Make Your Own Space! Get your de-clutter on :)
Environment plays a huge part in our lives and overall well being. If you live in a messy space, filled with stuff and things that you don’t really need, your mind is probably full of unnecessary thoughts and messy as well. Some people say that they “can’t” practice yoga in their apartment or home because “it is too cluttered”. Well, then, de-clutter! Of course it is going to be difficult to clear your mind when your environment is anything but clear. Luckily, that is one thing that is super easy to remedy, and is completely in your control.
I love cleaning out spaces: closets, shelves, drawers, you name it: I like them streamlined and organized. No mess, no fuss: a place for everything, and everything in its place. If there is no room for something, make room or get rid of it or something else to create the space.
When Tara Stiles was moving, she posted a picture of herself carrying two pillows and a few bags with the caption: “This is how I move apartments. Travel light folks”. How cool is that? Can you imagine moving being no big deal? It was both eye opening and super inspiring to me: we really don’t need that many things. I got very excited at the prospect of streamlining my apartment so much that a move could be that easy :) . (Note: when living with another person, it isn’t always possible to get him or her on board with a no-extra-stuff-cluttering-my-environment policy, but I truly believe in leading by example, and hoping for the best!)
I am not telling you to throw away all of your favorite keepsakes, clothing and necessities, but let’s be real: we all go through phases. And, when we are out of said phases, we are left with a ton of stuff that is simply no longer of any use to us. Get rid of it! Donate it! One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. Look through your shelves, your drawers, your closets; and to the articles that you haven’t utilized in a year or more, ask yourself: do I need this? If the answer is no, free it up to someone who might need or want it. Do you really think that “one day” you “might” need a cord like that again? Or that someone “might” some day throw a theme party where you “maybe” could ever wear that dress to again? Be realistic. Getting rid of the extra stuff feels great – you feel lighter and can breathe deeper immediately with all of the space you create.
While you are at it, organize your kitchen- that is part of your environment as well. Are your cabinets full of old ingredients that you might “one day need” for some odd ball recipe? You just may want to check on those expiration dates. It makes it a whole lot easier to eat cleaner when your kitchen cabinets and fridge are clean and full of only delicious wholesome foods!
Create the environment that you want to live in. You have the ability to create space, do it! You will sleep better, be happier, and feel more relaxed. People do cleanses for the body all of the time, why not do a cleanse for the place that houses your body? If it feels overwhelming, take baby steps: start with your bedroom, and allow yourself a great night’s sleep in a clean, open room. I’m quite sure you will love it so much that it will extend to the rest of your environment in no time at all.
With a clean, clutter-free environment, a clean, clutter-free mind is possible, and very probable. Try it out. Let me know how it goes. Happy cleansing!
xx,
I cannot begin to express how happy this new organization system for my kitchen makes me :)
