Quote for the Day: About Cleaning

“Cleaning creates an empty space where something new – life – can happen, leaving a free area for a fresh approach. It creates neutral ground. More than that, this is sacred work, creating hallowed ground – a space that is returned to its cleared wholeness.”

- Kathryn L. Robyn, Spiritual Housecleaning

Best Feng Shui Advice

By Jessica Hoelzel

Some of the best feng shui advice I can give is to stay inspired. To be inspired means to be “in spirit”. When we don’t change our home environment on a regular basis, the energy becomes stagnant. Rather than filled with life force energy, it becomes void of it. I encourage you to live “in spirit”, to continuously be aware of how you can create space around you that fills you up.
A great resource for home inspiration is my friend Lisa’s blog, Inspire Chi. Check it out!

Your Bedroom Should Be First Priority

By Jessica Hoelzel

If you have a lot of rooms in your home that could use some rejuvenation, and aren’t sure where to start, I suggest starting with your bedroom. The energy in your bedroom is the closest energy to you, because it is the most personal space, and where you spend the most time (sleeping). What can you do in your bedroom to make it more of a space that supports you? Decluttering? Cleaning? A little design sprucing? When you pay it some loving attention, it will pay you back in nurturing dividends.

Be Intentional About Buying Things

By Jessica Hoelzel

Most of us love a good bargain. Finding deals can be a wonderful way to live a frugal lifestyle. Where we can get into trouble, however, is buying just because it’s a deal.

Do I need this? Hmmm…no, but….

Is there someone I know who could use this? Maybe.

I’ll get it – it’s such a great deal!

I can’t pass this up.
Does this commentary sound familiar to you? Do you buy on impulse, or shop as a hobby – a challenge to find bargain prices? If you do, and your home is cluttered as a result, keep in mind these questions:

Do I love it?
Will I love it tomorrow, next week, in 6 months or a year?
What do I intend to do with it?
Where will I put/store it?
Can I afford it?
Is it a good investment?

Taking the time to stop and think about what your intentions are before you buy can bring you clarity on what you really want in your life. Don’t waste your energy on things that you don’t love, need or have the space for.

New Year, New Possibilities

By Jessica Hoelzel

Have you thought about your intentions for the New Year – how you want to live, what you want to be different in your home?

Do you want to view clear surfaces in your kitchen? How about not seeing piles of stuff in the entry when you walk in? Maybe be able to walk with ease on a clear path to your basement? What would it feel like to be able to find what you need in 30 seconds or less?

Organizing is empowering. Clearing out clutter and managing well the things that you have can give you a great boost, moving you in a positive direction for the New Year.

Without a doubt, after the activity of the holidays, starting a new project may seem like the last thing you want to do. Do give yourself a break. Put your feet up. Sip a steaming cup of tea. Hold closely your gratitude for family, for home. Allow yourself to reflect on what your standards are. Not what you will tolerate, but what makes you feel good in your home? When are you most at peace?

To quote Sarah Ban Breathnach, “Creating a comfortable, beautiful, well-run home can be among our most satisfying accomplishments as well as an illuminating spiritual experience.” Take a piece of paper and jot some notes about what an organized home means for you. What does the space look like?

Next ponder what rooms need the most attention. Do a little planning on paper for the next year. Get your calendar, for sure, and slot in some decluttering time. Three-hour sessions are usually about right for bigger projects, before you get burnt out. But you can take 15 minutes a day to transform spaces, too. At the end of a week, that’s almost two hours of organizing!

Maybe the laundry room is your biggest pain right now. Do that first. Maybe the garage needs work, but that would be better scheduled for warm weather. How about weeding out closets or playrooms, to make room for the new things you’ve gotten?

Make sure to include your family. It will make the effort lighter and teach valuable lessons for the future.

Beginning is sometimes the most challenging part, but like my mom’s cross stitch sampler says, “Begun is half done”. Start small and reward yourself along the way. You will gain momentum as you go. Make it an organized new year!

Being Prepared

By Jessica Hoelzel

There isn’t a science to defining when we’re ready for feng shui advice, in my opinion. One doesn’t have to weigh various factors such as whether this room is presentable or whether that project is done before I show up at the door.

People might think they need to have things organized to perfection and beautiful interior design displayed before my eyes. But if the house has amazing feng shui, why would they need an appointment in the first place? For me to say, “Yep, this is good. Good feng shui. Goodbye now”?

No. It’s for me to assess the space – exactly how it is right now, this very moment – before you run around stashing papers in the hall closet, before you throw everything in the garage (hoping I won’t look there).

Not being emotionally ready is the true reason some people delay making that feng shui appointment, why they feel they aren’t prepared (yet). By not emotionally ready I mean they are fearful. Fearful of looking bad or of hearing bad news.

Fear is the opposite of confidence. When people back away from their fears, look at them objectively and release attachment to them, they can be in a place where feedback, food for thought and growth is welcome.

So, back away from those fears. Breath in and feel confident. “This is my house. This is me, right here right now. I’m ready to learn how I can enhance it. Today.”