Today, most children have computers and TVs in their rooms.  Consequently,  they are not getting adequate sleep, and performing at low energy levels equates to not functioning at peak performance in school. 

Stress is considered the most common cause of sleep disturbance.  Filled with anxiety, thousands of people suffer from insomnia.  Either they can’t fall asleep, wake up several times during the night only to have trouble falling back to sleep, or wake up too early in the morning without feeling rested.

Irregular sleeping patterns cause irritability, mood swings, or poor decision-making.  Worse yet, they can lead to severe medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

Feng Shui Tips for Relaxation

Bedrooms should be private havens for rest and rejuvenation.  An uncomfortable sleeping environment can cause nighttime distress.  Applying principles of feng shui will help to create a space that supports and nourishes—one that allows you to feel relaxed as soon as you enter the room.

Considered a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), feng shui is grounded in the premise that our physical environment impacts our physical, emotional and mental health.  According to TCM, insomnia is an imbalance of chi (energy), and yin (female/passive) energy is needed.   See the following tips to create a restful, yin-like space in your bedroom:

•  Add soft and low lighting for a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

•  Inventory your artwork, selecting pieces that are restful, serene or inspirational.

•  Remove computers, electronics, paperwork, bills and exercise equipment to alleviate subconscious stress.

•  In you must have a TV, keep it in a closed cabinet or cover it with a piece of fabric when sleeping.   Studies indicate that the electromagnetic fields they emit can cause stress on immune systems.

•  Clutter in your space means clutter in your mind!  De-clutter and de-stress.

•  Find a new home for the laundry basket and rid the room of stale chi.

•  For grounding and tranquility, use less stimulating colors like tan, beige, soft green, or aqua (earth/wood elements.)

•  Minimize blacks and dark blues.  An excess of these water element colors can lead to breathing problems.

•  Mirrors are discouraged due to their distracting yang (male/active) energy. 

•  Not having a view of the door can make one feel off guard.  Placing the bed so you can see the door (without being directly in line with it) helps to keep the nervous system calm.

•  Do not place the bed in front of a window.  Chi can dissipate during the night and make you tired.  If you have no choice, be sure to keep blinds/curtains closed when sleeping.

•  Always keep the door of an adjourning bathroom closed.

Engage Your Sense of Smell

Aromatherapy can mitigate the effects of sleeplessness. It is reported that introducing an aroma into a space can alter a mood within ten seconds!  Serving as central nervous system depressants, essential oils can help you to feel calm and relaxed, which makes it easier not only fall asleep but to stay asleep.  Oils to consider include:  Ylang Ylang, Marjoram, Valerian, Lavendar, Clary Sage.

Evening Rituals

Your body needs to know that your bed is for sleeping and the power of a bedtime ritual should not be underestimated.  Create an evening routine of quiet activities such as journal writing, yoga, or meditation.   Playing relaxation music for about an hour before you go to bed lowers the energy of the space and makes it more suitable for sleep.  Avoid late night TV in bed.

Unwind with a cup of  tea.  Chamomile, lavender, lemon balm and passion flower have calming effects.  Valerian is suggested for insomnia, but you may find that the taste is not the most appealing. 

Sleep is a necessary biological function; without it the body experiences stress.   Don’t let un-refreshing sleep affect the quality of your life.  Use feng shui to get in touch with your space and enhance your physical and emotional wellness. 

Sweet dreams…

Feng shui teaches us that to make changes in our lives, we can start by making changes in our environments.  Feng shui is about tuning into our personal spaces and taking inventory of what works and what doesn’t – both literally and figuratively. 

Clutter clearing is a branch of feng shui that helps us to sort our lives and restore balance.  As we clear out old energies, we bring in the new.

We learn from scientific studies that all things are comprised of energy.  Addressing our clutter and removing any unused, broken or unwanted objects helps us to release lower energies from our surroundings.  As a result, we can then experience a renewal of positive life force energy and make way for new things to come in.

Clutter in one’s space not only leads to stress and potential health issues, but it also results in demotivation and lethargy.  The stale energy that clutter breeds prevents us from being able to move forward in life, thus making it harder to make necessary changes and accomplish our goals.

We can set the stage for change simply by adding or removing something in our personal environments.  Decluttering and eliminating things that are not important frees up energy, space and time for the things that do matter.

