Call us: 612-823-5093

Posts Tagged Clutter

2018 Will Be a Milestone Year

On January 2, 2018   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , ,

By Lisa Janusz

This month our article is going to be a little different. Although I’m still going to give you some Feng Shui tips; I’m going to start by letting you in on some plans that we have in the works for the upcoming year.

20 YearsFirst (you may want to sit down for this), in September of this year the Wind & Water School of Feng Shui will celebrate our 20th anniversary! Can you believe it? For some of you that’s no surprise – you were in Carole’s very first training class.

The class of 1998 flourished (thankfully) and Carole kept moving forward honing her material and approach. And 20 years later the School is still certifying people that want to help other people create balanced spaces. (Our next program starts in March, for those of you interested.)

That’s a huge milestone and one that we’ll be celebrating. Yes, you’ll all be invited! You can expect to see some details on that mid-year.

We’ve also got some other exciting plans in store. One being beefing up our online offerings. We’ve had such great feedback from Set Sail that we’ll use that general format to offer more virtual, on-demand short courses. Stay tuned.

Those are our two biggies for 2018, but rest assured there are other ideas percolating. If there’s something you’d like us to consider, drop me a line to let me know.

While we prep over here to make a splash in 2018, we hope you do the same. And (as promised), here are some quick Feng Shui tips to help you do just that:

  • Clear off one horizontal surface (desk, table, dresser, etc.)  in your house for at least 9 days. It encourages opportunities and can facilitate clarity.
  • Create a sacred space and start a meditation practice. Give yourself a gift of a calm place to reflect and give your mind the time to do so.
  • Clear the clutter to open some physical – and metaphorical – space. Start in an area that you want change (healthier lifestyle – kitchen, more opportunities – office, more downtime – bedroom). Overwhelmed? Try doing something for 9 minutes a day for 9 days.
  • Write an intention for the year and keep it somewhere where you’ll see it – and celebrate it – day after day.

Blessings to you and 2018,

Lisa

Back to Top

Purge for the New Year – Begin with a Fresh Start

On December 5, 2017   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , , ,

clutter free kitchenBy Jessica Hoelzel

Clutter: it drags us down, holds us back and blocks new opportunities from coming into our lives. Knowing Feng Shui, we know this – but inevitably – clutter accumulates.

Being on the brink of the new year offers a chance to shift the energy in our homes, and our lives, in alignment with new possibilities. But we’ve got to get the old out of the way first.

No doubt, this is a busy time of year with the holidays. Who has the time to clear clutter? What if you could both prep for the new year, and prep your home for the holidays? You can!

Here are four quick clutter-clearing tasks that (bonus!) help you get ready for holiday guests:

1. Purge the Entry

Make the entranceway for chi open and inviting by clearing off tables and benches, and purging anything worn out from the closet. Create space for guests’ things and add some extra hangers.

2. Purge the Piles

These can crop up anywhere, but the unsightly things typically appear on counters, dressers and desktops, stairs, and tops of washers/dryers. Enlist everyone in the family to help put things where they go, or assign them a new home if they don’t have one. Shelve books and recycle old periodicals.

3. Purge the Papers

Paper can be the #1 contributor to piles piling up. Get control by doing a quick sort: Recycle, Shred, Keep. From there, sort further through the Keep pile if you have time. Get a jump start on tax prep by separating those doc’s. Label everything with bright-colored sticky notes so you know what’s what.

4. Purge the Kitchen

Clear some extra space in your cupboards and refrigerator for hosting holiday festivities. Toss expireds and donate multiples of canned goods to a food shelf. Give the front of the fridge a facelift by clearing notes/quotes/photos/artwork that have lost their vibrancy.

Clutter-clearing can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. Use these specifics to eliminate the burden and negative impacts of clutter, and enter the new year feeling free, energetic and optimistic.

Read more about clearing clutter and prepping for the new year here.

Back to Top

About That Clutter You Don’t See – How to Deal with Virtual Clutter

On September 5, 2017   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

computer and tabletBy Lisa Janusz

It’s a technological world we live in. You can access information within seconds by using a few keystrokes. Although the world is far more “paperless” than it was several years ago, it didn’t stop the clutter. Instead of having piles of papers on your desk, they’re now electronic files on your desktop. Or buried away as emails in your inbox.

Even though you can’t physically see it, it’s still affecting your energy. Take for instance an unsorted inbox. When you open it in the morning and see there are 603 messages (even if only 45 of them are new), it’s immediately overwhelming. These are reminders of things to do, follow up on, sort and file.

