I struggle with clutter. Especially with paper.
For years, I’ve believed in the power of energetic flow in our living spaces; I even did Feng Shui consulting for a time. But through it all, I’ve been unable to deal with my pattern of holding on to things beyond their positive service in my life.
The challenge is not just the physical “stuff.” It also brings unnecessary complexity and confusion to my life. I know its entirely a privileged problem—and that makes it no less a problem!
After telling friends about my struggle with clutter, the Universe conspired to assist me. While shopping at Costco, I walked by the book display and saw: The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering, by Marie Kondo. Recognizing the synchronicity, I bought it and dug right in.
Here are 4 tips for decluttering, fresh and new for me, that I’m finding helpful:
- Sort by category instead of sorting by space. Instead of going through one clothing closet, sort all the clothes in your living space. Break down by category of clothing when time and energy require smaller chunks.
- Do it “all at once” instead of a little at a time. (“All at once” can be relative. The author says a new client can take 6 months to get through everything.) This is in opposition to the 9 things for 9 days, or one shelf or drawer per day kind of advice I’ve read, heard, and passed to others.
- Attack the categories in a particular order. Marie suggests: clothing, books, miscellany, papers—saving sentimental items until last. When you begin with the easier things, you increase your skill with “listening” to whether an item gives you joy or not.
- Instead of several criteria, use only one—Does this give me joy? Use the power center in your palms to discern. The connection to Reiki, the ancient Japanese art of healing, is profound. Marie says to handle each item as you sort, listening for the “yes,” or “no.” It’s a very intuitive process that takes you out of the usual arguing mind.
The goal is to be surrounded only by things you love. To me, that sounds blissful. I have one room that feels that way. I’d like it to be the whole house. I look forward to greater clarity and delight as I progress!
Coach’s Challenge: Do you struggle with clutter? Tune in to your hands. Choose 2 items. One that you love unequivocally, the other that represents a “should.” Hold one and listen, through your hands, to the feeling in your heart. Now the other. Discern the difference. This is your strongest sorting tool.
