Clearing the Clutter of the Mind: A Gentle, Imaginative Approach to Inner Calm

There are times when life feels like a whirlwind of to-dos, expectations, and emotions—all swirling through our minds like papers scattered in the breeze. In these moments, we can find ourselves overwhelmed—not from weakness, but from caring deeply, thinking deeply, and feeling everything all at once.

As a relaxation and life coach, I often meet people who describe their minds as overfilled—like a room they are too tired to tidy or a shelf that might collapse if one more thing is placed on it. I understand. The world asks a lot of us, and sometimes, our inner world becomes just as crowded as our outer lives.

That is one reason I love guided imagery.

This gentle, imaginative practice offers a way to pause, breathe, and begin to sort through the mental and emotional clutter with creativity, compassion, and even a touch of whimsy.

If you are new to guided imagery or would like a thoughtful refresher, I invite you to visit this earlier blog post and explore the guided imagery section of my website. I explain more about this relaxation technique and how it can offer relief and insight.

A Listener’s Delightful Response

Not long ago, after one of my evening sessions, a listener wrote to me about her experience with a guided imagery exercise I call “Clearing the Clutter.” In this visualization, we explore the mind as a home filled with accumulated thoughts, emotions, and unfinished business. Step by step, we gently begin to release the things that no longer serve us—grudges, worries, regrets, and yes, those unkind thoughts we sometimes say to ourselves.

One moment in the imagery struck this listener in particular—when an unseen magical hand comes in to whisk away negative self-talk.

She told me that part made her laugh out loud. It reminded her of Mary Poppins, swooping in to tidy up with the children while singing. She even imagined herself protesting: “Wait, I wasn’t done with that one!” and Mary Poppins replied with a brisk: “Pish posh!”

Moments like that remind me why I love this work.

We often think of stress relief as something serious and difficult—but imagination has its own way of showing us how to let go with more ease and even joy.

A Glimpse into “Clearing the Clutter”

Here is the excerpt that sparked her laughter and release. You are welcome to read it slowly and imagine it in your own way:

"As you enter the living room, you see a pile of negative self-talk cluttering the space. These are the thoughts that bring you down, undermining your self-confidence and worth. Imagine a magical broom sweeping through the room, gathering all the negative thoughts into a pile… Then, watch as they are picked up by an unseen hand, twirled around, and transformed into beautiful butterflies that flutter away. Each butterfly carries away a piece of negativity, leaving behind a trail of glittering light..."

What that listener did so beautifully was add her own flair. She imagined Mary Poppins with that magical broom. Others have imagined wizards, kind-hearted robots, or even tiny, glowing creatures doing the tidying.

Your imagination is your own—and it is powerful.

The Transformative Power of Playful Imagery

There is something deeply healing about allowing imagination to do what logic and effort sometimes cannot: shift the mood, soothe the mind, and bring lightness to the heavy places.

When we picture our inner world as a space that can be lovingly rearranged, sorted, and refreshed, we give ourselves the gift of possibility. And when we include elements of humor, warmth, or wonder—well, the results are even more delightful.

In my sessions, I often say that self-compassion does not have to be solemn. It can be playful. It can even sing.

You Are Invited…

If this speaks to you, I warmly invite you to join us for my Wednesday evening relaxation sessions on Zoom, where we explore techniques like guided imagery, gentle breathing, and soothing practices to help calm the body and mind. You can learn more right here. There is no pressure—simply an open invitation. You are welcome, exactly as you are.

And if you try this imagery on your own, I would love to hear who or what showed up to help you “clear the clutter.” Was it Mary Poppins? A breeze? A broomstick with glitter? You can always write to me or share your reflections.

No matter how you imagine it, the message is this:

You do not have to hold onto everything.

You can make space for peace.

And even your stress can sparkle on its way out.

With warmth and calm,


Beth