We are realizing how little we actually need in the physical world and turning more to the simple pleasures in life. Furthermore, it simply doesn’t feel good to be in our living space if it is filled with items that we no longer need. And, for good reason. Anything in your space that you no longer use or love is simply taking up space for something else to come into your life.

Feng Shui is based on harmonizing the free flow of energy, or chi, in living spaces. If the flow is restricted, then it becomes stagnant. By keeping your spaces clutter-free, you are not only allowing the free flow of energy, but you are also removing stagnant energy that was created by that clutter giving yourself new opportunities in your life. Clutter is anything that you are keeping that stagnates your energy because it serves no purpose in your life.

Clearing clutter can evoke feelings that range from overwhelment to bliss.  For those who feel overwhelmed by the idea of clearing clutter it is best to start with small, achievable spaces even if that simply means cleaning out a drawer.  Once you’ve attained that goal, you will be more inspired to keep going.

The following are the 5 steps to clear clutter from any space:

1.  Set Aside Time
For many, clearing clutter can be overwhelming which is why it has accumulated to begin with. We put it off and just let stuff collect. So the first step of clearing clutter is to make time for it. Make it a priority. To do this, create a block of time out of your schedule. For example, take a day off from work or carve out an afternoon or simply designate the next 30 minutes for clearing clutter. The point is consciously making time knowing that this is important for your well-being.

Again, if clearing clutter seems especially daunting to you, then break down the job into small tasks. Do one box, drawer, or closet at a time.

2.  Have Materials On Hand
Make sure you have boxes and/or plastic bags, recycling bin, and garbage bags on hand. Also Sharpies are great to label boxes. This step is important because you don’t want to clear one closet just to shift it all to another closet. While you are clearing, you want to be able to immediately place the item into its destination to reduce any further clutter.

You will want to sort the items accordingly: trash, recycling, returns (all those things that you’ve borrowed over time and not returned), donation, for sale, and an undecided pile. For trash items, place in trash bags. For recycling items, place in recycling container immediately. For returns, place in a designated box. For items that will be donated, place in an appropriate bag or box for immediate delivery.

For the items you have designated for sale — whether it be for a garage sale, craigslist, or ebay — make sure the item is worth your time to sell. Make sure you are not using the “for sale” items as a way to distract yourself into keeping it. For items in the undecided pile, keep reading…

3.  To Keep or Not to Keep
Knowing what to keep and what to get rid of is the quintessential question of clearing clutter. In determining what to keep, ask yourself the following questions:

Do I use it?

Do I love it?

If the answer is “No” to both, then it goes. You should love or lovingly use everything in your home. If you don’t, it is taking up valuable space.

4.  Final Decision
For those items that you either can’t make your mind about or just can’t part with, then ask yourself why? You will find a deeper meaning. And perhaps then you will be able to part with it. If not, then save it for the next round of clearing clutter. The emotional weight will eventually get to you. Just like everything in life, we hold on to it until it becomes easier not to.

Each time you clear clutter you will be amazed at how much easier it gets and how much more you can part with. In fact, it becomes extremely freeing. When you successfully do it once, you realize life really does continue without that item(s).

5.  Delivery Time
This step is as crucial as the first step. There is no point in going through your items, just to put them in a box in your closet. Instead, immediately take the trash out. Recycle items. Deliver the donation items within 24 hours, along with any items to be returned. Begin the process for selling the items to be sold. This step can be more time consuming than you think, so build in plenty of time for properly disposing of your items. This last step can be the most annoying, but also the most therapeutic. Once you have properly rid of the items you will feel so much lighter.
AND one of the biggest payoffs from clearing clutter is that you will be so much less likely to accumulate clutter in the future.

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There are many different explanations of what ghosts are. Many believe ghosts are lost souls that are stuck in an in-between world not able to leave Earth, but not able to go to the Light either. Others believe that ghosts are nothing more than mental or emotional thought forms trapped as energy. This happens when strong mental impressions are created most likely by someone from a traumatic or emotional event. It then becomes a psychic impression that plays back over and over like a tape that gets more powerful as more people mentally ‘feed’ it.

On a similar note, these thought forms, or ghosts, can form by someone simply ‘picking up’ left over energy in a particular area. For example, if you have a heated argument with someone in an area of your home, this area will become more and more susceptible to future arguing due to the ‘left over’ energy. This is also the case with a positive event or ‘good’ memories. We’ve all experienced a time when we can still feel the energy of a loved one in a space even when they are no longer there. So perhaps the Indigo Girls were onto something when they they wrote, “I’m in love with your ghost.”

If you are living with a ghost that you no longer want or need, a space clearing is advisable to clear the energy. Feel free to post a comment, or contact me for further information. Also visit http://www.mindbodyhome.net/

 With little to no movement in the real estate market these days, it is more and more apparent that we must make the best of the space we are currently in.  And, in doing so, it is important to designate a space in your home for retreating, centering, and meditating.  In other words, create a personal sanctuary. 

 This space can be any size — from a 2’ x 2’ corner to the size of your yoga mat to an entire room. 

 Designating this space for your personal use is important because each time you sit there, you automatically know that it’s time to go inward.  It’s similar to the automatic response your body gets when it hears the word ‘savasana’ in yoga.  At first, it’s just nice to have a place to retreat.  Then, after a while, it becomes a necessary part of your day.  

On an energetic level, that space will carry the same energy which builds and builds over time allowing you to go deeper each time.  It is no wonder that it is much easier to meditate in an ashram… the energy of meditators over years has built up to the point you can step in and immediately feel peaceful.

Here are you few tips to create your personal sanctuary.

 1. Location
Again, size doesn’t matter.  However, privacy does.  Choose a place in your home where you will not be disturbed by people or pets.  If it is a shared space with another person or activity, then using a partition rug or screen is recommended.   

 2. Clean and De-clutter
Once you have chosen your location, clear everything out of it and clean the area of any dust, dirt, or residue.  Also clear it energetically with sage, or any other herbal cleanser of your choice, such as cedar or sweetgrass.  A clear space is a clear mind.

  3. Energize
Next determine what you want in your space.  Perhaps a yoga mat, meditation cushion or chair, blankets.  Make it comfortable so that you will want to spend time there.  An altar table, whether it is a cardboard box or an heirloom piece from India, is highly recommended.  In other words, you want to have a centering piece.  Make it an altar where only inspiring and precious objects are placed. 

4. Personalize
From here, add any items that reflect you and appeal to the five senses…
candles, incense, bells, gemstones, crystals, images, essential oils, affirmation cards, books, music.

Once you have created your personal sanctuary, sit, relax, stretch, breathe, read, enjoy tea, meditate, or do anything that so inspires you.  There are no rules!