Epiphany: Respect is everything

As I was trying to understand the underlying cause of my cluttered home and its tendency to keep returning to a state of clutter even after a clean-up, I must have finally searched with the right keywords on google because I came across Marie Kondo's method. I heard her describe her method and even saw an implementation. I started to use her philosophy, which entails that we respect our belongings and thank them before discarding them, for having served us. She also says to retain that which sparks joy. As I started to think in her way, I realized why my home is a mess. I don't respect it. I don't respect order and rules. I don't respect my clothes and other items that float around in a state of chaos in the many corners of my home. As I thought about it, I realized that this is a core value defect: a lack of respect for everything.

I used to wonder if something was wrong with me. I suppose the world and mind are designed to keep the painful reality of each defect at bay until you are finally ready to hear it. I do not respect my body, or myself. I do not respect the process of chanting, the Holy Name Himself, the plants I have at home, the things I use, and the people n my life. I respect no one and nothing. Perhaps I do have some respect for some things. But it is not useful for covering my basic needs in life. I need to have a decluttered mind and home in order to function, plan, stay on top of things, and invest time in activities that are important to me. I need this value in order to have meaningful relationships and deep beneficial friendships.

It is very eye-opening for me to know this. I guess I never learned boundaries, how to deal with people, and how to live life. But it is not too late. Now that I have this information, I must apply it in my life. Starting now, I must visualize my ideal life.

I have a mature, responsible, loving, and well-behaved daughter, who knows her boundaries and also works with others with compassion and love in her heart. She has strong faith and prays sincerely to God on a regular basis. I have a clean decluttered home with well planned meals and schedules. I have time for all my important activities and I am well balanced in different areas of life. I take care of my body and family and also develop my Krishna Consciousness through desiring the qualities of a true vaisnava. I support my husband and respect him, our family, my home, my friends, and all the things in a our possession.

Respect. Respect is a way of showing love.