From Amanda's very early writing (1990s to early 2000s), shared as it was originally written.
Clear the Clutter
Well it's 1998. "So what?" you ask. "I'm too busy to notice!" If that's the way you're starting the year, what will you be like at the end of the year?
New year is often a time for reflection - you may be too busy to make resolutions but what about making an effort ot clear the clutter in your life? Actual physical clutter and mental clutter.
As one of the perks of writing a column in the paper, I am often sent boks to review. One of the most recent was "Feng Shui for Your Home" by Sarah Shurity and published by Rider. It's worth reading as it presents the concepts of Feng Shui (which make sense to me) in simple ways that are easy to implement.
One of the ideas which appealed to me the most was the 'bad energy' of clutter. Apparently clutter in your house and life has significant impact on your inner tranquility - or that's my intepretation of the concept anyway! And it starrted me thinking about all the areas in our lives where we accumulate 'clutter'.
Lets start with the mental clutter aspect.
books energy blocking capacitytranquillityinterpretationstarted How many of us walk around worrying about things we haven't done, but feel we should have? Or worse, things we have done but shouldn't? Or perhaps things that might happen but haven't - or may not? Or do we harbour negative thoughts about ourselves? It gives the phrase 'peace of mind' a whole new meaning. A peaceful mind is one where it's clear of clutter.
How often do you consciously clear the clutter of all these words and thoughts that jumble through your mind? Meditation is a wonderful way of giving you some mental tranquillity. Set aside some time each day (preferably - or each week if that's the best you can do) to sit quietly and allow your mind to rest; to simply focus on a color or particular word whose sound you like or allow yourself to be absorbed completely by a piece of music.
Or perhaps you could imagine your mind as the screen of your computer - all the documents and folders representing your thoughts appear before you. Go through them and any that are no longer serving a useful purpose, click on them and drag them to the trash can where they belong. Then empty the trash - discard those maybe once useful, but no longer appropriate thoughts.
Then I addressed emotional clutter - those feelings and emotions that may keep your spirit caged. Do you harbour anger, resentment, hatred, or hostility (an emotion strongly linked to heart attacks)? Is there anyone you need to forgive to release yourself from these emotional traps? Was your heart wounded or broken in the past so that you are carrying the grief and pain every day? This is a heavy load that weighs down everything we do in life. If you can't clear the pain by yourself or with your friends or family, seek help from a qualified person - this is intelligent , not a sign of weakness.
Clutter in your heart and spirit limits your capacity for joy and happiness. We need to feel and be aware of the full range of emotions of which we are capable and to be very conscious of any that become trapped within us so we can clear them, once their purpose has been served.
And last but not least - how's the clutter factor in your house? Do you have messy cupboards, attics or rooms that are storage or junk rooms? Apparently they block the free movement of energy in your home. Even your overfull drawers and wardrobe are a potential source of blocked energy.
Hoarding according to Feng Shui, also blocks the flow of energy - so get rid of all those things you haven't worn or used for years.
Consider your car and garage. Is your car like mine - a traveling garbage tip! Or pristine and neat? Is your garage one of those areas that you have to open carefully and close quickly so all the stuff doesn't spill out? Oh, oh - then you have more potential blocked energy.
Then there's your office environment - do you file by piles on the floor and around the room? Are your documents and files spewed all over your desk? Then it's time for a 'clutter buster' session!
Spring cleaning has been around for ever and whenever I have indulged in this event, I must say I found myself breathing a big sigh of relief at the end and feeling somehow more energized and calmer.
So do yourself a new year favor, go on a mental, emotional and physical clutter busting spree and clear the way to have a year full of energy, peace, happiness and joy!
