Comments for sursumcorda.salemsattic.com/post/clearing-mental-clutter

Comment #2961

2013-09-14T10:22:22Z

Well put, Mom. I think it's important to put the effort into finding out what our frazzled minds need. For me it got much worse when I became a mom and it matters more because the kids are the ones who suffer from my short patience as a result of the brain chaos. When I start to unravel and feel like I have no time to myself I really try to answer the question "what is it I really want?" It can be hard to identify, but so important as it will not only make myself feel better but will make life more plesant for those around me, too!

Comment #2960

2013-09-12T14:57:12Z

I haven't had much time to think about this, but one thing that occurs to me is that "mental clutter" might not be the best name for it, at least in my case. What I experience is more like a short circuit, or perhaps a mental version of heart fibrillation. (Wikipedia: Fibrillation is the rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized contraction of muscle fibers. That's what it feels like, only in my brain.)

The activities that stop the mental chaos do not solve the underlying problems that cause it. How can reading a random good book help sort out what I need to do when, how, and in what order, so that I can have peace knowing I'm not dropping an important ball? GTD, MOM, FlyLady, and other organizing efforts perform that function.

That doesn't mean, however, that Jen's idea isn't a brilliant insight. The mind in such a state isn't in need of basic health care. It needs a defibrillator: something to stop the "rapid, irregular, and unsynchronized" mental activity and allow the mind's natural processes to restore normal rhythm.

Thus it makes sense to me that what might have a "defibrillating" effect on the mind would be different for different people, and might seem completely unrelated to the underlying problems.

Comment #2959

2013-09-11T13:31:03Z

Lightening, indeed. I think mental clutter is more disruptive for me than physical clutter, tho they are related. I just hadn't had a name for it, before! And mental clutter is not obvious to the observer, such as a husband... Now I will think about what works for me. Thanks!