Does Spring and warmer weather bring thoughts of cleaning out? You know “de-cluttering” all of that stuff that had been gathering over the winter. Our garage is my “clutter spot”. I can’t wait to get in there and clean out the mess.
Many would say that a cluttered space = a cluttered mind. I would have to agree because when my office is a HOT mess – I can’t work or even think about what needs to be done.
I love this visual:
Buddhists often refer to an overly-busy mind as the Monkey Mind. Our thoughts become like monkeys gone wild – running amok, swinging wildly from here to there, with the occasional temper tantrum, and pout. Why or how do we let this craziness happen? Here are some reasons that we get “monkey mind”:
- Unconscious procrastination (something we need to do but don’t want to)
- Feeling uncomfortable, frustrated, or angry about a situation or project
- Feeling overwhelmed (tons to do and simply doesn’t know where – or even how – to start)
- Habit (it’s a coping mechanism)
- The thing is, though, he recognizes that mental clutter leads him down this rabbit hole of stress and torment and away from focus, calm, and productivity.
Do you recognize when the monkeys have taken over and you are feel like you are in a rabbit hole of stress and torment?
So, how do we de-clutter our mind? Here are some tips:
A great list of ideas but if you are like me the biggest obstacle is to “LET IT GO”. Yes, I am sitting here humming the song to myself. The key is that we need to de-clutter our minds more often. As we approach the weekend with an endless list of chores, errands, incomplete work, or kids activities – take a moment to de-clutter. Make a list of all that needs to be done. Prioritize that list. Novel concept – ASK for help (that is part of letting go). Then be kind to yourself. I mean what is the worst that could happen if something on the list doesn’t get done – BE HONEST!
Deep breathing, yoga, long walks, running, swimming, or even meditation are magnificent ways to de-clutter your noggin’. This is also a great way to be kind to yourself. You will be surprised at how much focus and energy you have when you take some time to gain perspective an de-clutter.
So, who is ready to de-clutter their mind before the weekend? Share with us how you de-clutter or de-stress.
Have a ThirtyOne-derful day!
Hope Wissel 