Mountain Meditation: Decluttering for clarity, a lesson from the Bear Cave

By Marguerite Jill Dye

I entered the Bear Cave and asked out loud, “Are you coming today, sweet Bear Spirit?”

“Yes, my dear. I am coming to bring you good tidings of autumn,” Bear said as he entered. “It’s time for preparation for winter hibernation.”

“That must be challenging, I imagine,” I said.

“We are busy but must plan ahead—to not waste energy or resources. Quiet time is necessary to think clearly to be effective in our preparation.”

“We are preparing for our annual migration south. It is always a challenge. Do you have any advice?” I asked.

“Yes. I’ve learned a few things in my bear life and lessons passed down through millennia.”

“Please share” I said.

Bear continued with the following advice: 

Take only what you are certain you’ll need. Less is almost always better.

Prepare your body, mind and spirit for the transition through meditation. Without quiet moments important steps will be lost.

See yourself in your new circumstances. Feel your feelings and view your new setting. What would make it more comfortable? What is getting in your way?

See yourself enjoying the process and feeling at home inside your den. What will you need when you awaken there? What can you share with others or discard?”

“Perhaps this perspective may help a little,” Bear said. “Transitions can be difficult but if the location is desired, it shouldn’t be hard to navigate the change. Just let the rest fall away. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when surrounded by clutter—whether restaurant garbage (for hungry bears like me!) or built up clutter in your home. Life is more pleasant without it.”

“Yes, I’m trying!” I admitted.

“Imagine yourself in an uncluttered life. How would it feel? What would it look like? What do you wish to accomplish one day? What really matters in your life? If something is at the top of your list then it should take precedence.”

“Yes! I agree. For some reason it’s difficult to let go—mostly of family items—but even other things I’ve been given or found are like a hurdle to get over,” I admitted.

“It’s called inertia. Your new qi gong practice will help unstick and move your chi (energy) in creative ways.”

“That’s great! Is there anything else you’d like me to know?” I asked.

“Treasure each moment you’re here on Earth. It is a very special planet filled with creatures, humans and beauty—unsurpassed in the universe. Enjoy it. Respect it and live your life fully sharing compassion and love always.”

“I love you, dear Bear Spirit.”

“I love you too, Jill. Cherish the oneness!”

Bear’s advice rings true to my core for clutter clearing and organizing have challenged me for years. Our Killington ski lodge is filled with stuff—boxes of papers (Mom’s and ours), collectibles, material, clothing, books, toys, trains, slides and who knows what else? The foremost message I received while walking the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage across Spain was to release all I don’t need. I need to declutter to let go of the past, lessen distractions, and simplify life. Clutter overwhelms and is holding me back.

Clutter distracts and leads to stress, lack of clarity, and depression. Physical (and digital) clutter overwhelm and undermine our emotional well being. Creating open space and breathing room invites new opportunities in. 

In summary: Decluttering simplifies and enhances life.

Clutter clearing and feng shui gurus have helped me make progress in spurts. I gather possessions to donate to the Mission, share with family and friends, list on Facebook Marketplace or Vermont craigslist, but I’ve failed at a major clear out. It’s tough to let go of family heirlooms (and our own treasures from world travels). Plus, as an artist, I see potential in each man made and natural object. Art paraphernalia fills my two studios with plein air paintings I created in France, Florida and Vermont, multiple frames and art materials for classes and myself. The exhibit years of Matisse’s Materials at the Metropolitan Museum of Art (fabrics for backdrops in his still life and portrait paintings), helped me justify my own collections, but the time has come to simplify and downsize.

A few helpful resources are “The Tao of Dana” (fengshuidana.com), Marie Kondo’s books and “Tidying Up” on Netflix (konmari.com), and “Clean Sweep” with Peter Walsh (now on You Tube) who delves into the psychology of collecting and letting go.

“Clutter is not just the stuff on your floor. It’s anything that stands between you and the life you want to be living,” said Peter Walsh.

Bear and I challenge you to give it a go. Join me in eliminating the old and welcoming the new into your life. Making progress feels great!

Marguerite Jill Dye is an artist and writer who divides her time between Vermont and Florida.