(excerpt from my upcoming book, Simple Enough: Create Space for What Matters.)
Can clearing clutter change the world? Maybe.
You’ve probably noticed simplicity is a hot topic that appears to be reaching a tipping point. Here are a couple reasons why.
We are drowning in clutter and information overload. People are overwhelmed, exhausted, and unhappy. Some are depressed, others anxious.
Life is not simple.
While more connected than ever with what’s happening around the world, we are possibly less connected than ever to our neighbors.
If you’re not overly busy, you might think something is wrong with you because…how can you possibly have a full life without a full calendar?
I’ve spent years as an over-achiever trying to unhook myself from this belief.
And what about our children? They are labeled hyperactive, when perhaps they are just reacting to an over-busy world, over-stimulated by all the choices and activities, not to mention sugar and processed foods.
I saw a 2-year old playing on a tablet at a restaurant the other day and wanted to cry. I see young people staring at their phones instead of the sky and cringe.
Then I do the exact same thing and cringe even more.
I know it sounds harsh, but this is part of the reality of our world, and it’s a big part of the reason I’m so passionate about helping you simplify your life. I really don’t care how organized you are. But if I can help you create a more spacious and meaningful life, we just might bring a bit more balance to an out-of-balance world.
Like many, I’ve faced cycles of depression and overwhelm from not knowing what to do about the state of the world. I’ve spent years trying to find something to care about after I’d burnt out from trying to change things from a place of overwhelm & obligation.
While my heart was breaking over some of the things happening in the world, it was simultaneously breaking open as I peeled away the layers of clutter and busyness and found a new kind of contribution that springs from overflow & inspiration.
Which brought me to another reality.
The one where we are called to quell the tide of craziness by saying NO to the excess and YES to a more sane way of living with less clutter & busyness, more space & meaning.
You’re here, so you are likely making a choice to slow down enough to get in touch with what you love and what might be missing from your over-full life.
This is what will change the world.
Clearing physical clutter might simplify your life, at least until it comes back again. The world changing will happen when enough of us clear our lives of the less essential so we can attend to the more.
More meaning. More connection. More contribution.
These are waiting beneath your clutter. You just need the right questions, and a bit of spacious thinking, to find them.
Find them @ 
You’ll love the simple eloquence of this unique combination of poetry and spiritual insight on the Art of Becoming.
Your words on we can change the world by simplifying our life is like a breath of fresh air. Yes, clearing clutter can be so freeing and create space in our lives. But isn’t what we most want to have space for MORE of what really matters? For me, that includes more meaning, service, and connection. This is a very important topic in our hyper-busy, complex world. Thanks Sor’a for sharing this beautiful excerpt from your book!
as they say in ‘simplicity talk’ … the ‘more’ of less!
Great post. I have been slowing down my thinking and my family’s life in general but have gotten away from being mindful of our physical clutter. Thank you so much Sora for this reminder
you’re welcome lovely Lisa … usually it’s the reverse! glad you’ve got the priorities in order. S
I love your reflection on clearing our lives so we can attend to the MORE…more meaning and more connection. When we are Present in the moment, without busyness, we open our “space” for more creativity and inspiration. We also experience meaningful moments of connection with others where we can share from our hearts and be of service. We become more fully aware of the beauty and the individuals around us so we can interact spontaneously and purposefully.
YES!!! So well Said, Kathy. I appreciate how you are doing just this, and opening your space for even more true service. Well listening, my friend.
I agree and applaud your putting this message out to the world. I shared with you the heartbreaking story of the infant (maybe 6-8 months old being entertained by his mother with a game on her tablet while the grandparents at the other end of the restaurant table were being ignored by that Childs older siblings who were both engrossed with their phones. When the food arrived and mom shut off the tablet the infant screamed and screamed until dad took the baby outside for a distracting walk. Our electronic devices are wonderful (as in the connection here I can make with you) and also need us to limit our own use before they disconnect us too much from the present moment. It is a constant struggle. Your message is wonderfully encouraging.
feels a lot like your recent blog about going out to bring all your senses alive in nature, doesn’t it Lora?