by llenore | Jul 5, 2013 | Uncategorized
Today is Five-Minute Feng Shui Friday, so I decided to see what I might be able to accomplish in five minutes in the way of de-cluttering. We are in a Mercury Retrograde, which I have found to be an excellent time to release items and remove them from my house and life.
During a Mercury Retrograde, the planet Mercury appears to be moving in reverse orbit – going backwards. During this time doing any activity that starts with “re” is usually good. For instance, “re-negotiating” is often an issue within the real estate industry. In fact, I have several realtors who have contacted me about this very issue in the last couple of days.
It’s a great time to “re-plant” flowers and shrubs to give them more breathing room. I’ve been doing a lot of that myself in the cool of the morning and evenings.
It’s also a great time to release items that don’t serve us, re-organize files or re-arrange space or files. It just seems to be easier to do these things during a Mercury Retrograde (and even more so between the Full Moon and the New Moon, which we are experiencing this weekend.)
As an example, Yesterday I went through a complete file drawer. I cleared it of all the old folders and shredded papers with confidential information. My “re-cycle” bin was half full this morning.
Empty Drawer from releasing and removing during Mercury Retrograde
Today, since we’ve been going through a remodel for far too many years, I decided to tackle one drawer in a dresser that’s been in storage and neglected for several of those years. I knew there were lots of things in the drawer I no longer needed or used. I figured it might take me more than 5 minutes, but decided to see just how quickly I might be able to clear a large quantity from it. It took me about 15 minutes to go completely through the drawer, bag up most of the items to give to a charity and organize the rest.
I’ve learned to allow the whole day or at least half a day to do projects like this. I start with only planning to work 30 minutes. If I get on a roll, I’ve got the rest of the day to continue working without interruption.
I managed to go through 3 drawers in just about an hour. I decided I wanted to get the items physically out of my house – to “re-move” them to another location. I bagged and boxed up the items, drove to the charity and was back home in just over 75 minutes.
This weekend is a better than usual time to release, remove and redecorate. Not only do we have a Mercury Retrograde whose energy allows us to release more easily, we also have the energy of the moon getting smaller as we approach the New Moon on Monday.
I don’t know about you, but I’m planning on 3 full days of “re-leasing the old to make way for the new,” as well as “re-potting” and “re-arranging” anything I can. In Feng Shui they say that if you want to change your life, move 27 things you haven’t moved in the last year.
Since I moved about 99 items, I can’t wait to see how my life changes over the next few weeks.
Let me know what you find you can release and remove from your life this weekend. It’s a great way to “re-fresh” your life with vital energy.
by llenore | Jul 4, 2013 | Uncategorized
In order to have energy flow freely it’s necessary to clear clutter and what better time than during a Mercury Retrograde on the Fourth of July to create freedom and independence from the bonds of clutter.
Today I tackled a job I have been wanting to do for months and just haven’t taken the time, or had the time, to do. I took advantage of a Mercury Retrograde to support me with the process. One of Mercury Retrograde qualities is the ability to release items more quickly than at other times of the year.
I went through a file drawer filled with paperwork from old venues where I have taught.
Yes, it was a whole drawer filled with the contracts and guidelines I had to follow for over 25 different locations where I have taught Feng Shui classes during the last 7 years. There were Parks and Recreation Departments, Adult Education Programs, Adult Continuing Education Departments, Community Colleges and Universities.
Since most of these were contracts where my social security number and/or date of birth were listed, I had to shred them. My recycled paper bin now has 4 bags of shredded papers and I have a clean file drawer to fill with new clients and my own programs. I even found a written testimonial and workbook I forgot I had.
It only took 2 hours to go through. True, it isn’t a Five-Minute Feng Shui tip or on a Friday. But it is a Feng Shui tip that supports the “freedom” I want and the “independence” from the limitations I was under while doing programs that didn’t serve me any longer.
What can you get rid of in an hour or two to open up the free flow of good energy you want in your life?
by llenore | Jun 16, 2013 | Uncategorized
As Summer Solstice approaches the end of this week, the days grow longer – and the nights grow shorter – giving us more light. I love this time of the year – the more sunlight the better. I have so many things I love to do outside; summer gives me the time to be able to do them.
As I learned more about the ceremonies from different cultures around the world, I discovered the gift of the seasons and ways to honor them. Living in California all my life, the seasons basically run together, especially in Southern California where I grew up. Now I am more aware of the nuances of temperature, where the winds originate, the angle of the sun at different times of the year and even the cycles of plants caused by these influences.
Summer Solstice Sacred Spaces Table
This morning I was picking apricots and plums in my backyard – both from the ground where the squirrels had dropped them and from the trees before the birds eat them. The beauty as the sun shone through the trees invigorated my spirit. I was in a “sacred space” both on the ground and in the trees.
As I was putting this abundance of fruit in bowls around the kitchen, it reminded me of my “Summer Solstice Sacred Spaces Table” I created last year.
I did a ‘Space Clearing’ early in the day for a client to help solidify the energy in her home buying some extra flowers for myself. I brought out this beautiful Asian-motif vase I had packed away during the remodeling to enjoy again.
There were several trailing roses in full bloom in my front yard. I decided to pick some, placing them on the yellow and white wildflower plates I adore. I placed two orchids from my very first “Balance, Order & Beauty: Feng Shui for the Woman’s Soul” event on the table since they were still gorgeous.
Pictures of my family, bowls of fruit, a couple embracing in dance and whimsical Mickey Mouse – all are items that called to me to be placed on the table in celebration of the abundance, beauty, joy and creativity of this special day.
How might you honor the Summer Solstice? Are there objects you’ve forgotten in drawers, closets or boxes with energy you need at this time in your life? What calls to you to be placed on your “Summer Solstice Sacred Spaces” table or altar?
I’ll share more ideas and stories about Summer Solstice celebration and ceremonies you might want to include in your life during the week. Please check back for them and share with family and friends. Please feel free to add your own comments on how you celebrate the Summer Solstice.