From a Feng Shui perspective, that energy could be dragging you down. It could be contributing to feelings of being stressed, burnt out and overwhelmed. In much the same way that you deal with physical clutter, you have to deal with the unseen, technological clutter as well.

Here are a few ideas on how you can start the process.

  1. Utilize the number 9. (It’s an auspicious number.) Deal with 9 things a day for 9 days. File or delete 9 emails, sort and file 9 photos or re-evaluate 9 files.
  2. Get your inbox under control. Set an end-of-day limit for the number of emails. I’m committed to 99. If there are more, start scrolling to see what can be filed, responded to and deleted before you log out.
  3. There’s no time like the present. If you can respond to something immediately, do so. Especially if it takes less than 2 minutes.
  4. Look at what you’ve invited. If you have a bunch of subscriptions, it’s time to evaluate! If you’ve fallen behind, don’t review each one, sort by sender and delete all but the most recent email.
  5. Organize your photos. Put a reminder in your calendar to download your photos each month. Set aside some time after to create folders and sort them.
  6. Customize a process for you. Figure out your own personal system to deal with technological clutter and stick to it.

No matter where we turn, there’s the potential for clutter! If you are feeling the effects, prioritize dealing with it. You never know what awaits you once you have the room to receive it, email or otherwise.

Back to Top

If the Car Fits…that’s a Feng Shui Win

On May 2, 2017   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , ,

house and carBy Lisa Janusz

We’re often asked about garages in Feng Shui. People want to know if they count and what can be done about them. They do, indeed, count! And if you are familiar with the bagua, sometimes they take up several guas.

Regardless if they are attached or not, you still need to pay attention to them. They are part of your overall space and, if you are parking in there, are affecting you on a daily basis. Here are some things to keep in mind to make sure your Feng Shui is revved up (see what I did there?)!

Ensure your car can fit. We like spaces that function for their intended purpose. A garage is meant to house a car, so we want a car to fit in there.

Be knowledgeable and organized with your storage. If you store things in the garage, that’s okay! There is an issue when you don’t know what’s there and can’t get to it. So as long as you are organized, know what you have and can access it, store away. However, do release things you are just storing and not using.

Make it pleasant to come home. You can decorate your garage! You don’t have to go overboard (you can if you want to). This is your first “welcome home” (especially if it’s attached), so have something there that evokes positive feelings.

On the flip side, here are some things to avoid.

Don’t compete with the front door. If your garage can be seen from the street, make sure your front door is more prominent. Down play your garage and put the spotlight on the main door.

Use your front door! If your garage is attached OR if it’s not but you enter through a side/back door, switch it up occasionally and go through the front. That keeps your chi flowing through this key area.

Don’t make it something it’s not. I get it, you need more space. But try to carve it out somewhere else. Garages do not make good converted bedrooms (people usually don’t sleep well) and are tough to spend time in.

Remember that every piece of your space has an effect on your overall Feng Shui. Garages are no exception. They can be another positive, pleasant experience in your daily routine. Make it worth the drive.

Back to Top

Selling a House with Feng Shui

On March 7, 2017   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   1 Comment
Tags: , , , ,

Open HouseBy Lisa Janusz

Springtime is upon us and that usually means an increase in the real estate market. It’s a prime time to buy and sell. The weather is getting nicer and as we move into the wood element of spring, it’s a great time to start something new.

Selling a house can often be a sweet – or bittersweet – time. Whether you are selling to move forward on your next chapter, or aren’t ready (or don’t want) to leave, both come with their own benefits and challenges.

However you are feeling, if you are in a position that your house is going on the market, use these tips to get started. They can help you gain clarity and make the process smoother.

  1. “Lift the anchor.” Start to clean out the basement. Go through what’s there and release (toss or donate) things that you don’t need to take with you. This helps metaphorically start to lift the energy of the house, while also being practical in getting you prepared.
  2. Depersonalize. Remove photos of you, your family and friends, and other items that are personal mementos. If people walk in feeling like they are in “your” space, they can’t connect with the house and picture themselves there.
  3. Declutter. This not only lifts the energy in the house, but it also allows people to see the potential of the space. It appears larger and open, and won’t overwhelm.
  4. Communicate with the house. Write a letter letting the house know what’s happening, what you hope for it and thanking it for all the support it’s given you. Even if you don’t feel on great terms with the space, still thank it for what you can – like providing a roof and a place to sleep.

You don’t have to make your space stark. And you shouldn’t. Even with staging the purpose is to provide some eye candy for people to look at and see the potential. It’s similar to relationships. You start to “see” yourself more with someone that’s available and that energy is apparent. It’s the same with a space; people can feel it. Make it a welcoming and inviting energy.

