Picture: Taj Mahal, I took this from Yamuna River side; architectural poetry.
Before the Wednesday evening class on Master’s Lessons there was a general discussion on the effect tidying was having on so many in the room. Not only was there more “clean energy” in the areas done, but the effect on having a clearer consciousness and an ability to focus on getting other things done in life was remarked on by all. There was an air of general excitement at the results being experienced.
This all started when I was talking with an aspirant who had years of frustration at getting a handle on clutter in her house and in her life. We made an agreement to work on de-cluttering our homes and creating last will and testaments as well as living wills for a power of attorney if unable to make decisions for our own medical care. Soon after our agreement Carla received a recommendation for Marie Kondo’s superb book on the Life Changing Magic of Tidying.
While for both this aspirant and I the tasks agreed upon are still a work in progress, we have both made, and continue to make, significant changes toward the agreed upon goals. The result: we feel encouraged, energized, and it has cleared the way for other projects to move forward that before seemed stuck in the mud.
I know there are some who came into this life with organizing and tidying skills well in place; keeping only those things which give you a spark of joy. For the rest of us, I highly encourage you to try out the methods described in this book; it is life changing.
There are many charming and spiritual aspects to Marie’s methods. She comes from Japan and is of the Shinto religion. It is from that perspective she speaks to the individual consciousness that exists in all things. One of her points of view is that everything you have desires to serve you; is in fact anxious to do so. When you put things in the closet and ignore them they are not allowed to fulfill their purpose. When you put them to use or pass them on to someone who will, then they find fulfillment.
Therefore there is nothing you have that is extraneous; everything has value and a desire to serve. If something has fulfilled its purpose for you, then pass it on and let it serve someone else. If its purpose in this life has been used up, then let it “die” gracefully and with gratitude. Marie points out that the spirit of that thing will then reincarnate as a new item so that it can renew its service to you.
What has become clear is that when your physical space is tidy and clean it manifests in your consciousness as pure energy and clarity. This attitude makes the work of tidying with joy intricately part of your spiritual practice.