One of the 7 core principles of the 35 Day Detox is the ancient art of Feng Shui
Here at 35 Day Detox we are interested in energy in all forms. And we are particularly interested in how the energy of our environment reflects the state of our mind.
“All the areas of the Home represent aspects of your Life.” Suz Stokes, founder of the 35 Day Detox
Even if you don’t believe it (yet) start with the premise your home is a tool to explore what is really going with YOU.
Each area of your home represents a part of your life. Watch how you clean up one area only to see it deteriorate back to its initial state within days. Why, because it is resetting itself to reflect your internal mindset. We can use the opposite of this as part of our journey of personal growth. Having trouble changing something in your body or mind – switch to clearing and clearing the corresponding area in your environment. Often, we do this instinctively. For example: Being stuck writing a report and deciding to clean up your desk instead!
Check out the following major areas for a reflection of how things are for you:
Front entranceway – the source of energy (chi), keep it clear and clean to let the good stuff flow in;
Kitchen – arguably the most important part of the house, your nourishment comes from here and reflects your centre and personal well-being;
Bedroom – influences your ability to rest easy and feel in control of your life;
Cupboards – just because we can’t see inside them doesn’t mean they don’t impact us, they show how much stuff we are carrying emotionally;
Bathroom – pretty obvious really that it’s where the spent energy drains away. Main thing is to ensure is that energy isn’t leaving prematurely; and
Garage – the transition space between your public and private lives. Allowing you to relax and recharge. It reflects your state of mind.
Decorating based on Feng Shui principles
With an understanding of the fundamentals of objects and the energy (vibration) they emit we can enhance energy and manifest changes within our lives. Look at what is working and not working in your life. Within each room attempt consider what energy is there (and missing). Apply Elements/Colours/Shapes according to the outcome you are seeking.
We very often have all the items we need to change things up in the house. It’s just a matter of moving them to a new position. Maybe you’ll move them back after a week or two – or not – it’s always worth trying a new perspective.
Don’t take it too seriously – experiment with what intuitively feels right. This is just another tool to help shine some light on the factors at play in your life.
Elements
- Earth – grounded, stable and balanced
- Metal – strength and clarity
- Water – movement and flow
- Wood – growth, expansion and vitality
- Fire – passion and high energy
Colours
- Red –Bold, daring, high energy
- Orange –Represents unity, social
- Yellow –Cheerful, enlivening, powerful
- Green – Growth, balanced, healing
- Blue – Peace, tranquility, communication
- Purple –Wealth, wisdom, quiet
- Pink – Love, nurturing, peace
- Gray – Balance, safety
- Brown – Grounding, comforting
- Black – Mystery, strength
- White – Efficient, pure, cleansing
- Metallic – Creativity
Shapes
- Square – Earth
- Circle – Metal
- Waves – Water
- Rectangle – Wood
- Triangle – Fire
Decluttering
Marie Kondo has certainly popularised the art of decluttering and organizing space within our homes. Leaving many of us with a sense of relief and lightness. This directly impacts our emotional wellbeing as we lift the burden of the “stuff” we have been unconsciously carrying. We are freer to move forward in life without the past attachments and limits previously placed on us.
Here’s some of our favourite things to declutter:
- Kitchen utensils
- Plastic storage containers
- Serving-ware
- Kitchen appliances
- Cookbooks
- Stale Food
- Magazines
- Books
- Ornaments
- Vases
- Sad plants
- Photos and Pictures
- Cushions and Rugs
- CDs and DVDs
- Games
- Furniture
- Make-up
- Perfume
- Medicines
- Creams and potions
- Hair Accessories
- Personal appliances
- Clothes
- Shoes
- Sports gear
- Belts
- Handbags and Wallets
- Jewelry
- Clothes hangers
- Bags and Suitcases
- Towels
- Linen
- Computer equipment
- Old phones
- Cables and accessories
- Manuals
- Xmas Decorations
- Home office supplies
- Papers not required for tax
- Hand-craft items
- Cards
- Children’s Toys
- Memorabilia
- Tools
- Hardware
- Pet accessories
- Sports equipment
Considerations when decluttering
- Anything broken or damaged that you don’t want to fix.
- Items that are no longer part of a set.
- Things that are no longer needed – and are not going to increase in value – and don’t hold sentimental value.
- Duplicates that are not in use.
- Stuff that reminds you of anything negative.
- Things that you don’t have any attachment to.
- Other people’s gifts.
- Conversely keep items that make you feel good.
- Hold items that will increase in value.
- Have a clear plan as to where items will be going – and get them out of the house as quickly as possible.
Feng Shui Cures
- Finish any craft projects (or donate them) if you want to move forward with your life.
- Want to grow a business, learn to grow a garden. Or tend to pot plants.
- Mirrors want to be useful. If you don’t use them then place something in front of them that they can reflect.
- Take a brush and sweep the front entranceway.
- Bang cushions together to dispel stale and negative energy.
- Remove cobwebs from windows and doors.
- Use the front door as often as possible.
- Use the oven frequently if you want to attract more energy into your life.
- If there’s lots of arguments, then make sure the knives are out of sight.
- Confused about your direction in life – make sure all your shoes are facing in the same direction.
In Summary
Fundamentally this ancient art of FENG SHUI is a process of self-learning. Make small changes and watch the energetic shift take place within you and your life. For further information about the 35 Day Detox Challenge see here.