How to Organize with Mindfulness
Now that you are clear on your unique organizing why, you are better equipped to determine how to organize mindfully. Your home is as unique to you as your fingerprints, and the objects you keep in your home are there for a reason. But some of these once logical reasons may no longer be helping you live your best life or be your best self!
Attachments to things might continue due to overwhelm, stress, guilt, shame or other uncomfortable feelings. This is very normal, and nothing to feel bad about. If you’re in such a situation (and let’s face it, almost ALL of us are at some time or other!) mindful organizing can help.
We encourage you to approach home organizing with gentleness. If you are constantly criticizing your efforts, you will be unable to see the progress you make. As humans we are wired to look for danger. This means that we have a tendency to focus on the negative rather than celebrating how far we’ve come.
“Mindful organization” means that you are doing more than just surface tidying. You are compassionately exploring the deep reasons why you have clutter and what it represents. In turn, the solutions you decide to enact will have a lasting effect. If you have a trusted friend who is non-judgmental and patient, they may be able to support you as you move through the layers of feelings that arise while organizing.
Be Clear About Your Vision
Use your organizing “whys” as a guide as you create a clear vision for your spaces.
A simple way to get in touch with your vision is to answer this question: When I say “organized,” what images, words or feelings come up for you? Write down a handful of the first words that come to you when you envision your organized space. If you respond best to images, draw your vision or express it in color or shape. The important thing is to capture the feelings you wish to experience in your organized life.
~ Inner Work Exercise ~
Grab something to write with and answer the following questions:
Imagine yourself standing at the door to your ideal space.
A. What do you see? List or draw a representation of things you love, appreciate, or find beautiful.
B. How does this vision of your new space make you feel? How would you like to feel: peaceful, buzzing with creativity, awash in productivity?
C. List at least 3 things that make you smile, chuckle, or feel grateful.
D. Identify areas that are not currently supporting your dreams and visions. What would need to change for you to have the experience and feelings you desire?
Your space CAN and SHOULD support and enhance your life, rather than detract from it.