2011: Restore, Renew, and Declutter with Feng Shui

Winter is the time for hibe ation and dormancy. In feng shui, the element for this season is water. With its introspective energy, water is considered yin. In a quiet state, we turn inward and nurture ourselves as we prepare for the approaching newness of spring. Emotionally, a new year offers a clean slate. What better time is there for a little life review? No pressure; no declarations. Just some suggestions for potentially improving your lifestyle Change Your Mind Negative thinking is very detrimental. It keeps us stuck in old patterns and behaviors. Make it a point to really listen to your thoughts. Remind yourself that each thought is powered by you, and only you can change them to become the person you want to be! Change Your Space The simple act of adding or removing something in a personal space frees up energy, space and time for new things to come in. Everything has a certain vibrational energy. Lower energies come from things that are unwanted, unused, broken and unloved. Releasing what no longer serves you brings in positive energy and a true sense of renewal. Change Your Eating Alter your diet so that it aligns with the season. Warm the body by eating hearty soups, stews, whole grains, root vegetables and squash. Avoid cold liquids and food. Being in harmony with the natural world helps us to maintain good health. Change Your Pace Follow nature’s lead and slow it down. Stress wreaks havoc on the immune system. Get adequate sleep to restore and replenish your body, but be sure to connect with nature by spending time outside in fresh air and sunshine. Find the balance. Change Your Routine Clutter causes stress, potential health issues, de-motivation and lethargy. Its stale energy prevents us from moving forward in life, making it harder to make necessary changes and accomplish goals. Eliminate things that are not important. Releasing stuck energy will get you out of a rut and inspire you to do the things that do matter. Change Your Need to Control Loosening the reigns and trusting in the universe empowers us. The process of letting go brings in clarity and focus. We can then trust the decisions we make as we choose what and even who we want to live with. Change Your Life Winter is all about reflective yin energy. Use this opportune time to assess what works in your life – both literally and figuratively. May you experience peace, balance, excellent health, prosperity and love in 2011!