Space.  According to Star Trek it is the final frontier.  Space in all its connotations is a frontier that I think we never will completely conquer. 

When I think of space the context is

1. physical.  When I am feeling overly cluttered with stuff invading our space in our home, basement, closets, dressers, etc. I feel out of sorts.  My physical space is closing in on me and I begin to feel claustrophobic. 

2. mental. When my physical space is out of sorts and disarrayed, I have trouble concentrating on any mental task at hand, e.g. writing.  I need to have my space sorted.   It doesn't have to be sterile but just a feeling that the items won't crowd out my clear thinking.  

3. emotional.  When #1 and #2 are crowded with too many  physical and mental items, then I get emotionally overwhelmed with feeling like I have too little space, that I have too many demands on my time and attention and that I feel that my emotional space is overly cluttered.  My balance is all out of sorts.  

In the hopes of keeping some free space in all aspects of my life, I have challenged myself to get rid of 25% of my stuff.  This is not an easy proposition.  I am starting on the physical track- systematically going through each room in the house and trying to eliminate 1/4 of the items in each.  I am hoping that once I let go of the physical, I will be able to see clearly what mental and emotional stuff I need to eliminate. 

So, I am doing a deep sort of my closet and drawers.  I have my piles: consignment, Goodwill, trash.  It is such a cathartic experience.  Because I want this to be an ongoing process, I have reminder notes in my drawers and closet that each time I wear something to evaluate it:  What is the condition- any holes, pilling, worn areas? Do I like it?  Does it fit me?  Would it look better with some minor alterations? Can I wear it with three other items in my closet? 

I'll let you know how I progress.  For now it is like I have embarked on a new adventure.  

What about you?  How is the space in your life?  Feeling cluttered, overwhelmed and claustrophobic?  Or do have a good handle on the stuff in your possession?  Do you have any processes that keep you clutter- free?  For physical, mental and emotional items?