The process of decluttering, however, can be quite overwhelming.  To mitigate procrastination, start with a small area – such as one drawer or closet shelf.  Because we spend 1/3 of our lives in the bedroom, I would suggest that you focus on this room first.

If you need an extra bit of discipline, set a timer to help manage your time.  Set aside 10-15 minutes a day and make the commitment to sort through the items one at a time.  During the process ask yourself why you are keeping it, and then make quick decisions on what should be kept, trashed, recycled or donated.  Things that make you feel good and contribute to the quality of your life belong on the stay list; all else can go.  A good motto to keep in mind:  if you don’t use it – lose it!

Once you get on the clutter ride you will be amazed at the amount of energy you gain and just how contagious it becomes.  The momentum will grow and your 15 minutes will easily turn into 30 minutes.  Before you know it, an hour will have gone by and you will feel a noticeable energetic shift and uplifting, as positive energy flows in your surroundings.

Decluttering brings in clarity and focus, and helps you take control of your life.  By paying attention to what is going out, you will naturally become more aware of what is coming back in.  The personal decisions you make as you manage your clutter will allow you to create an environment of your own choosing.  You will feel nurtured as you surround yourself with things that you love.

It’s time to release that stuck energy and get out of your rut.  Start the New Year by letting go of the past and making space in your life for new possibilities!

Research indicates that smells are not filtered through the part of the brain that ruminates or analyzes, but rather though the part that responds and operates without conscious thought.  It is reported that our responses to smell take place within 10 seconds after exposure — with no thought process involved.  We react and then think.

Our olfactory sense is the oldest of the five senses.  Smell, emotion and memory are all linked in the limbic system of our bodies.  Not only do certain smells affect how we feel emotionally, but they can also affect our energy level.  When entering a room, we can either feel suffocated by a lingering perfume or enticed by the aroma of delicious food being cooked.

The basis of feng shui is that everything is comprised of energy or chi.  The only contact we have with the physical world is through our senses.  Scent not only influences how we feel, but it also relates to the flow of chi.  Unpleasant odors represent stale or negative chi, while pleasant ones bring in a healthy flow of chi.

Although we experience chi through aromas, both pleasant and unpleasant, smell is the sense that is most often overlooked.  From a feng shui perspective, however, we can use scent to evoke certain emotions and set certain atmospheres in a room.  Because response to smell is very emotional and personal, it is important to consider your individual experience with a particular scent before bringing it into your space.

One way to work with scent is through the use of essential oils.  While having a diffuser is the most common method of application, you can also add oils to humidifiers, vaporizers, washing machines or dishwashers.  A few drops can be added to a bowl of hot water or to the melted wax of a candle.

Other applications include saturating a cotton ball or making your own air freshener by adding 15-20 drops of a favorite oil to one cup of distilled water.  Whichever method of application you choose be sure to read labels prior to use.

Below is a list of scents, along with their generic qualities and possible applications.

Lavender

Calms and soothes; good for insomnia and depression.  Spray on bed linens or bathe in lavender oils or soap to help reduce stress at bedtime.

Lemon

Clears confusion; refreshes tired minds.  Associated with cleanliness.

Orange

Optimism and happiness.  For a basic orange cleaner, add 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons liquid castle soap and 1 teaspoon orange essential oil.

Peppermint

Stimulating and invigorating.  Inspires creativity.  Often recommended for relief of migraines and nausea.  Considered a natural appetite suppressant.  Add 2-4 drops to a burner or hot water.

Pine

Cleanses and purifies.  Light a pine scented candle to let go of the past and release things that no longer serve you.  Note:  the National Candle Association reports that candles from beeswax have more health benefits as they burn much cleaner than paraffin wax, which is made from a petroleum by-product.

Rose

Considered an aphrodisiac.  Place fresh flowers in the bedroom or light rose-scented candles to set the mood for romance.

Rosemary

Strengthens a weak memory, restores mental alertness.  For an energizing bath, add 5 drops of rosemary and 2 drops of lavender oil.

Ylang Ylang

Relaxing anti-depressant.  Also considered an aphrodisiac.  Can be diffused or burned as incense.

A goal of feng shui is to learn how to engage all of our senses.  The more developed our senses are, the more we can tune in to our environments and make beneficial changes.   By considering the emotional impact of aromas, you can create a nourishing and healthy living space that has a positive and harmonious flow of chi.  So, remember — take time to smell the roses!

