Performance = Potential - Distractions.

This is a law that is true in nature and also in the spiritual life. We have tremendous spiritual potential if we would only remove the distractions. Thus, it is vital that we identify what these distractions are that hinder our spiritual potential and work to remove them.

As Decluttering

Decluttering Physical Space

• Create Sacred Spaces: Designate a peaceful area in your home for reflection and spiritual practices. Adding elements like candles, plants, or meaningful objects can help signal a shift to a time of spiritual focus.
• Connect with Nature: Regularly spend time in nature to ground yourself and connect with the Creator, whether through walks, observing wildlife, or stargazing.
• Release Unneeded Possessions: Re-evaluate your relationship with material items, donating or discarding what no longer serves you, making room for spiritual growth and clarity.

Decluttering Digital Space

• Limit Digital Consumption: Curate your digital subscriptions to include only content that enriches your life. Unsubscribe from emails and unfollow social media accounts that bring stress or distraction.
• Set Usage Boundaries: Establish specific times and “device-free zones” for screen activities. Consider a weekly “digital Sabbath” to fully unplug and recharge.
• Mindful Engagement: Be intentional online; read content fully rather than skimming and avoid mindless scrolling. Engage with information that aligns with your values.
• Time-Based Boundaries: Reserve the first and last hour of your day as device-free for prayer, reflection, or gratitude.

Decluttering Mental Space

• Identify and Release Worries: Write down persistent worries or unhelpful thoughts. Use grounding techniques, like deep breathing, to stay present, and organize tasks with a planner or to-do list.
• Limit Information Intake: Avoid consuming too much information from news, social media, or notifications. Be selective about sources, focusing on quality over quantity to conserve mental energy.
• Practice Gratitude and Reflection: Shift focus from worries to blessings by regularly writing down or reflecting on things you’re grateful for, helping calm the mind and replace anxiety with peace.
• Engage in Journaling: Use journaling to organize thoughts, work through emotions, and release mental clutter. Try free-form journaling or focus on gratitude, goals, or growth.
• Visualization and Goal Setting: Visualize your long-term goals or a clutter-free mental space to create clarity and identify what truly matters.
• Sabbaths:Take short breaks throughout the day to pause, breathe, and tune into the present, allowing your soul to recalibrate. Prioritize the weekly Sabbath on the Lord's Day. What should this look like? Set aside a monthly or seasonal retreat day to reconnect with God and let go of burdens. Meditate on scripture, allowing it to take root and grow. A Weekly Sabbath Schedule
• Clear Your To-Do List Regularly: Write down and prioritize tasks each day, reviewing and clearing your list as needed. Knowing your next steps are planned frees up mental space.
• Examine Thought Patterns: Notice when you’re ruminating on past events or overthinking future ones. Use grounding techniques like breathing or focusing on physical sensations to return to the present.
• Prioritize Physical Rest: Ensure you get adequate sleep, physical activity, and quiet time each week for mental clarity. Consider a weekly “mental rest day” free from overstimulation, allowing space for creativity and spiritual focus.
• Slow Engagement with Scripture: Focus on a single verse or passage to meditate on throughout the day, planting seeds for deeper reflection. Look for the shining glory of God in the face of Christ in every page.

Related

• A Weekly Sabbath Schedule