Clutter Fluster
Since I embarked on this month-long Fast & ‘De-clutter’ program, it’s been increasingly clear to me – that clutter (in all forms) is insidious, toxic and life-draining.
It takes a major event – to have things show up clearly.
One of the most profound learning experiences – was a recent house-move at the end of the month.
During the move, things were brought out, moved and brought over. There were things to be done. There were things that we felt. And they were all overwhelming.
The clutter of material things – in this case – seemed to be the root of much frustration. At least that was how I interpreted the situation.
Clutter: Freedom & Frustration
Material things are visible, and they take up physical space. They restrict movement, and they create invisible tension in the home.
Clutter in the gut – is no less immaterial. Similarly, toxin and waste restricts the healthy functioning of the gut; and as a result – the entire body, mind and spirit.
And we are at the effect of our own clutter. When material things cloud our vision; and toxin permeates our gut, we being unsuspecting victims to a range of emotions and sentiments – including frustration, helplessness and lack of freedom.
Insidiously Destroying Life & Relationships
On top of that, we severely underestimate the amount of energy required – to deal with ‘things’… things we love and treasure, things we feel obligated to keep, things that are unwelcome, and get in our way.
We severely underestimate the amount of time and energy that goes into the management of these things… from buying, to keeping, packing, organizing, storing and even talking about these things.
Aside: My wife, who is wonderfully wise, has always reminded me to “love people, not things”. Every time I start trying to protect my precious possessions from use, at the cost of the joys and freedoms of people in my life. And it is by these words, that I aim to make most of my decisions around ‘things’ these days.
My Goal: A Clutter-free Life
While I’m still far from living a life that’s marked by complete freedom from clutter – I have made it my goal – in every sense of the word:
To live a clutter-free life. One of minimal and necessary (as a distinction from want and coveting) consumption – in the things that I own, the food that I consume, and the content (news, books, social news) that I read. One of clear commitments, and clearly resolved commitments.
Meanwhile, here’s a ‘Final Report on my Fast’ – at the end of 30 days / 1 month
- Physiological / Health – Complete fast from meats, sweets/snacks/desserts, and alcohol for 4 weeks. (I broke that fast, with minimal consumption of meats on the 28th day – to celebrate the Lunar New Year festivities with family). Completed a 5-day juice-only fast, and wholistic cleanse / colon detox program.
- Material – Threw out a lot of things, before the house-move; and now, working on putting a bunch of things that have sentimental value in an external ‘self-storage’ facility.
- Mental – Abstained from reading social news-feeds (on Facebook and Instagram), and online news for 4 weeks.
- Relational – Cleared up some unresolved expectations, and unfulfilled commitments. (And still working on it).
The Commitment to Write & Publish Daily
Additionally, I committed to blogging every day this year. Today, on the 30th day of January, I’ve published 19 articles (including this) – missing 11 of the 30 days. That’s a 63% completion rate.
I’m sufficiently satisfied with the reflection that has gone into my (this) online journal/log; and I’ve captured every other (unpublished) lesson in my paper notebook. This has been a month-long practice of mindful living, and I’m completely satisfied with the consistency of publishing, and more importantly – the depth of thinking, and the joy of writing.
Concluding January
This month has been amazing. It wasn’t like I was walking on air the whole time. The stress of running a business and being a parent to two young children is still very present. But somehow, I feel a lot more equipped with the habits formed in the last 30 days.
What’s next? I certainly want to maintain many aspects of this month-long discipline (of mindful living, and de-cluttering of my ‘life’ as a whole). Perhaps tonight, I’ll write an update to my ‘Now’ Page.
