrounding material. When you have cleared a space of emotional baggage, limiting beliefs, and habits that no longer serve you – you make space for new, positive energy to fill it. Effectively, you are creating space for growth by:

Cultivating gratitude: Start a daily practice of noting what you’re thankful for. Gratitude shifts your focus to the abundance in your life.
Building new habits: Work on your self-discipline, change your mindset and self-narrative, find a morning and evening routine that works for you. Make time to move your body and meditate each day.
Exploring new passions: What have you always wanted to try? Now’s the time to take that class, start that hobby, or pursue that dream.
Nurturing your healthy relationships: Invest in connections that uplift and inspire you.
Speaking kindly to yourself: Notice when limiting beliefs and negative self-talk patterns arise, and immediately stop the thought. Tell yourself, “I’m not doing this anymore. I am choosing to believe in myself. I am choosing to love myself.” When you stop these thoughts, you allow space for positivity and inspiration.
Practising self-compassion: Along with speaking kindly to yourself, give yourself grace. There will be days that feel lighter and there will still be days that are heavy. This is a process and not a destination.

Listen to Nature Abhors a Vacuum

hand tilting to let the beach sand gradually fall back to the ground,

4. Make Cleaning for the Soul a Ritual

Consider making this a regular ritual, be it at the beginning of a new season, new week or month, or new life chapter. To make soul-cleaning a ritual, try these tips:

Set a regular time: Choose a specific time (e.g., Sunday evenings or the first day of each month) to check in with yourself.
Create a sacred space: Light a candle, play calming music, or sit in a cosy spot or an altar to make the practice feel special.
Keep it simple: You don’t need to spend hours, a simple 5 – 10 minutes can be powerful.
Be gentle with yourself: There’s no right or wrong way to do this. It’s about showing up and being honest with yourself.
Celebrate progress: Acknowledge the insights you gain and the things you let go of, no matter how small.

An Example Ritual

Here’s how you might structure a soul-cleaning ritual:

Meditate: Sit quietly for 5 minutes, focusing on your breath.
Reflect: Ask yourself the questions shared above.
Journal: Write down your thoughts and any action steps you want to take.
Release: Visualise letting go of what no longer serves you (e.g., imagine it floating away on a cloud, being carried off by a river, or cutting the cord linking you to it).
Set an Intention: Close with a positive affirmation or intention, like “I release what no longer serves me and welcome peace and growth.”

Thinking Meditation

This is a more internal, reflective practice where you sit quietly and ask yourself the questions in your mind. It’s a great option if you prefer a meditative or mindfulness-based approach.

How to Do It:

Find a quiet, comfortable space where you won’t be interrupted.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths to centre yourself.
Slowly ask yourself the questions shared above.
Sit with each question and notice what comes up - thoughts, feelings, or memories.
Don’t force answers; just observe and let the insights flow naturally.

Why It Works:

It helps you tune into your intuition and inner wisdom.
It’s a calming, grounding practice that can reduce stress.
It’s flexible, meaning you can do it anywhere, anytime.

Best For:

People who enjoy meditation or mindfulness practices.
Those who prefer to keep their reflections private and internal.
Quick check-ins when you don’t have time to journal.

Elemental Meditation

This is similar to the thinking meditation in that nothing is written down, but you can use the elements to help you let go:

Water flowing meditation: Imagine the water flowing over you, releasing the emotional baggage you’re carrying - this could be in the shower, sitting in a flowing river, or standing in the waves.
Wind meditation: Think about the negative thought patterns you are ready to let go of and as the wind blows across your body, visualise these thoughts being blown away as you feel lighter.
Earth meditation: As you sit and hold beach sand or soil in your hand, send your fears and frustrations to the earth in your hand. Gently tilt your palm and let it gradually fall from your palm, letting it represent you letting go of what doesn’t serve your highest good.
Fire meditation: Write down what you want to let go of and place it in the fire, watching it burn and release from you. Burn a smudge stick or Palo Santo and release any shame or embarrassment you’re carrying, cleansing in the smoke.

Journaling

This is a more active, tangible practice where you write down your thoughts and answers to the questions. It’s ideal if you like to process your emotions through writing or want a record of your progress.

How to Do It:

Set aside 10–15 minutes in a quiet space with a notebook or journal.
Write down the questions shared above.
Free-write your answers without overthinking or editing. Let your thoughts flow onto the page.
Reflect on what you’ve written. Look for patterns or recurring themes.

Why It Works:

Writing helps clarify your thoughts and emotions.
It creates a record of your journey, so you can track your growth over time.
It’s a concrete way to release emotions and gain insight.

Best For:

People who process thoughts better through writing.
Those who want to document their self-discovery journey.
Anyone who enjoys creative or expressive practices.

Whether you choose meditation, journaling, or a combination of both, the key is to make the practice your own. Shake it out of your body, sigh it out of your psyche, sing to clear your soul. The goal of a soul-cleaning ritual is to stop overthinking and to create a space where you can connect with yourself, let go of what’s holding you back, and move forward with clarity and purpose.

person lying on the grass blowing dandelions

Spring is a time of renewal, a reminder that even after the coldest, darkest winters, new life can bloom. By letting go of what no longer serves you, you create space for joy, peace, and growth. So, as you deep clean your home and organise your closets and cupboards, don’t forget to tend to your soul. After all, a clean home is wonderful, but a clear heart and mind? That’s where true transformation begins. What will you let go of this spring (or whichever season you’re in)? Share your thoughts in the comments below - I’d love to hear about your journey!

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to themselves and the world. It is written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life. This blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living. I deeply appreciate every read, share, and purchase.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

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What You Need To Know About The Art Of Spring-Cleaning The Soul