Clear Your Space...Clear Your Mind #9

Part 2 - It's Natural

Chapter 6 ~ The Chi of It

   “And what is man without energy?

    Nothing - nothing at all.”

      Mark Twain

     Theory states we are more than flesh and bones, but rather energy.  This force is in constant motion;  moving, flowing, and vibrating.  It is all around us and in us, from the blood running through our veins to the microscopic cells of our bodies.  It is a scientific fact that this elaborate universe is made up of what we now know is energy.  Highly sensitive people can see it.  It appears as an aura around the edges of each and every thing, animate or otherwise.  There are those who possess such finely tuned sight, the emanation of particulate matter is rich with color and pattern.  Entire sciences are devoted to the interpreting of this energy.  Everything from MRIs to Biofeedback have become popular methods of tuning into and tapping this energy force.           

     Whether it is visible to the naked eye or not, it continues to be the vehicle causing our world to function.  We are all familiar with the expression;  “The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife”.  I’m certain you’ve had the experience of walking into a room and perceiving something was up.  Maybe an argument was taking place or possibly you were the topic of conversation.  It is palpable.  This ordinary illustration demonstrates how energy is understood and experienced.

     If energy is all around us and in us and we are energy, it stands to reason we have an innate ability to distinguish it, read it and identify it.  Even if you cannot see it, you feel it and therefore decipher it through your senses and body.  The capacity to comprehend it is encoded in our genes, it is our blueprint, our birthright.  A gut feeling or a twinge in your heart can be the signals.  Being aware of this energy is potent.  Once you become conscious of it, it can assist you in plotting a course through life - and your stuff.

     Our Eastern neighbors easily embrace this energy we Westerners frequently question, for they simply call it Chi and no one disputes it’s existence or the value of balancing it in their life.  As a Clutterbuster, turned Feng Shui Consultant, turned Professional Organizer, the aspect of Chi I most frequently encounter is clutter.  Like everything else, clutter is a pulsating mass of energy, and clutter attracts more clutter. 

     I remember reading in the book, “Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui” by Karen Kingston…when someone throws a candy wrapper on the sidewalk you can be guaranteed soon a cigarette butt or other scrap of garbage will join it, and then another and another.  Eventually there is a pile of it - and why?  Because the energy around clutter is sticky in nature, and sticky just attracts more of the same.  Clutter will continue to grow like the kudzu vine. 

     Imagine living in an environment of extreme clutter.  The energy emanating from it is profound.  That’s an enormous amount of vibration for someone to interpret.  It’s no wonder people feel dragged down and perplexed by their stuff.  Clutter is confusing and distracting.  When out of control it can be paralyzing.  

     Besides clutter being essentially stagnant energy, it is also a metaphor for obstacles in one’s life.  In some schools of Feng Shui even the location of your clutter has symbolic significance.  For example, if clutter winds up in the North (your Career Sector) it speaks of a blockage in that part of your life.  Getting a handle on your clutter truly opens up space for change and new opportunities.

     In addition to the tacky substance coming from this rubbish, we also live in a world where The Law of Attraction reigns supreme.  It is a mighty manifestor.  Are you familiar with the concept “What is like unto itself is drawn”?  That is The Law of Attraction at work and it has gotten a lot of buzz recently.       

     There are books, movies, and workshops, all with the single intent of exploring this Universal Law.  Once understood, this principle can guide you through anything, even clearing your clutter.  So with a lot of sticky clutter, a lack of organizational skills, mixed together with the magnetism the Law of Attraction guarantees, you’ve got a good recipe for an atmosphere completely out of control.  

     Decoding the vibration of any situation, whether a group dynamic or your physical belongings, is an inside job.  No one can vibe for you.  We all have our own unique tolerance for the amount of energy we can interpret or the volume of clutter that tips our scale.  I hear people say, “I’m drowning in stuff, I could barely find the phone to call you,” only to discover on a scale of one to ten, ten being the worst thing I’ve seen, this person’s disorganization was less than a two.  Or another who says, “I don’t have that much, I live in a small apartment,” and you enter the scene to find their compact space packed to the rafters, a definite ten.  Only you can judge what is too much.  Your guidance system, through your senses, feelings and body, will lead the way.

to be continued...