Mind Clutter

I came across this passage in “Here and Now” by Henri Nouwen (yes, I am temporarily addicted to Nouwen).

“Whether we ask for it or not… we simply cannot go far without being engulfed by words and images forcibly intruding themselves into our minds. But do we really want our mind to become the garbage can of the world? Do we want our mind to be filled with things that confuse us, excite us, depress us, arouse us, repulse us or attract us whether we think it is good for us or not?

That leaves me considering what power I have over those things. Certainly I cannot avoid the world. But I do have a certain amount of control over my world. All my electronic devices have off as well as on buttons. (Some of you are saying to yourself “I never knew that.”)

I have noticed that the unrestrained input of news on a daily basis tends to make me depressed and cynical. It is also quite addictive. I often find myself punching buttons on the car radio out of habit, even when it is turned off! When I reach this stage I know that it is time for a fast from news media and talk radio, etc.

How about the other media in our lives: movies, television, books, music, etc? Do we choose wisely or do we feed ourselves things that are of questionable worth – or that compromises our values? Do we hide some of those things from a spouse or friends? Do we have the willpower to discontinue reading or viewing something when we find it objectionable? Have you ever walked out on a movie for that reason?

Do you intentionally feed your mind good things? I try to always have at least a couple of really good books nearby. I don’t want to make it hard on myself to make positive choices. I am always tempted to snack on junk food for the mind.

Do you have a belief that everything is worth knowing? Or are you afraid off missing out on something important? Does this lead you to collect massive amounts of mind clutter? Once something is stored, it may become difficult or even impossible to discard. Think of violent or pornographic images both visual and written.

Perhaps we need to hit a reset button on some of our acquired habits and rethink what we want to allow into our head and heart.

Philippians 4:8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise.

Clutter

Whenever I begin to feel overwhelmed in my work life, the first thing I do is organize my desk. I don’t know about you, but when my mental world is in disarray, I try to control my physical one. I can usually do this in a few minutes and it somehow settles my inner world.

For some people this is not an easy task. Their physical space is so cluttered that the thought of bringing order to it causes them to feel significant stress, even panic. For some, this inability to control their environment is an expression of their internal chaos. For others it is the result of a shopping and spending addiction. For still others it is the failure to hold boundaries with kids.

Out of control clutter is such a pervasive problem that there are Clutterers Anonymous groups all over the country. When cluttering is excessive or turns into hoarding it is usually considered a symptom of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) and must be dealt with clinically.

Clutterers Anonymous describes clutter as both physical and emotional:

“Clutter is anything we don't need, want, or use that takes our time, energy or space, and destroys our serenity. It can be outgrown clothes, obsolete papers, broken toys, disliked gifts, meaningless activity, ancient resentments, or unsatisfying relationships. We may be selective in some areas, but not in others. Objects may be strewn about or wedged into drawers; neatly stacked or stowed in storage.” 

I have seen marriage and dating relationships break apart because of this issue. One partner cannot control this aspect of their life and the other cannot agree to live (or continue to live) in the chaos. Often there is deep shame for the sufferer and a lot of blaming going on. The cluttering can be labeled as an aspect of moral failure due to laziness or selfishness when in reality it may be a serious anxiety disorder. What is inescapable is the pain that it can cause when out of control.

If you are in doubt whether you qualify, Clutterers Anonymous has a handy self-assessment. It might make you uncomfortable or it might bring you peaceful relief, but either way it is a worthwhile check-up.  

http://clutterersanonymous.org/am-i-a-clutterer/

Sometimes de-cluttering is simply an act of the will, an intentionality to create serenity within one’s own environment. I can either surround myself with beauty and meaning or I can allow my world to be encroached upon by a random process (junk mail, unwanted gifts, un-thoughtful purchases, lack of self-discipline etc.)

We live in a culture of materialistic and experiential excesses. It is no surprise that this area is a challenge for so many people.  My goal is to live in freedom, and that often means living in a very counter-cultural fashion. It is a constant but worthy struggle.

Hebrews 12:1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a huge crowd of witnesses to the life of faith, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race God has set before us.