“Waste not, Want not”

A phrase we’ve all heard before, a mantra of sorts that encourages us to hold onto things… just in case.

What we hold on to can range from various objects to beliefs. Whether it’s a nostalgic sweater, stack of magazines we’ll “read one day”, an outdated way of thinking, or echoes of conversations past.

These things occupy more than the obvious physical and mental space—their impact influences our subtle body/ is a reflection of our subtle body.

We tell ourselves we’re being practical, or that it’s no big deal. Or perhaps, the awareness of the objects/ thoughts are not even in our mental awareness, all the more reason to be paying attention right now and driving light into the dim areas of our life to find wholeness.

Material possessions are often equated with security, it’s easy to overlook the ways in which clutter can weigh us down. The more stuffed our environment is, the more stuffed our mind is, vice versa.

If you practice meditation, you may have noticed your house getting cleaner the more you meditate. You are starting to reflect/ project your internal environment out into your physical space.

Or, if you look at a clear space, suddenly your mind becomes clear - like gazing out at the horizon on a beach, an empty sky, an empty room

clutter/ cleanliness

What if the true waste isn’t “Waste not, Want not” but in holding on, preserving? What if the time, energy, and space consumed by these things are actually robbing us of the clarity and freedom we crave?

In Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, there’s a profound understanding of how physical, mental, and emotional clutter can disrupt our well-being. Just as our bodies can accumulate toxins, so too can our minds and living spaces become congested with unnecessary items and thoughts. This blog post explores the Ayurvedic perspective on letting go—how releasing clutter can lead to a life filled with lightness, clarity, and true health.

The Burden of Clutter

In Ayurveda, the concept of tamas refers to one of the three gunas (qualities) that influence the mind and body. Tamas is characterized by inertia, darkness, and heaviness. Tamas is sticky, heavy, slow/ static and these qualities weigh us down physically and mentally. When tamas is dominant, we might feel sluggish, confused, depressed, and/ or overwhelmed, finding it difficult to move forward in life.

Physical clutter—an overflowing closet, a disorganized workspace, or a chaotic living environment—can contribute to the accumulation of tamas. The more we hold onto things that no longer serve a purpose, the more we anchor ourselves in a state of stagnation. This physical heaviness translates into mental heaviness, leading to feelings of confusion, anxiety, and worry.

This mental tamas can disrupt the flow of Apana Vata/ Vayu, the sub-dosha of Vata that governs the process of elimination—both physically and mentally. Apana Vata is responsible for letting go, whether it’s through the body’s natural processes of excretion (downward and outward elimination urine, feces, menstruation) or the mind’s ability to release old thoughts and emotions. When Apana Vata is imbalanced, we may find ourselves holding onto things—physical objects, outdated ideas, or unresolved emotions—that we would be better off releasing.

It’s difficult to concentrate in a cluttered space. The mind becomes scattered, unable to settle on one task, because it’s constantly distracted by the mess. This mental clutter leads to overwhelm, where simple decisions become difficult. When our homes are filled with clutter we can feel a constant, low-level anxiety about everything, even if we’re not 100% aware of it.

Mental and emotional clutter does the same- holding onto grudges, worries, or outdated beliefs creates internal congestion/ clutter. The result is often a feeling of being stuck—unable to move forward or make decisions with confidence.

In both cases (physical and mental), the clutter acts as a barrier to the free flow of energy, preventing us from experiencing the lightness and clarity that come with a balanced life. By holding onto things “just in case,” we may think we’re being practical, but in reality, we’re allowing tamas to take root, disrupting the natural flow of Vata or Prana and creating unnecessary obstacles in our lives.

From Clutter to Clarity: Practical Steps for Decluttering

Now that we’ve explored the burden that clutter places on both our physical and mental well-being, let’s do something about it

The process of decluttering isn’t just about tidying up; it’s about creating a space that supports your health, clarity, and peace of mind. In Ayurveda, this act of letting go is seen as a vital step toward restoring balance and harmony in your life.

