The very concept of "clutter" is often confined to tangible spaces – our homes, our offices. Yet, as we discussed, the intangible clutter residing within us often exerts a far more insidious influence. I recall my early days in a clinical laboratory, where we were taught to see beyond the numb ers, to recognize the human being behind each patient file. This principle, I believe, applies equally to our inner selves. We must acknowledge the human being within, with all their emotional complexities.

The cyclical nature of our thoughts and feelings. I've observed that a staggering 90% of our emotional experiences fall into repetitive patterns. We find ourselves replaying past grievances, reliving anxieties, and clinging to resentments, effectively trapping ourselves in a rut. This stagnation, this inability to access the full spectrum of positive emotions, is what I define as emotional clutter.

To address this, we must delve into the root causes. I firmly believe that insecurity and attachment form the bedrock of this emotional congestion. Consider my simple analogy: I am present in this studio, yet I know I will depart. If I were to become attached to any person or object here, I would inevitably experience insecurity – the fear of loss. This artificial insecurity, born of attachment, pervades our lives.

Detachment, however, is not synonymous with apathy or indifference. It is a shift in perspective, a recognition of the transient nature of our experiences. I enjoy my time in the studio, but I understand that I am a traveler, not an owner. This perspective, when applied to the broader canvas of life, liberates us from the bondage of attachment.

We often cling to our opinions, even when they are challenged, mistaking them for our identity. But we are travelers and observers in this world, not owners. Even spiritual ideas, which I deeply value, are tools to be used, not chains to bind us.

The concept of the "invisible observer" is central to my approach. I encourage individuals to cultivate a soul-conscious perspective, to see themselves as travelers in a theater, observing the unfolding drama of life. This detachment allows us to witness our experiences without being consumed by them. We become observers of our own thoughts and emotions, discerning the patterns that bind us.

This practice, however, demands consistent effort. It is not a quick fix or a remedy to be applied only during times of crisis. We must cultivate this perspective during moments of peace and clarity, creating pockets of mindful observation in our daily lives. This is the "homework" I spoke of, the conscious effort to grasp the position of the invisible observer, the soul-conscious perspective.

The alternative to this perspective is the ego, a false sense of self built on external validation. I have witnessed firsthand how the ego leads to a life of potential victimhood, clinging to the temporary and creating unnecessary bondage. We define ourselves by our jobs, our possessions, our relationships, forgetting our true nature as souls.

"Ego in a simple practical way of defining, in our level is how I define myself. And we are really meaning the false ego here, because we define ourselves based on something that's external." This external validation is a fragile foundation, prone to crumbling under the weight of life's inevitable changes.

When someone is rude or offensive, the ego naturally reacts defensively. But if we have cultivated detachment, if we have practiced being the invisible observer, we can remain unaffected. We understand that it is their perspective, their emotional state, not a reflection of our worth.

Ultimately, addressing emotional clutter is about transforming ourselves, not others. As I emphasized, "Most of the time, the real situation is me changing. As you said, there is very little chance of me able to change someone else, but I can change." By cultivating detachment, practicing mindful observation, and releasing the ego, we can unburden our souls and experience true inner peace.

Furthermore, it’s about examining the quality of our cyclical thoughts. Are they rooted in fear, resentment, or perhaps a lingering sense of inadequacy? This introspection is crucial. When we practice becoming the 'invisible observer,' we’re not just passively watching; we're actively discerning the patterns that bind us. This is where the real work begins. It’s about cultivating a gentle curiosity towards our own inner landscape. For instance, when a negative thought arises, instead of immediately identifying with it, we can ask, ‘Why am I feeling this way? What attachment is triggering this emotion?’ This conscious inquiry allows us to gradually loosen the grip of our emotional clutter.

Remember, cultivating detachment doesn’t mean we become emotionally sterile. It means we learn to respond to life’s challenges with wisdom and equanimity, rather than reacting from a place of fear or ego. This is the path to true inner peace, a journey of self-discovery that I encourage each of you to embark upon.

Dr. Prashant Kakoday
Coordinator Centre for Integral Health, Cambridge.