Mother Nature is a wise teacher.  She is flexible and loving, and through her actions shows us the beauty of going with the flow of  life.

Outwardly, it may appear that there is reckless abandon, but an order of universal intelligence lies at her core.  The basis of feng shui is to harmonize with nature by reverently and respectfully tapping into that universal intelligence.

Merging taoism, astronomy, alchemy, astrology and shamanism, feng shui is the system of living in harmony with the natural elements and forces of nature.  It is about the flow of energy (chi) and how it affects the human energy field.

The literal translation of feng shui is wind and water.  In order for all living things to survive, air (wind) and water are crucial.  Envision the movement of chi like wind and water over your landscape and how the blending of these qualities correlates to the rhythms of nature.  With every changing season, new energy is brought in.

Metal:  The Element of Autumn

In feng shui, the world is defined by the following five elements:  wood, fire, earth, metal and water.  Each element has its own characteristics and can be described in terms of season, direction, color and shape.

Metal is the element that is associated with autumn.  During this time, cooler weather comes in and vegetation starts to wane and withdraw in preparation for winter.  Concurrently, humans do the same thing as we modify our wardrobe, eat different foods, and get ourselves ready for shorter days and longer nights.

Coming away from the fire of summer, a very active (yang) time of year, we begin the transition into a more relaxed (yin) environment through the cyclical contraction of metal.

The direction associated with metal is west, where the sun sets and daylight ends.  It is a time of letting go.  Just as trees begin to shed their leaves, we can de-clutter and discard the things that no longer serve us. Clutter in the home equates to clutter in the mind, and having stagnant chi causes stagnation in our lives.  Associated with order and clarity, now is the time to pay attention to detail and really take inventory of our lives to see what areas need change.

Metal is represented by anything shiny or metallic and is expressed through the colors of white, gray or silver.  Round in shape, metal energetically symbolizes completion or endings as things come full circle.

Along with spring, autumn represents a significant cycle change in nature.  It is a time to release any unwanted items, behaviors or thoughts, allowing us to concentrate, get creative and achieve new goals.

Trust and follow the rhythms of nature.  Drawing on metal energy, tune into feng shui’s elemental cycle and use this period of transition to get focused and clear out any clutter from your mind and life. 

Learn to simply.  Letting go of the old only opens the space for the new.

Other than a choice point in life, however, what exactly is color?  A free online dictionary tells us that color is ‘the appearance of objects (or light sources) described in terms of a person’s perception of their hue and lightness (or brightness) and saturation of objects.’  That is a bit of a mouthful.  More simply put, color is the way our brain interprets the frequency of light.

The way color is perceived and experienced is largely based on our cultural background.  Colors give off vibrations and different people react differently to those vibrations.  They can either give us a boost or drag us down. 

From a feng shui perspective, colors used in our living space affect us physically, emotionally and psychologically.  Feng shui is about how a person interacts with his or her environment.  It teaches us to tune in and learn how to sense the energy of a space.

The balance of yin and yang, which is the concept of interconnected opposites that complement and complete one another, is an important aspect of feng shui.  There are cool colors that represent yin energy (heaven/female/passive) and warm colors that represent yang energy (earth/male/active).  Thru the analysis and use of color, we can achieve the feng shui goal of yin/yang balance in our homes.

Studies indicate that, generally speaking, certain colors bring out particular emotions that affect our bodies, moods and energy levels.  The following information outlines generalized psychological effects and offers suggestions on how to use color.

Red – Yang

Attracts attention and invites action; too much can agitate or anger.  If you need inspiration, bring in some fiery red to get things going.  To spark romance, add touches to a master bedroom.  Be careful not to overdo it, though, since the bedroom is a place for yin energy as we rest and rejuvenate.   Red is very active yang and too much can easily burn out a relationship or cause anxiety.  By choosing subdued shades such as pink, rose, peach or taupe, you will effectively bring in softer, yet romantic energies.

Yellow – Yang

Cheerful and optimistic; imbalanced it can make one feel anxious or tired.  The color of sunlight, it evokes feelings of joy and warmth.  Reportedly, the effect of yellow on the brain results in the release of more serotonin, the feel good hormone.  A soft shade in the kitchen will start the day off with cheerfulness.  Yellow, a milder yang than red, brings in mental energy and clarity.  It represents health and vitality and is effective in a family/living room to stimulate conversation.

