Housekeeping Yoga

This is a curious book—and you need to be in the right frame of mind to read it.  Spark Joy by Marie Kondo is the second book by the Japanese anti-clutter/organization giant.  This book promises to help the reader cull out the mess of all categories of things in one’s living space—and surround yourself with order and only things that “spark joy.”  It calls itself the master class on the art of organizing.  I think it could be titled “Housekeeping Yoga.”

Some reviewers might poke fun at Kondo’s way of having conversations with the objects of clutter.  The author recommends being respectful of what you are tossing or giving away, thank it for the place it has had in your life, and move on.  She recommends saying good bye with gratitude before you move on.

The book has a very calming pace about itself—the author does impart a Japanese style to her writing—this is not a frenzied plan to  sort and purge.  Much of the book describes the KonMari method of tidying.  She has developed a plan—and requests that you follow her order for discarding items that do not give you joy.  Tackle clothes, then books, papers. Komono (everything else) and sentimental items.  She spends much time with her much reviewed way of folding clothing—which I found of least interest.  American’s use hangers and dresser drawers—rolling and folding clothes like you are packing a suitcase is over the top. 

This book is a very fast read—the 291 pages go quickly--and I am not sure I found any novel tips for tidying and getting rid of clutter.

I do like that she is respectful of folks with clutter and problems with too much stuff.  So many books and programs about clutter and hoarding have an element of shame to them.  Not Kondo.  Her plan is methodical—and after reading it—I have no doubt it works. Her plan is a little dodgie on how one defines joy.  That is a big word for me— the little paperweight my grandma gave me makes me smile everytime I look at it—is smiling the same as joy?

You can’t argue with success.  Kondo has created an empire—but I am not sure there is a third book needed to make a trilogy.