In the spirit of baby steps, I give you some small ways to practice Feng Shui as you dive into spring cleaning.  These practices will help you de-clutter and invite fresh energy into your spaces.  Don’t do more than one per day and, don’t forget to cheer for yourself after each step; you are learning Feng Shui!

• Sweep your porch and wash your front door.
• Polish your door hardware.
• Check all your doormats – are they tattered or dull?  Change them out and note how happy you are when stepping on them before entering your home.
• Put some fresh flowers or a new plant in your entryway to greet guests (and the fresh chi).
  

  Bring the outside in to welcome spring!

• Change out your winter accessories – pillows and throws, candles and vases – for your spring colors.
• Take everything off your kitchen counters, wipe them with a citrus-y cleanser and take a photo of their gleaming, empty surfaces.  Put back only what you think you really need.   (The photo is to remind you of what they look like when un-cluttered.)
• Look at your artwork and family photos.  Is it time to replace some or move them around?  This simple activity can change the energy of a space.
• Clean off your bulletin board and clean out your in basket.  Toss those outdated coupons and forgotten invitations.
• Go through old magazines; clip the articles you want and put them where you’ll find them later.  Recycle or donate them.
• If you have houseplants, remove dead and yellowed leaves, move them to a new “home” and check to see if they have special needs now.  Even though they’re indoor plants, they know the seasons are changing.

Practicing these “baby steps” will not only move you forward on your Feng Shui learning curve, but will bring positive energy into your spaces!  I’m cheering you on with each step.

Gingerbread man, vintage 1973:  made by my Cousin Chris in kindergarten out of flour dough and sprinkled with pink and blue sparkles.  Cousin Chris now has two daughters of his own.

Gingerbread Man made by Cousin Chris

Silver Spider in its Web, vintage 1978:  a gift from my friend Peggy in honor of my (then) last name and (now) middle name.

Cross-stitched Santa and Reindeer with hinged jaws that open so you can hide candies inside, vintage 1993: given by my mother to my kids (who still expect to find candies inside).

A miniature Eiffel Tower, vintage 1995: given to me by my friend Nancy in honor of our love of all things French and a memorable birthday trip.

4 white, miniature wooden windows, vintage 2000: purchased by me as a reminder that each member of my family has their own window onto to the world at large.

There are many more:  stars and hearts, four lighthouses to guide us, trains and reindeers, birds and fish all vie for spots.  Not every ornament is on display each year; they have to take turns, as our tree isn’t that big.  That’s part of the fun of trimming – the three of us discussing which ornaments “make the cut.”  I made all the choices this year and when I was finished and stepped back to review my work I realized I could still bring my kids into the picture by taking one.  I shared the tree with them via text message with photo, just as I’m sharing it with you via blog.

Silver spider web in honor of my name!

Feng Shui  reminds us that we’re connected to our environment.  The holidays remind us that we’re connected to each other.

Hoping you find new meaning when you display your traditional holiday items this year.  Happy Holidays!