Recently, I enjoyed savoring a beautiful book, Forest Bathing Retreat – Find Wholeness in the Company of Trees by Hannah Fries. There are captivating images, poetry, and prompts that invite you to appreciate the forest’s gifts. As someone that often walks in the woods, the contents deeply resonated with me.

Three ideas captured my attention because they opened my thoughts to possibilities. I imagined some of these in an organizing context and how they could inspire a positive shift in thinking.

For many people, getting and staying organized is a challenge. It can be helpful to link a seemingly unrelated concept to that struggle. That connection can facilitate an “ah-ha” moment or possibility, which helps you get unstuck. I hope one of these ideas will be beneficial to you.

3 Little Lessons from the Forest That Inspire Organizing Possibilities

1. Mast Year

There have been many autumns where it seems as if our oak trees drop more acorns than usual. You can’t walk without stepping on them or hearing them ‘plunk’ as they hit the ground. At those times, I asked my husband if he noticed any difference. He assumed that we probably just didn’t remember how many acorns there were the previous fall and that it was “nuts as usual.”

As it turns out, once every two to five years, nut trees do produce massive amounts of nuts. These are called “mast years.” Fascinating that all the oaks, beeches, or hickories in a region have identical boom years. It’s a scientific mystery why mast years happen or why the trees in an area have the same cycle. There are plenty of nuts to feed the animals during a mast year, with enough remaining to grow new trees.

How does a mast year relate to organizing? Consider if this will be a mast year for you. Will you let go of the extraneous, as in the extra nuts? The abundance of nuts is like the stuff in your life. The trees share the nuts with animals and release the extras so they can thrive. Will you release the things you no longer need and donate or gift them to people who can use them? Is this your season to let go? Is this your time to create space for what matters so you can grow and thrive?

2. Phytoncides

Have you experienced the therapeutic effects of being in the woods? Studies have been done about shinrin-yoku or “forest bathing,” the Japanese tradition of spending time in the forest and experiencing it through your senses. This improves your immune system and a general sense of well-being.

The phenomenon is more than just psychological. There is a physical process where trees release phytoncides into the air, which are antimicrobial chemicals. They protect the trees against harmful insects and germs. The phytoncides are similar to essential oils or aromatherapy. Conjure up the wonderful scent of cedar, which is the result of a phytoncide. 

Breathing in phytoncides boosts your immune system by stimulating the white blood cells responsible for fighting off tumors and viruses.

How do phytoncides connect to organizing? Think about the restorative and immune-boosting properties of being in the woods. Now imagine your home. Is it a place that promotes calm? Do you feel supported and relaxed there? Or, are you stressed and overwhelmed by clutter or ineffective systems? What would it look and feel like if your home supported your well-being, like a forest does, phytoncides and all? You deserve to live in a healing, supportive, and clutter-free environment.

Do you need assistance? Learn more here about how I support my virtual organizing clients find the calm they deserve. I’m here to help.

“Create space for what matters and you will thrive.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO™

3. Frondescence

Say that one three times fast. This word was new to me. Hannah defines frondescence as “the time at which a plant or tree unfurls its leaves.” I love that there is a word for this unfolding and blossoming. This natural process is more often observed in spring and summer, although I’ve noticed unfurling in fall too. Have you ever watched a tight bud open slowly to reveal its magnificently colored blooms? Or, have you observed a tree that transforms its bare branches to leafy new growth? 

How does frondescence pertain to organizing? Think of frondescence as that awake, aware, and fully alive state of being. You feel fresh with wonder and possibilities. When we focus on what’s important, have systems that support us (including people and processes), and have cleared the unnecessary from our lives, we are free to unfurl. We become open, aware, and engaged.

Clutter can hold us back. It can deplete our mental and physical energy and erode our self-esteem. What do you need to unfurl, open up, and get organized? Possibilities are available to you.

When we shift our perspective, possibilities come into view. Which forest lessons resonate with you? Do any apply to an organizing challenge you or someone you know is experiencing? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

Mindfulness is a quality of being that we can bring to all aspects of our lives. It encompasses an awareness of what we are doing or experiencing in the present moment in a nonjudgmental way. Most often, I write on my computer sitting inside at my desk. It’s a beautiful, quiet place where I’m surrounded by my favorite colors and images. Today, however, on this gorgeous fall day, I decided to write outside. My senses engaged as I listened to the leaves rustling in the breeze, felt the crisp air making goosebumps on my skin and delighted in the colorful leaves and bright red berries punctuating the dogwood trees. 

