Several weeks ago I wrote about unexpected sources for organizing inspiration. One of these sources came from an event I attended the Northeast Regional Conference for Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NERCPO.) My colleague, Sandra Wheeler, who is an organizer and Feng Shui practitioner, spoke about ways to create more flow in your life. I was intrigued by her presentation, so I invited her to share some of her ideas with you.

After all, as humans, we’re always searching for simple ways to improve our experience. Those small, seemingly insignificant shifts can make all of the difference.  As we enter the activity of the holiday season, wind down one year, and begin another, finding ways to reduce stress, increase joy, and remaining open for possibilities are key. 

Before we begin the interview, let me tell you a bit more about Sandra. She is a member of the National Association of Productivity & Organizing Professionals (NAPO.) Sandra earned her Specialist Certificates in both Residential and Workplace Productivity. She served on the NAPO-CT Board from 2008-2016 and received the Founders Award for her contributions. Sandra earned her Feng Shui Certification from the New England School of Feng Shui. On a personal note, she is an excellent teacher with a great sense of humor. You can connect with Sandra on Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest or her website.

Linda Samuels:  Can you briefly describe what Feng Shui is?

Sandra Wheeler:  Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice. Our homes are a mirror of what is going on inside us. The purpose of Feng Shui is to get your environment in alignment with who you are and where you want to go in life – to harmonize your energy with your home’s energy.

Linda:  What got you interested in becoming a Feng Shui practitioner?

Sandra:  About 15 years ago, I had a strong sense that my home needed ‘something.’ I contacted a Feng Shui practitioner, he did an energy clearing, and the process and the results fascinated me. I then found the New England School of Feng Shui and took classes over many years.

Linda:  How do you integrate Feng Shui with your organizing work?

Sandra: My first rule in Feng Shui is to “do no harm.” I do not impose my knowledge on someone unless they ask. If an organizing client knows I am a practitioner and asks questions, I obviously answer them. Other times, if I notice that a bed or desk is not in the best spot in the room, I will ask if they are able to sleep (bedroom) or focus (office.) If their response is negative, I will make suggestions. 

Linda:  What are some of your favorite Feng Shui ‘light’ tips?

Sandra:

• Storing a great deal in the attic, keeps you from ‘aspiring,’ reaching for new heights.

• Storing a great deal in the basement, keeps you rooted in the past, in place, prevents you from moving forward.

• Bedrooms are for loving, resting and preparing for your day. They are private spaces (yin). No televisions. No pictures of parents, kids, etc. Only display pictures of you and your (current) partner. Keep No piles of unfinished projects. No exercise equipment draped in clothing.

• Lighting activates energy, so have enough light sources in your living areas so they can be well lit when in use. If spaces are in the dark, those represent neglect of certain aspects of your life.

• Keep your toilet seats lowered to keep your ‘finances and energy’ from going down the drain.

• Use all of the burners on your stove regularly. This area contributes to your abundance.

• Generally, it is important to surround yourself with things of beauty, things that make you smile, and items that have meaning to you.

• The more stuff you have on the floor, the more it pulls down your energy and can lead to depression. You don’t want to sort large volumes of paper on the floor and then leave the piles there for any length of time. This is also the same with laundry, etc.

• Individuals tend to feel most comfortable with their back to a wall, rather than a window or door. Notice where you sit in your home office, the dining room, and living room, etc. Where do you feel most comfortable?

Thank you, Sandra, for joining us. I’m sure that many of us have a desire to create environments that support who we are and what we want our life to be like. It’s fascinating that by making some simple changes in our environment, like the ones you suggested, we can shift our energy internally and in our home to be more positive, supportive, and conducive for living in a state of flow.

Please join Sandra and me as we continue the conversation. I’d love to hear your thoughts. What resonates with you?