The latest installment in an occasional series: how I unplugged over the weekend.

On Saturday, I participated in Jen Hofmann’s Office Spa Day – which was such a treat. Wow is my office looking spiffy as a result. (I realize cleaning may not sound like unplugging, but unplugging isn’t always about resting – there are other forms of refreshment and decluttering is one of them.)

Before breaking to clean, Jen had everyone do a lovely little guided visualization and during it I realized that what I wanted for Monday morning was for my desk and the space around it to be clear and up-to-date. Even though I’d really like The Pile to be gone, it’s behind me. What I most wanted, what I knew I would most benefit from, was to deal with what was in front of me.

So I began working from what I call my Circles of Influence. Basically, the idea is to simply start from the spot where you spend the most time – in this instance, where I sit in my chair – and deal with what is within immediate view or arm’s reach. Once that’s done, then clear a little farther beyond that – more to the left or right, above or below. And so forth, in ever wider concentric circles (spheres would be more accurate) until the entire space is clear.

It was really tempted to start with the neglected corners. I really wanted to work on The Pile – and while removing will have a payoff, it’s not the same immediate boost as having the space in front of me clutter free.

So I stuck with my circles.

• sticky notes were removed from the computer and telephone – then both were dusted
• I removed years-old odds and ends from my bulletin board
• I filed all the papers on my desk
• I sorted through my little bin of office supplies – tossing dry pens and whatnot (I even found my social security card where it really didn’t belong)
• more dusting
• moving outward, I cleared the shelf above my desk – meaning I could move some binders off my desk
• I then organized the bookshelf to my left, filling my recycling bin in the process
• more dusting
• turning around, I then gave my attention to The Pile – which is smaller (yay!) and will (scout’s honor) be gone by the end of the month

It feels so much better to “come to work” now. More than space, there is possibility. More than room for good new things, there is room for action.

For example: making art. Because my office is – with a swivel of my chair – also my studio. And I made something yesterday. I crafted it up all day long. I haven’t done that in ages and it felt really great to play that way. (And I like how the project turned out to boot – always a plus.)

The vibe in my workspace is different today. It’s new and refreshed. Not only because I removed old and useless physical reminders of the past, but because I created a pleasurable and gratifying new memory of what happens in this space.

As I write this, the sun is shining through the window and I’m happy to be here. Sigh. Yay for Office Spa Day (and thanks Jen).

Related posts:

1. Order from Influence
2. Clearing out this, that and the other.
3. Productivity Mind
4. Favorite Things-Day 3: Binders
5. On Losing Power & Making Space for Good New Things