Walking into a room, or down a familiar street or neighborhood becomes so routine that the only thing we really notice are: obstacles in our path, cars in the street when we cross, and anything else that might affect our well being. Most everything is ignored because we expect things to be as they are.
Recently, some friends came to visit, and one from out-of-town, wanted to see my home, my latest paintings, and the town where I live after hearing much about its charm.
As we walked through the village, I noticed that the streets needed cleaning. It was the first time that I really saw how the 'charming' antique shops and many restaurants were dispersed between a variety of practical shops (shoemaker, laundromat). This was not new information – I was seeing the same village differently. The outing gave me a new sense of awareness. It was as if I was seeing everything from my friend's perspective and imaging how she was taking it all in.
As we toured through my house, it reminded me that we don't actually take much note of our environment. Walking into my bedroom, as if for the first time, became a VERY different experience. I noticed "the stuff" on my night table. I noticed some jewelry left out on my dresser.
When we stopped to look at some of the paintings, I was quite amazed when I saw my signature in the bottom corner. I was seeing the paintings as though through someone else's eyes, and I became so aware of the detail. Yet, I see these things EVERY day on a regular basis.
Recently, I pulled into my garage and a sense of presence woke me up as I noticed there was way too much clutter. It became a project starting with throwing things away, looking inside an old trunk (and then throwing it away), moving like items together on the shelf, and eventually sweeping the floor. It is not that I haven't done any of these things before. This time was different. I could actually sense the clutter. I am guessing that it was a problem long before that day, but pulling in as if for the first time, it totally captured my attention.
When a client mentioned that she was planning to sell her house she asked if I had any great advice. I said, "Walk into each room as if for the first time. Notice what draws your attention and what detracts from your looking around. Get rid of as much as possible. Take one room at a time and donate, sell, or throw things away."
There is an adage: "The more you get rid of, the more you open up the space for new things to come in." We've all heard this or a variation at some point.
Consistently each time I have gone into the 'clean up, get rid of' mode I get a flurry of new clients. At first, I didn't notice a correlation. After reflecting, I realize that it not only brings a feeling of liberation, in my case, it brings new clients.
This could be true about a relationship or anything else that you don't really have room for in your life because of the excess 'stuff' that is taking up unnecessary space. As a bonus, it frees up energy rather than subtly and subconsciously cluttering our minds which drains our energy.
INVITATION TO EXPERIMENT:
- What are you stepping over?
- What pile is lying in the corner of your room that needs to be sorted and put away?
- Is your laundry hanging out where you can see it?
- Are your closet doors left open?
- What does your desk look like?
- What would it be like to walk into a room as if for the first time?
Since it can seem daunting to tackle, pick one room (perhaps just one corner) and clean out everything that is unnecessary. When finished, walk in as if for the first time and look around. Notice if you feel a sense of freedom, relief, or some other satisfying feeling. You may be amazed and pleasantly surprised at what shows up soon after. You will never know until you try.
If you feel inclined, please let me know if you decide to go ahead and try this experiment. I would love to hear about your experiences. Your feedback and comments have been most welcomed:-) Keep them coming!!
Very best regards,
marion@lifecoachinggroup.com
© 2004-06. All rights reserved. Marion Franklin, www.lifecoachinggroup.com
Comments? Feedback? lllfeedback@lifecoachinggroup.com
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