Konmari Method and Un-decorating

I loved our little tree this year. It was small enough to stand on a side table in our small-ish living room. I used about a third of the ornaments I have and it was decorated by my daughter and me in less than an hour. 

Taking it down - no matter how large it is or how many of our decorations I tend to way OVERLOAD onto the branches - usually results in my feeling a little, well... blue.

This year, I treated it a little differently. I adopted the Konmari method of tidying. I have so many ornaments that have sentimental value, so the method was a good choice for this particular task. There wasn't a sad feeling as I lovingly wrapped the sentimental ornaments. I made sure to really look at each one as I put it away, appreciating it for the memory it holds and the significance it has. I think this worked well too, because our tree was smaller this year we had to be selective about which ornaments made the cut.

How do you feel when you un-decorate?  Whether it is from a holiday or a special event, taking down special decorations can be difficult emotionally. I know, I know #firstworldproblems - but still - we all have felt that post-party letdown, the kind of mini-slump that comes after a major holiday or event. It kind of stinks, right?

Whether the decorations sparked joy or not, the memory of the party is what lasts. Next time you take on this necessary task, allow yourself a moment to revel in the joy of the party or gathering that was. Then clear out and make space for the next happy moment.

Loosely applying this to your yoga practice - detaching from the ability to meditate, practice pranayama or even assume a particular asana can spark joy. As I often say in class when teaching a balancing pose, such as tree pose, "balance is a moving target" - so we can feel wobbly one day but super solid the next. Revel in the moment as it is happening and then make space for the next one.

Happy un-decorating!