Organizing as a Mindfulness Practice

Your physical space and mental space are connected.

With smart phones and social media being a societal norm, we are constantly available and accessible at any time of day. While this has so many advancements, it has also advanced our dis-regulation and overwhelm. How many times a day do you feel frazzled or realize you are currently in the middle of several tasks?

Organizing and tidying has always been a way for me to regulate and center myself. I am present in my physical space and take the time to focus on each individual item. Plus, my space being calm and tidy impacts how I am feeling emotionally and helps me to better process my thoughts.

If you are noticing any of the signs of overwhelm, anxiety, or dis-regulation; how is your current space looking? Is it tidy or does it mirror your thoughts and feelings? In these moments, choose one area (ie your desktop or a bookshelf, one that is visible from your current location) and hold every item in your hands.

Notice the things that come up. Do you have feelings about the item? What are they? If there are no feelings, what is the purpose of that object? Even if you do not clear out a ton of space, being aware of each item and holding it in your hand brings you closer to understanding the impact it has on your wellbeing.

If you have the ability to clear some of those items, whether that is to move them to a place that makes more sense or releasing some of those items from your home, notice how your thoughts are flowing. Are they still bumping into one another in a frenzy or are they starting to float along a stream?

Practicing mindfulness in regards to your physical space can be a journey from acknowledging how the clutter impacts you to releasing anxiety when you bring more order into the room. If you are only ready for that first step, it is still progress! I hope that no matter what approach you take, you are able to take some deep breaths and be present in the physical space for even a few minutes.

Need a hand getting your space in order? Reach out!

Emily