Ruma Tenbrink

I have struggled for years with organizing and scheduling. I have finally made some insightful and effective discoveries, but the road is still quite bumpy and I have still not had a clear vision of how it will turn out. I have even tried room-by-room visualization before, but it wasn't very successful. This practice, though.... This resonated with me. There were a few prompts for visualization that highlighted for me the difference between what I like to look at versus what makes me feel "at home." The clean counters, etc - lovely to look at...in a display home. That doesn't feel like "home" to me though, and I suddenly realized I have been aiming for a standard set by others, not what works for me. I like clean and neat, but I need to SEE my items. This gives me peace and satisfaction, knowing where things are with a glance, not wondering if I have something because I put it away behind closed doors somewhere. The room to room walkthrough - but within the context of an actual routine progression of daily activities - helped me far more than my own efforts ever have. I was reminded of how less stressed I was back when I did advance prep for the day ahead. I was reminded of how much more free time I can have if I take a few minutes to prepare and maintain. And for the first time in a long while, I felt at peace with my home, as I did this visualization. So much so that I did not open my eyes when instructed. I didn't want to lose that sense of peace and hope and optimism by seeing the work to be done to get there. Obviously, I did open my eyes. 😊 But what has stuck with me is that jolt if realization that I have been unsuccessful in my efforts because I am trying to achieve a visual goal set by others, not myself. Working towards someone else's ideal, not my own. Yes, it looks nice, and I appreciate that look, but that does not make MY heart sing. I am working towards decluttering with a slow move towards a more minimalist lifestyle, and perhaps at some point my own vision of what feels good to me and that society image will move closer together as a result. For now, however, I am inspired to re-download one of the the three books that have guided my path most successfully (this one is in audiobook format, though I have other books of hers in print and e-book). I want to take another listen as I take one hour, no more, no less, to look online for visual examples of organizational techniques that feel good for me for one single room, and focus there first. Create a virtual "vision board," if you will. A nice reminder I can look at to renew my inspiration, a bookmark to return to when the overwhelm strikes or that next Bright Shiny Object or Big New Idea comes my way and tries to distract me. This practice also, as a secondary benefit, helps crystalize a bit more in my mind the way I want to continue to develop my work/life balance and objectives. This practice really packed a punch for me, in a very short amount of time. Bookmarked and downloaded! Thank you so very much for sharing this wonderful practice with us here in the Insight Timer community. I see you and the light within you. Be well. 🤲🏻❤️🤲🏻

Thanks and nice sentiment, but the visualization feels impossibly disconnected from my current reality with two young kids at home, full time job and the weight of homeschooling during the COVID-19 pandemic. Edit: Thank you so much Ruma for the compassionate and helpful response. I'll look into your suggestions. In fact, since I listened to this practice I've already made some changes in my space, so clearly this practice had more of an impact on me than I thought!

Just the imagery I need some days!

Lovely voice and visual prompts to help me in my journey of creating serene spaces for myself. I have already begun and meditations like this really help to motivate me to continue. Thank you Ruma.

As I embark on my decluttering journey, I needed this!

Perfect soothing guidance to help motivate me to clear my spaces and bring ease and order.

Thank you for this complete visualization. You have given me some good ideas of possibilities. I am working with the Marie Kondo Method....Spark Joy. Yes it does bring more joy into my life. Thank you for sharing this beautiful meditation. I look forward to more meditations. Blessings.🙏❤️✨😊

Makes no mention of stepping on Legos...I am intrigued! Thank you for this compelling vision. ❤