Welcome to Living Your Intention!
Periodically something comes along that provokes the
question, "When is enough enough?" Perhaps it might even be stated, "When is enough too much?" We are bombarded, and cleverly seduced, by ads touting the
latest gadget, the new and improved of whatever we already own and the newest
fashion for the season. How many things do we really need to function well in our
daily life? While I am seduced as well by some of the hype, I try to live by this Feng Shui rule: when
something comes in, something goes out. So, for example, every time I purchase
a new article of clothing, I donate an article of clothing from my closet. This has now become routine, a
small intentional ritual. I continue to seek ways to live more intentionally and when an article in the NY Times about simplifying clothing choices caught my eye, I suspected there might be
a potential lesson in it for me. See below! Living Your Intention continues to share thoughts and
experiences about striving to live an intentional life in the face of
the inevitable daily distractions.
Your comments and ideas are always welcome and appreciated!
Hinda
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A Special Kind of Diet
I recently came across an article
entitled Six Easy Pieces, 31 Challenging Days .The premise was to go an entire month wearing only six
items already found in your closet (not counting shoes, underwear or
accessories). Evidently this was prompted by a Web challenge called Six Items or Less (sixitemsorless.com).
The
motives of the brave souls who took the challenge included looking for ways to
cut back on spending, making a statement against fashion, or concerns that the
mass production and global transportation of increasingly cheap clothing was
damaging the environment.
Few could argue with these noble intentions. As a
Fashion Feng Shui practitioner, I found the whole concept intriguing. A bit of explanation about Feng Shui:
Feng Shui literally means "Wind and Water" and is an
ancient, holistic system that provides very specific suggestions for creating
home and work environments to support and nurture the needs,
desires and over-all well-being of the inhabitants. Inherent in this process is a very intentional
approach to furniture, color, pattern, textures and accessory choices as well as their placement. Rather
than simply going with the "flavor of the year," choices are based on and
reflect the values, individual personalities and life style of the occupants.
These same intentional choices apply to dressing your body, your most intimate environment.
The practice of Feng Shui reinforces that everything is energy and that energy
creates either a positive (uplifting) or negative (draining) effect on our own
personal energy. Think of a favorite article of clothing and how you feel when you wear it. Now think of an article of clothing that hangs in your closet but is continually passed over when deciding what to wear. What does that say to you?
Feng Shui also
seriously addresses the clutter issue. The de-cluttering process is made easier
when your choice of what to keep and what to discard answers two key questions:
Does this item in my home or closet continue to honor and represent who I am?(my essence), and does it represent the direction I want my life to take? (my
intention). Anything that does not support the above is considered clutter. I did not consider my closet cluttered; it was
organized by color and I never had difficulty finding something I was looking
for. On further inspection, however, I realized that clutter was indeed alive
and well there! I had items I loved and was convinced would fit me again after I shed those uninvited ten pounds. There were also those clothing items I loved, hadn't worn in a year, but was sure I would have the occasion to wear again. When I began asking the two questions
with each item, it was amazing what I eliminated!
Then I went deeper into the Feng Shui process and began
applying what is known as the Five Element Theory. According to Chinese
philosophy, everything and everyone is influenced by the Five Elements that
make up all matter. These Elements are Water (blacks and dark blues, wavy
shapes),Wood (greens and light blues, columnar shapes, Fire(reds and oranges, triangular shapes), Earth (brown tones, square shapes) and
Metal (whites and metallics, round, oval and arched shapes).
There are also
personality traits associated with each Element. The Water personality is
considered to be contemplative and sensitive. Wood tends to be ambitious and
active. Fire people are enthusiastic and fun loving. The Earth personality is typically altruistic
and nurturing. A person who is meticulous and discerning is said to have a Metal personality. The Five
Element Theory provides an insightful new way to view ourselves and the world
around us. Applying this concept to d�cor and clothing selection allows for intentional creativity
and easier decision-making with color, pattern or style choices. Choices that complement our elemental personality have a beneficial effect on our energy (chi). Once we know our personal Element, more intentional choices can be made to bring in items that support
and nourish our energy, or contain it when needed. A guiding principle in Feng
Shui is our space reflects our life. A guiding principle with intentional
dressing is to reflect on the outside who we are on the inside. This is
authentic dressing! The Six Items article challenged me. I began thinking about what six items I would choose. Would my choices consist primarily of items that
support my Essence or those that support my Intention? What would I learn about
myself?
I was struck by the
commitment and creativity of the participants. That they were willing to try
something new and extreme represents the Wood's pioneering spirit. One
gentleman from Austin, Texas chose a pair of reversible shorts (Earth); one side was
solid, the other plaid, cleverly giving him an extra outfit.
