Congratulations to all of you who are taking part in Olo’s Spring Cleanse! You may or may not realize that you are taking part in what Spring is all about - renewal and new beginnings. After a long winter, our bodies and homes are ready to be unearthed, cleaned up, and in a way, “aired out.” Taking part in the Olo cleanse is the perfect way to transition our bodies into this Spring season. In Feng Shui, seasonal transitions area good thing as it allows for nature, and life, to remain in balance. A food cleanse is a perfect example of Feng Shui for our bodies.

Feng Shui involves placing furniture and personal belongings in a way so that energy or qi (pronounced chee) can move freely and optimally. During a detox, we cleanse our bodies of excess food, and in Feng Shui we cleanse our homes by decluttering excess stuff. Think about what you do when you declutter your home – you clean out what no longer serves you allowing for new energy to come in (yes that snuggies body blanket that Aunt Laura gave you is out!)

I realize that decluttering is not an easy task. It’s not just about letting go of that your alma mater’s sweatshirt but it’s more about the act of letting go. Many of us believe that if we let go of something, it could never be replaced again but often the opposite is true. If you release things in your life that you no longer need, you are making room for more and better things to come into your life.

5 tips to make the purging process easier

1. Make a list of what needs to be done in each room. Breaking down your project on paper in bite size steps will make that mountain look like a mole hill. I promise.
2. Prioritize what really needs to be done but be realistic. Fix the broken clock. Clean out your bedroom closet. Streamline the tupperware cupboard. Then, read your list, choose only the top 2 or 3 and be ok with it. It doesn’t have to be perfect. You’re doing a cleanse for goodness sake. Your energy is limited. It’s time to be gentle with yourself.
3. Set your intention. Why do you want to clean out the bedroom closet? So you can let go of the teetering pile of jeans that never get worn or have more room to store your crafts? Whatever the reason, make sure you have one and it’s very clear. Clarity and focus is what’s going to make this happen.
4. Visualize. Imagine what the finished space will look like when you are done. Be very clear about the image. If you don’t have a clear picture, look at some magazines for inspiration.
5. Give yourself a time limit. I’m so serious about this one. Set your alarm before you start. When the alarm goes off, you stop. Just pay attention to the time while you are in the midst of the task so that you don’t get caught with your all your stuff strewn around your home when the ringer goes off.

A de-cluttering exercise that you can do, right this minute

Take out your wallet and/or handbag, empty out the contents - all those old receipts, tissues and whatever you have hidden in there and trash it. Put back only what you need and presto, you’re done. Clearing these simple things will give you increased clarity of mind and hopefully more room for wealth to come in!

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***for more from Susan, you can find her at Feng Shui Creative.