Picture: Carla going through tops
More and more have worked on discarding those items that no longer bring them joy. There are some things that come up when doing so that I would like to comment on. One is the material from past classes I have given; what to do with handouts from those classes?
There are a few, like Carla, who will actually go back and review past class notes, study them and work to integrate them into their daily life. However, I know the reality is that those are few in number, no matter how well intentioned we may be.
The real value for many is the experience of the retreat or class itself; the insights, feelings, and upliftment that come at the time and immediately after. For many, the purpose is already fulfilled in just coming to such an event. While the handouts were very valuable at the time, that moment has come and gone and re-reading the material will not have the same effect as it did originally. If that describes you, then you may let them go.
This issue has come up for several aspirants, and it tugs at the heart and soul to think of discarding of these papers. The question that comes to mind is, “Am I being disloyal or disrespectful in thinking of getting rid of them?” Go inside, if you honestly feel the only reason for keeping them is guilt, then let them go. If you feel real joy in having them, then by all means keep them. You may always request a digital copy from Carla for any materials from any past class or retreat.
When you let go of anything it adds great meaning when you give gratitude for the service those materials rendered you and the experiences you had in the class. In India when a sacred image has been damaged and can no longer be the focus for worshipping Divine Consciousness then the image is taken to the Ganges, or some sacred river and submerged into the flowing stream. You might like to have a ceremony, give a moment of gratitude for how these materials served you at the time of the retreat with a hearfelt send-off.
Another issue that comes up for different ones is when very few items in possession give any joy. There is a recognition that he or she has brought things into the home for utilitarian reasons, but joy was not part of it. Now you may have filed some insurance papers or other items that should be kept, but you cannot say they give you joy, except in knowing you should have them. However there may be many things, such as clothes and furniture, that are in your home by choice, but you have no real love for them. Then the question comes, “Will I have anything, or enough, left if I get rid of all of this?”
It may require you to become creative when you let certain things go. You can make it fun and interesting to see how to get along without something by being innovative, which may make you feel more alive and less encumbered. To see unloved things leave lifts a burden from you and opens the way for more things to come; things that you will really love. It could be you just have too much darn stuff, and so much can go out the door that you do not ever miss; even if there is some fear beforehand that you can’t do without it.
There is no doubt about it, this is a purging. And there are those reporting that when they purge their house they also lose weight, have added clarity of mind, make decisions in other areas of life more easily, even have signs of physical purging similar to a fast. This is really fascinating and powerful stuff!
I hope you will join in the tidying fest and tell me of your own experiences. It is a great way to get the energy moving in your own life. If you feel stuck right now, I would be most interested to hear how it impacts you to thoroughly purge your home of anything that does not produce joy.
I continue to be impressed with Marie Kondo’s book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up, and I encourage you to read it even if you feel you are good at getting rid of things because of her know-how, the feeling and spirit that comes with her words, her well considered and deep knowledge of the subject, and her emphasis on more joy.