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Feng Shui: Wind & Water |
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To Keep or Not to Keep:
That is the Clutter
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by Carole J. Hyder |
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One of the main obstacles to creating "good" Feng Shui, as I see it, is the problem of clutter. When I hear someone tell me how they can't get ahead, they feel stuck and they're exhausted, I can predict that one of the issues I'll find in their space is clutter. Clients experience frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm from the amount of personal possessions that they have accumulated. These personal possessions can take the form of trinkets, photographs, books, newspapers, piles of mail, clothes and remnants of projects yet to be completed. Nevertheless, every little memento, every photograph, every knick-knack requires energy. One by one, it’s an insignificant drain, but cumulatively, this drain becomes considerable and eventually it prevents a person from moving forward.
Unfortunately, clutter has a way of getting out of control before a person is aware of the problem. However, from a Feng Shui perspective, the stuck energy of clutter showing up in an external space is a reflection of stuck energy on an inner level.
Taking the first step toward de-cluttering is the hardest. My experience has found that once someone begins to see how exhilarating the process can be they have no trouble continuing forward. It's that first step that's the most difficult. One idea I suggest is to start in an appropriate area based on the bagua. For instance, if a relationship is a problem, it may be valuable to begin the clearing in the Relationship area of the house (back right corner of house or room). If money is feeling tight, then an obvious place to de-clutter is the Wealth area (back left corner of house or room). Start in small ways in these areas.
I find it helpful to think about de-cluttering only 9 or 18 minutes a day in the beginning, otherwise the task can seem too insurmountable. (The number "9," or increments of it, is considered lucky in Feng Shui so using its power may bring about some good results.) Typically, when the task appears overwhelming, procrastination kicks in and the de-cluttering never happens. However, one small segment of time a day (say, 9 minutes) for 27 days will change a person's life. By breaking the task down into small increments it doesn't seem so daunting. For instance, thinking about cleaning out the basement may seen overwhelming, but thinking about cleaning a shelf under the steps isn't so bad. The next day one other shelf area can be addressed; the next day another one, etc. Start small.
This process will require a person to ask some questions about their stuff, like: When was the last time I used it? Do I like it? Do I need it? Will I miss it if it's gone? I am not suggesting that anything not being immediately used must be tossed, recycled or given away. Some things must be kept, i.e. Christmas decorations, out-of-season clothes, scrapbooks. The important piece is to have an appropriate storage so someone readily knows where their things are when they're needed
If someone keeps an item "just in case," what they're really saying is that down the road, they won't be able to afford to buy a replacement. If this is the mind-set, it will surely program itself into their lives. Any "just in case" items need to go. They take up precious space and, remember, each item drains energy. My experience is that those "just-in-case" items are hardly ever used anyway, because when they're finally needed, no one can find them. Or if they're found, they're out of date. Don't waste time (or energy) on an item that has no use.
Here is my list of suggestions for keeping clutter under control:
Move 27 objects within the same room that haven’t been moved in over a year. (Gets the stagnant energy moving)
Remove everything from the front and sides of the refrigerator for 9 days (Keeps the stimulation in the kitchen to a minimum)
Give away one bag of clothing each week for 9 weeks.
Donate books to a charity in quantities of 9 (9 books, 27 books, 36, etc.)
Throw out or file 9 items on your desk that you no longer need. The next day, deal with 9 more.
If the whole house is cluttered, begin in your bedroom.
Eliminate clutter near the front door (Invites in more opportunities)
Leave the top of your dresser or fireplace mantel completely empty for 9 days.
Did I mention to start small?
Of course, clutter is a continual battle. It’s just like weeds—it keeps coming back unless there’s continual monitoring. Dealing with each item as soon as it comes into the house helps to maintain good Feng Shui. It’s also very releasing to thank the items being disposed of before they leave for good. After all, there was a time when those items were important enough to buy or to accept in some way.
My guarantee to everyone who begins this process is that you will immediately begin to feel lighter and brighter. Countless clients have assured me they lost weight once they started de-cluttering (your space reflects your life). Your feelings of being overwhelmed, buried, and stuck start to lift as you move out the old to allow for new possibilities in your life. Start small.
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Carole J. Hyder,
Feng Shui consultant, speaker, teacher, author and trainer.
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Carole J. Hyder has accomplished success as a Feng Shui consultant, speaker, teacher, author and trainer.
She has been a Feng Shui consultant since 1992, having studied with Professor Thomas Lin Yun and Roger Green, both master teachers in their respective philosophies of Feng Shui.
She has facilitated hundreds of private residential and commercial consultations in both traditions. She is co-founder and president of the Feng Shui Institute of the Midwest, an organization dedicated to creating standards for practitioners, providing continuing education and community outreach.
Besides being published in countless publications and writing a monthly column for "The Edge," Carole has published two books. Wind and Water: Your Personal Feng Shui Journey is in its fifth edition, has world-wide distribution and has been translated into Spanish and German. Her second book Living Feng Shui: Personal Stories was released in September 2001.
Carole currently spends her time presenting seminars and keynotes. She has developed a six-part training program, Wind and Water School of Feng Shui, which is now licensed by the State of MN.
www.carolehyder.com
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