Taming Your Stuff

Each time I’ve worked with a group in the last month the subject of “stuff” has come up. Although the topic for the group related to creating lasting, positive changes, what appeared was various inspired actions for those participating relating to clearing out, decluttering, reorganizing, releasing their “stuff”.

Although many people realize the value of a good Spring Cleaning, fewer follow their inspirations to enjoy the lightening up.

I’ve found that before the physical “stuff” can move on, I need to reconcile the energy of that “stuff”. Once I’ve made peace with the meaning I subconsciously was holding for my “stuff”, following through to releasing, reorganizing, or repurposing the “stuff” becomes easy, a relief even.

Is there something that stands between you and releasing some amount of “stuff” that is no longer useful to you? You might want to try this; ask yourself what a particular item means to you? You might find that you purchased something with a fantasy of what you would look like wearing it, or how it would look in your one-day, perfect living room. You might find that it belonged to someone you loved and you fear letting go of an item might mean disrespect or loss of their love?

Once you’ve found the quality or the essence of what you think this item holds, you can ask yourself whether that quality is really contained in that item, or whether that quality, the love, the fantasy, the respect actually exists of it’s own accord. Can you let the item go, but still embody the essence in yourself, carry it with you everywhere, independent of the “thing”?

Yes, this takes the process more deeply than if you simply applied the logic of “do I need this” or not to the task. You might find other memories, feelings and fears come up when you declutter in a deeply feeling, thoughtful way. It’s OK, be gentle with yourself. It’s a process. Notice as you work with letting things go consciously how much more considerate you are about taking on new “stuff”.

As you tame your stuff, if you find a trick that works particularly well for you, I would love it if you would describe that in the comments below. Perhaps it will encourage or inspire others. I think it a brave act indeed, to consciously declutter and open empty space to contain a new you!

Happy Spring my friends,

Deborah