What does this have to do with mindful organizing? As I mentioned at the start, mindfulness is a quality we can bring to everything, including organizing, writing, or observing. So while mindful organizing doesn’t necessarily mean working outdoors, being aware of your environment can be one of the ways to practice mindful organizing. There are others, too, which I will share with you.

5 Ways to Practice Mindful Organizing

1. Why does it matter?

You might have watched episodes of The Home Edit, Marie Kondo’s Sparking Joy, or Hot Mess House. Maybe you saw an ad for The Container Store or California Closets. The priority of these shows and advertisements is getting and being organized. It’s essential to ask the question. Is getting organized your priority? Or, is getting organized your priority, but not right now? 

We can be easily influenced by other people’s priorities. And of course, if getting organized is important to you, it’s great to know! If not, lose the guilt and let that idea go. But if you want to get more organized, be mindful and clear about your why. Clarifying the why will determine your progress and success. 

2. How can I get organized when I’m so busy?

Like you, I’m in the only-have-24-hours-a-day club. Most of us have full lives, so how can we integrate the time needed to organize along with our other responsibilities? Introducing mindfulness into the mix is especially helpful here. Review your schedule to find “white space” which you can allocate to your organizing goals. Aim for mindful time and energy management.

I’ve been working on a long-term project to ‘live with less.’ I commit 15-60 minutes each day to do something. Some days I spend less time, like the day I released a single object (goodbye ironing board!), and other days I work for more than an hour. It’s a low-pressure approach that’s working well. This could be a manageable approach for those that are time-poor or don’t have a pressing deadline. Or, you might choose something else. Many of my virtual organizing clients work with me for an hour each week and work independently between sessions. They love the short, productive sessions, accountability, support, and check-ins. The point is you have many options. Your organizing path, pace, and the process will be unique to you.

3. How do I get started when I feel so overwhelmed?

When we’re overwhelmed, and in a stressful situation, our sympathetic nervous system engages. This is the “fight or flight” mode. Noticing that you’re overwhelmed means you already have an awareness of what you’re experiencing. Use this mindful state to shift from stress to calm. Try a simple breathing technique to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest and digest” mode, which will calm you down. From there, you’ll be in a better place to begin organizing. 

There are numerous breathing techniques available on apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer. Below is a favorite, simple breathing exercise that works well. You can use it at any time.

4-7-8

Sit comfortably.

Close your eyes.

Breathe in slowly through your nose for the count of 4.

Hold your breath for the count of 7.

Blow out through your mouth like you’re blowing a balloon for the count of 8.

Repeat the sequence two more times.

From a place of relaxation and calm, you can mindfully choose where to start organizing. Will it be the area that bothers you the most, the stuff that will be least emotional to work on, or a space that can be edited in the 15 minutes you have available? There is no wrong place to begin. You’ve got this.

“Mindfulness is a quality of being that we can bring to all aspects of our lives.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO™

4. How do I organize a room that makes me want to run the other way?

Our environment profoundly affects how we feel. The underlying premise of getting organized is creating spaces and systems that feel good and support who we are and what we do. Organizing in a room that makes you viscerally uncomfortable can be de-motivating. The good news is that you are aware of your discomfort. That’s mindfulness at work.

How can you improve the situation before organizing? Consider your senses. Can you open a window to let in the fresh air, play upbeat or soothing music, bring in additional lighting, or burn scented candles? Take a moment to notice what makes you feel good in a space. Then bring some of those elements into the room you’re working. Another option is to carry a few items or boxes that need editing out of the problematic room to another more pleasing space. 

5. How can I move forward when I am stuck?

One of the first phases of getting organized is editing those things that no longer serve a purpose and have overstayed their welcome. It’s also the stage that we often get stuck. Letting go and determining what to release can be tricky. However, having a list of great questions can transform you from being stuck into a mindful editing expert. Helpful questions include:

• Do I need this?

• Do I like this? 

• Does it fit?

