Simple and Helpful Ways Marie Kondo Inspires Mindfulness not Minimalism

Many people have misunderstood the essence of the KonMari method. Marie Kondo’s philosophy inspires mindfulness not minimalism, though this is a by-product of owning only what brings you joy.

Dear Spirited Earthling,

Marie Kondo was introduced to most of us through her Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo (based on her book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up) and later her second Netflix show helps people organise their workspaces (Sparking Joy with Marie Kondo based on her book Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life). Tidying Up saw people declutter their homes and embrace a more minimalist lifestyle. However, many have misunderstood the true essence of her teachings. According to Kondo, her philosophy is not solely about minimalism, but rather it is about mindfulness.

While Marie Kondo's approach to decluttering and organising is often associated with minimalism due to its emphasis on getting rid of items that don't bring joy, her primary intention is to inspire mindfulness and intentionality in the way people approach their belongings and living spaces. The KonMari method, as it's called, encourages individuals to assess their possessions, keep only those items that spark joy, and let go of things that no longer serve them. It is a way to cultivate a sense of mindfulness and intentionality in our lives. By focusing on what brings us joy and discarding what no longer serves us, we can create a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

Through her KonMari Method, Kondo teaches her clients to approach their belongings with gratitude and respect, thanking each item for its service before letting it go. This practice fosters a deeper appreciation for the things we own and helps us to become more mindful consumers.

What is the Difference Between Mindfulness vs Minimalism?

Merriam Webster defines the two as:

• Mindfulness is (1) ‘the quality or state of being mindful’, (2) ‘the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.’

• Minimalism is ‘a style or technique (as in music, literature, or design) that is characterized by extreme spareness and simplicity.’

Marie Kondo’s message is not one of scarcity and limitations. It’s not about owning as little as possible. In Marie’s books, the message is about consciously choosing what to keep. (And perhaps this is the message that is lost a bit in the series).

“We should be choosing what we want to keep, not what we want to get rid of.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

6 Simple and Helpful Ways Marie Kondo Inspires Mindfulness, not Minimalism

Here are 6 simple and helpful ways Marie Kondo inspires mindfulness, not minimalism.

1. Surround Yourself with Things that Spark Joy

The catchphrase of the books and series is, does it spark joy? Asking yourself whether your possessions spark joy is an important part of the KonMari approach to decluttering and organising your home.

“Does this spark joy?” If it does, keep it. If not, dispose of it.” ~ Marie Kondo

Simply, the KonMari philosophy is that the things you own, the things you wear, and the art you look at should all add value to your life. Surrounding yourself with things that spark joy means there are reasons for happiness every day. You will radiate confidence when you feel beautiful and comfortable in your clothes and accessories. You will love being at home when it is a place that is calming and filled with joy-sparking things. You will see how lucky you are to be surrounded by it all, that you won't be longing for things you think you need because an advert told you so. 

"Now imagine yourself living in a space that contains only things that spark joy. Isn't this the lifestyle you dream of?" ~ Marie Kondo

2. Adopting an Attitude of Gratitude

Adopting an attitude of gratitude is of being thankful and appreciative of the good things in life. It is a mindset that involves acknowledging and expressing gratitude for the people, experiences, and things that bring joy and positivity into our lives, no matter how small they may be.

Research has shown that cultivating an attitude of gratitude can have numerous benefits for both mental and physical health. It can increase feelings of happiness and well-being, reduce stress and anxiety, improve sleep, and even boost the immune system. Additionally, expressing gratitude towards others can strengthen relationships and improve social connections.

Incorporating the attitude of gratitude into our daily lives can be as simple as keeping a gratitude journal, taking a moment to express thanks to someone who has helped us, or reflecting on the positive aspects of a challenging situation. By focusing on the good in your lives, you can shift your perspective to one of abundance and appreciation, leading to feeling happier, more optimistic, and fulfilled.

When you consciously and consistently focus on recognising and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, the things you surround yourself with hold more noticed value. Decluttering and organising your home are reminders of how much you have and have maybe taken for granted. Keeping only what is valuable to you (not monetarily speaking) fosters a deep appreciation for it. The KonMari philosophy is an example of being grateful for things that served you once, but not any longer – and with a grateful you can let it go or pass it on to someone who needs it now

“By acknowledging their contribution and letting them go with gratitude, you will be able to truly put the things you own, and your life, in order. In the end, all that will remain are the things that you really treasure.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

3. Letting Go is Okay and Necessary

Letting go of things can be incredibly challenging, even when you know its necessary for personal growth and well-being. It is to acknowledge your feelings and pause before continuing.

Letting go can be difficult because of emotional attachments to people, memories, and things. There may even be feelings of loss and grief (leaving behind something that holds history), fear of the unknown (uncertain of what life will look like after letting go) and holding onto hope (even when you’re simply courting potential). Maybe there is fear of external opinions and expectations, and even what these changes mean to your sense of self. For some of you, letting go can feel like giving up or admitting defeat.

