Less Junk, More Energy

by Daphne Kanellopoulos

Many people are turning to Eastern philosophy in order to organize not only their lives, but their homes as well. Feng shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the ancient Chinese practice of experiencing a space through the senses such as sight, sound, scent, touch, and movement. Feng shui promotes the idea that people should live in harmony and balance with their environment. This balance with the order of the world supposedly attracts fortune and prosperity. Feng Shui continues to grow in popularity in the United States and has been the topic of numerous articles, books, and television shows.

 

Feng shui considers the five elements, which are water, fire, wood, metal and earth. Feng shui means "wind and water." Feng shui incorporates the philosophy of yin and yang, which emphasizes a dynamic balance in human life. Yin is considered feminine and passive energy while yang is considered masculine and active energy. Good health is believed to come from a balance of yin and yang. Feng shui utilizes this principle. The yin-yang symbol has its roots in the ancient Chinese view of nature's cycles, and originally represented aspects of the mountains. "Yin" represents the female or shaded slope of the mountain, including the earth and valleys, darkness, the moon, honor, and peace. "Yang" represents the male or sunlit slopes, as well as heaven, sun, light, vigor, and activity. Feng shui focuses on how chi, or energy, flows through a particular space. People decide the placement of furniture, as well as colors, according to feng shui.

People have different reactions to different colors and their saturations. A person's experience can be improved by the feel of textures. The feel of a material should play into its choice. Some people believe that arrangement of a living space in a way that aligns with nature draws harmony and good health. Having good lighting is very important. It is a good idea to soften sharp corners in walls and furniture in order to avoid arguments. A clear, open, and well-defined path to the door is desirable.

Clearing reminders of your past (aka junk) will help you feel lighter. One way to reduce clutter is to purge the house of things that are no longer needed. Give away or sell items that are in good condition. Throw away the rest. If a house is crowded with stuff, it will look too small. A clean, clutter-free environment is more attractive than an untidy one. The benefits of organization extend beyond having a nice home, it will also raise the spirits to have a clean environment. Making a conscious decision to prevent clutter saves time and energy in the future. It is important to clear the home of clutter before practicing feng shui. Once you have uncluttered the home, you may be inspired to decorate.

According to the bagua, or feng shui map, a living space is divided into the eight building blocks of life, which include: health, love, wealth, career, wisdom, reputation, children, and helpful people. Color choice will have a powerful impact on you. Be positive. Positive energy attracts positive energy.

Your health area (far left section on bagua) may have an impact on your health. It is a good idea to decorate this area with objects that represent good health to you. When you feng shui a space, you are telling whoever your higher power is (if you believe in a higher power) what you want in life. Do not keep dried flowers, as they contain dead energy. Keep toilet lids down in order to keep energy from being flushed down the toilet.

If you have difficulty parting with stuff, ask yourself this:

• What makes you fear getting rid of it?
• What do they represent?
• How long do you plan to carry this "stuff?"
• How have your things affected your family?
• Are you holding on to things just in case?
• Who or what dictates that you have to hold onto these things?

Here are some ways you can get rid of stuff:

• Invite your children or grandchildren over to come get the things that were theirs when they were growing up. Donate, sell, or chuck whatever is left behind.
• Make a list of items you are ready to part with now. Then write down the names of people who have admired these items.
• Throw out whatever is no longer useful.
• Let go of items that remind you of your past.
• Determine how much an item costs as far as upkeep. If something is literally more trouble than it is worth, give it away, sell it, or chuck it.
• It is best to handle new papers that you receive immediately. This will reduce the worry about a future action. Removing and preventing clutter will allow you to experience more energy from the space you created or rediscovered.
• Use one notebook or folder to capture any stray notes or lists.
• Schedule an hour every week to clean up papers.

Remember, maintaining a clutter-free environment takes less time than to sort through clutter.