Sensing energy fields is really what feng shui is all about.

Crystal therapy is a tool used in feng shui to help keep chi moving throughout a space.

As conduits of energy, crystals can project, receive and reflect light, helping to revitalize and cleanse our environments.

A goal of feng shui is to imitate nature.  By working with crystals we can make a connection with the spirit of nature and create spaces that are nourishing and healing.

Reportedly, the use of crystals for healing purposes goes as far back as Atlantis.  Ancient Egypt and Rome, as well as the Mayan civilization have also had many uses for them. 

Interestingly, there are over 200 references to crystals in the Bible.  Just about every culture around the globe has tapped into their power to support physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health.

What Makes These Treasures So Magical?

Science teaches us that everything is comprised of energy and that every object or thing has its own personal vibration.

Crystals are the visible expression of minerals.  Our bodies and diet are composed of minerals, which is why we resonate with certain crystals and can experience physical and/or emotional healing when they are placed within our energetic field.

When the human body gets sick or feels out of balance emotionally it changes our vibrations, but crystals are set in their formation so their vibration is stored and does not change. 

Acting as a healer, they generate and absorb energy from our etheric bodies. Crystal energy neutralizes negative vibrations, brings in light and raises the overall frequency resulting in a natural healing power.

Using Crystals as a Feng Shui Tool

Because crystals are alive with energy, their mere presence can enliven a space.  Bringing in light and energy to keep chi moving is very beneficial since unhealthy stagnation of chi can result in lethargy, depression or even sickness.

The bagua is a grid that correlates various areas of our homes with aspects of life.  Consider the magnifying impact that crystals have on the flow of energy and you can either hang them in a window or place them in locations (based on the bagua) to activate and enhance specific energies.

Please see the following examples of crystals and bagua placement.

Amethyst - purifies the aura; encourages spiritual wisdom.  Prosperity (red) left rear.

Garnet – stimulates passion, creativity and purpose.  Fame (red) central rear.

Rose Quartz – the love stone.  Helps to open and heal the heart.  Relationships (pink) right rear.

Jade - powerful stone for healing; aides in health issues.  Family (green) left center.

Citrine - attracts abundance and increases self esteem.  Brings in joy.  Health (yellow) center.

Clear Quartz – probably the most well-known stone.  Energizes a space creating balance, peace and harmony.  Children & Creativity (white) right center.

Lapis Lazuli – expands your senses; brings in awareness and balance.  Skills & Knowledge (blue) front left.

Black Tourmaline – dispels all forms of negativity.  Also mitigates negative vibrations from the electromagnetic fields of computers, TVs, etc.  Career (black) center front.

Moonstone – new beginnings; encourages positive change.  Helpful People (grey) front right.

Crystals absorb both positive and negative energy.  Therefore, it is important that they are cleansed prior to use, and on a regular basis.  Cleansing new crystals will reset its vibration so that it matches yours, and not that of previous owners. 

There are several techniques for clearing including placing them in water with sea salt, burying them in the earth or infusing them with sunlight or (full) moonlight.  Be sure to inquire as to the best cleansing method for your specific collection.

Learn to tune in to the subtle, yet beautiful earth energy of crystals. Clearly express your objectives to them through meditation.

Set intentions and be strategic about the areas in your life that need some improvement and let these precious gems work for you.

And don’t forget…you can apply the bagua map to add a little magic to your garden.  I am sure these elementals will be grateful for the opportunity to re-connect with Mother Earth and Father Sky.

My yard backs up to a bird sanctuary that is home to a forest and a wetland habitat.  As a feng shui practitioner and nature lover, I spend joyous hours reaping the benefits of  my environment while offering appreciation and taking in the wonders of Mother Nature.

One cold winter day, my dearest friend and I were sitting in my kitchen as she lovingly provided her support during a potentially challenging time (which thankfully turned out to have a positive outcome.)

All of a sudden she stood up and excitedly exclaimed that she just saw (what she thought was) an eagle.  She is an avid birdwatcher so even though this sighting would be relatively uncommon for the area, I pretty much believed her, and with good reason.

I swiftly grabbed my binoculars as we both ran for the deck.  At just the right moment, we were feasting our eyes on not one – but a pair of adult bald eagles as they were landing, in all their majesty, on top of an osprey platform in the sanctuary. 

Apparently, they were house-hunting and liked what they found because these first-time renters chose that platform as their nursery.

How blessed I felt!  For the next few months I was honored with the extraordinary privilege of observing the fascinating behavior of these awesome birds of prey on a daily basis.

One of the most important aspects of feng shui is “the Tao” or concept that we are all connected.  My eagle watching opportunities allowed me to experience this connection firsthand.  I became keenly aware of the vital life force of creation.

