
E.J. is a certified feng shui consultant and educator. He specializes in transforming the quality of life by shifting the energy in homes and offices.
For more about these feng shui services, visit here
Yoga classes, meditation, spiritual workshops... These can all leave us feeling wonderful. But what happens to those “good vibes” if we come home to a house that is full of clutter?
In feng shui, you should never apply a feng shui cure, if the atmosphere is chaotic. The first step is always: Clear the clutter. Sounds simple, right?
Unfortunately, for many of us, getting in control of “the stuff” can seem like an endless battle. I too, have struggled with this at times, and, thankfully, have found some approaches that really work.
Here is a great one......
This is called the Mount Vernon technique, because this is actually the approach to cleaning that is used by the staff that takes care of the home of George Washington, the very first president of the United States.
They start the process at the front door and begin cleaning in a clockwise direction. As they clean, they go through every nook, cranny, closet, drawer, etc., and don't move on until that area is organized and spotless.
Interestingly, this is exactly how energy seems to flow in feng shui: entering at the front door and moving in a clockwise direction. So George’s maids must have been in the know!
Once they have gotten through that first room, they enter the next room, and move on in a clockwise direction again. At the end of the day, they make a mental note of where they stopped and then start up at that point the next day.
Working in this way may seem slow, but it is certainly thorough. And once the entire house has been cleaned in this way the first time, the clockwise cleaning of the rooms goes much faster the next time.
Personally, I have used this method occasions when I feel that the entire place needs a thorough cleaning, and it really makes a difference. It also gives me a great sense of accomplishment with clutter builds up, as I move in a systematic cycle through the entire home.
Try this approach in your own place, and let me know if you have some startling successes!
--E J Shaffert
PS: I am scheduled to be teaching feng shui classes in London starting in the fall, 2014. Plan to join me!