I am in full-tilt boogie minimalist mode in my home. This past year has been an eye-opener to me on so many levels of my own awareness of self. And in cleaning out my own mental clutter, and allowing myself to just soak in the presence of what is, at that very moment…it’s allowed me to find a place of zen that is hard to describe.
As I look at my home, and the importance of that safe place, I see things with a new light. It’s amazing how much energy is in a space.
Positive or negative, our souls resonate the energy around us.
I’ve been learning about feng shui and how to really create the energy I want in our home – one of peace, contentment, rest, and restoration.
I was in a place yesterday trying to work. I couldn’t find supplies I needed, I felt constricted and hot, noises were overwhelming me and I felt myself quickly becoming irritated and tense. Clutter confines me. It can engulf me like waves of the senses that become too much for my body and mind to take.
Look at the ocean – the waves can be big and scary – they can completely engulf you and take you under. Yet when people go to a large, expansive beach – one that is free from crowds and umbrellas in the sand – an open beach with nothing but sand….I would say for most people, the first thing they feel is peace. It’s awe, rest, contentment, and calm. Even with the crashing waves close by, having a clear space void of clutter and chaos just instantly calms us.
Something as simple as a clear counter can do the same thing. Look at your kitchen counters. Are they clear or are there things lined up at every wall? Do you typically have to move stuff around to really have counter space for cooking?
Try completely clearing an area. Feel it empty. Be very intentional about what you put back in to it.
With every thing, simply ask yourself why are you keeping it?
- What is it’s significance?
- Can you hold the memory without the item?
- Is there someone else who would enjoy it?
- What would you be without this in your life? (hint – if the answer is, it doesn’t matter in the slightest, then chances are you should purge it).
It’s amazing how much clutter can affect your mood. I am all about sweet things that make a house feel like home – but sometimes less is so much more.
It allows your soul to breathe.
I think it really helps to have two boxes and a trash can. Chuck the broken things and the random scraps of paper and dust collectors. Have one box of things to donate. And those extra special things that take up space you need but are still so valuable to you – keep those as gifts for people. It’s awesome to have a “gift shop” area where you can pull things you already have as hostess gifts, birthday gifts, etc.
If you are feeling stress, tension, anxiety or any other emotion that is pulling you away from positivity in your life, take a look around you. Make sure you allow for open areas void of clutter in your home. Step outside and experience the openness nature can provide.
Allow yourself open spaces where your spirit can soar.
Where is your most peaceful place in your own home?