By Isaac Lord, SHA Clutter Support Assistant
In a basic sense, human beings are like many other nest-making animals: our homes protect us and meet our needs, and we care for them in return. These patterns of care and protection change through the seasons and ask us, gently and continually: What do we, and our homes, need now? And now? And now?
Right this instant, we can answer firmly that summer is gone and winter is nearly upon us. For some of us, that means less time outside and more time inside for the next several months. What do our homes need to make this time easier and more comfortable? What has escaped our notice over the busier months of warm weather that might call to us now? Is there anything we can set up or attend to that will help make the dark and rainy days of winter a little brighter inside?
As you glance around your home, you might want to do any number of the following (no pressure at all, this is your nest!):
- Spend ten minutes clearing off a countertop for easier meal preparation as evenings grow darker.
- Set up a recurring weekly phone call with a friend or family member so you can help cheer one another up as the wet weather sets in.
- Prepare a seating area for easy lounging, with reading material or other entertainment, a light, a pillow and a blanket—just in case you need some extra rest and being in bed gets old.
- Wipe down the bathroom so that if you feel called to indulge in a hot shower on a cold day, it feels welcoming and ready for you.
- Take a peek into the depths of a closet or two. Is there anything lurking that is ready to go to its next home? Making room for new things in your life can also invite a fresh perspective.
- Take a moment to think about your windows. Is there anything you could move or put away to let in more light now that the harsh sun has retreated?
Our homes all look very different. Some are neat, some are messy, some are full and boisterous, and some are peaceful and airy. Some of us live with a few (or many!) other creatures, and some of us live alone. We may have neighbors audible through the walls or walking, flying or crawling past our windows.
As our world shifts slowly to the next phase in the circle of the year, our neighbors’ patterns change, and so do ours. May your home’s patterns for the next few months be kind and restorative to all the creatures who live inside it.
Room For Thoughts is a recurring column from SHA’s Clutter Support Team, sharing tips and ideas to help make your home more comfortable and welcoming. Have questions? Email us at cluttersupport@seattlehousing.org.