A KonMari approach to spark joy in your life

My t-shirt drawer, after using the KonMari method.

​The other day I introduced my partner Richard to the KonMari method as I offered to help tidy up his clothes closet.

If you’re not familiar with Marie Kondo, she has sparked a worldwide movement for decluttering and tidying up, as she describes the “KonMari” method in her book the life-changing magic of tidying up and her new Netflix show Tidying Up with Marie Kondo.

In a nutshell, the KonMari method invites you to approach different categories of things in your house, like clothes or books, and ask the central question, “Does this spark joy?”

As Marie Kondo teaches, you keep the things that spark joy, and you thank and let go of the things that don’t spark joy.

So here I was with Richard, going through each item in his closet, from collared shirts to suits to ties. Hist closet was packed and overflowing with clothes.

I asked him to hold the first item in his hands, a collared shirt, and to inquire within himself, “Does this spark joy?”

When he touched the shirt, he proclaimed, "Yes, this sparks joy!" So we lovingly placed it in the closet.

Next, he touched a worn shirt he had for years. "No," he exclaimed, "this doesn't spark joy." Immediately, he tossed it carelessly on the floor. 

I pleaded, “No! You have to first hold the shirt in your hands and thank it for blessing your life!”

At first he gave me a little side-eye, with a look that said “Am I really thanking my shirt???” But, he lovingly complied, thanking the shirt and carefully placing it on the floor.

(I’ll tell you, I really do love Richard for putting up with me sharing all my different techniques and learnings with him!)

After about an hour, with his closet all neatly organized with the items that sparked joy and cleared of those that didn’t, I asked him to tell me how he felt looking at his closet now.

“It looks great!” Richard said. “It feels so nice to have it organized like this, compared to how much of a mess it was before!”

Imagine if you opened up your closet and only saw all your favorite clothes. If you're like many people, I bet you would feel exhilarating!

As Marie Kondo encourages, “Keep only those things that speak to your heart. Then take the plunge and discard all the rest. By doing this, you can reset your life and embark on a new lifestyle.” 

Ultimately, the KonMari approach is a guide not only for how you can tidy up your home, but also for how you can live your everyday life.

Imagine if your life reflected experiences, activities and people that sparked joy for you, and you let the rest go.

With your work, how would you feel if you experienced passion and purpose in what you do?

With your relationships, how would you feel if you surrounded and infused your life with love, gratitude and deep connections?

With your health, how would you feel if you exuded vibrancy, power and intentionality?

For every area of your life, you can begin to uncover what joy looks like for you.

Here’s a simple first step:

Pick an area of your life or home, and ask yourself, “What does joy look like for me here?”

Example 1: If I picked an area of my life, I’ll pick my career. Joy looks like waking up, looking forward to work and seeing my co-workers. I feel like I’m making a difference. What I’m doing is purposeful, almost like being of service. I know that I’m using my skills and talents, and that I’m continually learning and growing.

Or here's another example.

Example 2: If I picked an area of my home, I’ll pick the kitchen. Joy looks like I’m cooking delicious meals. Joy also looks like I know where everything is, from spices to utensils to canned goods, and I can find them and access them easily. The kitchen is tidy with everything clean and put away. I also have the things on the counter that I use the most, like my coffee pot, and nothing else cluttering the space. My refrigerator contains nourishing foods and feels spacious enough for me to maintain freshness.

This step of asking what joy looks like for you is an important first step because you’re giving shape to your vision. 

Your vision is your destination, and it helps to reveal a roadmap for how you get from where you are to where your heart is leading you.

Behind today's lesson is this spiritual truth:

You are a being of joy, pure and simple. 

How are you being called to align your life and your surroundings with the joy that you already are? 

In other words, how can you step up your expression of joy today?

Like Richard experienced with his closet, Joy was already there. It was hidden amongst the things that had already served their purpose. He just needed to tune in to the Joy and let it guide him.

Here is an affirmation you can use this week to be in greater alignment with Joy:

Joy lives as an eternal spark within me. I allow Joy to express in every part of my life, and I lovingly let go of all that which has served its purpose. My life reflects the Joy that I am.

Abundant Blessings and Namaste.

I’d love to hear if your thoughts about today's post, and how you can spark joy in your life. Let me know by leaving a comment below.