I love my field research for this blog. I may have found a new Red Bull alternative for y’all: bone marrow. From lahealthyliving.com: Bone marrow is a fatty, jello like substance found in the core of bones. It’s a nutrient dense and rich in energy substances that all types of animals are primarily drawn toward when they capture prey. I baked a whole chicken for dinner. Being … [Read more…]
I love my field research for this blog. I may have found a new Red Bull alternative for y’all: bone marrow. From lahealthyliving.com:
Bone marrow is a fatty, jello like substance found in the core of bones. It’s a nutrient dense and rich in energy substances that all types of animals are primarily drawn toward when they capture prey.
I baked a whole chicken for dinner. Being the animal that I am, I inherently felt the urge to consume the whole bird. If it was a wild turkey that I hunted with a spear rather than an organic chicken purchased from a market, and I was dependent on the nourishment for sustenance, you better believe that I wouldn’t let any valuable morsel of that beautiful game go to waste. From Mark’s Daily Apple:
There’s another reason – a big reason, actually – why animals of all stripes are drawn toward bone marrow and why you should head down to the butcher for some bones: the taste. A subtle, creamy nuttiness, sometimes a bit sweet, always extremely rich, is not to be casually disregarded. The taste is incredible, either eaten straight up with a touch of sea salt or as part of a rich, hearty stew. Its high quality fuel imbued with vitamins and minerals, but it’s delicious fuel that’d be worth eating even if it were devoid of nutrition. Luckily for us, though (and counter to what we’re taught about nutrition), what appeals to our taste buds on a basic level usually also nourishes. Marrow may be a “sinful treat” for most, but it deserves to be a kitchen staple for Primal eaters.
I can honestly say I enjoyed eating the softer, edible bones of the chicken that I just now devoured more than the meat. I inhaled some of the harder portions as well; if I could grind it up in my teeth, it was going down.
Now, most folks aren’t going to be crushing a plate full of bones, although our jaws and teeth are adequately equipped. More generally, humans transform the bones into broth or stock, which I’m thrilled to experiment with at some point. But my intuition is leading me down the path of chewing, rather than drinking, as I would in the wild animal kingdom. I view this like juicing versus just eating the damn veggie. Why make bone broth when I can just eat the tendons, ligaments, joints and marrow, and taste the explosion of savory flavor with every gratifying bite?
Fatty and rich, the marrow of said bones left me feeling satiated and satisfied. Knowing this was something I was going to write up had me totally present in the moment. I crunched through the neck bone and delighted in the delicacy. Wow. I was (and sort of still am) completely locked into the experience. Now I’m listening to Native American drumming, my eyes wide. I may paint my face and begin to chant.
The bone marrow has spiked my energy levels. Normally at this time of evening, I’m ready to close my eyes. Whether or not I can turn this into the next energy supplement, one thing is for certain, the health benefits of bone marrow are numerous. From the same lahealthyliving.com piece:
Bone marrow fulfills many vital roles due to its high content of vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and lipids (alkylglycerols). Bone marrow helps the immune system by carrying oxygen to cells in the body. It is one of the most effective remedies for the gut lining. Consuming bone marrow will help improve brain function, maintain healthy bones, support immune systems and speed up the healing process of any injury or fracture.
So, are you with me? Do you have a good broth recipe? Is anyone going to join me in masticating the osseous matter?
I feel it in my bones; this marrow thing makes sense.
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Let’s jump in.
Stephen:
Wanted your take on pushups/pullups and training tips to maximize them. Training to go into Naval Special Warfare (SEALs) where a tremendous amount of calisthenics are necessary. Thoughts on wearing a weight vest or a resistance band to help build overall strength? Have also heard of using a spotter or band to help you through fatigued reps to build the overall endurance necessary for increased repetitions. Goal: 100 pushups and 25 pullups in a max set.
Stephen,
I respect your ambition. Wow.
If I was on a mission to simply maximize pushup and pull-up totals, I’d begin by increasing my base of muscle mass and strength (assuming I had the time). The best method I’ve personally experienced to accomplish that feat is the 5 x 5 workout program. There is plenty of science that suggests incrementally adding weight to the bar over the course of time contributes to gains in the aforementioned buckets. After building the base of lean tissue, I suggest shifting gears. Because the rep goals are so high, this becomes an exercise in endurance, not in strength. Moving less mass rather than more may be optimal, so shedding excess weight in the form of body fat makes logical sense. Ideally, you want to be accessing as much of your body weight as possible to produce sustained power over a matter of minutes, not seconds. With the optimal amount of accessible tissue, I’d start on a gradual buildup of reps with plenty of rest and recovery. I’d build reps over the course of weeks, driving myself to the point of near, but not total failure in each workout. Finally, if you can lock down the day you’ll perform, I’d suggest allocating two or three days of rest prior to allow for full tissue repair.
At every turn along your journey, be mindful of the value of sleep, proper nutrition and hydration. Trust that you build strength when you’re resting, not when you’re training and that hormone production occurs in lovely doses while you nap.