White – Yang

Signifies cleanliness and order; however, can be straining on the eye or unfriendly.  Like yellow, white yang energy is good for kitchens where it serves as a perfect pallet to enhance the appeal of food.   Because it represents cleanliness, it works well in bathrooms.  Use in areas where focus and creativity is needed.

Brown/Beige – Yang

Suggests stability; excess can result in resistance to change.  Balanced browns make us feel rooted and grounded.  Taupe, beige or tan shades in main living spaces bring in feelings of safety and security and will encourage family interaction.

Blue – Yin

Stimulates self-exploration and serenity.  Decreases appetite, slows the heartbeat and lowers blood pressure.  Too much blue can be depressing or cause apathy.  An excellent color for a foyer or meditation room.  Due to its tendency to inspire contemplation, it is not recommended for a master bedroom where it might cause alienation in partnerships.  Excellent for kitchen accents when dieting.  Good choice for bathrooms.

Green – Yin

New beginnings; stimulates learning.  Disproportion can lead to distraction.  Green is the ideal way to bring nature into our homes and connect to the outside world.  Representing growth, it is suggested for a home office or child’s bedroom to help with studying.  Like blue, consider green for bathrooms.

Black – Yin

Inspires intrigue; the extreme yin of black adds mystery to a space.  It should be used sparingly, as it can slow down activity or be draining.  A great choice for accent pieces.

Purple – Yin

Spirituality and creativity.  Has a strong vibration and works best in moderation as it can result in pretentiousness or fatigue.  Use in conjunction with red to symbolize wealth.

Personal Choices

The psychological effects noted above may not apply to everyone.  Our response to color is very personal and, therefore, subjective.  It is important that you reflect on your individual responses.  Embrace the power of feng shui and become more aware of your surroundings.  Choose color schemes that support your individual energy and goals, and create a nourishing space that feels balanced, inviting and safe.

To prepare for the big day, I started doing inventory in the usual clutter hangouts, the attic, garage and shed.  I then found my way into more personalized clutter spaces such as the closets, bedroom dressers and nightstands.

During the clearing process, I went thru items such as old paint, tools, toiletries, CDs, linens, magazines, books, jewelry, and the insidious holiday decorations.  There was no stopping me. 

I came home from work one night and before I was consciously aware of it, I was tackling the kitchen.  My cleansing ran the gamut, from the obvious junk drawer to the fertile breeding ground of tupperware.  Even canned goods were victims of my maniacal purge.

It was astounding to me how much stuff there was to offload.  The more I released, the more I released!  I sold things, put free stuff on the curb, and made donations to local charities, the food bank, and an animal shelter.

Family and friends are still wondering where all this stuff came from.  You see, I am an extremely neat and orderly Virgo, yet there is the notion of organized clutter to consider.

Science teaches us that everything is comprised of energy.  A goal of feng shui is to get in touch with our environments and create a path of least resistance for the positive flow of chi or energy. 

Clutter is stuck energy.  From a feng shui perspective, anything in your home that is neglected, unwanted or unused pulls your energy down with it, even if it is in labeled bins or neatly packaged with a pretty bow.  Stale and stagnant energy causes humans to feel lethargic, tired or depressed.  

As the energy in your home gets too congested, so does your body.  When the amount of stuff is not proportionate to the amount of space, a home can start to feel like it cannot breathe.  Subsequently, your own breathing may become tighter.

On the flip side, things that you love and use bring in strong and joyous energies that allow for a harmonious flow of chi.  Free-flowing energy in your home equates to support and nourishment in the body.

We function more effectively in life when we know where things are.  Rather than wasting time searching for car keys or misplaced paperwork, resulting in stress and confusion, isn’t it more appealing and healthier to have peace and clarity as a result of knowing exactly where to find things?

Clutter can also cause procrastination.  Don’t let it put your life on hold. Blocked energy makes it difficult to get yourself to do anything.  After clearing your space, you will have more energy to accomplish some of those things that have been pending in your subconscious mind. Motivation kicks in and the result is uplifting and quite rewarding.