1. Start Small, Start Simple

Decluttering can feel overwhelming if you try to tackle everything at once. Begin with one area—your closet, a single drawer, or even your email inbox. The key is to start with something manageable and then build momentum. As you clear space in this small area, you’ll experience a sense of accomplishment and motivation to continue.

2. Ask the Right Questions

When deciding whether to keep or let go of an item, ask yourself questions like:

• Does this item serve a purpose in my life right now/ is it useful?

• Does it bring me joy or add value to my day-to-day living?

• Is holding onto this item motivated by fear or by love?

These questions help you get to the root of why you’re holding onto something and can make it easier to part with items that are no longer serving you.

3. Embrace the Laghu (Lightness)

Laghu the quality of lightness gives us ease and clarity. As you let go of unnecessary items, you’re inviting more laghu into your life. This lightness permeates physical, mental and emotional space. Notice how you feel as you declutter; the lighter your environment becomes, the more spacious and free your mind will feel.

4. Create a Ritual of Letting Go

Decluttering can be a powerful ritual if approached with intention. Set aside a specific time to go through your belongings, perhaps once a month (once every weekend if you’re me 😅), and approach this task with mindfulness. I like to light an oil lamp, usually some incense, sometimes sage if things feel really heavy. Then - I’ll play some stimulating music (whatever that means for you), open the windows (weather permitting, but I love generating a lot of air flow) and get to cleansing! (different from cleaning)

5. Detox Your Mind

Just as you declutter your physical space, take time to clear your mental and emotional clutter as well. Journal, meditate, spending time in nature can help you process and release unresolved emotions or thoughts. Just like you brush your teeth every day for good hygiene, you should “brush your mind” every day. This helps to keep your mind clear and your energy flowing freely. Thus, keep your space clear (as above so below, as inside so outside, etc)

6. Donate, Recycle, or Sell

One of the most satisfying aspects of decluttering is knowing that the items you no longer need can still serve a purpose! Donate clothes, books, and household items to charity, recycle what you can, or sell things that still hold value. This not only clears your space but also aligns with the Ayurvedic principle of Dana (charity), which brings positive energy into your life. 💪

7. Maintain the Flow

Decluttering isn’t a one-time event—it’s an ongoing practice. Regularly assess your living space and mind to ensure that they remain uncluttered and conducive to balance. As you continue to let go of what no longer serves you, you’ll find it easier to maintain a state of clarity and lightness, allowing you to navigate life’s challenges with ease.

Also be mindful before of bringing things into your life that can cause clutter. A strategy I use when I go grocery shopping is I only shop with a basket (like you have to carry) This saves time, money, and space. I can only fit so many things in the basket, and my arm can only handle so much weight in the time I’m at the store. It really forces prioritization around what is necessary in my life (and diet) and what isn’t necessary. So great

Follow these practical steps, you’ll create a healthier, more balanced environment that supports your well-being on all levels. This ongoing practice of letting go is a pathway to sattva—a state of purity, peace, and clarity that allows you to live your life with greater joy and purpose.

Ready to Take the Next Step in Your Journey?

Decluttering your physical and mental space is just the beginning. If you’re looking to go deeper and truly align your lifestyle with your unique needs, an Ayurvedic consultation could be the next step on your path to clarity and balance.

Through personalized Ayurvedic guidance, I can help you identify the root causes of imbalance in your life—whether physical, mental, or emotional—and create a tailored plan to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.

Book a consultation today and start your journey towards a more balanced, harmonious life. Let’s work together to clear the clutter, both inside and out, and create the space for the vibrant health and clarity you deserve.

If you’d rather DIY to get a taste of Ayurveda you can download my free nutrition guide below. This super comprehensive guide includes a dosha quiz and is packed with ancient wisdom from the classical texts of Ayurveda + personal and professional insights from my own life and clinical experience with clients. It’s thorough enough to be a book, and I could easily charge for it, but I believe in making this knowledge accessible to as many people as possible, to help as many people as I can. Pouring myself into this guide feels like a great way to reach those who, at this time, I cannot meet to work with one-on-one. I hope you find it valuable for your journey 🥰