The Inner Transcendence of Cleanliness and Order

"Son, go to your room and clean it!"

"But Mom, I don’t want to!"

It sounds like a dialogue every mother can relate to! Beyond the simple act of "being clean or organized," it’s important to understand the deeper impact these actions can have on ourselves.

In previous articles, I’ve mentioned that external chaos is often a reflection of our internal chaos—and this idea holds true when we think about the role of cleanliness and order in our lives.

I invite you to imagine your room and visualize the order within it. The first thing you’ll likely notice is the frame—the walls that define the space. From there, you begin to identify how the furniture, objects, and decorations are arranged.

And while we often associate a room, an office, or a home with the organization of furniture, the very first thing we consider when setting up a space is actually how to optimize it.

That’s right—the order of things is determined by the space available. When organizing a drawer, for example, we naturally think about how to use the space most efficiently. But if we open a dirty, dusty drawer, chances are we’ll avoid it altogether—unless we take the time and courage to confront the mess we’ve ignored for so long.

Emotions and Thoughts as a Nightstand Drawer

Now, imagine that your thoughts also have an order and need to be cleaned from time to time. Just as you would open a drawer to tidy it up and clear out the clutter, the same process applies to unresolved emotions or thoughts.

1. First, take everything out—this allows you to see what is useful and what is not.

2. Clean and refine what still serves you. Some things are worth keeping, especially those thoughts or memories that hold positive emotional value. (After all, we rarely hold on to objects from people who have harmed us.)

3. Wipe down the entire drawer so that only the things that truly matter remain. Sure, maybe there’s an old piece of gum stuck inside, and removing it might take extra effort—but it’s possible.

4. Finally, put everything back with new order and purpose. Now, your mental and emotional space is clearer, more intentional, and ready to serve you better.

I’m sure we’ve all experienced the satisfaction that comes from finishing a deep clean—when a space looks radiant and is accompanied by a sense of peace, tranquility, pride, and calm.

If you want to learn how to clean your inner space, a great way to start is by practicing with your external space. Take note of each step, and with the same simplicity, apply them to yourself.

If you ever need guidance, feel free to reach out—I’d be happy to support you in your process!