Week 1
DECLUTTERING
Whilst in the home, we are surrounded by all our possessions, all the time. And, often, we find, there are too many of them.
According to James Wallman, a key problem within society is an anxiety caused by ‘stuffocation’ – the feeling of being oppressed by one’s overflowing heap of belongings. He places emphasis on experiences rather than possessions in satisfying us.
When we remove our attention from what we do and don’t possess, we are able to focus on the important things – such as our relationships and pursuance of passions, which allows us to look inwardly for satisfaction, rather than outwardly.
“My riches consist, not in the extent of my possessions, but in the fewness of my wants.”
– J.Brotherton
So today is about stripping back material possessions.
1.
Your challenge today is to simply make a start. Pick an item, a cupboard or an area to declutter and spend 15 minutes sorting it into ‘throw away’, ‘donate’ and ‘keep’. If you need inspiration, have a look at this checklist of things that can easily be reduced in your home.
15 minutes
2.
If you’d like a deeper dive into a mindful, introspective and forward-looking philosophy on tidying, familiarise yourself with Marie Kondo and read her article for more on the science of simplifying and organising.
3.
Still need convincing? Maybe this will inspire you:
