Don’t you just love it? Spring is in the air—the sun is shining brighter, the snow is melting, and the days are getting longer. There’s a certain energy that comes with this season—a sense of renewal, a fresh start, and the perfect opportunity to do some much-needed spring cleaning, both inside and out.
In yoga philosophy, there’s a beautiful concept that aligns perfectly with this season: Saucha. A Sanskrit term meaning purity or cleanliness, Saucha is one of the Niyamas—ethical principles outlined in the ancient Yoga Sutras. It encourages us to simplify our lives, clear out the clutter, and create space for clarity, lightness, and freedom. It’s not just about tidying up our physical surroundings but also about decluttering our minds and hearts.
Personally, I find it nearly impossible to focus when my space is messy. I can’t even start cooking unless the kitchen is clean. And winding down on a Friday evening? Forget about it—if the house is in chaos, so is my mind. That’s exactly why my sons have their designated chore night on Fridays (whether they like it or not!).
Can you relate? Do you find that your surroundings affect your mental clarity and overall sense of well-being? Maybe this season is the perfect time to embrace Saucha—to clear out what no longer serves you and step into spring feeling lighter, freer, and more at peace.
Everyone is different. Clutter really bothers some people, while for others, it’s no big deal. But one thing is certain— “stuff” takes up energy. The more you have, the more time and effort it requires—maintaining it, putting it away, remembering where it is. It all adds up. Too much “stuff” is simply exhausting! As Marie Kondo famously says, if it doesn’t spark joy, let it go. Make space for the things you truly appreciate and want to invest your energy in.
Embracing the principle of Saucha goes beyond just tidying our physical space. It also means taking a closer look at the thoughts, memories, and patterns we carry within. What are we holding on to that no longer serves us? Whether it’s material objects, relationships, or old stories we tell ourselves, everything we keep requires energy and leaves an imprint on us—physically, mentally, and emotionally.
To truly cleanse and refresh, we must be intentional about where our energy goes and recognize what we need to release.
Here are a few simple ways to practice Saucha this spring and invite more clarity into your life.
Take a moment for yourself—grab a warm cup of tea, find a quiet spot, and open your journal. Reflect on this list and consider what you can release to create more space in your body, mind, and physical surroundings.
Spring is the perfect time for a deep clean! Start by going through your clothes and donating anything you haven’t worn in the past year. Set aside a day to tidy up with joy—put on your favorite podcast or playlist, and enjoy the process of beautifying your space. When done with love and intention, cleaning becomes a ritual rather than a chore.
To keep things manageable, tackle small areas each day—sort through one junk drawer, organize a single shelf, or refresh your workspace. Doesn’t everything feel lighter when you have less clutter? And don’t forget to donate your unwanted items—what may seem like junk to you might be a treasure to someone else!
Decluttering isn’t just about letting go; it’s also about adding elements that bring purity and freshness into your space. Consider getting a beautiful houseplant to invite a little bit of nature indoors!
You are what you eat, so why not start by cleaning out your fridge and pantry? Toss anything expired or unused, and fill your kitchen with vibrant, colorful fruits and veggies. I love making my plate look like a work of art—it makes eating even more enjoyable! Try organizing your fridge in a way that feels inviting and inspires healthy choices.
Next, take a look at your bathroom and makeup drawers. Get rid of old makeup, creams, and products you haven’t used in a year. A great rule of thumb: when you buy something new, make a habit of discarding something old. Opt for clean, organic products that nourish your body from the inside out.
Try free-flow journaling with no restrictions. Set a timer for 10 minutes and write nonstop. Let your thoughts pour onto the page without judgment or expectation. This practice helps clear out mental clutter while increasing self-awareness.
Incorporate pranayama (breathwork) into your daily routine. Each breath is an opportunity to reset and refresh. Use your breath as a filter—releasing tension and inviting clarity with every inhale and exhale. If this is new for you, start with just five minutes of quiet, eyes closed, each morning. Or, take a yoga class and fully embrace the breathwork at the beginning and end. That’s the purpose of centering breaths and savasana—to bring stillness and clarity.
Saucha isn’t just about clearing physical clutter—it’s also about renewal in our connections. Take a moment to reach out to a friend you haven’t spent time with in a while. Meet for tea, take a yoga class together, or simply check in. Relationships, like gardens, need tending. Reaching out is like cultivating the soil, and spending quality time together is the nourishment that helps those connections grow.
Just as we declutter our physical space, it’s essential to clear out our digital world. Unsubscribe from unnecessary emails, organize your files, and take breaks from social media to reset your mind and focus on what truly matters.
If you’ve found yourself doom-scrolling lately or feeling lost in social media, set some healthy boundaries. Maybe try turning off your phone completely at night or switching it to airplane mode. I’ll be honest—I don’t think I could do it! But even something as simple as leaving your phone in the kitchen before bed can help create a sense of calm and separation.
These are just a few of my favorite tips for holistic spring cleaning! Remember, everything is a practice. Try some of these ideas, see what works for you, and take it one breath at a time.
Good luck! 💛
At Energie EnCorps, we’re passionate about teaching traditional yoga—going beyond just the physical postures to explore the deeper wisdom behind the practice. In each of our classes, we integrate ancient teachings to help you connect more fully with your practice, both on and off the mat.
Want to dive deeper on your own? Explore the 8 Limbs of Yoga or the Yoga Sutras to enrich your understanding. And if you’re looking for guidance, our teachers are always here to support you.
For even more insights into yoga philosophy, check out our Yoga Teacher Trainings and workshops. Whether you’re just beginning or ready to take your practice to the next level, we’re here to walk this journey with you.
Rozel Gonzales is the founder of Energie EnCorps, a Holistic Health and Wellness Center located in Montreal’s West Island. A devoted Ashtanga yoga practitioner, teacher, massage therapist, entrepreneur, and mother of three, Rozel left a successful corporate career in 2014 to follow her passion for wellness. Teaching since 1997 and deeply rooted in the Ashtanga tradition, she now leads the Energie EnCorps Yoga Teacher Training program, inspiring the next generation of instructors.
18 Place de la Triade #230, Pointe-Claire, Quebec, H9R 0A2 (514) 505-9642
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