– Victoria Poling

A tidying up phenomenon inspired by Japanese organizing consultant Marie Kondo is sweeping the United States. Americans are decluttering their homes looking for the magic of enlightenment and generating tons of waste in the process. This Sunday, we’ll explore the Shinto religious roots of this tidying up practice and the mindful lifestyle it supports, asking ourselves, how did we end up with so much stuff?

Victoria Poling is studying to become a UU minister and is currently working on her Master of Divinity at Seattle University. She has ministered as a Chaplain Intern in assisted living and in hospice; facilitated wilderness rites of passage; and as the founder of a contemplative candlelight worship service. As her spiritual practices, she explores magic and mystery through dreamwork and improv theater. She enjoys spending family time with her shared-housing community on Beacon Hill and with her partner at his outdoor pre-school in the woods of Woodinville.