I was
especially delighted when reading about the woman who, having chosen a gray
T-shirt as one of her six clothing items, added drawings or doodles to it each
time she wore it. That way, she said it always felt new. Without realizing it,
she was creatively adding some Fire to an otherwise bland shirt. Click here to see. The
Great American Clothing Diet (thegreatamericanappareldiet.com) is fascinating. It addresses the clutter issue at least
temporarily, and, I suspect, will have a longer range effect for some.
If one were to decide to start this "diet"
seriously, it would be fun to try to incorporate the Five Element Theory as the six items are selected for the workplace, casual wear and dressy environments. For example, a black, flowing skirt brings in the Water Element, jeans or a striped shirt represent Wood, and any clothing item that is red, purple or a high intensity color represents Fire. Earth energy shows up in plaids, flannel or yellows and browns and a white cashmere sweater set represents Metal energy.
To keep it really simple, one could choose six basic black (Water) items of clothing and bring in the Wood Element with a striped scarf, and Fire with a red belt, shoes or bag. Add a watch with a square face (Earth shape) and a designer handbag or silver or gold jewelry for the Metal Element and you can see how easy it would be to shift the energy of an entire outfit. And remember, the clothing diet guidelines place no limits on shoes, underwear and accessories. That's akin to being allowed all the dessert you want while being on an otherwise strict diet.
Realistically, deciding to go for 31 days with only six different clothing items to choose from is its own challenge. And we know that all diets are difficult to maintain. Perhaps adding some intentional chi might just give you the energy to make it through to the end. Let me know if you decide to try this Clothing Diet. I'm certainly tempted to try it! If I do, I'll let you know!
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Thank you so much for your interest in Living Your Intention! I would love your feedback, and look forward to hearing from you! Please know that I am grateful for your presence. Many blessings,
Hinda Abrahamson
"A mind that is stretched to a new idea never returns to its original dimensions." - Oliver Wendell Holmes
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Intention
The purpose of this newsletter is two-fold: to share ways to incorporate the art of Feng Shui in daily life and to share travel experiences. Each of these, in its own way, can support mindfulness and intentionality as we navigate our life's journey.
I hope that you might encounter a new idea, a new resource or a new viewpoint. Perhaps some small insight will answer an unspoken question, provide a helpful tip, motivate or inspire you or simply give you a moment to escape from the demands of your day.
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| Remembering A Dear Teacher
| The Feng Shui community has lost a dear teacher, Grandmaster Professor Thomas Lin-Yun, who died August 11. A distinguished philosopher and foremost authority on Feng Shui, Professor Lin-Yun will be remembered for his compassion, loving spirit and wonderful sense of humor. He will be sorely missed, but the wisdom he so generously shared will live on through his students.
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Tips for Reducing Closet Clutter
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1. Let go of garments that you do not wear or love. Clothes that empower you make you feel fabulous.
2. Never keep anything for just in case. Trust the process of life to bring you what you need when you need it.
3. In with the New, out with the Old. One item comes in, one item goes out!
4. Avoid the autobiographical wardrobe syndrome. Don't let your closet represent your past.
5. Discard "expired" garments. If an article of clothing does not fit you, flatter you and fulfill you, it no longer holds any life-force energy for you.
6. Just say, "No, Thank You." Return or exchange gifts of clothing that do not represent your Essence or Intention.
7. When you think you can't afford NOT to buy it, DON'T! Price alone should never be the deciding factor when making clothing purchases.
8. Don't buy to buy. Ask yourself how many clothes you really need.
9. Update your wardrobe as you change. As your lifestyle, goals or body changes, so should your personal style.
fashionfengshui.com
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| About Hinda
| Hinda Abrahamson is passionate about Feng Shui and travel. A certified Feng Shui Consultant, Hinda is a founding member of and serves as Vice- President of the Feng Shui Institute of the Midwest. Through her business, Intentional Spaces, Hinda consults with individuals and businesses on applying the principles of Feng Shui to office, home and landscape. Her intention is to assist clients in exploring ways to create a balanced and harmonious environment that reflects individual personality and life style. Using this powerful ancient art of placement, she provides valuable guidance for clients when they are selling, purchasing or building a home, planning a major remodeling project or redecorating.As a Fashion Feng Shui Facilitator, Hinda assists with wardrobe choices so you can:better reflect your authentic self, support your personal energies, and eliminate closet clutter.For private consultation, speaking engagements, or for customizing a workshop for your group, contact Hinda at (952) 938-0894 or email:Hinda AbrahamsonBelieving that travel expands our thinking and provides respite from busy lives, Hinda offers you the opportunity to plan your next travel experience at:Intentional Travel
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