Clutter clearing is a very powerful aspect of feng shui.  You can improve and renew the energy flow of your life.  Look at everything in your home and ask yourself these two questions.  What does this symbolize to me?  How does this make me feel?  Lighten up on the clutter and your body, mind and spirit will also lighten up.

I just returned from a visit to Southern California, which is truly one of my favorite places.  The visit was magical and nourishing and taught me a lot about myself – including the fact that I have no idea how to pack a suitcase.  This knowledge, of course, would ultimately lend itself to a more interesting realization.

While living overseas many years ago, I had the luxury of routinely traveling to many different countries.  I am not really a novice traveler, but for the life of me I couldn’t narrow down what to bring on this particular trip.  Will I be warm or cold?  There was stuff for yoga, stuff for hiking,  sunning, lounging, eating, thinking – you name it.

By the time I was done packing and repacking, my travel bag was comparable to a chosen victim of the show What Not To Wear.  I guess I should have known I was in trouble when the limo driver called my bag the beast from the east. 

I somehow managed to get the beast on the airport scale only to be told that six extra pounds of luggage fat would cost me $50.  Thinking on my feet, I coyly asked the rep if I could please remove some shoes.   My inane request was declined and I was stuck with the fee.

On the plane I pondered and plotted ways to avoid getting charged when I returned.  It was on the very next morning as I was walking to my first yoga class when I found my answer.  Directly across the street was a UPS store.  The powers were with me.

The proprietor politely nodded and smiled as I explained my dilemma.  He then proceeded to explain how I could ship my stuff back for half the cost.  In fact, he was even cheaper than the Post Office!  Such a deal.  As I was leaving he teasingly told me that I could now shop for even more stuff.

Shortly thereafter, I was loving life and taking an invigorating beach walk when the sheer ridiculousness of the situation hit me.  Just how attached am I to articles of clothing, shoes and more shoes that I would pay (twice, no less) to have them carted back and forth across country?  Have I gone mad?

Talk about excess baggage!  That light bulb moment clearly taught me metaphorically that I seriously needed to lighten my load.  Instinctively, I knew that I would soon be donating items to the hotel housekeeping staff.   The interesting thing is that I wasn’t doing it to avoid paying extra, but rather as an expression of behavior modification while merely letting go.  It was such a small, yet liberating action.  Some people leave their hearts in San Francisco, but I left my travel clutter in San Diego.

Feng shui teaches us that everything is comprised of energy.   By tuning into our environments we can create harmonious spaces where positive energy flows to support our lifestyles.  In direct opposition, clutter causes a stagnation of energy.  It drags us down and makes us sluggish and demotivated.

I classify my overpacked suitcase as clutter because it really was an example of cramming too much stuff in a space.  Not only did it slow me down literally and figuratively, it kept me in a state of  lack.  What if I needed that jacket or those extra pair of shoes? 

There are several pitfalls of clutter.   For one thing, it keeps you in the past.  When your space is filled with too much stuff, there isn’t room for anything new to come to you.  Releasing the past creates a better future.  Also, clutter causes disorganization.  Folks spend a great deal of time searching for things (as I did right within my jammed suitcase), which undoubtedly causes undue stress.

Coming from a person who practices feng shui, this clutter-filled experience is a slightly embarrassing confession.  I can’t help but think of the old saying:  the shoemaker’s kids have no shoes (although, now I can at least say that I have a few less pairs of them) but it actually was a beneficial eye-opening reminder worth every penny of that $50.

So my advice to you is to not get caught/stuck in the clutter trap.  Ask yourself:  do I really need this; do I really love it?  If the answer is a firm yes to either or both, enjoy.  If the answer is no, then it is time to part ways. 

Since I returned I continue to find areas where I can de-clutter.  In fact, I just mailed in my application to participate in my town’s annual garage sale.  I’m thinking an over-sized suitcase just might bring in some decent money.

One of the earliest meanings of feng shui is the study of climate, geology and vegetation.  It was thousands of years ago in China that the seeds of this natural science were sown.

Natural climatic conditions such as wind and water were viewed as sacred signs that were looked upon by shamans as ways to help determine the most auspicious places for houses, altars and graves. When ideal spaces were not attainable, their search for remedies led to the ideology of feng shui, blending Taoism, astronomy, alchemy, astrology and shamanism.

