When you look at a bunch of clutter, what thoughts do you have? Starting this point in this article, before I answer that question, I’d like you to imagine yourself doing a task that you really enjoy doing. Happily look at yourself in that picture. Realize that you feel calm, relaxed and happy doing what you love the most.
A technique to not feel ashamed of the mess
Now while you are feeling very happy flying that kite or reading a book or just dancing to your favorite music or whatever, also notice what you are thinking. You’re thinking something like “Wow! This is FUN to do!” The main thing you are thinking about is that you LIKE what you are doing.
Now look at a bunch of mess. Then say something nice about yourself. Ignore any shameful thoughts or feelings. You could say something like this:
“I notice a lot of clutter. And the good thing about me is …………”
There, you impersonally described a lot of things. And you said something nice about yourself. Step by step, say something respectful and kind about yourself AND something impersonal about the mess. I ask you to clear your mind of thoughts of shame when you see disorder. Will you be willing to do that? If so, be kind to yourself.
Practice the Technique
Alright, here we go. Practice impersonally reporting a mess you see AND saying something nice about yourself. You could say something like this: “I see a lot of clutter. And I like who I am.”
How do you feel inside when you choose to impersonally express what you see AND say something nice about yourself? Good?
How does it work
Every human being thinks his own thoughts. In fact, we freely think whatever thoughts we think. Whatever you are feeling right now, it is because you are thinking a specific thought first. After thinking thoughts, we FEEL some effect in our physical bodies. So will you choose to think kindly of yourself? If so, you may feel better on the inside.
There is really no benefit to you if you tell yourself that you are embarrassed to work in a messy situation. Look at your past habit of picking up clutter. Now, think of some progress that you enjoyed in a quiet moment. When a person INTENTIONALLY chooses to see PROGRESS, that person is more inclined to order again.
Keep encouraging yourself to clear yourself. If you found it difficult to do this exercise, you might consider getting help releasing emotional obstacles from a therapist or hypnotherapist who specializes in clutter and accumulation.
