The Feng Shui Symbolism of Clutter

Although it snowed here in Michigan on the spring equinox, technically it’s spring! And there is evidence of it….birds and squirrels are active, the days are noticeably longer and dare I say there’s more sunshine?! Spring is about the new; new beginnings, new growth, new ideas, etc. It’s also about cultivation. What is sown in the spring, is harvested later in the year. So it’s no surprise, there’s focus on cleaning and purging clutter. By doing so, you are creating space for the new to come into your life.

There is no better time of the year to tackle clutter. The lively energy of spring is a perfect match for that much needed project that requires more “juice” from ourselves to get off the ground. In addition to filling up our lives and creating stagnant energy (see post dated March 13, 2008), clutter has symbolic qualities. Where clutter collects often represents very tellings things about ourselves. In feng shui, clutter has specific meaning based on where its located.

• Front Entrance – restricting the flow of opportunities, keeping others away
• Attics - limiting higher aspirations
• Basements – living in the past
• Behind Doors - restricting the flow of opportunities
• Out of sight – over emphasis on appearances
• All over – self loathing

My own personal relationship with clutter has changed dramatically when I became an feng shui expert. I just wasn’t in touch with the unhealthy qualities inherent of clutter. Most times, I found clutter very disturbing yet I found a way to ignore it. Eventually, I could no longer resist the pull I felt and addressed it. Now that I’m more ‘hip’ to its negative effects, I’ve diligently tamed the beast! And my life is noticeably better for it.

The Triskell

A great invocation for the auspicious date of March 21, 2008. Enjoy!

The Triskell

Manifesting and Clutter

I’m on a manifesting roll….can you tell?! I have always been fascinated by the process of creating what we desire into physical form. And my work with others often involves assisting them to do just that. It may be assisting someone in finding a new love or new job, increase financial prosperity or improve well-being. My specialty involves not only personal explorations with clients, but also a physical examination of their personal spaces. Nine times out of ten, clutter in the home (or work space) is at play. The bottom line is clutter creates stuck energy.

It is a rare situation when stuck energy doesn’t translate back to one’s life experiences. Clutter can contribute to procrastination, the inability to move forward, carrying excess weight, stress, overwhelm, and lack of clear seeing. Clutter can dull the senses and contribute to ill health. In feng shui, clutter has an expanded definition. It is:

• Visual disarray
• Things that need attention or need to be repaired
• Too much stuff for the size space
• Things you don’t use
• Things you don’t love

The impact of clutter can translate back to your life even if you can’t see it or try to hide it. Clutter can exist in drawers, cupboards, closets, files, basements, garages, and attics. If you are working on making any kind of change in your life, I encourage you to address your clutter. Take it slow and be consistent. I guarantee you will be amazed by the results. Good luck!

Manifesting & Forgiveness

It may seem strange to have manifesting and forgiveness together in the subject line. In my experience, hanging on to an old hurt, a perceived injustice, or any form of victimization, blocks the full potential of creating my desires. It’s as though I’m carrying around a heavy suitcase where ever I go. I take it to work, I bring it to social events, I even sleep with it. It weighs me down and is very draining. Over time, it even creates disease.

By hanging on to the old in this way, we attract those individuals that play out our dance of victimization, hurt, and pain. We also create a warehouse of “unattractive” feelings like anger, resentment and bitterness. And not forgiving ourselves for our own perceived wrong doing to ourselves or others, can add shame and guilt to the mix. Most of us will repress these attributes about ourselves and when they come to the surface, they are likely expressed in damaging ways. Do you see how these feelings can create blocks to manifesting what we deserve in life?

“Forgiveness asks us to stop pointing our finger at the people and events in the world as the cause of our pain, and turn instead to the unforgiven thoughts in our own minds. Here we can create change, which will lead to an ever-increasing sense of inner peace.” - Michael Dawson

So the saying, “forgiveness isn’t for the other person, it’s for ourselves” rings true. Why would we choose to hang on to that baggage, weighing us down and creating ill health? For me, it’s been about wanting to be right. And it’s also been about not understanding the detrimental implications of refusing to let go. Plus, wanting to forgive and being able to, has clearly been a process and continues to be so.

In my quest to let go through forgiveness, I’ve used the Radical Forgiveness worksheet created by Colin Tipping (see website link below.) It’s a very thoughtful process of being clear about taking responsibility for our own choices. It’s been very helpful to me and I encourage you to find the tools that work for you. Try googling forgiveness and you’ll find thousands of resources available to you. Forgiving and letting go is the stuff of miracles and an integral part of creating your dreams!

Resources:

The radical forgiveness worksheet will take you through a series of questions and steps that bring clarity to a situation or experience. It is free and you will be asked to fill out a form. Do this when you have a few minutes of uninterrupted time.Radical Forgiveness Worksheet

Public Domain Image Source: TAHOMAHOMESITE – designexploration

Michael Dawson’s book on Forgiveness:Findhorn Book of Forgiveness