This post was written by Courtney Snyder.
Cutting paper and painting wooden balls have been my forms of meditation. While my mind is busy serving my hands, it takes a break from my daily routine and worries. It is in these very moments, I find clarity and inspiration. Recently I’ve discovered that getting rid of clutter can also be meditative. Sorting, arranging and removing does wonders for the mind and spirit.
As I get rid of things, I’ve found that the following phrases keep me on track. Most can be applied to our psychological clutter as well.
- Start small. Do too much, too soon and it won’t last. Accept that bringing clarity to your spaces, like your mind, is a process that takes time.
- If it’s not useful, meaningful or something you love to look at, it’s clutter.
- If it’s clutter, once it’s gone, you’ll never miss it.
- If you think someday you might need that item you’ve never used; know that you can always get another.
- It doesn't matter how much you paid for it. Keeping it will cost you more.
- Start thinking paperless. When it comes to certain books, references, papers, events, etc. ask if the information is online or can be stored on your computer or back up files.
- Your out-a-here! Gone!! Good bye. Don’t let the door hit you in …. Okay so that’s not very Zen, but sometimes it can help to have a little anger at your clutter. It is, after all, getting in the way of your life.
- Make removing clutter and avoiding clutter part of your routine. Like exercise, it won’t last unless you do it regularly. Have a convenient place or two in your home to put things you’re getting rid of.
- Everything has its place. When you walk in the door, take an extra minute to make sure all the items in your arms get straight to their designated spot.
- Think twice (or three times) before letting something into your house. When thinking about buying something, ask, “Do I really need this and do I have a place for it?” If you’re replacing something be sure to actually get rid of the original item.
The present...It really is all we have.