Our minds are constantly aware of our surroundings, and we respond to the quality of energy of our surroundings.  You all have experienced this - Imagine how you feel at a beautiful resort as opposed to being in a cluttered, dirty, musty room. 

When I speak to groups about Feng Shui, there is sometimes a bit of skepticism in the audience.  Many people feel that if you could make some changes to your life, then you might have the time, energy, or motivation to improve your environment.  Feng Shui turns that concept on its head, and states that if you improve your space, your life will follow.

Feng Shui and the Law of Attraction work because they incorporate your power of intention.  When you make mindful and intentional changes to your environment, you positively affect your life.

1.  Ask yourself: What do you desire to create more of in your life?  What emotions do you wish to experience more frequently?   Imagine your perfect life - really imagine it.  What does it look like and feel like, who are you with, where are you, what sights, smells, and sounds are there?  Bring this intention into your space-clearing activities.

2.  De-clutter.  When you eliminate stuff that is no longer serving you, you create a symbolic space for opportunity to come to you.  Everything you own is either nurturing you, or is ripping you off energetically. Get rid of what is not serving you!

Several times a year, I clear out my file cabinet of dead prospects or outdated information, and like magic, new prospects and exciting, relevant information appear "out of nowhere".  (And - bonus!  Now I have space to file them!)

Where to begin?  The answer is - anywhere!  You didn't create your clutter in one day, and you won't eliminate it in one day either.  But even a small change to your environment can bring a huge sense of relief and a profound feeling of possibility. 

Ask yourself these questions as you go through your "stuff":

• Do I use it?  Be honest!
• Do I love it?  Does the object make your heart sing?  Is your life enhanced by owning this thing?  Perhaps it makes you smile just to see it or use it, or it evokes a positive memory.
• Is it beautiful?  Human beings resonate very positively with beauty, whether it is a painting, a vase of flowers, or a view of nature.
• Does it fit my perception of who I am now?  Consider how your preference of home décor has changed from childhood to college days to adulthood.  Do you own stuff that doesn't enhance your current lifestyle?  For example, did you formerly wear "power suits" for your job, but now you dress more casually for work? 

Try this:  Set a timer for 60 minutes*, and begin your project - clearing outdated clothing from your clothes closet, filing or tossing paperwork, organizing your junk drawer, or whatever area draws your attention.  Have boxes or bags available to place items to be donated and/or discarded. When the hour is complete, you can move on to the rest of your day, feel a sense of accomplishment for creating a positive change in your environment - or continue for longer, if you desire.

*Note:  You will want to allow more time for big jobs.  Make an afternoon of it on a rainy day.  I promise you, the payoff will be worth it!

I notice a huge surge of energy when I Feng Shui my home.  (Yes I use the word as a verb, as well as a noun.)  There is such a feeling of well-being in inhabiting a space that is calm and nurturing. 

Here's another method to get you started on de-cluttering:  Every day, toss 9 items (or 3, or 12, or whatever number you choose).  Imagine how much stuff you will eliminate in a week, in a month, in a year!  When I first started "Feng Shui-ing" my home I had a 1-in, 3-out rule.  If I purchased an item, 3 things would be tossed or given away.  Now that I love and/or use virtually everything I own, I am on the 1-in, 1-out plan. 

3.  Place something of beauty in your space. 

• Add a bouquet of flowers or flowering plant to a prominent place in your home or office - someplace where you will see it and appreciate it frequently. 
• Display a bowl of fruit on your kitchen table or counter.  Fruit as art!  How easy is that?
• Place a colorful throw pillow on a couch or chair. 
• Frame a photo that makes you feel good just to look at it.

When you inhabit a space which nurtures you, you become more productive, optimistic, and empowered to create desired changes in your life.  Combine that power with your positive intentions, and you become a force of nature!

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"Coincidences" and "miracles" are to be expected!

I love to hear your success stories!
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The image below is:
"Spring Festival, Colquencha, Bolivia, 1980".

All photos, except headshot, copyright Susan Nelson.