Australian Natural Health – June-July 2017

by reducing total possessions to a mere
number of 51.
But Fields Millburn and
Nicodemous are quick to point out
that there’s no set formula for the
removal of clutter; it’s a unique process
for everyone. While these extreme
examples are valuable in demonstrating
what a human being can comfortably
live with – and even without – it’s
not necessary for everyone. What is
necessary, however, is that we recognise
how compulsive consumption can be a
problem for our own happiness and the
planet’s future.

Determine what you treasure
There are gentler ways to initiate the
minimalism journey. Karen Kertesz, a
feng shui consultant at Emerald Space
(emeraldspace.com.au), believes that
the Marie Kondo approach of ‘sparking
joy’ in de-cluttering our living space
is a wonderful starting point to reveal
what is important to us.
“As you begin approaching
minimalism within your home, look
at it from an energy point of view and
there’s really only one thing to ask:
does this item uplift me or does it not?”
explains Kertesz.

What can get in the way of the de-
cluttering process is breaking through
the emotional attachment to items.
Dresses worn on special occasions,
well-thumbed books bursting from our
bookshelves and gifts that were so well
intentioned and remind us of loved ones
are just some of the items we bring in
that are so difficult to remove.
“While it’s wonderful to have some
mementos from the past that remind
you of a beautiful time in your life, we
have to remember the item is not the
memory,” says Kertesz. “If the item isn’t

something that you truly treasure, it

will become a burden and stop you from

enjoying the rest of your home.”

Break through the emotion

barrier

As you begin your minimalism

endeavour throughout your home,

Kertesz recommends starting

with the items that bear the least

emotional attachments.

“Start with something easy, like your

wardrobe, so you can strengthen your

decision making on what uplifts you,” says

Kertesz. “You start to get practise with

your ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answers as to what to

keep, because either you wear the clothes

or you don’t, either they fit or they don’t.”

When you approach more

emotionally charged items, tune into

what you feel and whether the hold is

one that brings you happiness or one

that brings you down. Marie Kondo

goes so far as to recommend touching or

holding your items to best identify what

emotions are conjured.

“Think about your belongings

as being in your fan club,” Kertesz

It’s that sense of

achievement and

getting that control

back over the space that

is really empowering

for people.

80 | AUSTRALIAN NATURAL HEALTH naturalhealthmag.com.au