• Can I donate, trash, or recycle it?

Discover more questions to enhance the mindful editing process at How to Embrace Decluttering Magic for a Mindful Edit Now and Exercise Your Letting Go Muscles.

There are many ways to integrate mindfulness into the organizing process. I shared several with you. Which ones resonate with you? What else have you discovered? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

2020 has been the year of Zoom, and with it came an abundance of desk time. It’s a good thing that this professional organizer loves being in her home office. It is the place I have virtual organizing sessions with clients, write blog posts, attend workshops, pay bills, and connect with family, friends, and colleagues. My space reflects a balance of the elements that are most important to me. When I’m here, reminders that help me focus, be productive, feel calm, creative, grateful, and supported surround me.

Organization at its best happens when our environment supports what we need and want to do. After all, when you’re struggling to find a pen that works, a paper to jot a note onto, staples to replenish your stapler or a cord to recharge your device, that searching adds undue stress in your life. When your surfaces are covered with non-essentials, they detract rather than help you focus on your intentions.

If your space lacks comfort, your body and mind will become exhausted. And if your place is void of the “you” factor, it won’t honor your uniqueness.

As we wrap up one year and head into the next, this is an excellent time to consider balance and its role in your physical environment. While I’m sure you have your list of what makes you feel organized and supported in your space, I thought you’d enjoy this behind-the-scenes view of my office and the elements that help me.

If you’re curious, you can read and see more photos of how my office space came to be in Dreams Need Help, Too. Continue reading for a behind-the-scenes look at Linda’s office.

10 Elements That Add Balance

1. Inspiration 

Inspiration is present in many forms. There are the small signs or words I display around my desk, like the Anna Quindlen quote card that says, “I wish I had treasured the doing a little more and the getting it done a little less.” 

My favorite inspirational books are perched visibly on the shelves, including Mindset by Carol Dweck. Other favorites include I’ll Carry the Fork by Kara Swanson, Mindfulness by Ellen Langer, Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman, Resilience by Linda Graham, and The Little Book of Hygee by Meik Wiking.

These visuals encourage me to continue learning, be creative, and focus on what is meaningful.

2. Technology

My Apple device trio- the iMac, iPad, and iPhone helps me communicate and stay organized. They sync with each other, which helps with productivity. If a new contact or appointment is entered on my phone, it automatically syncs with my iMac and iPad. One of the keys to using technology is having confidence in your devices and knowing where and how to access the vast amount of information you are storing.

Tech balance comes from organizing my e-files for easy retrieval and having physical and cloud-based auto back-up systems. Over the years, I’ve become increasingly dependent on technology, which has its pros and cons. One way I manage that balance is by minimizing the beeps and dings so my devices don’t interrupt me when I’m working.

3. Comfort

While I’m committed to having non-desk time for activities like walking, yoga, or meditation, I’m actually at my desk a significant amount of the time. Part of balance includes being physically comfortable.

A few things make my desk life better. I have gel-filled wrist rests for my keyboard and mouse, a purple velvet footstool for my short legs, and a navy blue velour desk chair that is soft to the touch. Good-feeling fabrics and textures matter to me.

My lighting is also comfortable with various sources, including natural light. Don’t underestimate the value of improving a few physical office essentials to increase comfort. Your body and mind will thank you.

“Organization at its best happens when our environment supports what we need and want to do.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO

4. Organization 

I can’t ignore the value of the physical organization of papers, files, and supplies in feeling balanced. My office was designed to hold all the items I use regularly.

There are filing cabinets for papers, open slots for ongoing projects, and closed cabinets to store supplies like the label maker, paper pads, printer cartridges, and notecards. There are drawers for stamps, mailing labels, and eyeglasses.

Everything has a place and is at my fingertips. Pens, stapler, sticky notes, scissors, and other frequently used supplies are visible and contained on my desk. 

5. Time

Managing myself involves being time-aware. This awareness enables me to be punctual for appointments, focus on projects, take breaks, and shift gears. The clocks and timers in my office support boundaries and balance.

My tech devices display the time digitally. However, it is my large yellow analog wall clock that I rely on most. I interpret time most easily when I can see the visual representation of time moving. I also use the Time Timer and the alarm setting on my iPhone Clock app to manage my time.

