Becoming an Inner Environmentalist

We are becoming more responsible for our planet by adopting environmentally conscious ways of living on Mother Earth in the fervent hope that she will thrive and continue to support us. But equally important to our lives is an increased awareness of the detrimental consequences of inner pollution, caused by self-condemnation, unsupportive relationships, exhausting schedules, unhealed emotional wounds, and a lack of spiritual conviction.

If we are to feel comforted rather than criticized and encouraged rather than futile, we must become an inner environmentalist, cleaning out unwanted feelings and clearing a space for health and wholeness. If your inner-pain is deep-seated and of long-standing, resulting from such traumatic experiences as incest or child abuse, please do not try to handle it alone. Find a therapist or friend who can compassionately and tolerantly stand by you as you courageously sort, discard, and heal unwanted feelings that are polluting your life.

As a small step towards cleaning and clearing, visualize your inner environment as a garage. Is it cluttered with the debris of old pain, impossible expectations, and devaluing assumptions? Is it polluted by the stench of resentment, envy, or self-condemnation? If so, begin to take out the trash! In your mind's eye, dispose of unwanted and outdated emotional rubbish in ways that feel the most freeing to you, even to the point of tearing down and rebuilding the entire garage if that seems to be the right thing to do. When you're finished, survey the newly cleaned or reconstructed garage and savor the order you have restored to it.

Always be reminded that no matter where our emotional garbage originated, it is our responsibility now to discard it, heal it, and free ourselves from it. It is possible, with commitment and courage, to become happy, healthy, and emotionally uncluttered.

Oh, yes! I am currently clearing space.