Sunday afternoon I pulled all my books out and set them on the bed. Organizing into categories. My brain started seeing trends. I took care to notice how I was feeling. Was this idea/subject current? Was I holding onto someone else's thoughts? Did I feel excited to dive in or obligated to read? How long have I traveled with this book? Was it this an old idea that I have fully integrated and moved beyond? Did I like the title, the color and the size of the book? Questions and emotions flowed.
I moved my books from pile to pile. Some got moved into my hubby's bookcase. They were his thoughts- no need to hold onto someone else's thoughts.
A pile of books to sell or donate started to pile up. Books I used to love but.. stacked up. Books I think I "should" read but I know myself. Books I want to explore got stacked. Books I want to pop into to and randomly read a passage or chapter stacked up. Books I want to read to improve my skills piled up.... And on it went. questions and movement.
Thoughts sorted and refreshed
In the end, I had gathered up 21 books. 21 books varied in topic, size, age, color and author. A little pile of books I can draw from. Other books got sorted by subject, type and look and thoughtfully placed into my other book cases. Many books are going to be taken to 1/2 price books.
This sorting process is what I call sorting my thoughts. By sorting my books I get to refresh my thoughts, discovered ideas that are not as important as they once were. I discovered old books I wanted to revisit and new ideas I wanted to dive into. By narrowing down my books I gave myself space to explore. Now I have a little pile of inspired and energized books.
Uncluttering your books is an effective way of uncluttering your thoughts, discovering your passions and letting go of what no longer supports your life, your spirit, your mind and your health.
Books are personal. My aunt used to say they were like having friends around. I agree. This emotional connection is also one of the reasons they are hard to let go of. Sort your thoughts, let go of old thoughts. Let your life breathe and create space for new ideas and thoughts to flow your way.
If you are feeling stagnate, uncertain, over whelmed - sort your books. If your bookcases are over stuffed and spilling out at the seams - sort your books. If you have held onto your college books, books from 10 years ago - sort your books. If the title, size and color or a book makes you cringe - sort your books.
Sorting books and uncluttering is not work it is a spiritual practice of discovery.
Wishing you a clear mind, breathing space and passions ignited.
Denise
A tip on cookbooks:
When looking at the recipes ask yourself do I want to eat this custard or actually cook it. A trip to a restaurant with a friend to sample and dine is better than old dusty cookbooks taking up space in your life.
