The Unbearable Heaviness of Clutter

2/19/2019

Last week, I heard from several friends and two clients that they'd watched at least one episode of Marie Kondo's new Netflix show that shows her coming into people's homes and helping them notice what sparks joy, and facilitating the decluttering, or, as she calls, tidying up process. It seems to have really struck a chord in Americans with certain means, kind of like the yoga-teacher-training-as-spiritual-path phenomena that I have noticed in the last seven years. It seems we are finding meaning from these activities that encourage simplicity and getting in touch with our inner selves in a quiet, acknowledging way. Mindfulness. Anyway, I was struck by a study done about clutter and stress. Here's the NY Times article that sums it up, with references to the actual studies done. Enjoy, and maybe you'll want to clean up a few piles around the house after you read it!
https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/03/well/mind/clutter-stress-procrastination-psychology.html

4 Comments

Amy
Halloran-Steiner

Licensed clinical social worker, McMinnville. Amy's worked as a chemical dependency counselor, school counselor, wilderness therapist and, for the last 15 years, has supported teens, adults, and families through her private practice. She leads a group of mindfulness practicioners in Yamhill County through weekly growth experiences. Amy's goal is to deepen healing and enhance wellness for all humans, no matter race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexuality, ability, income level or political orientation.

Christopher

8/21/2019 01:15:00 pm

An interesting perspective I agree with you that we need to hear people out and learn about their life experiences. I really appreciate your attitude in your blog about learning and keeping an open heart. At the same time are there things in society which we need to be closed off due to protect ourselves? This is the question I asked everyday. Not just how can I help this person today. Who will the person I'm helping be in 30 years? Yes certain groups have higher risk of suicide. If we give drugs to a drug addict aren't we simply enabling them? Where is the line I wonder sometimes.

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8/24/2021 03:55:31 am

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