More often than not, when I meet someone new and they hear I am a Feng Shui consultant the response is “I really need someone to organize my _________ (fill in the blank).” As if Feng Shui consultants are mystical professional organizers. This is an understandable mistake, because of the emphasis on decluttering in so many Feng Shui books and blogs – including this one.
Balance and harmonize yourself by connection with Nature.
Decluttering is NOT part of traditional Feng Shui. I have been studying Feng Shui since 1989 and the earliest books and lectures on the subject by Asian teachers never mentioned clutter, decluttering or organizing. Why? Clutter is not a problem in Asia. But when the first Chinese teachers brought Feng Shui to America they realized that Americans were drowning in clutter. This had to be addressed because the best Feng Shui interventions are ineffective when clutter is clogging the Chi of a space and a person.
More than twenty years later, we get it. Clutter is not good.
Let’s take a spiritual look at Feng Shui. Feng Shui is about living in balance and harmony with Nature. Ancient Taoist sages viewed Nature as a reflection of the macrocosm, the Universe, and the microcosm, Humankind. To live in harmony with Nature is to live in harmony with the Cosmos and with ourselves.
How can you live in harmony with Nature?
- Live more simply – think twice before you buy something. Is this what I need? Is this what the planet needs?
- Be mindful to consume less: goods, energy and the time it takes to care for your possessions.
- Practice gratitude for what you have – both material and non-material – your true blessings.
- Shift to a level of simplicity that is comfortable for you.
- Connect with Nature itself.
You know that Nature balances you. When you are frazzled, taking a walk calms you; when you feel down, time in Nature lifts your spirits.
- Time in Nature opens your eyes and your senses to the wonder that surrounds you.
- Being with Nature teaches you about the cycles of life, lessons honored by the ancient Chinese, but overlooked by us.
- Set up your home to make the most of your connection with Nature.
Read these articles on how to set up your home to connect with Nature:
Are your window treatments getting between you and Nature?
Bring the power of Nature into your home
Declutter your outdoor life too (Mea Culpa)
What is your favorite way to connect with Nature? How does connection with Nature help you? I would love to see your thoughts in the comments below.
photo by coloredby
My favorite way to connect with nature is to plant the land to which I have access with species that will enhance the web of life. The more I do this the more I understand the nature of Nature. I’ve developed a knowledge of the interactions of plant and animal species (including insects and worms — and fungi) and am learning to see not separate items but flow. Knowing that I am part of this flow is central to my sense of identity. It sort of approaches the Buddhist teaching of “no-self”, but since it flickers in and out, rather than burning with a steady flame, I wouldn’t say I am “there” yet.
Mary – This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. This awareness of the interaction and interconnectedness of everything in Nature is something I can work toward.