Spring is right around the corner. As crocus flowers blossom and hungry robins hatch, open the windows to invite in the new and playful spring air. Release the staleness of the winter months. The breeze carries the vigor of spring's new life. Refreshed and energized, it is time to turn to the task at hand – spring cleaning. In the midst of the familiar soaps and dust cloths and vacuums, it is important to remember to apply the less familiar, but powerful, ancient and enduring practice of feng shui.

Feng shui (pronounced “fung schway”) is Chinese for “wind water.” It is the system and practice of situating, designing and sustaining a space to create optimum positive energy by connecting person to place. Ancient Chinese philosophers understood wind and water to be the models of all observed and hidden natural energies impacting every living creature. They studied the seasons, investigated the natural elements and carefully observed human behavior until they became masters at creating balanced and nurturing environments that honor all life.

Each feng shui professional brings different skills, experience and specialties to the practice. All agree, however, that healthy energy is gently moving and that clutter and disorder are environmental foes. By understanding the reasoning behind these two points, each of us can make feng shui adjustments by simply relying on our own logic and intuition.

The object of a “feng shui-correct” design is to attract positive energy into the home and encourage it to connect with the family by creating a smooth and well-balanced flow throughout the house. Once achieved, the home and the way that energy moves through it begin to support the family's goals and intentions.
Disorder in the home can be compared to disease in the body. Both elevate negative energy and create uncomfortable symptoms that growl at us for attention. Clutter in a space slows down or stops the flow of positive energy. Clutter leads to stagnation and can have a debilitating effect on our energy levels, creativity and general health. It also can inhibit our flexibility in making changes in life.

Our emotions, minds and spirits are directly linked to our environments, and if our environment is disorganized, we will be as well. When disarray surrounds us, we become unbalanced and have difficulty living up to our fullest potential. It encourages a sense of procrastination, a putting off for tomorrow what we can or should do today. Clutter's best remedy? Remove it! Find and conquer disorder and its sources. By addressing the source of clutter, negative energy transforms into positive. Unpleasant symptoms begin to disappear and reactivated energy flourishes. Feng shui professionals say clients who dramatically reduce home clutter experience major improvements in health, relationships and prosperity.

Feng shui master Nancilee Wydra, co-founder of Feng Shui Institute of America and prolific feng shui author, writes about what clutter represents in her syndicated column Rx for Living. According to Nancilee, a messy closet may point to an unwillingness to examine deep emotions. A cluttered kitchen symbolizes resenting or being overwhelmed with care giving. Disorganization all over the home may mean that anger at the self or others should be addressed. These insights help us to pause and ponder clutter in a new light.

Feng shui defines clutter as things not used or loved now; useful or loved things that are in an inappropriate place; and anything that is unfinished. Be it a cherished item wrongly placed or a reviled item too visibly placed, either one creates an impediment to the smooth flow of energy in a space, and therefore is a feng shui faux pas.
If we surround ourselves with things that possess negative energy or are no longer useful, we weaken our ability to live in the present. Things that are loved, used and appreciated have strong, vibrant energy around them. When we encircle ourselves with only the things we love, we have more clarity and focus in our lives.
Honestly answer these questions when considering an item during a de-clutter: Do I use it? Do I need it? Does it bring joy to my life? What image, thought or energy is it sending to the universe for me? Does it bring in past energy of negative thoughts, memories or emotions, or does it bring fond memories? If you are not using it, do not need it or if it does not bring you joy or fond memories, send it on its way out of your space. As you give away these items, keep in mind that trash to one may be treasure to another!

Clearing a lifetime of items, and habits that accompany them, can be overwhelming, but keep in mind that in doing so you are creating a change that will improve your life, not to mention make next year's spring cleaning easier! In the practice of feng shui it is vital that the things we keep around us nurture and support us. Take time to review your belongings. If they do not embrace you and create a sense of welcome, then release them. Choose to surround yourself with only those things you love and you will create a space that resonates with vibrant energy.
The freedom and peace feng shui cleansing can provide do not come in a spray bottle or with a new mop – they come from within. Instinctively we all know what we need from our environments in order to be supported in our intentions for a quality life. Feng shui helps us tap into that knowingness and sets us on an exciting journey of transforming our goals into reality.

Spring clean with feng shui and embrace the new energy that will blossom within you and in your home!

Barbara Keplinger is a certified feng shui professional who does custom designing for homes and corporations throughout Ohio. See her website at www.FengShuiOhio.com or call her for more information at (440) 668-1917.

Illustration by Paul Mayer.