In early times, Chinese philosophers seeking refuge and the serenity of nature headed to the countryside to paint landscapes of majestic mountains reaching up toward misty skies with winding rivers and pine trees.  Their awe of natural beauty was expressed on silk scrolls, screens and ceramics, as well as through verse, poetry and calligraphy. It was from this desire to be in harmony with the natural world that the philosophy of Taoism was founded, based on simplicity, intuition, spontaneity and the way (Tao) of nature. 

Feng shui is about the flow of chi and how it affects the human energy field. Taoism is about the unity of humanity and nature. Combining the two, it became apparent that having comfortable and harmonious environments helped inhabitants to survive and thrive.

Today, most folks have a tendency to focus on feng shui for home interiors. A garden, however, can be viewed as our outdoor home.  It is a beautiful representation of using the principles of feng shui to achieve the Tao connection. We can create a place for us to feel protected and sheltered as we link to the earth spirits.

In a feng shui garden, it is important to focus on the following key aspects:

Connectedness – Tao
Balance – Yin/Yang
Chi – Balance

To begin, make a list of the vegetation that you fondly recall from your childhood. This will result in positive associations that bring about feelings of comfort and belonging. Only choose plants that you love and are comfortable caring for. A high maintenance garden will result in additional stress in your life.

If you have a shed, treat it as if it were a room in your house and discard whatever is broken or unused. Clutter is a huge Tao disconnect and sheds are easy places for us to store all that stuff that we just don’t know what to do with. Without creeping too far from the garden area, the same applies to your garage!

From a yin/yang perspective, maintain a balance between sparseness and overgrowth. Be knowledgeable about plants that require sun and consider those that are happy with shade. Flower colors in the yang family are red, orange, yellow and white.  Blue, purple, violet and pink have yin energy. There is more to the beauty of flowers than meets the eye. A 10-month study performed by Rutgers University in NJ indicated that flowers can minimize depression and have a long term positive effect on moods.  It stands to reason that we send bouquets to friends and loved ones who are not feeling well or to celebrate happy occasions.

A still landscape has no life. Use movement and sound to activate chi through the use of a wind chime or mobile, bird bath or bird feeder. To further encourage wildlife, include plants that attract birds, butterflies or hummingbirds.

Healthy vegetation is a must have. Keep your beds tidy and be sure to remove and replace any dead or dying trees/shrubs.  Replace cracked pots or planters. Chi comes into our homes thru windows and doors – let it be positive chi. Conversely, if the garden is full of junk, weeds and stale energy – this too will make its way into your home!  

Use taller plants and shrubs to help protect your property from severe weather, promote privacy and block out any threatening or visually unappealing objects that face the property. Be careful not to have bushes or trees that are too close to the house blocking window views. Not only does this result in stagnant chi but it cuts off our Tao connection.

Include a threshold to your garden to provide a welcoming feeling and separate public domain from private. This can be done thru an arbor, trellis, ceramic pots or pillars. Create an edge – even an indoor room needs a wall. The use of borders helps to define space.

According to feng shui, the world is defined by the elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water.  Each one has its own shape and color evoking different emotions.  A garden benefits from balanced elements.

Wood
Rectangular
Green
Growth & change
Examples: plants, decks, fences

Fire
Triangular
Red
Action & motivation
Examples: lighting, candles, barbeques

Earth
Square
Beige, terra cotta, shades of brown
Safety & stability
Examples: clay, brick, tile

Metal
Round
Grey, white, silver
Clarity & focus
Examples: furniture, stones, sculptures

Water
Undulating, irregular shapes
Blue, black
Acceptance & flexibility
Examples: fountains, ponds

Circular stepping stones get the chi flowing. Round shapes have metal energy, and in the creative cycle metal makes water, which represents abundance. A meandering path is more inviting so it is best to incorporate curved pathways.  To mitigate the effects of a straight path, place potted plants on either side of the walkway

The sight of a hammock instantly provokes feelings of relaxation. Provide various areas for seating - a small bench for meditative purposes, two chairs for a more intimate setting or a table for social gatherings or dining. Random seating sends the message that it is ok to sit, relax and stay a while.

A vegetable garden offers us the opportunity to eat foods that are not contaminated by chemicals and herbicides. Another option not to be overlooked is the enjoyment of herbal fragrances. In addition to their aromatic properties, they can also be used for medicinal purposes. Lavender has a calming effect, basil is known to relieve headaches and sinus problems, while jasmine can aid with depression.

