Buddha's Four Secrets to help you Declutter
Have you ever wondered how Buddha might help you declutter? When I imagine the Buddha's closet first, I know there would be a sparse amount of clothing, and be generic in color. The traditional Buddhist dress is Kasaya robes. The robe's name relates to the customary dye colors of saffron or brown.
Second, Buddha's life is one of simplicity. The vow as a monk is to live with only your essentials for comfort. So it might be a stretch to consider the Buddha with overflowing closets of material items. This would go against the living in the middle, or middle way. In this manner, one is neither extremely self-depriving nor grossly indulgent. For now, we will picture a very full closet of Kasaya robes, sandals, and things that have collected over time.
When he opens the closet, the Buddha might see signals that he is floundering or even stuck. He notices a change in his demeanor and goes from happy to sad or finds anxiety building. Staring into this closet of stuff, Buddha feels uncertain about what to do next. This is a sure sign of being stuck, leading to increased feelings of hopelessness and sadness. Do you ever open a storage closet, cabinet drawer, garden shed, and feel the same way?
Could the Buddha be floundering rather than being stuck? Let's explore the difference. It's about knowing that something has to change but is not sure how. In this instance, one is floundering rather than stuck. Knowing you want to change but not knowing how to get it done is the first step is in getting unstuck.
I. Learn About Impermanence and Non-Attachment
Here's how the Buddha gets from messy closets to an enlightened one with some easy guidelines. From both the world of Feng Shui and Buddhism, there is a notion of Impermanence. This principle is that life is always changing, both for man/woman and inanimate objects. We first embrace the message that 'All things change' and accept Impermanence. Yes, change is difficult. This concept is one that we must work into our reality by allowing it into our mental and physical space.
Next, we want to look at Detachment, and in the spiritual realm, this is about letting go to live a life more full of joy. In the Buddhist world, we are not talking about owning little or nothing. Instead, it's about your relationship with your items and how they might have some power over you. If we attach a great deal of importance to objects, then this can lead to suffering.
II. Check Your Emotions
Get yourself ready for cleansing by first acknowledging that it's time to let go. It's acceptable to hold onto a few sentimental pieces. Set up some guidelines for this by limiting a set number of one item. For instance, Four, you might hold onto four of your favorite childhood t-shirts. Next, set aside all the rest in a separate pile. Ask yourself, "Can another worthy person enjoy this item as a donation?" Be willing to raise hard questions and give honest answers. Here will be your ongoing questions to revisit.
Do you need it? Is there something that you use very little that you can rent or borrow when you need it? Like an appliance dolly, extra-large duffel bag, or 20-piece punch bowl set.
Do you use it? Have you switched to an artificial Christmas tree? If so, it's time to get rid of the Christmas tree stand. Those old Apple phone charging cords can also go since you no longer have an iPhone 4.
Does it fit? The CDC observes that the average adult starts adding 1-2 pounds a year from the mid-20s until the mid-50s. Then, we begin to decline in weight again. There is no judgment on how and why we put on weight, but in reality, our clothes are not likely to fit over time. And in fact, when they do fit, your tastes have changed. So, does it fit your current style and body physique?
Does it still serve its purpose? Our life and lifestyle changes. There different cycles in our lives, including being single, married, family, and downsizing. So each of those phases calls for various items and components to make us happy and at ease. It's OK to say, "I needed that when I was single, but now I don't, so I'm ready to let it go."
III. Do Your Own Declutter
Do you know there are several popular decluttering methods available to learn? To highlight a few, there are ones that ask the question about love and joy (Marie Kondo). Another technique is one that focuses on 33 clothing items (Minimal Living). The last one is a challenging but instrumental concept. It focuses on keeping the things that loved ones want once you've passed away (Swedish Death Cleanse).
Right here, the Buddha might get stuck again, trying to decide how to declutter. The goal is simplicity and finding one that works for you. Here are two straightforward ones.
10-10-10 Method: Investigate your home for 10 things to donate. Next, find 10 things to throw away. Last, you will locate 10 things that you want to hold on to. The items that you want to keep, ensure each item has a place. Keep repeating the 10-10-10 method until you have made progress through your space.
Closet Hanger Experiment: This one happens to be a favorite of Oprah Winfrey. First, you remove the hanger and your clothing item from the closet rod. Now, reverse your hangers' direction, so the hook is facing you. As you wear a clothing piece, place your hanger the usual way into the closet. Next, set yourself the time frame of 30, 60, or 90 days. Mark this on your calendar or with a reminder on your phone. At the end of your test period – you will see what you wear and what you do not.
IV. Make a Commitment
Do you find that when you go to a new event with someone, you are more likely to show up and be present vs. trying it out solo? Have you ever used a "coach" to help you through tough decisions or tasks like a Life Coach or Spiritual Advisor? When we tackle something together, it feels less intimidating and more manageable. Apply these principles to your downsizing to achieve success.
Enlist a Declutter Partner: Ask a family member to help and work as a team or each tackle an area. Knowing that you have someone "cheering" will help you. If a loved one is not available to help you, hire an affordable professional organizer. Check places like Next Door, Task Rabbit, and CraigsList. Always ask for references and understand their billing rates before you begin.
Break It Down: Desmond Tutu is the one who said, "Eat an elephant one bite at a time." This is a reminder that sometimes it can appear to be daunting, but if you approach it a little at a time, it will work out. That's what you want to do inside your home. Let's tackle it a bite a time, corner by corner, wall by wall, and room by room. Don't stop until you have the whole elephant complete.
Set a Deadline: Plan a timeline by putting something on the line. Set up professional check-ins with a Design Coach to kick off, and do periodic check-ins as needed. Another fun deadline is to plan a reveal party for your significant other or friends. Either way, without an end date, you are likely to let it slip, it's named clutter for a reason.
Now that we have tackled the closet with Buddha, it's time to take a deep cleansing breath and slowly release it. As you move through the process of detaching, keep using deep cleansing breaths. Be aware and present to where you are today. Keep asking, "what you need to support your happiness without excessive greed?" Last, see how your body and soul feel the next time you walk into your cleansed room. You're likely to be full of joy!
