NY Times says clutter & disorganization are a sign!

In a 2008 New York Times article about clutter, Tara Parker-Pope brings to light the underlying truth about clutter and disorganization...It's not about the stuff.

She quoted several well known leaders in our industry about the psychological aspect of some of the more extreme cases of disorganization. She discussed the clinical studies underway to gather more information about this baffling need to collect and keep at extreme levels.

The article links clutter to health problems, weight issues, even depression and goes on to say that excessive clutter and disorganization are often symptoms of a bigger health problem.
As an speaker and coach on effectively getting and staying organized, I agree that there is a deeper issue in some of the extreme cases. When the stuff takes over and becomes the originating point for decision making about life there's a bigger challenge brewing.

You don't have to have stuff piled to the ceiling, however, for clutter and disorganization to be the key factor in the unmanageability of your life. Clutter and disorganization serves to keep us out of the moment; either back in the memories of the item or looking ahead to acquiring something else we "need". The need to be everywhere else but in the moment creates chaos and disconnection from who we are meant to be.

This way of life has become the norm for many in this country today. We live in a bigger, faster, more is better mentality; the more you have the better you are point of view. He who dies with the most toys wins. For some this may be enough but when you really, honestly take a look at your life of acculumation, are you happy? Honestly?

I believe there is a spiritual void that we, as Americans, are trying to fill today with stuff. It's a space inside of us that originates for as many different reasons as there are individuals suffering. If we take the time to really look inside and investigate the space, make an effort to change the core beliefs we have about our own value, and make heathly spiritual choices to fill it up the void we can move away from attempting to fill it with stuff.

It's not about the stuff! What is it about for you?

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/01/health/01well.html