The Energy of Clutter

Recently I participated in an online workshop that focused on how clutter effects our energy. The hour-long session included a guided meditation, breath work, and setting affirmations. Although it might initially sound 'woo woo', the approach was actually quite practical.

Our workshop guide was Jane Hogan, a design engineer by trade who has been exploring the mind-body connection since being diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in 2016. Her aim is to implement a scientific approach to unite the body, breath, and mind to help people dealing with chronic pain and autoimmune disorders. To learn more, check out thewellnessengineer.com.

Concomitant with the meditation session, Jane offered this profundity:

"Clutter is the accumulation of energy that is no longer flowing."

It's so true. For all of us who've been there, we know how stifling clutter can be, how it can make things feel stagnant. The inertia that unaddressed clutter creates is heavy, which is probably why clearing it can feel so overwhelming.

Jane also mentioned that "Clutter is a symptom, not a cause." This struck me with the truth that holding on to clutter means that something, perhaps otherwise undetectable in our outward behavior, is manifesting. Sadness, grief, anger, fear, regret, anxiety ... usually these more difficult emotions are the root of holding on to things that no longer serve us. This is very different, of course, from keeping things that truly bring us joy. While the latter is done with openness and intention, the former is not.

Although some might view the acquiring, keeping, and clearing of clutter as an exchange of energy (or evidence thereof) as reductionist, I am intrigued by the idea. After all, isn't it the 'silent to-do list' produced by an excess of stuff that weighs us down and zaps our energy? Doesn't the idea of being intentional with our belongings help us feel energetic, and sets our creativity free?

If we truly believe that thoughts are powerful enough to shape the our view of the world, why wouldn't we consider what influences them the most ... the feelings and 'energy' created by our environment?

What do you think? How does the dynamic of holding onto or letting go of clutter affect our energy, and the energy within our home? Please let us know your thoughts in the comments!

A beach is the setting I chose for my guided meditation.

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