Clearing the Path: Transforming Clutter into Space for Growth

Where can you reduce clutter in your life?

Where can I reduce clutter in my life? This question stirs a sense of possibility, a call to action that feels both urgent and filled with opportunity. As I reflect on it, the most immediate answer is my office space—a room that I love for its comfort and peacefulness but which currently feels burdened by the weight of its own disorder. There’s a tension here, a dissonance between the serenity I’ve cultivated and the clutter that stares back at me, particularly from the shelves. To the right of my desk, a cupboard with drawers ajar spills its contents in a way that disrupts the harmony I so value.

I’ve taken steps to address this; there’s a beautiful new bookcase ready to serve as a solution. Yet, instead of bringing clarity, its current state feels disjointed, its contents more of an eyesore than a reprieve. The potential to transform this space is immense, and the work feels both straightforward and daunting. There are objects I could throw away or donate, things I’ve outgrown, yet still hold onto. And it’s not just about creating a visually appealing environment—there’s a larger vision brewing. I imagine this space not only as an office but as a place where others can join me for meditation. If I shift things around, extend the boundaries of this area, and dedicate a corner exclusively to meditation, I could open it to shared moments of stillness and growth. But there’s a challenge here too: where will my current workspace go? These logistics require thought and careful planning.

The process of decluttering feels deeply symbolic. It’s not merely about clearing bookshelves or rearranging furniture—it’s about letting go of pieces of my past to make room for something new. Take my large bookcase, for instance, brimming with books I’ve treasured over the years. Each one holds meaning, a memory of a chapter in my life. Yet, how many of these books will I truly revisit? Perhaps it’s time to release them, to trust that their lessons have already shaped me. Letting go of them feels bittersweet, but also liberating—a chance to create the space I envision, both physically and emotionally.

This act of decluttering holds a promise: to craft a space that mirrors my intentions and aspirations, one where creativity and peace coexist. It’s an opportunity to unburden myself and, in doing so, create something new—not just a meditation corner, but a fresh perspective on what it means to truly live and work in harmony with my environment.

Decluttering is more than just tidying up; it’s a journey of self-reflection and transformation. As I work through the challenges of letting go and creating space for what truly matters, I invite you to reflect on your own spaces—physical, mental, or emotional. Where could you release what no longer serves you to make room for something new? I’d love to hear your thoughts, experiences, or even struggles with decluttering. Let’s inspire one another to create spaces that reflect our intentions and open the door to fresh possibilities. Share your journey in the comments—I’m excited to learn from you!

Designing a Sanctuary: Creating a Meditation Space That Inspires Transformation

Creating the Ideal Meditation Space: A Reflection by a Meditation Coach

When designing a meditation space, the qualities it embodies are as vital as the practices it supports. A well-crafted space should provide comfort and tranquility while fostering a deeper sense of healing, trust, and transformation for those who enter it. As a meditation coach, I see the environment itself as an active participant in the meditative journey, shaping the experience and enhancing its impact.

Meditation flourishes in a space free from distractions. To create such an environment, it is essential to eliminate disturbances that could interfere with the practice. Visual peace is achieved through a minimalist design, soothing colors, and calming elements. Auditory serenity comes from soundproofing or using white noise to mask external sounds, while physical ease is supported by comfortable seating, a pleasant temperature, and inviting textures. Together, these elements ensure that every sensation contributes to relaxation and focus.

Privacy is another critical aspect of a successful meditation space. Individuals must feel safe and secure, knowing they are shielded from interruptions or outside observation. Clear boundaries, both physical and symbolic, help define the space as one dedicated to meditation. This sense of privacy fosters intimacy and encourages participants to fully immerse themselves in their practice without fear of judgment or disturbance.

A truly transformative meditation space feels like stepping into a different world—one that immediately soothes the senses and invites mindfulness. At the same time, it should be designed in a way that allows individuals to carry a piece of that world with them when they leave. This delicate balance can be achieved by incorporating natural materials, plants, subdued lighting, and scents like essential oils or incense. These elements anchor the sensory experience and create a lingering sense of calm that participants can take with them.

