Clutter in your home equals clutter (i.e. NOT harmony) in your life. Do you feel you are stagnating a bit? Are you having on-going problems with relationships, families and unresolved issues? Maybe you just have a vague feeling something is holding you back. I suggest you have a look around your home for some hints and tips, for example, do you have boxes and clutter on top of your wardrobe? Chances are you have unresolved issues within family and relationships too. Are you constantly tired and irritated particularly in the morning? Chances are you have storage stuff under your bed, more unresolved issues that you allow to affect not only your life but your rest. This is not a heal-all, but it is a start in the practice of making your surroundings work for you not against you.
Anyone who has heard of Feng Shui knows that clutter is bad: it blocks the free flow of Chi, life's essential energy which is in and all around everything on earth (and the universe for that matter). Now is the prefect time to follow those urges to get down to it and clear away the clutter in the home as a first step caring for you and your environment.
Anything in your house that you have not used in the last year should be given away. Giving things away is another way of keeping the energy flowing healthily. Please though make sure it is worthy of someone else's use. If it is dilapidated, cracked, worn or broken, chuck it in the bucket with a quick thank you for its past usefulness. Having been involved in collections and distribution for the victims of the Kosovo war, I can still feel the shame I felt at some of the truly awful clothes we offered these people. The chances are anything in a black plastic bag is there for a good reason. Recycle those old stained clothes for rags.
Keep only what is useful, essential or gives you pleasure. That does not include the skimpy dress you wore 20 years ago. Face it, its time is past and you don't need the physical item to cherish the memory. Nor do you need the constant reminder that you are never going to be that size again.
In our society we have become addicted to material possessions. There is nothing wrong with having things around you that make your life easier or you get sheer pleasure from.
Note though that collecting or accumulating material possessions can be used in place of security: the theory being, the more you have the more secure you feel. Just be aware if that is what you are doing. That doesn't mean you have to immediately give everything away - if you are using it as a form of security that would be like diving in the deep end of the pool when you can't swim. Simply be aware of the issues behind the need. When you are ready you can deal with it and as a natural progression you will no longer feel the need to build your hoard.
This natural progression will probably occur in stages, a bit at a time as you develop. I gave away all my jewelery to my niece and sister because I never wore any of it and I no longer need the security of owning it. These are the people who would inherit it should I die so it was a natural decision to pass it on now when they can get some pleasure from it.
It is as well to remember that it is all an illusion; the only real security is within yourself but you have to find that out for yourself.
As with life, you don't have to do it all at one time when you are clearing the clutter. Pick one corner, or one drawer to inspect and make it into a challenge of discovery rather than a chore to get through. Take time to live the memory the item brings, and then let it go. Every bit of clutter you hold onto will hold you back. Use this as an experiment in self-awareness. If you come across something you "really have to keep" ask yourself exactly why. Sit back on your heels there and then, try to calm you mind and get in touch of that part of yourself which demands retention of something you haven't used, worn or read in years.
When you have tidied one set of clutter sit back and enjoy it. Note how it makes you feel. You will feel lighter, less burdened and able to move on as the energy lightens in the house. PLUS glory in the sense of achievement when you clear away some of the clutter in your life. Rightly congratulate yourself on a job well done and sit back and note how good it makes you feel to free yourself in this way.
Of course there are things that you must keep like the cat's travel box or Christmas decorations. The trick here is to know exactly where they are, placed tidily in a cupboard. Unless you know exactly where to put your hands on something, it all disintegrates into clutter.
If you have ornaments, lamps etc which are useful or give you pleasure try moving them around. Put some away and bring others out. This keeps the energy from becoming stagnant.
Check out the corners.
We have the choice to make every aspect of our life an experience or a chore. If you approach cleaning house as an experience I guarantee you won't find it a chore. Actually - it's really all quite exciting!
