A Home Cleanse

Here I am in a gorgeous house, surrounded by trees, birds fluttering about, brilliant sunsets… and I’m depressed. What’s wrong? Am I not meant to be here? I can’t believe I don’t belong in a place that has lit me up with joy and gratitude for years.

Do a cleanse, my life coach advises. A house cleanse! That’s the ticket! Fortunately I know just the person to consult-- my dear friend Germaine!

I call, expecting her to deliver a formula. But a true expert asks questions before doling out advice. “What’s the story?” she asks. What area is bothering me the most? 

Last time we did a home cleanse, she helped me burn sage to clear the air in an unfurnished rowhouse my fiancé and I were renting. This time is different. We are staying in my father-in-law’s country home in the Texas Hill Country. And while he no longer visits, it’s still his property. I’m using the middle room as my work area. One of the longer walls has floor-to-ceiling bookcases full of books, souvenirs and other objects collected over many decades. It feels heavy and static.

Germaine points out that we are caretakers, guardians, stewards. It’s our job to look after the objects, with respectful attentiveness. Germaine‘s instruction: Clean every book, wipe every surface, wash every object.

Section by section I work, touching books, souvenirs, memorabilia. Wiping away years of dust and spider legs. Sorting and grouping them, I become aware of beautiful books -- National Geographics, biographies, novels, art, local and world history.

Returning the sorted contents to their shelves, I create little tableaus. Each section, a special scene, a collection of books and related objects. Treats for the eye, views that lift my heart.

Dormant books and static memorabilia appear refreshed, bright and energized. My mood lifts. I feel joy again!