Back To Spring Cleaning

Hey folks – I wanted to get this blurb out earlier in the week than usual because it contains a bit of potential homework. (Did you stop reading right there? Like most things at The Table this is an “opt in”, so don’t panic.)  Two weeks ago we started an exploration having to do with checking out what we have stored in our religious closets – ideas, concepts, theologies, creeds, beliefs…all that stuff. What’s in there that is really ours; what’s inherited, what is disposable, what did we “hand make”, what is cheap junk, what is down in the back corner that we forgot about? We considered all of this in the context of clutter, and how “mess causes stress”.  As part of that process we referenced an article from Psychology Today that included the following list:

1. Clutter bombards our minds with excessive stimuli (visual, olfactory, tactile), causing our senses to work overtime on stimuli that aren’t necessary or important.
2. Clutter distracts us by drawing our attention away from what our focus should be on.
3. Clutter makes it more difficult to relax, both physically and mentally (and in our context we added “spiritually”).
4. Clutter constantly signals our brains that our work is never done.
5. Clutter makes us anxious because we’re never sure what it’s going to take to get through to the bottom of the pile.
6. Clutter creates feelings of guilt (“I should be more organized”) and embarrassment, especially when others unexpectedly drop by our homes or work spaces.
7. Clutter inhibits creativity and productivity by invading the open spaces that allow most people to think, brain storm, and problem solve.
8. Clutter frustrates us by preventing us from locating what we need quickly

The potential homework is simply this – in light of the above list, reflect on what sort of religious clutter you might have that is causing you spiritual stress.

This week we want to pick up the dialogue we began last week when we dug into our personal closet inventories. We started an absolutely fascinating conversation about it that (of course) ran out of time. So this week, with the help of the virtual presence of a famous de-clutter-er and a t.v. show host, we’re going to keep on discussing what it might look like to wade into the decluttering of we’ve got stashed. I’m really looking forward to this! And just a reminder – no one will ever require you to share what you are thinking at The Table. Just like the homework – it’s opt in.

Kids Table will be back on stride.

And finally, for those of you that missed it or for whom it may have slipped your mind, a reminder that if you support The Table financially, we are trying to raise $5000 before July 1st to see us through the leaner giving months of the summer. You can respond in person at The Table on Sunday mornings, or online at our website any time.

Our venue this week and for the balance of May will be Creative Manitoba (4th floor). 10:30 a.m.(ish) start. Don’t be early – you’ll freak everybody out.  🙂

I’ll see you on Sunday.

Peace,

Tim Plett