Gardening is an outward and visible expression of our selves. It is all about connecting with our environment by tuning into our intuition and using our five senses – hearing, smelling tasting, seeing and touching.

Garden making is no less a form of art than painting. We can be like the Taoist philosophers and artists and create a place where we can connect with nature, meditate, relax, or laugh and dine with friends. By designing with the principles of feng shui, our garden will support us physically, spiritually and emotionally.

Life wakes up from the deep sleep of winter and everything comes alive.  People just can’t wait to shed layers of clothing and feel the warmth of the sun on their skin.  Nature responds the same way. The crocus and daffodil plants push their way thru the earth as they sprout new stalks and reach for the sun.  Shrubs and trees start to form buds and are turning green.

The Chinese system of living in harmony with the natural elements and forces of earth is referred to as feng shui.  This ancient philosophy demonstrates that the world is defined by the following five elements of nature:  wood, fire, earth, metal and water.

Each element has its own specific characteristics, and can be described in terms of season, direction, color and shape.  As a feng shui practitioner, it comes as no surprise to me that wood is the element of Spring, and that the direction associated with wood is east, where the sun rises and the day begins.

Wood promotes change.  It represents flexibility, growth and new beginnings. Wood is represented thru the color green, which is also the color of photosynthesis.  The shape for wood is tall, rectangular or treelike – all traits that are perfectly revealed during the Spring season.

Cyclically, Spring it is a natural time for us to focus on removing physical, mental and emotional clutter from our lives.  Anything that is neglected, forgotten, unwanted, or unused will cause the energy in your home to slow and stagnate.  Subsequently, you will feel clogged and stuck in the past – as if your life is not moving forward.

Disorder, confusion, chaos and blockage are not signs of a healthy space.  When the energy in your home gets congested, so does your body.  The stagnant energy of clutter pulls your energy down with it, which can lead to fatigue or depression and even illness.

Everything in your environment mirrors your inner self.  A cluttered space actually reveals secrets about you. For instance, a garage that is in disarray from useless items and trash could indicate procrastination, while a basement packed with stale junk may signify living in the past or fear of an unknown future.  Folks with attic clutter may tend to worry more about the future than others, which is a direct result of having all that stuff constantly “hanging over their heads.”

Having obstructions at the main entrance of your home can restrict the flow of opportunities coming to you.  When furniture or other miscellaneous items, such as coat racks or hooks, prevent doors from fully opening, the energy is not allowed to flow freely in your space.  As a result, everything you do takes more effort.  Objects hanging from doorknobs are another form of thwarted energy.  All of these obstructions may seem slight, but through the eyes of feng shui they symbolize stumbling blocks that can hinder us from feeling comfortable and balanced in our environment.

Clutter can be described as a confused multitude of things, but it can also be defined as follows:

• Anything that is not being used
• Things that are disorganized or disorderly
• Having too much stuff in a small space
• Anything that is unfinished

Inherited belongings that you don’t particularly like and unwanted gifts also fall into this category.  Even unwelcomed and non-relaxing sounds can be counted as clutter!

Physical clutter in your home equates to clutter in your mind.  Piles of paperwork, books, magazines, memorabilia, unused toiletries, etc., all have an insidious way of multiplying and haunting you in the process. Having a disorderly space creates mental clutter in the form of stress, frustration or depression. Other examples of mental clutter include worrying about finances or concerning yourself with goals that were never achieved.

From an emotional standpoint, there is a parallel line when dealing with clutter and dealing with difficult emotions.  When we get rid of clothes that no longer fit or will likely never fit again, it reminds us that our aging bodies have changed. Removing possessions that belonged to a previous partner or someone who has passed on requires us to come to terms with our loss and feel grief, or to let go without feeling like we are betraying our love.

Getting our physical space in order allows us to regain a sense of clarity and order in our thoughts.  To live without clutter is to trust and have faith in the choices we make. By becoming more conscious of what you allow and keep in your home, you will develop an ability to trust the decisions you make in life.  The more you trust yourself, the more fulfilling your life will become.

Take the time to inventory your home (or office).  De-clutter by asking yourself the following two questions: “Do I really need this?”  “Is it something I really love?” The answer should be yes to at least one, but preferably to both of these questions.

