Last weekend at teacher training, our instructor, said something that has been stuck in my mind ever since: “Space is freedom, and freedom is love.” Simple? Yep. And I think that’s why I love that.
From the yogic standpoint, I take that to mean space in the body equals freedom in the body which translates to freedom in the mind. Have you ever had the feeling? The light and clear mind that follows a great yoga practice? And the contentment and appreciation (ahem, love) for yourself that often comes along with it too? I know I have on many occasions and that’s one of the many reasons I am grateful for my yoga practice.
Well, after a very nice and relaxing weekend, I came home and felt the urge to “create space” and de-clutter my physical surroundings…a little less yogic than the whole space in body and mind thought, but nonetheless, I think it holds true. There’s nothing better than an organized and de-cluttered space. Am I right?
I wish I had taken a before picture…but alas, all I have is the post-pictures from my 2 hour pantry cleaning session, complete with the purging of canned goods that had expired in 2003. Chicken noodle soup, anyone?
Say hello to our newly organized pantry.
Clearly our pantry is very small. Our house was built in the 1950’s and the kitchen is still in line to be remodeled. But beauty is on the inside right? Let’s take a look.
The top shelf has all the snacky stuff including some of my favorites like Mary’s Gone Crackers, organic almond butter, and delicious raw granola from Whole Foods. It also includes some Crystal Light, which I am mildly embarrassed to admit. However, there are four people living in this house including a very hungry 17 year old boy. He loves his pink lemonade! I, on the other hand, do not take part.
The second shelf is home to lots of our canned staples like beans, coconut milk, and pumpkin puree. And we also have an abundance of agave and honey…I guess the pantry was such a wreck before that we didn’t realize how much was in there! Oops Embarrassed
I picked that little white wire shelf up at Target this afternoon to create even more space. The Lazy Susan helps with the organization process too.
Next up, the grains shelf. My mom is actually allergic to wheat, and I too am realizing that I don’t digest gluten very well (but that’s a topic for a whole ‘nother post!). This shelf is home to lots of grains like quinoa, brown rice, and oats (gluten free ones!). Let’s call this one the carb cornern, yes? Wink Of course, we also have some regular ole’ pasta in there for the men of the house. Did I mention my family is Italian? Of course we have pasta in there!
Last and definitely least, the refined sugar and flour shelf. This one is the equivalent of the “junk drawer.” You know the one, where everyones spare change and crap from their pockets and purses gets dumped until they feel like dealing with it. Let’s just say that Aunt Jemima is gonna be lonely for a long time down there on that bottom shelf.
I must say that I feel a lot better knowing the pantry is clean and organized. I do a lot of cooking so much of my time is spent in the kitchen. It makes it a much better experience when everything is neat and organized.
Oh, and I may or may not have attacked the refrigerator too…
Note to self: Buy eggs.
I’m off to find something else to organize. Hope you had a great weekend!
