The First Rule – Clear The Clutter
Each of us realizes from time to time that much of what surrounds us, no longer serves us! The “stuff” which we have in our closets, drawers, and garages has the effect of choking off space and subtly draining valuable energy which we could be putting to great use in other ways.
We all know what I’m referring to… the boxes piled high which we haven’t opened in months or years are filled with things long-forgotten, don’t fit, never will again, and could be joyfully given away. How much “lighter” we feel when we’ve gone through and discarded items which can now be used happily by someone else!
As I teach my Feng Shui workshops and give consultations, I try to emphasize this clearing of our sacred space is absolutely fundamental to “forwarding the Feng Shui action!” If our homes are cluttered with piles of old newspapers, stacks of magazines (my downfall), closets jammed with who knows what… how can we hope to encourage the good energy, the “chi”, to come into our space? We are essentially blocking that energy and preventing it from renewing us, our homes, and our spirits.
In order to maximize the transforming power of Feng Shui, it is essential to begin by preparing the space. Clearing our environment before expecting the positive results of Feng Shui adjustments allows greater positive change to occur. In Feng Shui, we are not simply changing our environment when we do space clearing, we are transforming our lives. When we trust the process we are setting up the incredible possibility within which lies our future destiny. It is all tied together. The more we clear, the more we feel in control of what is happening in our lives. We are taking charge, and the possibilities are unlimited!
As a real estate broker, I can tell you that homes which are clean and uncluttered…those which don’t feel overly filled with “stuff” and have lots of fresh air and sunshine, look better, feel better and SELL better! Buyers can focus on the home itself and are not continually distracted by the overwhelming contents which aren’t part of the sale anyway.
What we create in our lives depends on how much energy we are willing to devote to our committments. Be happily ruthless when it comes to clearing clutter… when in doubt, toss it out! By that I do mean RECYCLE. Suggestions: Thrift Shops, The Women’s Shelter, The Homeless Shelter, and Achievement House. All of these are happy to receive our donations. There are so many individuals and families in need of what we no longer need to keep. Many thrift stores have a pick-up service for larger items and will actually come to your door and haul it away!
Tip: Keep in your home only things which you find beautiful, functional, joyfully sentimental, or symbolic. Do not keep things out of obligation, guilt, or indifference.
Good luck, happy discarding, and may THE FORCE (good chi) be with you!
Namaste, Holly