What an extraordinary goal. I envy you. Knock ’em dead.
Kap
Mike:
I’m curious to hear your thoughts on soba/buckwheat noodles. They seem to be a popular, healthier alternative to normal pasta but I tend to stay clear of noodles in general.
Mike,
In 2005, I spent several months living in Japan while playing for the Yomiuri Giants. A dish of soba noodles soaked in flavorful broth was part of my daily routine at the ballpark. Ahhhh, the glory days. At the time, I valued the protein content contained. From SFGate:
Buckwheat provides more protein per serving than any other grain except for oats, reports the Whole Grains Council. Each cup of cooked buckwheat noodles has 5.77 grams of protein, or approximately 12 percent of the RDA for a healthy adult following a 2,000-calorie diet.
I was also intrigued by the increased fiber in the buckwheat, along with some other potential health benefits.
Toady, I’m cognizant of avoiding any packaged, processed, preserved food, which most Soba noodles are. Even if they’re not packaged and made from scratch, they are constructed with buckwheat flour. I generally avoid all flour these days, instead opting for whole foods in their natural form.
I must tell you, however, that I dig the thought of a planned indulgence revolving around a soba noodle feast. I’m imagining escaping from life for a few hours to a hole in the wall bar in Osaka, sweating from the spice and cooling off with a nearly frozen beer. No computer, no newspaper. I don’t speak Japanese, so no conversation. Just me and the flavors.
Wait, this was about you, wasn’t it? Yes, I’d consider Soba noodles an improvement on your standard variety white pasta.
Kap
What do you have for me today?
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap
Keeping a clean space is good for your general health and well-being. Because we consistently seek value at the margins around here, it’s worth examining how we can incrementally improve our state of mind and possibly feel better physically simply by removing clutter from our living spaces.
We’ve all had the experience of giving a bunch of old clothes away or simply throwing a closet full of junk away. It’s freeing. We feel lighter. There is good reason for the feeling. Clutter is simply a reminder of the things you haven’t done yet. Papers that need to be filed, objects that need to be put away or thrown out, clothes that need to be washed. Being continually bombarded by visual distractions means we’re less able to focus on our work or relationships. Remnants of half-started hobbies remind us of failures, pants that don’t fit make us dissatisfied with our bodies. From the New York Times:
The spectrum from cleanliness to messiness includes large numbers of people who are chronically disorganized and suffering either emotionally, physically or socially. Cognitive behavioral therapy may help: a recent study of hoarders showed that six months’ therapy resulted in a marked decline in clutter in the patient’s living space.
You don’t have to be a full blown hoarder to make a change. In my home, I don’t want anything around that I haven’t used in 18 months. That includes tools, clothes…just about anything. With technology moving faster than ever, even photos can be safely tossed. There is nothing quite like a clean, crisp space. From huffingtonpost.com:
A clean house isn’t just “nice to have,” it’s actually a necessity for good mental and physical health. According to a study published in Time, the Indiana University department of Physical Activity, led by associate professor Nicole Keith, discovered a correlation between clean houses and healthy people.
Organized houses and workspaces make for more time in the day. How much time do you waste looking for a particular shirt you were going to wear today or file that you need for tomorrow’s meeting? No one appreciates the additional stress of frantic scavenger hunts in the morning. From experiencelife.com:
It’s hard for me to even imagine talking about clutter without talking about the emotional benefits of decluttering,” says Hazel Thornton, professional organizer and owner of Organized for Life, a consulting service in Albuquerque, N.M. “There’s no one who calls me who isn’t stressed out, frustrated, or feeling inadequate, incompetent in their job, or guilty. It’s all about emotions — definitely it’s more about emotions than it is about the stuff.
Call me cold, but I dig minimalistic style. You can keep the knick-knacks and trinkets. Give me clean, open spaces, and I’m a happy man. I don’t feel a need to keep junk from my childhood or from my baseball career. It can all go.
Your house should be a respite from the world. A place where you want to enjoy your life, a place where you can enjoy your family, your friends, your spiritual practice, whatever you’re into. But if you’re not into the stuff that’s in your house, then it’s got to go. It doesn’t tell the story of who you are.
Physical items are somewhat meaningless to me in general, but I know I’m not the readers of this blog. I certainly won’t judge you if you like stuffed animals or Lladros. I’m simply suggesting that you have one clock in your bedroom instead of four. Maybe a single apron in your kitchen will suffice. That ab roller under your bed that you hasn’t seen the light of day since you watched the accompanying VHS video can go now. You’re not to going to pull it out next year. For some, avoidance of pulling the trigger can be related to discomfort with change. From greatist.com:
…some organization experts say difficulty throwing stuff away isn’t just about selfishness: It’s often a way to avoid change. A house full of clutter may also reflect the procrastination habits of a person who’s just too lazy to get rid of ticket stubs and used garbage bags.
Our living spaces are an extension of us. We feel better clean, and we are better performers in luminous environments than in cramped, cluttered ones.
Strong mind,
Kap