à la carte spirit by ilona fried
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Self-Image, Feldenkrais and KonMari
I’ve been on a decluttering marathon the last 10 days. I began to follow the KonMari Method of tidying up after my own efforts stalled and I needed to jumpstart my resolve. The key to this approach is to keep only what sparks joy, unless an item is necessary. It reminds me of the Feldenkrais Method where, through multiple approximations, we learn to … Continue reading
The KonMari Method: A Decluttering “Camino”
Frequently I’ve fantasized about living differently. A few years ago, while following a guided imagery offered by my Zen teacher, I visualized my home as a light-filled and spare dwelling, furnished with carefully chosen items and sleek storage to reduce visual clutter. Imagining myself in such a pristine environment felt peaceful and spacious. When I opened my eyes, I lost … Continue reading
Every Day is Commencement
“Go out in the world and fuck it up beautifully” – John Waters’ commencement speech at RISD “We are not interested in the performance or the achievement, only to find out how we do what we do…so we can do what we want” – Moshe Feldenkrais ‘Tis the season for graduations. Consider me a graduation grinch: … Continue reading
Couched in a Dilemma
Would you part with a favorite object if someone wanted to buy it? I’m in the midst of a ruthless purge and have advertised some furniture on Craigslist. Among other items, I wish to bid farewell to a wood bench I’ve had nearly 15 years. Purchased to fit up a curving staircase and through a narrow doorway, I’ve … Continue reading
When Things Come to An End. Finally.
Recently, I did something that my earlier self would have considered unthinkable. I left the last of my stash of designer beads, worth more than one thousand dollars, for consignment at a local bead shop. I left them without an inventory sheet or suggested prices. I left them because, finally, I was done. Done working with beads, done … Continue reading
à la carte spirit by ilona fried 
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