Cluttered Room, Cluttered Mind
Sometimes the physical surroundings, in which a person chooses to live, reveal what is going on with them mentally. For example, someone feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and anxious may be surrounded by stacks of papers, baskets of laundry, and piles of junk mail. The person must dig through this clutter to find what is needed or useful. This disarray adds to the confusion and stress that the person is already experiencing.
In therapy clients are encouraged to rid themselves of negative thought patterns and past issues that are cluttering their lives and holding them back from moving towards their goals. Many of these clients have found it helpful to set the stage for mental change by beginning to clear out useless items and junk at home or in their offices. By letting go of anything that is not truly useful, beautiful or meaningful, they are less stressed, more motivated and more likely to enjoy what they keep.
At first, clearing the mental clutter can be a difficult exercise. Letting go of “old stuff” sometimes involves remembering past experiences and relationships. Sometimes it brings up emotions such as anger or sadness. However, it is best to feel the feelings, and then imagine letting them go as you throw out what you no longer need. This process can be very healing. In general, cleaning is a good release for anger. Scrubbing, scouring, and throwing things into boxes while remembering something that angered you can be cathartic (a great release). You then free up mental space and physical room for positive thoughts and new objects that can be more inspirational and useful.
It is usually best to start with one area or room at a time. For example, get rid of all the junk mail on the hall table or clean out your closet. Get rid of clothes that no longer fit or that you have not worn in the last year. The reluctance to throw them out can be lessened by giving the items to charity so that someone else can enjoy them. A good motto is “When in doubt, get rid of it!” Sometimes it is helpful to have a friend with you to support your effort to part with the past. A friend can spur you on when you are feeling weak or want to give up. Be sure to reward yourself when you are finished. Take yourself out for a treat: a night out or a massage works well. As you rid your room and your mind of clutter, you will probably gain momentum and experience a new sense of clarity, space, and freedom.