KonMari + Sustainability
It is possible to overcome the dual challenges of both being more organized in our homes and living a more sustainable lifestyle? Well, it turns out KonMari® might have the answer to these two at the same time.
A Healthy, Joy- Filled, Sustainable Way to Live
WHAT IS THE KONMARI® METHOD?
The KonMari method is a way of creating a joy-filled foundation for your life, from which to function, to experience, and to impact our world.
As we consider the physical items we have in our life, and the meaning of those items, we are able to clarify what is important to our future, and which of those things don’t support our vision for our life.
The core values of her method are the opposite of consumerism - gratefulness for what we already have, recognizing when we have ‘enough’, good stewardship of our possessions, and encouragement that living with ‘enough’ but not more than we need, is a healthy, sustainable, and joy-filled way to live.
WHY HAS IT GAINED SUCH A FOLLOWING?
I believe our culture is choking on consumerism, and is reaching the point of exhaustion with the constant pressure to buy more, wish for more, strive for more.
The concept of intentionally choosing to live with just enough, but not excess, is refreshing, brings freedom, and allows us to prioritize experiencing the most important parts of life.
For some we realize it is family and relationships that we want to spend more time on. For some, it is travel. For some, it is politics, social work, or advocacy. But the conclusion is made that tending to ‘stuff’ is not truly the way we want to spend our days.
Clutter in our homes, due to indecision, tends to reflect clutter and indecision in our minds.
The process Marie has created allows us to come face to face with both types of clutter, and it changes the trajectory of our lives.
DOES THE KONMARI METHOD ADDRESS ANY ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES?
Yes! Absolutely! When a person thoroughly completes her method, it will almost certainly change the way they think about purchases - before the purchase.
Every time I consider buying anything, there is a much more rigorous internal questioning that occurs.
And I’ve heard this from virtually everyone I know who has completed her method. “Do I actually NEED this item? What if I wear it once, then decide I don’t really like it? Then it will clutter up my closet until I put forth the time and effort to decide what to do with it!”
Stewardship is a big part of Marie’s core values.
Also, many of us in the KonMari community strongly encourage our clients to choose sustainable ways of passing along items they no longer need.
Consignment shops, and local community charities are excellent ways to bless others, as we embrace a more fulfilling, less consumer-driven lifestyle.
DOES THE “IDEAL LIFESTYLE” INCLUDE ASPECTS OF OPEN, GREEN SPACE?
In my case - absolutely!
Marie’s method does not promote an exact, certain quantifiable checklist lifestyle. Her method helps each person uncover what is their own ideal lifestyle.
Some may choose to live the city life, which has very few open green spaces - and someone else may discover that they really want to be an organic farmer.
That is the beauty of the personal journey, and why, I believe, her method works for everyone.
WHAT ARE THE LARGER IMPLICATIONS OF THE MODEL?
HOW CAN IT BE USED OUTSIDE OF THE HOME?
Marie’s method changes a person’s view of themselves and the world. Each person comes face to face with their past, their hopes and dreams, and ultimately their life choices, through their belongings.
The questions she suggests, to ascertain the level of importance that each item has in your life, can be applied in literally any area of your life. Work, location of residence, relationships, etc.
We must take into account that relationships are not always joy-filled, simply because humans are constantly growing and changing.
So this area must be evaluated with lots of grace, personal humility and commitment to patience. But in principle, the clarifying of our priorities in any area is accomplished very effectively through her method.