Beyond aesthetics, a meditation space must radiate a sense of healing and trust. It should reflect my proficiency as a meditation coach and inspire confidence in those who join me. Personal touches, such as carefully chosen decor, meaningful symbols, and thoughtfully displayed books, communicate my philosophy and expertise. A warm, welcoming atmosphere further reassures participants, helping them feel supported and open to the meditative process.

Ultimately, a meditation space should transcend its physical form and become a sanctuary where individuals feel whole, supported, and inspired. It should quietly yet powerfully convey that this is a place where healing begins and transformation unfolds. By fostering qualities like comfort, privacy, trust, and peace, I aim to create a space that not only enhances meditation but leaves a lasting, positive impact on everyone who enters.

© Jurgens Pieterse. All rights reserved. 2025

A sense of lack

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In my journey through the book “Your Zodiac soul ” I have entered the sign of Taurus which seems to be much about the things that has crystalised in one’s life. The enthusiasm of Aries needs to manifest in something tangible in the sign of Taurus. So the contemplation is turning to my relationship with money and things. The question for today’s blog is: “In which areas of my life do I experience a sense of lack?”

The purpose of today’s blog is to look at what I feel is lacking in my life. So the tone of this blog might be slightly more negative than what it usually is. As a Stoic philosopher I accept life as it is and focus more on being than having. I foucs on cultivating virtues rather than increasing what I have. This approach has led me to have a liberal minimalistic approach to life. It means I am not really a full minmalist but I also do not try to crowed my life with things and possessions.

What we have is outside of our control and it can be taken away in a blink of an eye. I do not attach value to material things. As a rune master I understand that when I detach from material things, material things will attach itself to me. We never really possess anything, we borrow things and have it for a while. Thinking about lack is not one of my favourite things to do… I am an optimist that prefer to focus on what I have rather than what I lack. I always had enough to satisfy my most pressing needs and that is sufficient.

The first thought that came to mind is a lack of personal space where I can fully be myself. To be yourself and find yourself each person needs a physical space that envelops their identity. Stragnegely enough my office at work is probably the closest I can get to having such a dedicated space where everything had got meaning and purpose. I did not decide over the chairs and the desk that is in there but for the rest everything is designed and placed using my limited knowledge of Feng Shui. I like to add meaning to everything and that way fill my life with meaning. But the space is also dedicated to work and not self development. I would love to have a room dedicated to spirtitual practice and well being, a space where I can meditate, do yoga or Tai Chi. I do have my litte sanctum area but it is not the space I would like. It must be a space where I can do TRE and Reiki treatments. So my lack that I experience is that peaceful place that is designed by me for me and for service of others, a place with a calm and serene energy that invites one to experience harmony and beauty on every level. This is an ideal I try to embody in my every space but I do not have my ideal and if I have to think of what I lack then it is that space dedicated to spiritual, mental and physical health and well being.

The second is a lack of friends that share my brought base of interests. I know many people but my own path of development was a very individual path of pursuing various interests. Some of them very far removed from what is of general interest to society. I do not regret having walked the path less frequently travelled because the rewards were tremendous. Most people tend to have a narrow field of interest and I would have liked to have friends with a broader range of interests. For some reason it does not seem as if I am moving in circles where such people can be find. I had to be content to slot friends in spheres of interests, talking to specific people on specific topics. I have Toastmasters, Tai Chi people, Yoga people, TRE people, Jeep people etc. In each category there are elements of friendship, sharing and comonality. But if I can express a lack it would be a lack in friends with broad interests, intellectual approaches and philsophically mature.

Thirdly would be a lack of encouragement in my work space. Even though I am mostly self motivated and believe that our locus of control should be internal I thrive on some level of acknowledgement, especially where something of value had really been achieved. I do not need a bonus payout or shares in a company a simple handshake of acknowledgement can take me far. I work in an environment where many forces work against progress due to different priorities and scarcity in funding. Despite circumstances I had my victories and I am not dependent on encouragement but if I have to say what do I lack in life then it is people who tell you that they believe in you and what you are doing. I think I lack people sharing my vision for what can be accomplished.

So in a quick analysis shows a lack in:

  • Personal space
  • Broad minded friendships
  • Encouragement in my work environment.

I do not really need things in my life, I have what I need. I need circumstances that supports my being and provides a space for growth and development.