Step 1: De-clutter.
Step 2: Identify and Acknowledge what´s not working for you.
Step 3: Repeat.
Step 4: Non-Do.
Step 5: Meditate

Meditation is the final thing I practice on a regular basis that keeps me afloat. Literally, I live afloat on my sailboat, as a minimalist in the Boston Harbor. Through a lot of introspection and extraordinary role models, clutter has become a non-issue for me. Even with the small and uniquely shaped space, my systems for in-flow, processing, and out-flow of paper and things is set up and works. I get to enjoy a million dollar view of the sunset over the city each night – just one result of living clutter-free. And perhaps unshockingly I’ve found a calling to support individuals and families in doing this themselves. My friends and organizing clients often ask me how I am able to do this, that is, live a simple yet rich life, free of physical and mental clutter, as well as organization problems. After all, jam packed schedules, mass production, and acquisition of stuff is a reality these days.

I got where I am today starting as a teenager, when I discovered de-cluttering (Step 1 in Simply Rich Living) was a thing. Living-clutter free both literally and figuratively opened the space to see what wasn’t working in my life (Step 2), according to me. I continue to do this again and again, as a habit (Step 3). Now in my late 20s, non-doing (Step 4), or in other words calm, ease, and peace, gets to happen more and more. Now I incorporate the highest form of non-doing: meditation, the 5th step in how I have laid out getting to simple and rich living.

There is loads of sound research confirming the power of meditation. Everyone is doing it.. Meditation is pleasant and easeful; you feel better and refreshed after you do it. Don’t be thwarted by the false idea that meditation is to sit down, be still, and quiet your mind. There are myriad ways to meditate – including meditation involving an activity – just as there are myriad types of people in this world. You know you found your best way to meditate when a) you want to do it and b) it is easeful and brings a sense of joy and peace, however subtle at first. Also the best type of meditation for you can change throughout your life, as each chapter unfolds.

Here are five ways to incorporate meditation into your life:

• Become aware of how you already do meditate! Do you pause and take a few breaths sometimes? Do you like doing a certain chore because it has a meditative quality for you? My start into meditation was simply to take a deep breath throughout my day. This isn’t exactly meditation yet, but it is the precursor to it.
• Find a meditation app to download onto your smartphone, to give you some guidance. I recommend Insight Meditation or Headspace.
• Is there a time of day or a time during the week where you already let yourself relax? Combine like with like, and take your relaxation time to the next level with a meditation.
• Our minds are laden with self-criticizing thoughts. Use Mantra as your meditation. Create a clear thought to focus on, such as, “I am enough and I am loved”. Repeat your mantra with intention and peace. It is best to do this alone in a quiet place, however, you can do it while in traffic or waiting for your onions to sweat while cooking! Be creative.
• While at work or with family, spend a few minutes just being aware. This is based off of Eckart Tolle. Still do what you were going to do or say, but be aware of what you are doing and saying as you do it. You may be surprised at how insightful this meditation can be.

How has meditation affected your day-to-day life? How about productivity? Have you ever considered simply sitting down to let yourself be still and reflect on your organizing or time-management challenges? I’d love to hear what you have to say, so please start the conversation below!