Since we are spending more and more time at home, we may have developed a hyper awareness of all the items around us. Maybe it’s easier to notice the little details like color and layers, which can really add to our positive experience of our space, or conversely may overwhelm us.
According to the minimalist approach, if one’s home is cluttered, then one will feel overwhelmed. That is to say there is a direct correlation between the order and purpose of our home and our emotions. Creating a beautiful, tidy home can evoke those same qualities within us, resulting in a more in-depth appreciation of ourselves within our space.
This starts with actually examining and sorting through our items, hopefully leading us to only keep things that we cherish and that bring value to our lives. If we focus on one item at a time and really consider and appreciate its benefit, it can be easier to say no to things that feel like excess, and commemorate items that feel significant and useful. A home should be an accessible foundation to one’s happiness, where you can relax, breathe, and enjoy life in the moment with fewer distractions.
When reviewing and considering your belongings, try tapping into your senses to feel which things are a “yes!” Out of the five senses: sight, smell, touch, taste, and hearing- the power of smell is the only one that has a direct connection to the part of the brain that processes memory and emotion. Therefore, smell can play a vital role in one’s emotion, associative learning, and most importantly memory. The remembrance of smell can trigger many sensations throughout the brain. Smell can be the most determinant factor that gives the feeling of comfort and stability in the human mind. Being selective about the types of fragrances you use in your home can make it feel more personal and special, and then when the air is filled with something you know you enjoy, you can rely on that scent to bring you whatever you need in that moment; more peace, clarity, excitement, intrigue, or comfort.