Pictures courtesy of Marie Kondo

In the past several years, your philosophy of tidying has really captured attention and has been adopted by people all around the world. What do you think really resonates with people about this philosophy?

Marie Kondo: The KonMari Method is more than just organizing; it starts with physical objects, which are often just symbols of the larger self-reflection we need. Evaluating the things that spark joy in our lives to help us achieve the vision we have for the lives we want to live is a part of the KonMari Method that I feel people really appreciate and resonate with the most.

What are some of the early influences that attracted you to tidying and organizing?

Ms. Kondo: Tidying is something that I learned from my grandmother at a very early age, and she was always such a big inspiration to me. She was so careful and considerate of the things she owned, and that level of intent and care is now deeply rooted in the KonMari Method. If I can personally help people tidy and see positive changes in other areas of their lives, then I feel like I have done what is needed, while also honoring my grandmother’s memory.

When people go through the process and apply the KonMari method, they seem to have a lot of epiphanies. Many people start to realize that it’s not just about things; it’s about living and lifestyle. Was this always the starting point for you? How do you encourage people to think about lifestyle?

Ms. Kondo: As a young girl, I was truly captivated by the craft of organization after reading The Art of Discarding, a bestselling book in Japan at the time. Being inspired from this book, I really started to explore tidying more seriously, and at that point in my life, I thought that tidying was mainly about discarding. I remember once during a difficult tidying session, my body became heavy, and I ended up passing out on the floor. After several hours, I thought I heard a voice telling me to “look at the items carefully and closely,” and in this exact moment, I realized I had an epiphany. Instead of looking for reasons to discard an item, I should be looking for reasons to keep them. Right then, I knew that tidying was so much more than just cleaning and discarding items. It transformed into focusing on the things and moments in life that spark joy.

When applying the KonMari Method, it’s important to remember that you are not choosing what to discard, but rather, choosing to keep items that speak to your heart. Through tidying, people can reset their lives and make sure they’re spending the rest of their lives surrounded by the people and things that they love and cherish the most.

In your method, you mention some procedures and rituals. Tell us about the importance of rituals and how they can change the way we look at things?

Ms. Kondo: Before you can truly care for another person, space, or object, you have to know how to take care of yourself, which is where the importance of rituals come into play. I prioritize daily rituals that enable me to honor my whole self because when the body, mind and spirit are in alignment, I can easily sense what sparks joy in my life each and every day. I have many different rituals that I perform throughout the day to help me maintain a rhythm, and I always encourage others to do the same. My morning ritual is one of my most important routines as it sets the tempo for the day ahead. I often begin by opening a window to let in the fresh air and then lighting incense. My favorite incense scent is yuzu because the smell of citrus brings energy and ease, which always helps me meet the day joyfully.

How does tidying and organizing affect one’s mental state and life, and why?

Ms. Kondo: The KonMari Method helps explore the depth of personal matters and emotions through tidying. Tidying is as much about evaluating the things that bring you joy as it is about the past that you are ready to let go—it’s about making room for the future you envision for yourself. Through the tidying process, you confront yourself and determine what is most important to you, all on your own. It’s important to be open-minded when tidying. Think about what the KonMari Method can bring to not only your physical space, but also to your life as a whole.

In 2015, you were named one of Time magazine’s 100 most influential people. Decluttering was having a moment! What sort of cultural shift were you seeing from your perspective?

Ms. Kondo: What a great honor that was! Since that time people have become more easily accessible through the digital lives we lead. We are also more influenced by things that may bring joy, including other things that do not; it can sometimes be overwhelming. I think the KonMari Method still applies to people today. The Method allows people to revisit the things that truly bring them joy and discard the things that no longer serve the life they envision, which is as important today as it was back then.

You’ve also written a children’s book. What are some memories from your childhood that have influenced memories you’ve tried to create for your own children?

Ms. Kondo: When I was little, I imagined being a good mother to my children one day, just as my own mother was to me. I also had a very strong bond with my paternal grandmother, Oba-chan (grandma in Japanese), and feel lucky to have had so many good role models throughout my life to demonstrate to me how to best take care of children. One of my nightly rituals with my kids has always been to read books together, and believe it or not, their favorite book to read is the children’s book I wrote, Kiki & Jax. I wrote this book with my children in mind, so it brings me much joy when they ask repeatedly to read it with them before bedtime.

How can people learn more about your method?

Ms.Kondo: If you are tidying for the first time, I’d encourage people to read my first book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, or watch the digital tidying course KonMari Method: Fundamentals of Tidying. In the book and in the course, I break it down into simple steps so you focus on the fact that the outcome of tidying isn’t simply a tidier space; tidying can change your life.

Many people may not realize, but we also offer a KonMari Consultant Program. I’m extremely proud of the Consultant Certification Courses we developed to teach people how to become professional tidying experts. We have over 700 certified KonMari Consultants in over 54 countries. I love that I can share my expertise with the world to help bring joy into more peoples’ homes through the KonMari Method. This is also a great option for people who might be looking for a secondary career that brings joy to others.

This article was edited for clarity and brevity.

THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN RADIANT LIFE  MAGAZINE.