Living simply is an art. It is very easy to be consumed with material things including belongings we work to pay for but have no time to enjoy. If your life is feeling cluttered or you are feeling stuck, consider embracing simplicity by adopting a mentality of “less is more.” When we have less, we have more time to enjoy the things we love and more space and energy to create abundance of wealth, health, and prosperity. But like any fine art, we must practice.
In my yoga classes I often recite the first yoga sutra:“chitta vritta nirodaha,” yoga is clearing out all the excess chatter that goes on in the mind. When we slow down the mind in our yoga practice we are able to think more clearly, focus on what is important, and treat our bodies and others with care and compassion. Think of this exercise as a yoga practice for your home and life. Clear out all the excess clutter that can occupy your time and energy, and open the door for what you really want in your life.
The ancient practice of Feng Shui teaches us that clutter blocks energy in our space. It can trap negative energy and prevent positive energy from entering. The effects can be felt in our physical and emotional bodies as well as in our careers, relationships and finances. If you experience a lot of anxiety, health issues, or want to lose weight, work on ridding your living spaces of clutter. It can be a fun and liberating experience – once you notice the benefits you might become slightly addicted to throwing things out!
When I moved into my 452 square foot yurt I had to get rid of a lot of stuff. Sorting through the boxes, closets, and rooms, I realized I had way too much of most things: clothing, kitchen items, shoes, even three violins! I was amazed at how much stuff I had that I really had no use for and hadn’t used in years. After removing it I felt freer.
For many people, decluttering can feel overwhelming. Where does one start? Take a good look around your main living areas. I recommend you use the following questions to evaluate your material possessions: Do I currently use, wear or need it? Do I have a strong emotional attachment to it? Have I used, worn, or needed it this year?
Kitchens are often overlooked as potential clutter-centers. Look through your cabinets and refrigerator, and throw out anything you haven’t used within a year or is past expiration. Give your cooking and baking supplies a once over; you don’t need four spatulas unless you are a professional chef and teach cooking classes. Next, take a look in your car. Is it neat and somewhat orderly or do you have trash and items strewn all about?
Keep those three questions in mind as you progress through your storage closets, bathrooms, guest rooms, drawers, and shelves: Do I currently use it? Do I have a strong emotional attachment to it? Have I needed it this year? If the answer is no to all three, let it go! While you work, clean and dust your space, which is beneficial for your physical health and immensely cleansing for your energetic body. Take note of the effects of this exercise in your life and continue to adopt this practice throughout the coming years. You may be surprised at what you make space for.
Clean up your diet and lifestyle and attract wealth, health and prosperity to your life. Need a little more guidance or have questions? Contact me at 304-640-7320 or eelyoga@gmail.com. Follow me on Facebook at Eel Yoga and eelyoga.com.
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