Customer Reviews

Meditations for Messies: A Guide to Order and Serenity

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book helps to continually remind me why I decided to change my messy lifestyle. It's understanding and uplifting messages from somebody who has been in the grip of the compulsion to save and clutter, gives me a friend on my path.

Pros:

*Great to use as a "clutter break" book. Members of my Clutter Workshop group team up and then read to each other during "rest and renewal" 5-minute breaks every half hour.

*Small compact size makes it easy both to store and to carry with you.

*Can be used in group settings or for individual inspiration.

*Depending on the group setting I am working with:

can be used with or without the prayer/reflection at the end.

*My favorite way to use this is to just open it anywhere and read the selection that presents itself. You can however read a selection-a-day, or turn to the one of the 7 topics that appeal to you the most.

Cons:

*It is NOT a "how-to" book nor is it meant to be. For how-to decluttering information, I recommend Buried in Treasures by David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost & Gail Steketee, or take part in an online class.

As others have stated, this is not a how to book. There are plenty of those - how to get organized, how to clean, how to declutter etc. etc. But, as anyone who has battled the determination/discouragement cycle that only those who understand (or are trying to understand) the psychological and cultural connection behind being messy/dirty/disorganized can attest to, those types of books only do you good when you are in an "up" cycle. This book is about getting you - and keeping you - in a healthier state emotionally. Once there, the actual work required to treat yourself with dignity begins to happen naturally. This isn't about an overnight transformation - this is about fighting the inner turmoil that is really the root cause of the problem. Without that being fixed, any efforts at improvement will just be temporary, and another source of discouragement and self hatred. I read two of these meditations a day - sometimes I do the exercises at the bottom of the page, sometimes not. When I'm done (takes a couple months) I start over again. Each time I start over, I get something new from each meditation, because I'm further along in my journey towards dignity. Its kept me from giving up during down cycles and set backs, understanding that is just par for the course. I would recommend this book for anyone who is ready to be free of slavery to "stuff" and treat the underlying thinking behind our issue.

I have this book for myself and wanted to order one for a friend. Sandra Felton is awesome! I would recommend any of her material.