Back to Top

Back to School Feng Shui Style

On September 6, 2016   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , ,

Back to School

By Lisa Janusz

It’s that time of the year: back to school! This is a time for families to transition from the ease of summer to the more structured time of the school year.

From a Feng Shui perspective, you can help your kids create a supportive environment at home to help them ease back into school and set them up for success.

  1. Clear the clutter. Look at every item in their room (toys, furniture, clothes). Reduce the “noise” by clearing out clothes that no longer fit, toys that are no longer relevant and furniture that is no longer needed.
  2. Look at decor. Is it age appropriate? Does it meet their needs? (For example, adding a desk for an older child.) Whatever changes do occur, be sure that they have significant input. It’s their room after all.
  3. Set up a system. Mornings can be hectic and can set the day off with challenging energy. Create places for things to go: a bin for papers (homework, permission slips), a hook for coats and backpacks, baskets for shoes, a place for sports equipment. Don’t get caught up in what others are doing – design one that works for your family. This will enable you all to start the day with a more relaxed, focused energy.
  4. A place for homework. Have a proper place for school work. If it’s in their room, try to set it up so they can see the door. If elsewhere, make it a place that promotes studying (large enough for books and papers). Designate a space that is quiet and has enough room to spread out while they are working. Also make it a daily habit to clear off that space to enhance their ability to have clear vision in the morning and each night as they sit down to work.

There is usually so much enthusiasm at the beginning of the school year that this is a perfect time to create a space that supports their endeavors and is open for growth and possibilities.

Back to Top

Desk-ology: Feng Shui for Your Desk

On May 5, 2015   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , , , ,

ID-100202415By Lisa Janusz

One of the most important pieces of furniture in your office – work or home – is your desk. This single piece of furniture has more impact beyond just being a surface for computers and paper. It can help you reflect your message about your career and your future to clients, bosses and coworkers.

You might be limited in a corporate environment, but the Feng Shui considerations are the same.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about where you sit to get work done.

  1. Have the right size. Think Goldilocks: not too big, not too small – but just right! It should fit your frame and what you need to do. For example, enough room for a computer, as well as space to place a folder or pad of paper.
  2. Make sure it aligns with your goals. Your desk is a message about your career. It should be solid, sturdy and supportive. Skip the card table. Pick something that reflects you.
  3. Keep it as clear as possible. This is a metaphor about vision and being able to see what’s next. Arriving to a clear desk – full of potential – can give you room to breathe. It can help you feel more inspired and less overwhelmed. Think about putting items in a box at the end of the day so that you can start fresh.
  4. Position it well. The most powerful place for your desk is in the command position – which is the farthest corner of the room, while facing the door. This enables you to “see what’s coming” and welcome opportunities.
  5. Complement it with the right chair. Choosing a high back chair will offer you support, stability and comfort.

As you take a fresh look at your desk; what is the message you are sending? Does it say CEO? And/or does it reflect your aspirations?

Even if a new purchase it not possible right now, do what you can with what you have. Paint it, cover it, style it. You are your own CEO. Now get to work.

P.S. You can read more about your office here.

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Back to Top

Heating Up the Refrigerator with a Feng Shui Approach

On April 7, 2015   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , ,

refrigerator in kitchen

By Carole Hyder

The refrigerator is a formidable kitchen appliance, not only because it is necessary for food storage but also because it typically has a large presence in the kitchen. When Feng Shui was first applied to homes, there were no refrigerators. Addressing the impact of this new, convenient appliance on the Feng Shui of the space had to be factored in as people modernized—-much like the situation of bathrooms which were originally not inside the home.

Refrigerators not only keep food fresh but also impact the health of those who live there. When the refrigerator is filled with stale, outdated and unused food, it isn’t a strong message about well-being. Cleaning it out from time-to-time is necessary, which includes throwing out old food as well as keeping the shelves and drawers immaculate.

Here are some other ideas for integrating the refrigerator with good Feng Shui principles:

  1. Keep the refrigerator clear of extraneous items on the front and sides. The refrigerator is not a bulletin board, photo album, nor a game surface. All of this creates Feng Shui “noise” which disrupts the intention of creating healthy and wholesome food.
  2. Don’t burden the refrigerator with unnecessary clutter on top. Unless the items on the top are decorative eye-candy, that surface should not become a storage area. Keep it clear and clean.
  3. Avoid placing the refrigerator next to the stove. This arrangement is a recipe for arguments—-between family members, friends, neighbors and/or co-workers. This is because the stove, which is a fire appliance, and the refrigerator, which is a water appliance, clash—thereby reflecting that conflict to the occupants. Place a plant on the top of that clean and cleared-off refrigerator (see #2!) to resolve the issue (even a silk one).

