Exploring Stuff
I was reading my Facebook feed a few days ago when I noticed a friend’s post. She said she was doing her yearly purge of stuff. She seemed positively delighted and joyful about it, offering up her possessions to any takers. She seemed to be dancing into the energy of potential less-ness. She lives lightly and letting go as a yearly ritual creates a path for her to do it.
There’s a deep wisdom to purging and I think she’s on to something. It is creating space for something new and vibrant to be birthed in the new year. She’s inspired me to gaze deeply into the small and large things that I surround and fill myself with. What are the things that are taking up physical space in my life? What are the emotions and thoughts that fill my heart and mind? After all, if something is holding a space, there’s no room for anything else there.
Ridding my life of excess will have to be taken in baby steps though. If I dive into this like I did when I decided to become vegan, my attempts will surely fail. Too much, too soon is not good. Take letting go in baby steps. Know what you really need.
But, the stuff that clutters my life goes beyond the things that fill my home, office, and life. My attachments are emotional, too – especially around love, security, fear, friendships, and emotional connection. There are also principles and cherished ideals that are a part of my bindings. What do I do there? They certainly need to be included…
Pull out the boxes and black sharpie for labeling. I’m going to need three.
First Box is Clearly Labeled, “Physical Stuff”
The exploration of these things is an easy first start. So, how to begin? I begin with questioning. Take it one piece at a time.
- How do I categorize things to make mindful decisions around them?
- What is this thing and why do I have it?
- Why am I attached to it?
- Will I be the same person without it?
- Will being without this or that thing change how I see myself or how I am in the world? A
- Am I ready to understand myself that well?
This process requires mindfulness. It asks that I look at each thing and see it authentically with purpose and intention. It requires that I ask myself, through each item, “Are you necessary? Are you in good condition? Are you whole? What do you add to my life?” For some, it requires that we go a bit deeper to an emotional connection – “What would my life be like without you?”. “Would I miss you?”
I find comfort in items that contribute to my comfort and make life easier. One easy first start is the collection of blankets I have for about every sitting surface in my home. Reduce the number to three. One for upstairs. One for downstairs. One for travel. Number reduced in half. Done!
An exciting shift begins. Suddenly the items in the keep pile are more alive. They are more intentional and meaningful just because of the process. Letting go feels good. I feel lighter.
Time to tackle the clothes closet.
Love this reminder to really look at all the physical stuff in my life and to let go of what no longer serves. Thanks for the suggestion of questions to ask as I evaluate each thing. I am amazed at how difficult this process is for me. And yet I love living in uncluttered space. It seems i have a fear of letting something go and then possibly needing it again someday. A few years ago when my husband and I downsized we got rid of so many things. It felt very freeing. But from time to time I think of something I wish I still had and it leaves me feeling frustrated.