Healing with the Konmari Technique

Last week as I began a new day at my clinic, the first fresh case (as we call it) was of a lady with sleeplessness. She looked haggard, worn out, tired, anxious.

"Doctor, I have not been getting proper sleep. I am awake till 3.30 -4 am. By the time i do get a little sleep, it is time to wake up and start the chores of the day. I feel so third, irritable, drowsy. I hardly get time to rest during the day due to the different school timings of my two boys. My mind is constantly working. I have so many useless thoughts of the tasks I need to do. My husband comes very late from his office and he gives me chores to do: going to the bank, etc. My in laws live close to my house and since they are old, I have to attend to their needs too. I feel all mixed up, my mind is crowded. I keep forgetting things. I tried preparing a list, but then I forget where I keep the list. Not just the tasks, I keep thinking about my kids’ studies, my husband's health, my duties towards my in laws. My mind is in a mess. Due to these thoughts, I am not able to get sound sleep.

This lady was clearly being bothered by the clutter of endless thoughts which was affecting her sleep and life.

Over the years, apart from medicines, I suggest various Lifestyle changes which go a long way in correcting what is going wrong and also help patients switch to a better way of living making life easier and happier.

For this lady, I suggested the "KONMARI TECHNIQUE".

I asked her, " How is your house? Is it very clean or there are things that you don't use? "

" Doctor, I must admit my house is full of things. Earlier when I had the stamina, I would keep it clean, but now, the boys get new toys, things and the cupboards are crammed. I don't get time to clean. Even when I do, I am too tired."

I advised her to take time out, consciously and begin clearing her house, decluttering it.

The Japanese technique of decluttering called “Konmari” suggests,

• Organise, not by location, but by category.

That means, if you are sorting your clothes, lay them all out. Keep those you need or use frequently.

Keep those which make you happy or you love dearly.

• Keep each article in the place it is meant to be in, neatly, lovingly.

• Keep aside clothes or articles you no longer need or use separately.

• Thank them for having served you and bringing happiness to you. Then give them away to someone who can use it, sending them on their journey.

• Continue the process for other things in the house.

• Clean up the shelves of cabinets or cupboards to put things properly.
  

Cleaning up in this manner with calmness and love then becomes meditation, a spiritual process.

A week later, the lady returned with a smile. She appeared calmer, peaceful.

“ I hope you have been sleeping well.” said I.

“ Yes doctor, I do sleep late, but it is better.

Initially, when you had suggested decluttering, I wondered, how it would help; but after I started doing it, I started feeling calmer.

As you suggested, while I was laying out the clothes, rearranging things, I thought of the times when I had bought them, especially a dress my husband had gifted me long ago. I had not worn it in a long time. It brought back a lot of fond memories. Some utensils my mother in law had brought for me when I was settling in my own house, Kindergarten scrap books of my children.

I realised, I was getting busy in all the minor things and unnecessarily getting irritated with people I love most. I wept a lot with this realisation.

After that day, I am much happier and at peace. I love the way my house looks now and it brings me calmness. The atmosphere in my house is happier and filled with love.

I am indeed surprised how cleaning up my cupboard has helped me sort my life into keeping what truly matters and removing all the clutter not only from my house, but also from my mind.

I feel sorted and happy."

After she reported improvement, I gave her the biochemic remedy Kali Phos 6 X which would act as a tonic to keep her calm and restore sound and restful sleep. This was all she needed to be well.