Dwelling within a clean, clutter-free living space can do wonders in helping you to practice a mindful existence on a daily basis. Without the distractions caused by unfinished household projects, objects not placed in their proper positions and dusty surfaces or floors, you can focus your mind on fully appreciating each moment as it comes.
If you find yourself needing to clean and declutter your environment but are not sure how to begin the process, you will be pleased to know that mindfulness can play a role in creating an evolved living space as well as maintaining one. Use the following eight mindfulness-based tips when preparing your home to be peaceful, present and conducive to meditation.
1. Clean Without Judgment
You may be tempted to pass judgment, shame and disappointment on yourself when tackling a particularly messy area of your home, but do not let these emotions cloud your progress. Instead, utilize mindfulness techniques. Look at what needs to be done, observe the clutter or crumbs for what they are, tidy the space and then move on.
2. Respect Yours And Other Environments
Being mindful of not only your own living space but also that of others with whom you reside is an important philosophy to keep in mind. Respect others’ existence and desires by asking for their input before making decorative changes. Also, approach the issue of organizing someone else’s cluttered area with grace, tact and a non-judgmental tone.
3. Approach Your Tasks With Gratitude Not Dread
Feelings of dread regarding cleaning and sorting the contents of your home are somewhat natural, but when experienced in excess, this type of apprehension has a negative effect on a mindful attitude. Combat these destructive feelings by approaching your tasks with acceptance of your responsibilities and gratitude for the possessions that you are fortunate to own.
4. Clear Out Clutter To Stay In The Present
Clutter can easily tie you to the past, particularly if you are holding onto old items with little sentimental or material value. In other circumstances, collecting an abundance of items that you feel you may need someday gives the future an unhealthy power over your existence. Be mindful by focusing on household necessities that only hold importance in the present time.
5. Start Small When Focusing On Objects Or Areas
Whether you fear letting go of excess or are overwhelmed by the prospect of tackling large areas of unclean or disorganized space in your dwelling, the principle of starting small can put you on the path to living mindfully. Focus your energies on designated small spaces, one at a time, as you slowly work toward eliminating distracting elements from your home.
6. Embrace Simplicity And Minimalism
Living a simple existence with minimal material possessions is highly compatible to mindfulness as this scenario prevents your thoughts and attentions from straying into frivolous territory. Try this for yourself if you find that an abundance of furnishings, memorabilia, paperwork and other items are occupying your mind to the degree where concentrating on a mindful life is impossible.
Picturing a future living space free of clutter and grime can be detrimental if it causes you to cast judgments on the present state of your home, but the practice can also be helpful if you approach it from a positive, meditative perspective. Concentrate on the atmosphere of peace, acceptance and joy that a mindful environment will provide when engaging in meditation.
8. Stay Mindful Of Maintaining Your Efforts
Once you have created a calmer, cleaner and more focused living space for yourself and your family, use mindfulness to maintain your progress and prevent old negative habits from resurfacing. Experience and enjoy every area of your home, take in every accomplishment that you have achieved in your journey, and strive to keep your environment as present and real as it can be.