A simple method to help you along is to get some boxes or garbage bags and label them:

• Trash – remembering to recycle.
• Give Away – which is really another form of recycling.
• Put Away – for the things that have made the cut and will find their way to another place in your home.

You may also need a separate bag for repairs, but you must commit yourself to taking the time to get them repaired.  There will be things that you just cannot part with at this point in time.  Put them aside and give yourself a reminder to revisit them at a later date.  Once you start the clearing process, however, you will feel so empowered that you will be surprised how easy it will become to release things!

Remember to get the belongings out of your space entirely.  Putting them in nicely labeled boxes or bags and placing them in a garage or storeroom defeats the purpose as it keeps you psychically linked to them.  Take that extra step to fully remove them from your property

Remind yourself that it is safe to let go.  Difficult feelings will likely come up as you work through this process.  Acknowledge them and be gentle with yourself by taking baby steps and working at your own pace.   Make a list and set realistic goals.  Try one closet, one drawer or one shelf at a time and then give yourself the satisfaction of crossing if off your list.  Each small area you clear releases energy and offers inspiration to continue.

Rather than look at the removal practice as a chore, consider it a way of honoring yourself and taking back control of your life.  Remember, you are free to create a personal living space of your own choosing.

Let a little Spring cleaning and clutter clearing lighten your load physically, mentally and emotionally.  You will see procrastination dissolving and find yourself motivated for a lifestyle change.  Follow nature’s lead – now is the time to be like wood.  Welcome change and try new things; take a few risks and be flexible in your thoughts and actions.

Upon my destination I received an email from my supportive partner sending me wishes to find myself or lose myself – whatever it was that I was looking to do.  Not only did this strike me as quite comical, but it also made me realize that maybe he was on to something.  Life really is all about perspective, isn’t it?

One morning as I was exploring my new territory and trekking in a calf-high winter wonderland, I found myself seeking spots on the ground that had seemingly less snow only to discover that the softer slushiness was actually more difficult to wade thru than the frozen, packed snow.  Two interesting points of view came to mind—things are not what they seem and hard can be easy.

As I continued with my journey, instead of stepping into the footprints others had made to make my steps easier, I decided to branch out a bit and make my own path.  With this came the simple actions of trusting myself and following my heart.

On a separate morning, my attraction for water was drawing me to follow the path around a vibrant river that seemed to live everywhere.  The word babbling, usually referred to as nonsense, certainly did not hold true for this waterway.  It had something important to say; it was noisy and alive and wanted the world to know it.  Merely crossing over a foot bridge offered a diverse sound and panorama.  Looking at the same things from different angles is like peering through a separate pair of lenses.  Perhaps if we take this approach of varied viewpoints when dealing with other people, we can learn to be more empathetic, compassionate and understanding.

Continuing, I noticed that the clean and crisp air was much colder than I was accustomed to, resulting in some shallowness of breath.  At that moment it came to me that I could either let the cold restrict me and my breathing or I could give myself to the perfection of nature and let its beauty take my breath away.  By letting go, I was rewarded with feelings of nourishment and abundance.  There was a certain oneness with my environment.  This game with perspective was becoming fun.

For most folks, the mere sound of abundance usually invokes feelings of wealth and prosperity.  By definition, the Latin word, ab means from and the Latin word unda means wave.  Therefore, the literal meaning of the word abundance is overflowing waves.  Another definition, and one that I find to be very powerful, is a fullness of spirit that overflows.  Interestingly, neither meaning correlates to a monetary state.  Abundance is really multi-dimensional and like most things in life is based on pure perspective.

With the economic uncertainty that we are being faced with on a daily basis, it is important for us to remember that abundance stems from love, trust and positive perspectives.  By tapping into our inner source, we can create our own reality based on our individual thoughts and beliefs.  We can choose to feel prosperous and not allow fear, lack and limitation to creep in.

Rather than giving in to feelings of despair, resistance and frustration, remember that everything comes at the perfect time in the perfect way.  Focus on the positives in your life and affirm your gratitude for all the joyful things.  Thinking with positive intention raises your vibration which helps to produce more loving thoughts.

Open your heart— trust in yourself and the universe.  Let go and surrender to your higher good.  Learn to give and receive freely.  It is a law of the universe that to get something you need to give something.   As Mark Twain once said “If you want love and abundance in your life, give it away.”