As the leaves fall and the days grow shorter, there’s a quiet invitation in the air — an urge to clear, to tidy, to make space. It’s something I notice not just in my home, but in my body and mind too. Autumn brings with it a certain honesty — nature shows us, quite unapologetically, that it’s okay to release what’s no longer needed.
I often find myself mirroring this rhythm: cleaning out cupboards, letting go of clutter, recycling old jars from blends past, or finally tackling the dreaded drawer that’s been quietly haunting me all summer. But I’ve come to see that these simple acts aren’t really about organisation — they’re about energy.
When we clear physical space, we create emotional space too. The act of sweeping, sorting, or donating can become its own form of meditation — a way to honour the transition between the brightness of summer and the stillness of winter. It’s a small ritual of release, reminding us that we don’t need to carry everything forward. I’ve been going a bit cleaning and decluttering mad lately which is so weird as it’s normally something I avoid. But I think I’m just being drawn to letting go and creating a space I’m happy in also for the winter ahead, I’ve found it really beneficial mentally!
The Yogic Principle of Saucha
In yoga philosophy, the niyama Saucha — meaning purity or cleanliness — speaks directly to this practice of clearing. It isn’t just about physical tidiness; it’s about cultivating clarity in all aspects of our lives — body, mind, environment, and spirit. When we purify our surroundings, our habits, and even our thoughts, we create the space for prana (life force) to flow more freely.
Saucha invites us to notice what feels heavy or stagnant and to gently wash it away — not with harsh judgment or urgency, but with awareness and compassion. In the same way we might cleanse the body through breathwork or movement, we can cleanse our homes, our relationships, and our inner dialogue. This kind of clearing becomes an act of self-respect, a way to return to balance and simplicity.
The Emotional Weight of Clutter
Clutter isn’t just physical. It gathers in our minds, in our calendars, and even in our hearts. We hold on to commitments, expectations, and “shoulds” long after they’ve served their purpose. As winter approaches, the body naturally craves stillness, but our modern world often pulls us in the opposite direction — especially as Christmas looms.
The pressure to do, buy, decorate, and plan can so easily tip us into overwhelm. We can end up chasing a version of “perfect” that leaves us feeling drained rather than nourished. Sometimes the kindest thing we can do for ourselves — and those we love — is to pause and simplify.
Returning to Nature’s Pace
In nature, nothing blooms all year round. The trees don’t mourn their leaves; they release them, trusting in the cycle. There’s a quiet wisdom in that. This season encourages us to turn inward — to rest, to take stock, and to prepare gently for renewal when the light returns.
So perhaps, as you light candles and gather blankets, you might also look around and ask: What can I let go of?
It could be an overstuffed cupboard, an old habit, or even an expectation you’ve been holding onto. Clearing doesn’t have to mean minimalism — it means making space for what truly matters.
A Gentle Reminder for the Season Ahead
As Christmas approaches, try not to lose yourself in the noise of consumerism. There’s beauty in smallness — in handmade gifts, thoughtful gestures, or simply offering your time and presence. When we choose simplicity, we create room for connection, for gratitude, and for calm.
Autumn is our reminder that letting go is not loss — it’s preparation. By releasing what’s heavy, we make space to receive what’s next.
So clear your space, exhale deeply, and let this season guide you back to balance.
Stay Rooted,
Sally xx