Guest post by Jacqueline Vicario
Some say Feng Shui is the Chinese art of arranging the furniture in your home. But I can assure you, as a certified Feng Shui consultant (FSS), it really is so much more! It’s all about your own energy and where you put it. What does this have to do with spring cleaning? It’s simple: The outer order reflects your inner order. Meaning: If I am unhappy with myself and the world, or feel tired and worn out, my home usually looks like a bomb has struck with things lying around everywhere. After I clean it all up again I always feel so much more satisfied than before. I now feel ‘clean’ inside and am ready to conquer the world again.
Winter is a time of rest and darkness. It is the last season in the lifecycle, representing stagnation or even death as everything slows down and freezes. In those days I get lazy and love to curl up in a warm blanket on the sofa and do as little as possible.
Once the days get longer and temperatures begin to rise the yearly lifecycle starts all over again. Spring is the time of birth and growth. What better time to turn new ideas into projects? But before I can start my new projects, I want to get rid of the old dirt and all the unwanted, unloved stuff. This is where my spring cleaning comes in.
Remember how my outside (the home I live in) represents what my inside looks like? I admit that during the winter I put things into drawers just to have them out of the way quick. After a while this disorder starts to irritate me. It’s now time to do something about this mess!
Then I realize there is soooooo much to do, but where do I start? When I think about it I get overwhelmed, don’t know where to start and end up doing nothing at all. I feel like I will never ever get it all done, that it will take me forever and right now I just don’t have time for this…
Here are some tips that really help me get started with my spring cleaning:
1. I start small and decide to do only one thing at a time.
If I decide to clear out only one drawer today (not the whole commode!), then I usually get it done, because the goal is reachable within a short amount of time. Usually the energy comes while cleaning and if I have time to spare I continue and do another one and another and before I know it it’s all done. If I don’t have the time I just do the next drawer the following day.
2. Throw away the things you don’t love anymore
When going through my stuff I find all sorts of things, that I had forgotten about and I ask myself:
- Do I still love it?
Yes = keep it / No = on to the next question (valid for all questions below) - Does it raise good/happy memories when I use it or look at it?
- Will I ever need it again?
- Will I miss it when it’s gone?
If I say YES, I find a good place to put it and go on to the next thing.
If the answer is NO to all these questions, then into the trash it goes. Sometimes the item still looks new and I am reluctant to throw it out, then I either sell it on eBay/Tutti.ch etc. or ask around if anyone can use it or who may love to have it.
3. Sort out your Wardrobe
The same goes for my wardrobe. Here I ask myself the following questions:
- When was the last time I wore this? If it was more than 2 years ago out it goes
- Do I feel/look good when I wear it? If not, out it goes.
4. Treat yourself after reaching the set goal
After I finish cleaning out that one drawer or my wardrobe, I treat myself to a nice little break. This could be a cup of tea on the sofa, or 30 Minutes of reading in my favorite book or just put my feet up for a few minutes and congratulate myself.
Clearing out old stuff gives me space and energy for new things and ideas. Cleaning up is actually step 1 of my professional Feng Shui advice. Before you rearrange any furniture or paint any walls its important to clear out unloved and unwanted things.
If you are interested in learning more about Feng Shui or wish to have a professional Feng Shui consultation, please don’t hesitate to contact me. You can also visit www.fengshuiprincess.ch.
Looking forward to meeting you and happy spring cleaning!
Kind regards
Jacqueline
Jacqueline Vicario
Dipl. Feng Shui Beraterin FSS since 2013
Jacqueline was born in New York, N.Y. USA to Swiss parents, who were interested in iGing and Feng Shui. Raised half in Switzerland and half in the USA but calling Switzerland her home for the last 30 years. Works as an Administrative Assistant and Feng Shui Consultant.
FSS = Feng Shui Schule Schweiz
