Put a Feng Shui spin on your spring cleaning
Springtime is the energy of new beginnings; out with the old and in with the new. And that takes many forms: establishing new habits and life patterns, getting out in the garden and sowing some seeds, or the always-satisfying process of spring-cleaning.
Spring-cleaning doesn’t just have to be about eliminating clutter from your home. It also provides a perfect opportunity to bring energy into your space by using some simple Feng Shui tools. Here are 9 of my favourite Feng Shui inspired cleaning tips.
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Sweep: Yes, you will be sweeping, but this is not your everyday cleaning. You are going to super charge your sweeping with intention and direction. You will sweep out all the corners, under furniture, closets and down hallways. Give care to areas that feel stagnant and stale. The idea is that you are moving the old energy toward and out the front door.
Focus on the front entrance: Open the home up, setting out the figurative (and literal) welcome mat for new energy. The front door is the mouth of chi, it should be kept open and clear. Place a new, clean welcome mat to boost and greet the chi as it comes into your home. Try something colourful and fun.
Clean your stove: The stove is a symbol of wealth for the home and one of the three energetic pillars of the home. Cleaning and caring for it will remove any negative or stagnant energy that is clinging to it.
Clean out the fridge: Rotting food is bad Feng Shui – that is all.
Wash your windows: The windows are the eyes of the home. They allow outside energy into the home. Well placed windows can help the home to breath fully and allows in much needed sunlight.
Clean under the bed: This is a great place for stagnant energy to get stuck. If your love life feels dull do the following: Remove everything under the bed. Vacuum. Review it (what are you storing?). Reorganize it before placing it back under the bed. Under bed storage is best left to soft things, like seasonal clothing and bedding.
Get a new set of bed sheets: lighter, airy colors are yang. Keeping the walls and bedding a calming, lighter hue will help to clarify the energy in your bedroom. Simple white duvets with green or yellow sheets keep the energy uplifting. According to a study by Travelodge in the UK; households with a blue colour scheme in the bedroom get the best night’s sleep.
Take an Epsom salt bath to clear your energy: Rather than focusing on the home you will clear away any negative residue that may be clinging to you. The nice thing about this tip: it creates ease in your muscles as well as your energy. Note: be mindful of any sensitivities to scent etc. Fill the tub with very warm water. Add 1 cup Epsom salts, 1/3 cup baking soda.
Optional: 1 cup of apple cider and/or 2-3 drops of orange or citrus essential oil. Visualize the residue of any negative energy or stagnant energy peeling away. Rinse with cold water and clean of the tub with baking soda and warm water. Disclosure: Do not take do if you are hypertensive, pregnant, diabetic, or if you have a history of heart disease. Consult your doctor.Visualization meditation: Using a guided mediation that clears your chi is a great way to do a personal spring-cleaning. If you are looking for a simple visualization just sit quietly watching your breath, inhale and exhale slowly. With each new breath visualize new positive energy flowing throughout your body. As the breath fills you it generates positive chi, clearing out any stuck energy.
Click here to download the Spring Cleaning Checklist