I have written about decluttering and clearing before, and felt I needed to revisit the topic and add a bit more. That is; ‘the why’. Why are we doing this? The answer reminds me of when I teach people to meditate – they think they need to have a completely empty mind with no thoughts whatsoever to be successful at meditating. Nope, that’s not the point when we begin this practice. Part of why we meditate is to create some space in our busy monkey mind; space between the thoughts so we can actually think more clearly, perhaps sleep better as a result, and have more clarity in decision-making.
Therefore, decluttering and clearing our spaces is not about them being perfectly clean and tidy. They can still be messy! (Did I just hear a sigh of relief?) Just like meditations not being about a completely empty mind, decluttering is not about having a pristine clear space.
When we move the objects in our home and make space, we energetically make space for new things, ideas etc. to come into our lives. Think of how it feels when you rake the leaves and clean out your flowerbeds. You stand back proudly at your accomplishment, and you also have created space for the flowers and plants to get sunlight and grow unimpeded.
What can ‘bloom’ in your personal space and personal life
when you clean the clutter? It’s worth some thought.
Let’s reframe our thoughts around clearing and decluttering. A lot of people suggest doing a clean sweep of your home; purging and throwing things out. How many of us have done that and then regretted getting rid of the items you tossed aside? Oops. Too much, too fast right!
Let’s slow this process down and allow ourselves to mindfully work through the process of decluttering and clearing our spaces. Often less is more when we are making changes.
We often hear about the practice of Feng Shui when we discuss clearing out our living spaces:
“Unfortunately, Feng Shui has mingled with superstition.
Luckily, it’s easy to expose myths.
Don’t think ‘things’, think ‘energy.”
― Stefan Emunds
I suggest picking one room or area at a time and meander as you look through, sort and decide what to keep, move, or let go of. Feel good about your choices. This allows you to shift more slowly – and small changes are more likely to ‘stick’ than fast and furious ones. In this fast-paced world it feels good to slow it down – let yourself feel the changes occur.
I wish you an abundant spring season filled with much love, passion and adventure. As always I am here to support you in this life journey – and welcome your feedback.