The List: Clear The Clutter

The workshop with April Leffler brought an opportunity to increase our own inner wisdom seated in the tan t’ien. April led activities followed by discussion and sharing. When she challenged us to list ten things that would bring happiness, I jotted down three. Then she elaborated, “What would blow your socks off?” Several more items popped into my head including, “Clear out the clutter in every closet and cupboard in your house.” I was abashed when it came time to share because clearing clutter isn’t exactly a deep spiritual jump. But I was wrong. I was surprised at how many old and new friends shared similar stories and encouragement. “You’ll be amazed by the energy that is released into your life after doing this.”

I went home that night and took an armload of magazines to my trash bin. It was a beginning. The next morning my out-of-town houseguest asked me to take her to a local thrift store. From the checkout line, I saw a rack where magazines I have hoarded for years sell for a dollar each. We exclaimed, “Clearing out a closet after the workshop and contributing to a meaningful charity … that’s what April would call prajna.”