Tidying up with Zen

Thoughts on Marie Kondo, then, and learning to live the life you have.

I want to talk to you today about Zen. Lately, I have been reading Marie Kondo book Spark Joy, the companion to her original book The Life-changing Magic of Tidying Up. One of the earliest passages in this book struck me, reminding me of the way in which Zen can help influence your life. (In this case, I am using Zen in a very specific way, mind, disassociating it to some degree from elements of traditional ritual and religion, and cutting to a universal concept that I believe resides within the practice).

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Marie Kondo says:

When people ask me whether it's best to tidy before or after moving, I always say “Before!” If you haven't even found a new house yet, then start tidying right away. Why? Because it's the house you live in now that will lead you to your next house.
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So if you wanted to meet a beautiful home that is just right for you, take good care of the one you live in now.

It's like this with Zen as well. Learning to practice Zen is not actually about…