I begin with the question I left with you previously.
“What does it mean when...my closet shelf is filled with hats I never wear—stacked on my shelf and spilling over?"
Upon first glance. there is the disorder and maybe a lack of discipline..... I approach the condition and look detailed at this closet area. It looks like the person does not have time to address this issue. Interesting enough it is where she sees it every morning when she gets dressed. Think for a moment, this is what greets her before she even leaves her bedroom!
The physical condition when one pays attention will always signal what is going on in ones' life. One just needs to know how to look. A good question to ask is "How long has this display been greeting me every day?" Perhaps you have gotten so used to it being there, it does not matter or one may not even notice it anymore.
I would like to suggest that it does matter, literally everything is matter (energy) in this world. In the hectic pace we live, we forget to honor the sacred. Every detail matters and is the opportunity to truly expericence being present in this world, when there is so much unconsciousousness around us, physically and emotionally.
At this juncture, I suggest that you look at other physical areas of your life in which it is obvious that "you don't have time to think about it or do anything with it or care about it." One area that you do notice is the opportunity to see where else you compromise in your physical environment and where you ignore your emotions. Everything we are not awake to in our lives, has an unseen cost.
Suppose you decide to make the hats into a great display that inspires you--yet underneath, you do not even like hats. They in your world are for coverup, hiding and actually a reminder of someone who appeared so professional when around people and in secret they would abuse you emotionally.
Instead of organizing the hats, which is settling for or trying to convince yourself they are fine where they are, you tell the truth. The hats trigger this buried emotion. In the past, all the chaos of this display was a way to ignore what it really signified.
Do you hang onto clothes your "mum" gave you that you do not wear or care for and keep, as you do not desire to offend her. One problem she has been dead for ten years. True story...
We build shrines to incompletions with our physical objects. Incompletion occurs when we ignore what it takes to put something into display or order, instead we take it and dump it somewhere. The more order the easier it is to see what does not belong; whether it be the object or the concealed emotion.
The term "filled" often means one is not connected to the object. It is ok, I just keep adding to it. If necessary I will find another shelf. "Filled" often denotes of the the person "I'm not enough". I just keep filling up the void. Where in other areas of your physical life or environment are you not able to let an empty space be an empty space. The need to fill empty space rather than wait upon it to fill itself, may be the opportunity to see where one has the need to control everything.
This shelf condition suggests that the individual does not take time for detail in her life. She may have an ego that always drives her in the more important things, not the mundane in her home. I would like to suggest that the way that she lets things lapse in your home is the way you let things lapse in your business and relationships.
Interesting, one thing I coach about relationship--be sure to see his/her home condition. What is in front of you is exactly what is in front of you. When we really see the condition one lives in; one can see where a person lives from in respect for oneself. It is easy to see when you tell the truth about chaos where one might need to say "no" so that order and beauty is restored.
It is hard to make up all the potential that we see in the person, when we are faced with them not having any desire to clean or have beauty in their home except when you are there. WARNING.... Do not give into flattery of what you bring, when you are required to keep bringing it, rather than awaken it in them. Physical conditons do not lie.
Go in, with "eyes wide open." I suggest that an individual be in touch and in love with the dignity of oneself which is easily seen within the physical environment. As this balance occurs I have seen the most wonderful partners show up for individuals. Being in touch with your inner and outer true self allows for the magnetic influence of relationship. There really is nothing to do. Just "Tell the Truth in the Closet", it will leave nothing out.
Each thing we ignore is preceded by an underlying behavior in some way:
I have more important things to do than tend my shelf--things are spilling over
No one sees it-- it is well hidden, cannot be seen anyway..who cares
Someday I may get to it-- stacks of hats on top of each other
Guilt-- always reminding me I need to do something
Pain-- I got one on sale so I need to justify to keep
Anxiety--I impulsively paid more than I have ever paid for a hat ( I am always reminded I must wear it and I have not). It's too beautiful for me...I will save it only for good.
Guilt-- Why did I spend the money? Why do I need twelve hats?
How old is what I am keeping--this question keeps one accountable.
Looking closely at the physical condition allows one to see where you are compromising and going unconscious about the small things. As one begins this kind of "Telling the Truth" a new world begins to emerge.
What I appreciate about this pathway of uncovering is that it is not threatening and personal. It is responding to the physical condition that is in front of you and giving you different window to see issues and emotions that are occurring in your life.
Now, take a look at what might be in front of you and submit questions to me. We can have fun while even facing difficult issues. This is your blog.......
My question next week:
What does it mean when my husband keeps a bowling ball in my closet?
and more on stacked hats should I not get any questions from you....... I can stay in this closet reading for quite some time-- please be brave and ask your question-it will serve the sisters of the world as they interact with the answer.
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