Six Ways to Get Energy Flowing

As we embark upon the Chinese New Year (2009 is the Year of the Ox), it is time to let go of the old energies that may be lingering in our homes to make way for the new. The start of a new year presents an opportunity to turn our attention to the energetic remanants lingering from the past.

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of configuring one's environment to harmonize with nature, includes an aspect called space clearing that is quite accessible to the non-expert. There are techniques that any of us can use to clear the energies of our home or office to let go of the past and prepare space energetically for the new year ahead.

Although these tips are by no means comprehensive, they will provide a quick and easy way to align the energies of your environment with your intentions for the new year. These six C's of Space Clearing will empower you to sweep out the old and make way for the new in your environment.

1. Clutter. To our subconscious mind, clutter triggers images of stagnation, stuck energy and places where Life doesn't move. It usually represents the things we are resisting and where we don't want to put our attention. Simply put: Clean out the clutter. Piles of laundry, papers, boxes, mail...whatever it is, when we see clutter, our mind equates it with chaos and dead energy. So make a point to dive into your clutter like a heat-seeking missile. Go straight for it, put it away, find a home for it, make decisions about it, address it. You will be surprised at how energy moves in your life.

2. Corners. Feng shui teaches us to keep corners especially free of clutter--as these are the places where the Life energy, or Ch'i, of our environment comes to a stop, like traffic at a four-way stop sign. Put things in your corners that move energy: a fountain, wind chimes, or even a plant will keep the energy flowing instead of stagnating. Use your common sense and intuition. Trust how it makes you feel. There are many rule books out there, but ultimately if you feel more harmony, peace, and joy when you look at that space, you will usually be on the right track. An altar is usually a nice way to redirect the dead energies of a corner. Put things in the corners of your home or office with intention, because these are special energy spots in the house.

3. Closets. They are the bowels of our homes and offices, the storage bins for old, dead energy. Clean them out! If you don't use it, lose it. Keep your closets clean, neat, and free of unwanted, old, unused items. Yes, you looked marvelous in that dress five years ago, but if you haven't worn it since then, pass it on to a friend, family member, or charity. Don't allow your closets to become black holes, or they will absorb your energy.

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