6. Family

When we talk about work, the phrases work-life balance or work-family balance often emerge. Having a space that inspires and supports your work is great. However, remembering that life isn’t just about work is key.

Spending time with the people I love is essential. On display are photos of happy faces snuggled together and beautiful moments spent with my husband and kids. They exude love. My family lifts my heart and brings balance, meaning, and joy into my life.

“Having a space that inspires and supports your work is great. However, remembering that life isn’t just about work is key.”

— Linda Samuels, CPO-CD®, CVPO

7. Color

Color affects my mood. Even as a young girl, the color was how I interpreted the world. When curious about a place or thing, my first question was often, “What color is it?” By age five, my favorite color was purple, and it still is.

When it came time to design my office, I wanted to incorporate my color. I combined different violet hues, such as the red-violet pullout keyboard tray, the blue-violet cabinets, the muted purple filing cabinets, and the blue-fleck quartz desktop.

Being surrounded by my favorite color makes me feel happy, grateful, and balanced. How does color affect you?

8. Sparkle

Color is great, but color with sparkles is even better. I’ve always responded to light. There’s something so lovely about how sparkly things like glitter, glass, and other shiny objects reflect light. The undulating lightness brings balance and some whimsy to the darkness.

When I look around the office, my eye catches glimpses of shine from objects like the lavender glass cabinet knobs, the silver glitter-covered Eiffel Tower, or the purple sparkle pen cup.

Who says we can’t find balance in the sparkles?

9. Toys

Toys make me think about play, which is the opposite of work. A long tray of toys, which I affectionately call fidgets, is displayed under my computer screen. They include miniature buttons, clothespins, Legos, trolls, rubber ducks, maracas, egg timers, and other tiny objects. They represent a variety of colors, textures, and messages.

Why are they there? And what do they have to do with balance? When I’m in a meeting or on a call, playing with the objects helps me focus. Fiddling around in this tactile way improves my concentration. The other aspect has to do with my appreciation of small things and fun. My fidget collection provides a balance of focus and whimsy.

10. Nature

For me, feeling aliveness within extends into being surrounded by living things, like plants. So much is quiet and still in my office. Including greenery or fresh flowers adds vibrancy and balance to my space.

My oldest daughter, Allison, gave me a beautiful wooden stand that displays a miniature ceramic pot and an air plant. The plant is the sweetest little thing, and it makes me think of my daughter and how she has blossomed.

The tiny plant also reminds me to nurture and care for it and others. The balance lies in doing and not doing, watering but not overwatering, and nurturing but not smothering. 

As we end one year and shift to the new one, how will you bring balance into your life? Have you considered the ways your space supports or disrupts your balance? What one change can you make to improve your physical space? I’d love to hear your thoughts. I invite you to join the conversation.

We’re all human, which means that worry is part of who we are. Some of us worry more than others, don't we? Perhaps that’s how we were born (nature), or maybe it’s due to how we were raised (nurture), and more likely it’s a combination of both.

There’s certainly plenty to worry about. We worry about the weather, the future, the past, what other people are doing, or not doing. We worry about our friends and family, our weight, our health, our schedules and appointments, being late or on time, and our full or empty plates. We worry about the things we have control over and those we don’t. We worry about what might happen and what didn't. There’s no shortage for the things we worry about.

One of my favorite phrases that my Uncle Lew says is,

“Let’s leave worry as a last resort.”

I love his philosophy that we don't have to rule worrying out all together, but let’s focus on the positive and only pull out the worry card if absolutely necessary.

In The Worry Cure by Robert Leahy, Ph.D., he sites one study where

“. . . worriers were asked to write down their worries over a two-week period and predict what would happen. In fact, 85 percent of the actual outcomes were positive.”

When I was in Toronto last month for the POC conference, I explored one neighborhood that was filled with artistic graffiti. I came across the “Don’t Worry!” sign spray painted on one of the buildings. I loved the strong message.

On my desk, I have a small purple eraser from the whimsical office product company, Poppin. On the eraser, printed in white letters it says,

“work happy.”

So I leave you today with these thoughts…let the worries flow elsewhere and allow the happy to come your way. I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you manage the worry and happy in your life? Come join the conversation.