Last week seems like a month ago; there has been so much to process and navigate. I’ve also experienced a mental shift as I took time to reflect on what was going on around me and internally. I had planned on using a few articles and interviews from Marie Kondo to make suggestions about how to organize your day. However, after pausing, reading, and checking in, I’d like to take a step back before we get into that.
Whenever we face a time of great change, it’s important to do so mindfully, to take a moment and ask what we really want out of the situation that we face. On the weekend of March 14-15th, I wanted to reconnect to some long-term goals. I set these without understanding, at least to the extent that I do know now, how much life in the time of the Coronavirus would change. I continued to work on those goals during the next week, distracting myself with tasks and approaching my new found free time with zeal.
The following week, I started to notice a shift. I felt off, overwhelmed, and confused. The organized type that I am, I made a very long list. Fortunately, my yoga practice provides me with much-needed balance, so the list included self-care items, such as “practice yoga” and “cook”. I slowed down and recognized that I was thrown for a major loop, but immensely fortunate to have my husband and health. I took time to settle in and accept what this quiet time will mean for me and my tidying/yoga business. As Dr. Aisha Ahmad stated in a recent article in The Chronicle, “…acceptance…will allow us to reimagine ourselves in this new reality.” (I highly encourage you to read the article!)
I’ll share my current thoughts on how to organize your day like Marie Kondo.
Shift Your Mindset - Consider Developing a Tidy Mindset
The first step of the KonMari Method is to picture your ideal life and space -to spend time asking yourself what you want to do in your home and determine what you want to focus your time and energy on. I love talking about this variation on Carol Dweck’s growth mindset and sharing it with others during my workshops and in my sessions with clients. It’s so important to pause and ask yourself what a life that sparks joy looks like for you. If you aren’t a minimalist, then a minimalist lifestyle and home is not going to bring you joy. Focus on building a life that will make your heart sing.
Practice and Prioritize Self-Care
A March 20th New York Times article gives a glimpse at Marie’s daily schedule. My overall impression was how intentionally she has built self-care into her day. From starting her day with lighting incense, to daily walks or exercise (planking), to making home cooked meals for her family, she prioritizes self-care.I suggest and hope you will do the same. Find a morning ritual that involves a moment of fresh air and perhaps a few stretches or yoga poses. Make it a priority to start your day in a way that will fill you with positivity and the energy you need.
Work and Take Breaks
Marie’s daily schedule includes time for tea and meditation. Scott Sonenshein, co-author of Kondo’s upcoming book Joy of Work, states, “Figure out when you will work. Setting clear hours will help you keep your sanity. And take a break. Get up and stretch. Go for a short walk. The mind is still working, even when you’re not directly thinking about work.”
Practice Gratitude
Marie suggests, “As often as possible, seek out ways in which you can express gratitude or simply check-in with a coworker that allows you to hear and see the other person.”
Let’s start there.
If you are ready to tidy, I’m here but let’s focus on some self-care.
…acceptance…will allow us to reimagine ourselves in this new reality… ~Aisha Ahmad