Transform Your Space, Transform Your Life: The Joy of Tidying

Welcome to MindfulMornings!

Today, we're exploring insights from Marie Kondo's influential book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up*. While tidying might seem like a simple household task, it's actually a powerful practice that can reshape your mornings, your mindset, and ultimately your life.

Today you'll learn about:

• The power of reverse tidying for a fresh start

• Creating a Sensory Ritual That Makes Coming Home a Joy

Here are 2 quotes, 2 tips, and 1 question to help you build healthy habits this week...

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2 Quotes

1. "The question of what you want to own is actually the question of how you want to live your life." - Marie Kondo

    

2. "When you put your house in order, you put your affairs and your past in order, too." - Marie Kondo

2 Tips

1) Reverse Tidying—Remove, Then Curate

Why:

Most of us were taught to tidy by “straightening up” or shifting things around. But real change starts by letting go, not just rearranging. By first emptying a space completely and only placing back what truly serves or delights us, we create an environment that matches our present needs and desires, not just old habits or clutter. This process helps bring mindful clarity, inviting a fresh sense of possibility each day.

Ready for a transformative step? Here’s how to try Reverse Tidying in your own home:

1. Pick One Small Area: 

   Start with a single drawer, a kitchen shelf, or one section of your closet. Don’t try to tackle the whole house - simplicity builds momentum.

    

2. Empty It Completely: 

   Take everything out. Place items on a clean surface where you can see them all together.

    

3. Clean the Space: 

   Before returning anything, wipe down or dust the now-empty area. Let it become a blank canvas.

    

4. Choose with Intention: 

   One by one, handle each item. Ask yourself: “Does this spark joy?” (a Kondo classic). Does its presence make you feel lighter, or is it kept out of duty or habit

    

5. Curate, Don’t Accumulate: 

   Only return those items that genuinely make daily life easier, happier, or more beautiful. Notice how it feels to say “no, thank you” to things that once filled the space.

    

6. Release What Remains: 

   Let go of the rest with gratitude - donate, recycle, or discard. Imagine each departure as making room for new experiences or simple calm.

    

7. Reflect on the Change: 
   Stand back and notice how the space feels now—lighter, clearer, and more nurturing.

Resources to support you: 

• Marie Kondo’s own book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up*, gives more insight into this process. For inspiration, you might also try creating “before and after” photos to remind yourself of how far you’ve come.

2) Perform a Sensory 'Welcome Home' Ritual

Why:

When you wake up or arrive from work, your home should greet you with joy, not overwhelm you with visual chaos or stale energy. But finding the motivation to tidy can be difficult.

Creating a sensory ritual after tidying transforms your space from merely "clean" to truly sacred. This practice signals to your nervous system that you're in a safe, nurturing environment, creating an association between tidying and peace and joy.

How:
After each tidying session, create a multi-sensory celebration that honors your newly organized space:

1. Light a candle: Choose a scent that represents renewal to you - perhaps lavender for calm, citrus for energy, or sandalwood for grounding. Let it burn for at least 15 minutes to truly transform the air.

    

2. Open windows: Even for just five minutes in cold weather, fresh air sweeps away stagnant energy. As you open them, take three deep breaths and imagine new possibilities flowing in.

    

3. Play uplifting music: Create a special "space blessing" playlist. Include songs that make you feel peaceful, grateful, or gently energized. Let the music fill every corner of the tidied area.

    

4. Use essential oils: Add a few drops of your favorite oil to a spray bottle with water. Lightly mist cushions, curtains, or the air itself. Peppermint awakens, rose comforts, and eucalyptus clarifies.

    

5. Touch each surface: Run your hand along clean counters, fluffed pillows, and organized shelves. This tactile connection helps you fully appreciate the transformation.

    

6. Speak gratitude: Whether silently or aloud, thank your space for sheltering you. Set an intention for how you want to feel in this room going forward.

    

7. Take a photo: Capture the beauty of your refreshed space. On challenging mornings, these images remind you of the peace that's possible.

Resources to support you:

• Book: The Little Book of Hygge* by Meik Wiking explores creating cozy, joyful spaces

• App: Spotify and Apple Music have pre-made "Peaceful Morning" playlists perfect for your sensory ritual.

This ritual transforms tidying from a chore into a practice of self-care that sparks joy and motivates you to create a welcoming space.

1 Question

What does an uncluttered mind or space make room for?

Take a few moments this week to reflect or journal on your answer. Sometimes, even one small “letting go” can unlock new energy, creativity, or peace.

Thanks for reading! We hope you find new space in your home, or your thoughts, for joy and renewal this week.

With gratitude,

MindfulMornings

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