Live with what you love.

This rule is a big part of Feng Shui. Our belongings carry energy and are alive with our memories and associations we attach to them. Surrounding ourselves with things that lift our spirit, make us feel nostalgic, and give us comfort is just plain a good way to live. When the alternative is to surround ourselves with items that depress us, make us remember bad times, or are harmful in some way, it seems like a no-brainer. But getting rid of our stuff is not always easy. We hold on to things for various reasons, motivated by different emotions, pressures, and fears. I can think about a mirror, a pair of jeans, a family heirloom, an unopened Christmas gift; and feel confident that I'm not alone when it comes to clogging up my energy with belongings that don't serve me.

What I've been expanding upon lately is the idea that "live with what you love" can carry to other areas of our lives. Again, thinking of the life energies we work with in Feng Shui, I can see how our careers, relationships, finances, and more can be negatively impacted by accumulated junk.

~ Give and you shall receive. When money is tight or bills keep flooding your mailbox, volunteer at a homeless shelter or clean out your closets for Good Will. Giving away what you have, be it time, used household items, or your positive energy to a friend in need, opens up space for good fortune to come to you.

~ Do what you love and the money will follow. When day in and day out is spent in uninspiring, meaningless work, your life energy is depleted. Focusing your energy on one of your passions is a much better way to live your life. I'm not suggesting that quitting your job and playing your guitar in your living room is a good strategy, but I think you get the point.

~ If you take the opportunity or pass on the opportunity, is your life going to be any better or worse? This idea just makes me think about happiness and contentment. The gravity we put on some decisions is just not in alignment with our core values. Some choices we're faced with can really impact our lives in a positive or negative way. Most will not.

Today's musing is "live with whom you love." Thinking of the people we surround ourselves with...why would we chose to spend time with people that bring us down or make us feel bad about ourselves? We could analyze our choice and try to discover some hidden part of our personality that is drawn to the negativity. OR, we could just chose to not spend our precious time with them. There are many people we encounter on a regular basis that we must coexist with--it's not a matter of choice. In these instances it may help to make a conscious effort to not let this person's energy affect your own...create your own happiness despite the obstacles around you. And make sure that this is a small fraction of your time so you can focus on the uplifting relationships in your life.

By surrounding ourselves with authentic people that make us laugh, make us think, make us feel good...we fill ourselves up and thus have more to offer the people we encounter throughout our lives. It's really a win-win situation. It's Feng Shui for the soul!

So what are you going to get rid of today?

peace, love, and recycling...