Cleaning up refers to working with the unconscious, repressed, or disowned parts of the psyche. This might include trauma, emotional wounds, unconscious drives and patterns (especially as they show up in relationships). This includes, but is not limited to, Carl Jung’s concept of the “shadow self.”

Practices like psychotherapy, parts work (ie. Internal Family Systems), and Somatic work (ie. Core Energetics) can all be helpful to recognize and integrate disowned parts of oneself.

While the motivation for engaging in waking up practices is almost invariably spiritual, the motivation for cleaning up isn’t necessarily spiritual. One may just want to have a better relationship with one’s family, or help in changing a repetitive pattern of behavior.