How Early Morning Cleaning Signals an Internal Shift toward Balance

Newly cleaned drawer reflects my internal state.

When I opened the silverware drawer this morning, all the forks and spoons were gone—in the dishwasher. That left empty slots staring at me—very dirty, crumby, stained empty slots.

So at 5:45 a.m., with a burst of energy inspired from the unknown, I impulsively cleaned the silverware tray. Of course, once I had the container out of the drawer, I saw how dirty the drawer was, so I cleaned that, too.

What impels us at a given instant to take action? What leads us take up a task that would have been like moving mountains at an ordinary moment? What on earth is the meaning of cleaning the silverware drawer at the crack of dawn?

On one level, I believe I was experiencing contagious motivation. Having just completed 21 Days of Inspired Action with Louise Crooks, I’ve been witness to the decluttering sucess of group member Jackie Foskett. (Jackie is owner of Healing Hypnotherapy—maybe she’s been hypnotizing me!)  I apparently caught some of the decluttering bug.

Most likely, however, this external influence combined with an internal event. Our sudden actions, which sometimes appear impulsive or out of the blue, often reflect the energy shift that comes when an inner conflict moves towards resolution. Indeed, I’ve had a week of quandary, some worry, and the back-and-forth mental debate that accompanies an unresolved tough decision. But just last night as I was going to bed, I felt a mental and emotional shift. I had not been pondering or debating or writing about my concerns (in fact, the light was already out). But something inside of me was working on the problem, and I suddenly knew that I was working out a solution. I felt the inner balance that comes when I move from anxious indecision to clarity and balance.

I wasn’t thinking about my shift when I opened the silverware drawer this morning, but when I sprang into action, I understood that the energy was coming from some place within, a place that didn’t need to hold onto it any longer. When the energy was freed, it offered itself to me for immediate use. No debate, no “trying,” no forcing myself.

When external events support us and our internal process finds its path, we receive gifts of energy, clarity, and willingness. Today the silverware drawer, tomorrow…

Questions for Reflection:  Have you had experiences of energy coming “out of nowhere”? What contributes to your ability to take action after periods of struggle or inactivity? What do you notice inside yourself when you have a shift towards balance?

Writing Prompts: “Spontaneous energy comes to me when ______” (then keep writing); “I am best supported in taking action when ______” (then keep writing); “I can tell I’m moving toward balance when ______” (then keep writing).

Tagged as: 21 Days of Inspired Action, balance, Jackiet Foskett Healing Hypnotherapy, Louise Crooks, taking action