What’s Collecting Dust? Clear Out and Restock The Psyche
Walking into a giant warehouse store it is impressive to see how the merchandise is stored. There is cantilever racking, display bays, netting, wire partitions and thousands of displays easily reachable. The aisles are free to walk down, with plenty of space. The shelves are stuffed with merchandise. On the top of the racks is the over stock, items that are stored but not needed at the moment, so they are not cluttering the floor. The shelves are so packed with product that walking through the store is like walking through a maze of canyons. Take away the merchandise and the the line of sight goes from wall to wall. Take away the shelving and several soccer tournaments could be played in the freed up space. Now imagine our psyche is like a giant warehouse, filled with shelves where memories, regrets, desires, phobias, dreams and all the workings of the soul are stored. Any therapist will likely express the belief that much of what people have stored inside of them is unhelpful to living a full and vigorous life.
A lot of therapists work hard to help clients free their shelves of items that can do damage and lead to self destructive behavior. Any retailer knows that stock not moving on a shelf is taking up space and reduces the value. These items are moved off the shelf to make space for something that adds value. What occurs when we walk down the aisles of our inner world and begin to take stock? For A lot of folks clearing the clutter from the shelves, real or metaphorical, creates space, peace, and value.
The first step in an inner inventory is hard work. It is important to take stock of items in a store, it requires time and attention. The goal isn’t to immediately restock, clear out, or change the displays. The goal is first to know what is present and what is absent. It used to be a process of weekly or monthly material counting. As business practices improved and technology allowed, inventory turned into an automatic and continual process. Many folks don’t regularly do a personal inventory, but as it becomes a habit, it also becomes an automatic and conscious process. An inner inventory requires honesty and introspection. Similarly to entering a messy warehouse it is overwhelming and impossible to take in all at once. It is one thing at a time. Examine what is on the inner shelves by observing without judgment.
The things on our inner shelves can be frightening or divine. Often we encounter some useless regret taking up space. Clear it off the shelf and clear space for something new. Occasionally we discover a lost desire or passion, some dream left collecting dust. It too is taking up space. Should it be removed or should it be placed on display and actively marketed?
Taking the time to walk through our shelved hopes, dreams, resentments, regrets and long held desires helps to reestablish what is important and allow for new value giving experiences and a cleaner less cluttered life.
