Clutter Clearing Redefined
From tedious to transformational, changing how we relate to stress and stuff.
When it comes to clutter clearing, there is clearing the traditional (read: tedious and onerous) way, and there is clearing the spacious, transformational way.
There’s the throw-it-out, use-it-or-lose-it approach, and there’s the slow-drip approach.
There’s binge clearing, and there’s conscious clearing.
After years of study, teaching, and personal experience on the subject, you can probably guess which camp I fall in.
I wrote about this in a recent post called “What is Clearing, Anyway?” (The link is below in case you missed it.) For now today, I offer you the Cliff’s Notes version…
Consider these distinctions:
Clearing is not just a finite task that you put on a to-do list and complete by a certain deadline. It can be an ongoing and revealing journey of self-discovery that starts where you are.
Clearing is not just about freeing up space. It can be a gentle process of freeing yourself — to the degree you’re willing to examine what holds you back and nourish what is calling you forward.
Clearing does not have to be something you squeeze into our life. It can be a way of life — a daily practice that promotes mindfulness, well-being, and letting go—one baby step at a time.
In short, clearing can be a process of draining you out, or drawing you out. You decide which might be more illuminating, and perhaps even fun.
Our clutter is the best teacher I know. Why not take advantage of its powers to wake us up and release old patterns once and for all?
Why not play the big game, the long game? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
What are you ready to slow-drip out of your life and invite in its place?
Ahhh 🏡
I have been following you for some time, Stephanie, and you nurture my soul with your thoughts. I have been on a unique clearing journey recently. Last summer I endeavored to whip my parents house into shape with full vitality and energy and was abruptly met with a "no, thank you". It was frustrating and if I was honest infuriating that they wouldn't accept my help. Fast forward to spring and I approached the task with a "I wouldn't want someone to just tell me what to get rid of" mindset and all has changed. My parents are accepting of my help and look forward to seeing me. It has been tedious (who takes six hours to clean off the kitchen counter?) as clearly any "clearing" stopped about 25 years ago. I approach the task with loving patience and a timer (no more than 3 hours at a time or everyone is exhausted). I feel we are meeting with success. The job is large but with love we can tackle it all and keep our relationship intact. Thanks for the inspiration.