EvolvingArts — Resources

Spring Cleaning

It’s springtime, a season of cleansing and rejuvenating. And what better way to begin than with some spring cleaning.

Let’s begin with some Feng Shui 101: Your home, office (and yes, even storage unit) all represent the entirety of your life and where it’s heading. It’s a comprehensive representation of your belief system up to this very second. The beliefs you hold determine everything about your current space; from the neighborhood you live in, the people you live with, the style of your couch, where you place your paperwork, and where you throw your dirty clothes. All these decisions are a representation of the state of your mind, and all these objects radiate these beliefs (good or bad) right back to you. Your space can whisper loving, abundant thoughts or scream fearful, guilt-ridden taunts. It’s that simple, and it’s that powerful. Every single object in your home is speaking to you. Let’s just pray they’re saying something nice!

Now, let’s get started with some Feng Shui spring cleaning! Start by finding those corners, nooks, and spaces that rarely get scrubbed, scoured, dusted or even swept, and give them some extra TLC. This will help stir that stagnant energy.

And how about those drawers, cabinets and closets? Take 5 minutes today (right NOW if you’re a real go-getter!) and inspect all these hidden hide-outs. (Keeping in mind, there’s no place to hide with Feng Shui. In the back of the closet, under the bed, or stashed in a drawer—every crevice is to be considered. Make a mental note of what you see in these places. Do you feel inspired, stressed or neutral? Are you excited by the thought that your junk drawer or bathroom medicine cabinet represents your life and your future? If not, you have a bit of work ahead of you in the coming weeks.

Set time aside time and begin by holding or touching each and every object that you own. Start with a small drawer (don’t get overwhelmed—to clear an entire home can sometimes take years and is done in stages. Just getting started is half the battle). Sit in stillness with each object. Ask yourself questions from the deepest part of your inner knowing. Placing a hand on your stomach can help ground you in this process. Are these things vital to your life Do they inspire your forward into your future? Or do you sense they are from parts of your past that are holding you back? Do you feel love? Guilt? Nothing? Also notice if any of the following thoughts arise when considering throwing some objects out:

• I won’t have enough money to buy this again if I need it

• Something bad could happen if I were to live without this
I might need this one day (even though I haven’t used it for over 2 years)

• I can’t just throw this away—it’s in perfectly good condition and worth a lot of money

• Note these reactions and realize that if you choose to keep these items anyway, you are holding onto beliefs of lack, fear and scarcity, and drawing more of this to you. Most likely in the following few weeks you’ve have mustered the courage to trash them once and for all!

Now that you’re ready to purge, take all those usable items and consider doing the following:

• Hold a stoop sale

• Give away to your neighbors

• Donate to Good Will, The Salvation Army, or a local shelter (this is a lovely & generous way to share your abundance with those less fortunate, and is also a fabulous tax deduction)

• And last, but not least . . .THROW IT AWAY!!! (if all the above suggestions seem overwhelming, consider this perspective: If it’s not supporting & inspiring your life into the next 2–5 years, then it already is trash. Trash in the garbage can, trash in your home. Either way, it’s TRASH!

A final note: So many of our lives have become burdened with “stuff”, from cell phone, microwaves, i-pods and palm pilots. Owning too much “stuff” takes up our precious time tending to it all, and we miss out on the miracles all around us, like sunsets, kisses, mid-day naps, and meals with good friends. But if you’re someone who simply adores “stuff”, then perfect! Start today by sorting, organizing and cleaning up your act. Make sure that everywhere you turn in your life you are inspired. Trust me, life will inspire you right back!