How do you feel about change? Do you embrace it, welcoming its constant offer for you to do and be and experience something new and different? Or, do you just wish things would remain the same, that change would slow down and you could stay in your comfort zone? Feng Shui encourages us to embrace the first scenario, as its basic tenets instruct us that change is, indeed, constant and inevitable.
I have already presented the first two Foundation Principles of Feng Shui – Everything is Alive with Energy and Everything is Connected. The third and final principle will complete the understanding.
Are you the same as you were yesterday? At first you may think so, but then we start to recall the myriad of breaths, blinks, thoughts, emotions and many other influences that changed your path during the past 24 hours and brought you to where you are today. In Feng Shui, change is anticipated, change is embraced, change is good.
A natural part of life, change is a process that propels us forward or backward in all that we do. Although we sometimes falter, and the changes we make may seem like a setback, the natural process of change is positive as we must have change to advance and grow.
When we experience an imbalance of some sort we are sensing a depletion or stagnation of vital Ch’i energy. You may experience this shift of energy in your health, thoughts, motivation, circumstances, surroundings, interactions or any number of other variables. The way to restore harmony is through change.
I have noticed that when people don’t change their personal surroundings, they are often stuck. This can be readily apparent in the case of a teenager or young adult who doesn’t want to give up their stuffed animals or pop idol posters. It’s equally as noticeable for some seniors who have lived in the same home for decades when they refuse to upgrade or update their décor, furniture or attitudes.
There is a well know saying in Feng Shui — “When you feel stuck , move 27 things.” Give it a try as this directive applies whether you know where you’d like to head or simply know that change, in any positive direction, is long overdue.
You can “Move 27 Things” by picking up each individual item then simply putting it back down. You can also reposition items you already have to a more pleasing arrangement. An even more powerful approach is to not just move items but remove those that no longer serve you.
As with the first two principles, there is a corresponding Supporting Principle. When everything is always changing, we can support this realization when we Clear Clutter and Express Ourselves.
Clearing Clutter is certainly one way to “Move 27 Things”. This cyclical activity also identifies and removes stagnant, non-supportive Ch’i from our environment. There is a wealth of information on various techniques and benefits of clutter clearing as it has become both a trend and a necessity for those of us in affluent societies. As a general rule, if you don’t use it and you don’t love it the item is considered clutter. Remove it and change the Ch’i in your space for the better. If you would like more specifics on how to clutter clear download my FREE Feng Shui Clutter Clearing Tips.
The second part of Principle #3’s Supporting Principle advises us to Express Ourselves. Our homes themselves are large-scale expressions of so many facets of our personalities, interests, struggles, preferences, challenges and more. How do you express yourself in your surroundings? I love art and feel the art I display throughout my home reinforces my belief in both beauty and the value of an individual’s creativity and expression.
We may take this Supporting Principle one step further and ask ourselves to express ourselves with our own creative endeavors. You don’t need to be a fine artist. Perhaps you can crochet a throw for the living room. Another may create a colorful wall display of antique plates discovered at various flea markets.
A close friend who is a licensed electrician built his own home. Once complete, he fine tuned his love of woodworking and crafted most of the cabinetry and even some furniture for his space. It is an incredible creative expression of his entire being.
We can all use this principle to reinforce as well as guide us to create an environment for ourselves and our families that more accurately expresses who we are and provides balanced and supportive Ch’i energy to lead a life we love. Do you have any clutter clearing to do? How do you express yourself in your home? Is it time to contact me foyour own Feng Shui consultation? All are essential topics to consider as you create your Feng Shui home.
Have fun,
Carol
That was a refreshing reminder that I need to grow and that change is indeed inevitable
What a wonderful take away Kelly! Thanks for your comment. Think of all the possibilities something new can bring!
I am trying real hard to get my wife involved in feng shui but it’s getting to the point where I’m about to give up .Our apt.is in dire need of clutter removal.
Edward, that is a challenge I’ve heard many times. One suggestion is to be sure your own items are as clutter-free as possible. This keeps the energy of those areas flowing more freely. Do you have a place you can call yours alone in the home? If not, even a desk or corner for reading can be claimed with a heart to heart with your spouse. Sometimes when a couple agrees to one specific area for each of them to be totally themselves (yours very tidy and hers cluttered) it allows for the more common areas to move toward a middle ground. Part of this shift is that you both promise to not interfere with the other’s private space.
Hopefully, these ideas will help.