A reversal practice where collectors examine existing collections by imagining what they would choose if starting fresh today, revealing hidden assumptions.
Nasreddin Hodja frequently approached problems by walking backward or doing things in reverse order, exposing absurdities and hidden truths. Applied to collecting, this practice invites us to turn our collections around mentally: if we encountered these items fresh today, would we choose them again? This playful reversal illuminates which pieces genuinely delight us versus those kept from habit or guilt. The Hodja's wisdom suggests that examining collections backward strips away justifications and pretense. We might discover beloved items we'd forgotten, or recognize that we've been maintaining a museum to our former selves rather than celebrating our current interests. This practice transforms collecting into a living, breathing engagement rather than static accumulation. By regularly performing this mental reversal, we keep our collections vital and aligned with our evolving joy, ensuring our gatherings remain genuinely playful rather than burdensome.
Peri can explain this concept, give practical examples, help you decide whether it applies to your situation, or recommend a journey if appropriate.
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