Remember that history does not equal value, you will become more comfortable in your now expanded comfort zone, and know that the universe has your back when surrendering to divine timing. Aligning with your authentic self is more important than people’s opinions and perceived judgements – this is your life after all. Being tied to an identity can be limiting for personal growth because you can be so many wild and beautiful things at once. Letting go is a sign of strength and courage. It takes a lot of bravery to acknowledge when something isn’t working and to take the steps needed to move forward

“But when we really delve into the reasons for why we can’t let something go, there are only two: an attachment to the past or a fear for the future.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Acknowledging feelings is important. Sitting and spiralling in emotions can be debilitating. Sometimes, a simple thank you and goodbye can be somewhat healing in an unusual way. When something no longer serves you, it is okay to let it go with a grateful heart. You can apply this concept to so many aspects of life.

“The process of assessing how you feel about the things you own, identifying those that have fulfilled their purpose, expressing your gratitude, and bidding them farewell, is really about examining your inner self, a rite of passage to a new life.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

4. Respect Your Spaces

One of Marie Kondo’s signature practices is to greet each space when she enters it. She treats a person’s home as she does a Shinto Shrine. Greeting a space may seem like a small gesture, but it can have a big impact on the way you interact with your environment.

When you greet a space, you are acknowledging its presence and showing respect for it. This can help you develop a deeper connection to your surroundings and appreciate them more fully. Respect for your space is important because it can lead to a more positive and healthier environment, both physically and mentally. It can also help you feel more in control of your surroundings and create a sense of pride in your home or workspace.

The state of your environment can have a direct impact on your mental and emotional well-being. A clean, organized, and well-maintained space can promote a sense of calm, reduce stress, and improve your overall mood. A clutter-free and organised workspace can enhance your ability to concentrate and be productive. Additionally, maintaining a clean and hygienic space contributes to your physical health. Furthermore, taking care of your living and working spaces demonstrates self-respect. It shows that you value your own comfort and well-being. Cultivating habits of tidiness and organisation can spill over into other areas of your life, fostering a sense of discipline and responsibility

“Tidying is an opportunity to express appreciation for your home and all it does for you. Create a dialogue with your space – thank it for protecting and nurturing you – especially if you’re about to embark on a tidying marathon!” ~ Marie Kondo, KonMari Website

Ultimately, respecting your space is about recognizing the connection between your physical environment and your overall quality of life. It's an investment in your well-being, productivity, and the comfort of both you and those around you. Your home and workspaces are places for you to grow and thrive. Bring positive and grateful energy to the space daily. Set yourself up for success in your personal and professional life.

“The space in which we live should be for the person we are becoming now, not for the person we were in the past.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

5. Clarity Brings Peace and Confidence

Clarity in life can bring peace and confidence to your day-to-day routine. Decluttering can help you gain a sense of control and mastery over your environment. It can be a cathartic experience to let go of things that no longer serve you, and it can even free up mental space for other, more important things in your life. In some ways, clearing and cleaning your home can spark a clearing and cleaning of other aspects of life: your thoughts, feelings, and relationships.

“It’s a very strange phenomenon, but when we reduce what we own and essentially ‘detox’ our house, it has a detox effect on our bodies as well.” ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

Organising your belongings in a logical and efficient manner can also save you time and energy in the long run. Once you have a system in place, you can spend less time searching for lost items and more time focusing on the things that truly matter to you. Moreover, when your space is 'in order' or 'under control' you tend to have more confidence to do more and become more.

"Just because you dispose of something does not mean you give up past experiences or your identity. Through the process of selecting only those things that inspire joy, you can identify precisely what you love and what you need." ~ Marie Kondo, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing

6. Take a Moment

In an episode of Sparking Joy, we see Marie Kondo scheduling time for things that bring her joy, like slowly sipping tea. By taking the time to be present and mindful, you can cultivate a greater sense of calm and inner peace, and develop a deep appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the world around you.

In today's fast-paced world, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of daily life, and forget to take a step back and simply be in the moment. Practicing mindfulness involves being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction.

Mindfulness practices are not limited to forest bathing and journaling. When you’re working at your desk and sipping on a cup of coffee in an almost habitual motion (rather than an intentional act). Stop. Take a moment and breathe. On your next sip, actually taste the coffee and smell the coffee. You are This is a simple mindful practice you can do in any other situation.

The focus of the KonMari method is on cultivating a deeper connection with one's belongings, appreciating what one has, and creating a harmonious and organised environment. While this can lead to a reduction in the number of possessions for some people, the main goal is to encourage a more mindful and thoughtful relationship with the things in one's life. In conclusion, while minimalism may be a byproduct of Kondo's teachings, her true inspiration lies in the practice of mindfulness and intentionality. By embracing her philosophy, we can create more fulfilling lives and a more sustainable future.

Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.

As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.

Thank you for being part of this community.

Best wishes, warmest regards

Jordan

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Affirmation: I am grateful for all I have.

Word of the Day: Mindfulness (n) a mental state achieved by concentrating on the present moment, while calmly accepting the feelings and thoughts that come to you, used as a technique to help you relax.

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