In the 12 years I’ve been teaching writing courses, I’ve battled paper monsters.  Some records, resources and other materials need to be saved, and I’ve improved my filing systems greatly over the years.  But I’ve struggled with certain clutter areas because my family history includes pack-rats, my job often allows little time for anything else, and I just haven’t prioritized the decluttering enough.  But I do have perspective that shifted many years ago; since then, I’ve seen my clutter differently, approached it more healthily and reduced it greatly.

Have you heard of feng shui (fung shway)?  Have you used it?  When dear Boulder friend Sarah introduced me to some books and theories about it, I was intrigued.

Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) is the Chinese philosophy, practice of, and spiritual approach to architecture and interior design. Feng Shui can be used to enhance your environment (home and office) and its impact on your physical and spiritual well-being.  ~Total Life Care Center

While feng shui is a whole world of knowledge and strategy, my initial and continued interest with it is only a small piece and reference here and more so focuses on the amazing results of applying this awareness and approach to clutter and unnecessary items.  “Stuff” can drain our energy; when it’s not how we’d like it organized or we have things we don’t need, our stress levels can actually increase.  When we can’t find things because they’re not in their proper place, or even just feel guilt with seeing certain items disorganized and promise we’ll organize when we have time, we’re adding unnecessary anxiety.  Why do some keep the clothes not worn in some time?  What about the appliances we no longer use?  How far does sentimental value go for items?  I used to keep these things, too.  My new approach is to let go of the stuff that no longer serves me.

I admire people who innately seem to have the discretion and the ability and willingness to let go of material things easily.  This habit may be in their blood or a learned pattern.  For many of us, though, we need a shift in approach and a lesson–even several–in detachment.  Feng shui encourages energy flow and also discuss how clutter (piles, anything that blocks this flow) is unpleasant and disruptive.  Another amazing aspect of feng shui is the bagua, a grid or map that can be applied to any living space and show what areas signify; if you have clutter in your relationship, love and marriage “corner,” you’re probably struggling in a current relationship or not easily finding a mate.  As I learned more, I found a life-changing book, a book that I’ve lent, gifted, recommended and had to re-purchase because my lended copies were not returned.  This book, in addition to suggesting how and why to clear clutter, also offers smart recommendations for seeing more prosperity and desired results.

That amazing book, small in size, as not to add to any clutter: Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston.  Kingston is brilliant, savvy and helpful.  She offers information that makes sense.  And she’s the Western pioneer for “feng shui and space clearing.”

I feel lighter.  I notice differences in my spiritual, physical, emotional and mental aspects of my life.  And I’m done with clutter: the disorganized stuff, the stuff I don’t need, the stuff that doesn’t make me feel good.  One of my favorite nuggets from Kingston’s book is her Clutter Test.  When deciding whether to keep anything you own, Kingston has a lovely list of questions and then follows this list with some excellent insights and application.

The Clutter Test
1. Does it lift my energy when I think about it or look at it?
2. Do I absolutely love it?
3. Is it genuinely useful?

If the answer is not a resounding yes to question 1, and an equally resounding yes to either
question 2 or 3, then what is it doing in your life?
~Karen Kingston, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui

Kingston gets it.  She offers support, ideas, wisdom and logic.  And note that getting rid of material items doesn’t typically mean you’ll fill the free space with more stuff.  Perhaps.  But living more lightly and simply and authentically is the idea.  What fills the space you newly organize or completely clear is not often on the material level; instead, we increase our health, joy and balance.

Clearing clutter is about letting go and trusting the process of life to bring you what you need when you need it.  Anything you are keeping “just in case,” you are keeping through fear.
~Karen Kingston, Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui

While I’ve greatly decreased my clutter and taken on much better practices, lately I’ve been inspired again.  With so many friends moving and really, truly assessing what they own, witnessing and hearing the stress (“Why do we have so much stuff?”),  I’m acting as though I’m moving soon.  Donating much to charity, recycling those hard-to-recycle things and even taking those old paint cans to the hazardous waste facility, I already feel better and am noticing shifts in my life.

What isn’t serving my highest good?  What do I need to let go, so there is more space for what I do need?  Are you willing to ask the same questions?  Warning and a smile: Using feng shui to clear your clutter will transform you.  I recommend Kingston’s book to everyone.  I’ve bought my last two copies through Amazon used; it seems that every time I lend this book, I don’t get it back, and that’s saying something, right?