Summary

The article discusses the concept of decluttering one's soul to lead a happier and more fulfilling life, inspired by the words of Antoine de Saint-Exupery.

Abstract

The article "The Simple Life & Soul Clutter" delves into the idea that a life filled with clutter, both physical and emotional, can hinder happiness. Drawing from the wisdom of Antoine de Saint-Exupery, a French author and aviator, the essay emphasizes the importance of traveling light through life, not just in terms of material possessions but also in our mental and emotional spaces. It suggests that constant exposure to information and the pressure to keep up with societal standards lead to a cluttered soul, manifesting as stress, fear, and unhealthy habits. The author advocates for a deeper introspection to identify and let go of the soul clutter, which includes negative thoughts and unhelpful behaviors. The article posits that by following the teachings of Jesus, who encouraged soul decluttering through forgiveness and focusing on love for God, others, and oneself, individuals can find a path to a simpler, more joyful existence.

Opinions

The author believes that the clutter of modern life, including the overconsumption of information and the pursuit of unattainable standards, contributes to a cluttered soul.
Saint-Exupery's quote is used to illustrate that traveling light in life is conducive to happiness.
The article suggests that soul clutter can be identified by examining areas of life that are not functioning well, such as overbooked schedules, excessive debt, or strained relationships.
It is implied that soul clutter is often rooted in deeper issues such as fear, shame, pride, or inadequacy.
The author expresses the opinion that Jesus' teachings provide a practical guide to decluttering the soul, particularly through the practices of forgiveness and love.
The author endorses the minimalist philosophy, citing minimalist guru Julia Ubbenga, and encourages readers to consider following Jesus as a means to declutter their souls and enhance their quality of life.

The Simple Life & Soul Clutter

Photo Credit — Philipp Kammerer via Unsplash

“He who would travel happily must travel light.”

Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Antoine de Saint-Exupery (no idea how to pronounce it) was a celebrated French author from the 20th century. He was also an aviation aficionado, flying for the French Air Force during World War 2 so he understood much about traveling light.

His words are great advice about life. I’ve found that clutter can make happiness an elusive goal.

And yet, how does one live clutter-free in a world of constant distractions? And then there’s our magnetic minds that attract every thought and idea that comes our way. Do you feel that? I do. It’s like every day I’m reading or watching new information about a home hack, a healthier gut, or an easy way to become a millionaire. How in the world have I made it this far in life without knowing all of this?

It’s clutter. 🙁

When Simon Sinek interviewed the poet, Yung Pueblo, they discussed the importance of having the internal space to respond to life, not just react. We feel stress and heaviness because we don’t have space in our souls. There’s unnecessary stuff like unfounded fear, worry, or pride with no room to think, to feel, to breathe, and ultimately, to live.

Somehow, we must find our way to the subtracting path, letting go of the things we know are not healthy or helpful so we can travel happily as we travel light. How do you do this? How do you live with less stuff so you can “more fully enjoy the journey?”

First, discover the part(s) of life that aren’t working well for you. Where do you feel clutter’s heaviness?

An overbooked calendar?
An overflowing closet/storage area?
A mountain of debt you can’t pay?
An ongoing argument with in-laws (Or anyone)?

Now comes the hard part of digging in. To the soul level, the place where the truest you breathes. Let’s ask the why questions behind your unhealthy choices and you’ll discover soul clutter. I define it as a way of thinking and/or perceiving that keeps your truest self from showing up. It’s like pile of stuff in the closet that holds you down

For years, I felt like I wasn’t living my fullest potential. That was where my life wasn’t working well. I felt frustrated and stuck. I discovered I was carrying around the soul clutter of inadequacy. I couldn’t live freely and fully until I embraced my identity and learned to live confidently in who I was with nothing to prove to anyone.

What’s beneath the surface of your visible clutter?

The drama in your relationships? It’s a cover for fear, narcissism, shame, pride, etc.

Your crowded calendars may come from trying to please everyone or trying to be “busy” like everyone else.

Your maxed-out credit cards may come from trying to keep up with people you want to impress.

Do you see? The external struggles you face have a root cause in your soul. There’s a why behind it all.

Photo Credit — Hannah Lindahl via Unsplash

If you want to get rid of the fruit, you must dig out the root.

Following Jesus is a first step toward decluttering your soul. I’ve noticed as I read his stories that he focused on helping people declutter their souls and create space for a healthier life. Like the guys who ripped on Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. They couldn’t imagine healing someone on the Sabbath. This was heresy to them! On the other hand, Jesus couldn’t imagine not healing on the Sabbath. What better day is there to be healed, right? Their religion was clutter in their souls. Or the person who asked Jesus about the limits on forgiving others. “How many times should I forgive someone?” Boy, were they surprised with Jesus’ answer? “70 times 7,” he said. Are you kidding? He wasn’t. Jesus was helping them get rid of the soul clutter of unforgiveness. Soul decluttering happens when you follow Jesus.

You were created to live a life of love — love for GOD, love for others, and love for yourself. Soul clutter makes that very hard.

Julia Ubbenga, a minimalist guru, (richinwhatmatters.com) wrote:

“Traveling with less stuff frees you to more fully enjoy the

journey, destination, and people traveling alongside you.”

If you’re ready to create some space within so you can travel with joy and freedom, then you’ll want to give serious consideration to following Jesus. Start reading his stories and teachings. It’s fascinating. And simple. Not sure where to begin? Look on a Bible app (or in a Bible if you have one) for Matthew 5, 6, 7. When you read those three chapters you’ll discover a whole new way of thinking and living that will set you on a new path of freedom.