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YOUR SPACIOUS SELF by Stephanie Bennett Vogt

YOUR SPACIOUS SELF

: Clear Your Clutter and Discover Who You Are

by Stephanie Bennett Vogt

Pub Date: May 15th, 2007
ISBN: 978-0-595-41868-8

In this New Age self-help volume, first-time author, teacher and space-clearing practitioner Vogt shows how cleaning the living room can help clear the mind.

Vogt connects esoteric laws and meditation with the practice of clearing clutter from the house. Emphasizing the process of clearing rather than focusing on the end result, the author guides readers through systematic but supportive procedures with the dual goals of learning about the self and creating an energetic living space. The content is divided into theory and practice, with each short chapter zeroing in on one facet of decluttering, often accompanied by a suggested meditation, assignment or exercise. Near the end of the book, after discussing the various forms of clutter and how it acts as an indicator of other life issues, Vogt moves on to some practical advice about cleaning up. The approach the author recommends uses small steps and honors emotions which may pop up during space clearing work. Taking the process slowly acts to assuage the mind’s natural defense system–the gradual progress will not trigger the “fight or flight” response that more aggressive interventions might cause. In this way, real growth can take place in a peaceful, balanced fashion. Vogt advocates creating lightness and cohesion in one’s home and office as a way to create a “spacious self.” The author references many well-known alternative thinkers and notes their contributions to the field of space clearing, giving interested readers references for further study. While the spiritual subtext adds context and substance without detracting from the main message, readers who are unfamiliar with this kind of metaphysical approach may need some time to adjust to linking unwanted junk with mind, body and spirit. Still, readers do not have to endorse the entire New Age belief system to use the book’s ideas and practices.

A useful examination of the principle that physical clutter indicates a cluttered mind.