On an individual level, seeing and actually feeling  the  grace and strength of those eagles brought me into total alignment with feng shui, as I considered just how meaningful and important it was to have feelings of connectedness to the outside world.

As part of a community, guided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Division, I was proud that we were all doing our part to show respect to this beautiful pair, who were very sensitive to human disturbance during the critical time of nest building, while educating others on how to compassionately and reverently give the new parents well-deserved privacy.

From an ecological standpoint, I was thrilled to have them as neighbors since it was a good indicator of the health of New Jersey’s environment.  Their mere presence signified positive energy/chi!

Feng shui is about getting in touch with our surroundings.  As we learn to sense the chi in all things and open our minds and hearts to what is around us, we can create spaces that are balanced and supportive.

I was taught many things while watching those spectacular birds.  In flight, they reminded me that freedom is our birthright, and that we can find the courage to reach new heights.

With intense stillness, they would spend hours perched in a tree exhibiting absolute patience and fortitude.  Clearly, they knew all about being in the present moment.

When nesting, they demonstrated sheer perseverance and unhurriedness as they (jointly) incubated their eggs with fierce dedication withstanding inclement wintry weather conditions.  Confidently and inherently, they understood how to abide by the laws of nature.

Unfortunately, as fate would have it, after more than a month of dutiful nesting it was determined that the egg(s) were not viable and there would be no babies this time round. 

This saddened me very deeply, but then I thought of the valuable life lessons being offered:  Experience Joy Now.   Respect Nature and All Living Things.  Just Be.  After all, the essence of feng shui is to follow nature’s lead to bring harmony and inspiration into our lives.   

Note:  During the 60’s & 70’s, bald eagles suffered due to the rampant use of DDT and other dangerous pesticides.  It is reported that the banning of DDT in 1972, combined with the legal protection they received from the Endangered Species Act of 1973, positively affected bald eagle recovery and comeback.  In 2007, they came off the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, but are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act.  May we learn from our mistakes as we continue to respect them, and all of God’s creatures.

A basic concept of feng shui is that everything is comprised of energy or chi.  We are constantly giving and receiving chi.  We’ve all heard the expression what goes around, comes around.  This can be applied to the exchange of chi.  What we put out, we get back.  

To really know somebody, take a peek at what things they have decided to live with. This exercise is much more revealing than words in a conversation! 

From a scientific point of view, all objects are made up of molecules and atoms.  These objects give off vibrations and are constantly in motion.  Subtle energy permeates everything in our lives, and has a profound effect on how we experience a place.

Feng Shui is about getting in touch with your surroundings.  It is about opening your eyes, really taking note of the things in your space, and then investigating how those things make you feel.

The items we live with are an expression of ourselves.  By taking inventory, you will be surprised to learn just how revealing your surroundings can be.  It is normal human behavior to stop seeing the obvious after having lived with it for periods of time, so imagine that you are a first time visitor to your home.  Put yourself in their shoes (or eyes) as you search for hidden messages and take the time to notice the furniture styles, colors, patterns, accessories and objects of art that make up the design of your home.   

We see and respond to shape, form and pathways.  Observe how freely you can move through a room, as well as how comfortable you feel when going from room to room.  Are there obstacles in your way such as overcrowded furniture that can impede the flow in the room?  Gentle movement of chi is the sign of a healthy space.  Blocked chi causes disharmony and imbalance. 

What we have in our homes can affect us in either a positive or negative way.  Having clutter equates to stuck or negative chi.  Then again, when you surround yourself with things that you love, positive energies flow and you will feel nourished. 

Overcrowding a space not only means having too much stuff, such as piles of paperwork, magazines, books or collectibles, but can also mean having too many patterns, which can be distracting and cause agitation.

Some other not so obvious things to look for that might be having a negative effect include:

Artwork that is gloomy or depicting threatening nature scenes, unhealthy plants, cracked or chipped items, leaky faucets, broken objects or cracked window panes. 

Investigate how the wall colors in your rooms make you feel.  Colors give off vibrations and everyone reacts differently to those vibrations.  Color brings out particular emotions that affect our moods and energy levels, and adding/modifying color is an easy way to change the energy of a space.

When scoping out your space, identify a goal you want to achieve and then figure out what in your environment is working for you or against you. 

For instance, suppose you are interested in finding a new partner.  Do you still have belongings from previous relationships? Is your bedroom so full of stuff that you do not have ‘space’ for another? Is there access to the bed from both sides? Are your closets so maxed out that you can barely fit another article of clothing? If so, you are not symbolically making room for someone new to come into your life and would benefit by clearing out an area in the closet or at least one dresser drawer.

Feng shui is about your relationship with energy.  View your home thru feng shui eyes and become more aware of your surroundings.  Creating a personal space of your choosing supports you physically, emotionally and spiritually, and will help you to achieve personal goals.

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.