We certainly don’t want to be without refrigeration so this appliance is definitely here to stay. Giving it some consideration as it relates to the kitchen will assure that your refrigerator complies to good Feng Shui. In fact, done right, it will be very cool.

Back to Top

Getting to CEO: Feng Shui for Your Office

On November 4, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , ,

By Lisa Janusz

Lisas Office Before

My Office – Before

Right before I started my own business, I had Carole over. I remember telling her about my vision. As Carole started to ask me questions – leading questions – it “clicked.” As she was talking, I realized my home office did not reflect where I intended to go.

About the only thing that stayed was the desk. Other than that, there was a folding chair (sad, but true story), haphazard bookshelves and other random furniture. I knew I had to make some serious changes.

This is where Feng Shui transcends just moving furniture. Sure, I could have bought some new stuff, but that wouldn’t have gotten me where I wanted to go. I had to put more intention
around it. I had to make my vision a reality.

If you are contemplating changes in your office, here are some Feng Shui considerations:

  1. Get clear about the purpose. If it’s important – then commit to it. It doesn’t matter whether it’s a home business office or hobby room.
  2. Have it reflect your intention. That means having it look like a place you could meet clients – even if you never will. Or displaying your crafts. This isn’t the time for a multi-purpose room.
  3. Have at least one clean horizontal surface. It reflects your vision and enables you to get “clear.” I have a nice box where everything goes at the end of the day that isn’t ready to be filed. I come in to a clear desk every morning.
  4. Get a high back chair. This directly relates to getting support. A flimsy chair doesn’t have the same effect.
  5. Have a system. Clutter is a problem here, just like other areas. Be diligent about filing, tossing and releasing items that don’t fit.
Lisas Office

My Office – After

Shortly after Carole’s visit, I bought a nice high-back executive chair, a file cabinet, a bookshelf and a table for my printer. I also painted my office a lovely color and added some custom accessories.

Even though I didn’t expect to have clients visit me there; it was finally an appropriate place to do so. Which was good, since it did end up hosting clients after all.

Back to Top

Storage Wars….with Yourself?

On September 2, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
Tags: , , , , ,

couple moving boxes2By Lisa Janusz

Some people think that Feng Shui consultants are against storage. Not true. We know it’s useful and necessary (like seasonal decor). The key is knowing – and using – what you have so that your time, energy, space – and possibly money – isn’t being directed to things of no value to you. This is especially important for people who are paying for off-site storage. You are keeping your energy extended with your things, so they need to be important.

Since your space reflects your life, a build-up of storage in your basement (the past), attic (the future) or garage (where your car should live), can be a message to you.

Here are 5 tips for dealing with storage situations:

  1. Use it or release it. Be realistic with yourself on whether you really use the item.
    • Don’t keep things out of guilt (it was a present!) or sentimentality (it was my grandmother’s!). There is someone out there who will give it new energy by being thrilled to use it.
    • Don’t keep things for “someday.” If you are saving something for later, think about the timing. If it will be happening within a couple of years, that might make sense. But if it’s been over 5 years or is that far away, then think about it carefully. Will you really want those hand-me-downs in your new dream house? Will your kids want them when they go off to college or have a house of their own?
  2. Know it. Boxes should be labeled with what is in them. If you have a bunch of mystery boxes, then either go through them to see what is in there OR simply label them with the date. If you don’t use it within 6 months – don’t even take another look. Assume you don’t need it and let it go.
  3. Access it. Keep things organized using whatever system works for you. Don’t keep things that are so buried they are too much trouble to reach.
  4. Love it. Don’t store things that “will do.” If you are going to spend time and energy storing it, focus on items that have meaning and bring you joy.
  5. Release it. This is a hard one for us all (yes, me too!). Really take a look and think, “how long has it been since I’ve used this?” Even if you still like it, if you haven’t used it in years, let it go. Give it new life.

Remember, you are investing your energy in all the things that you own/are surrounded by (even if they are “off-site”). It’s important to make sure that they are supporting you. Take another look and maybe make some hard decisions. Opening up and clearing out can only benefit you. Each time we release, we allow – opportunities, health, relationships and more.

Back to Top

Address

Minneapolis, MN
Phone: (612) 751-3828

info@windwaterschool.com

Search