My cat Louie lets me know when he needs something (food, playtime, a lap, etc.) he follows me everywhere accompanied by incessant meowing. I’m sure those of you with children have had similar experiences. There’s a need which they are hoping we can fulfill.
This experience with people and pets can be playing out in your space as well. It isn’t about obvious leaks or broken items which most people would immediately address. This is about situations that are less obvious to the eye but blatantly obvious to the space. Here’s an example:
A client had me visit her office. She wanted assistance creating a space where she could be productive and creative. Although she had placed the desk in a good position, in a helpful direction for her, with a high-backed chair, and very little clutter, she felt that something was off. She had a difficult time working in the office and didn’t know why. We discussed moving the desk, different artwork, and new wall color. Then I opened a couple drawers in the credenza and the door to her closet. The closet was crammed full of boxes; the credenza drawers were over-filled.
Although her outer space looked Feng Shui “appropriate,” her storage areas were cramped, scattered, and un-workable. The inner workings of the space didn’t match the outer presentation. Visually, this wasn’t an issue when the doors and drawers were closed, but every time she had to access one of these areas, the situation became obvious and affected her energetically. She had not realized that the unseen parts of her space would affect her work performance.
Paying attention to your space benefits in unexpected ways. If something seems “off” in some part of your home or office, go behind the scenes to see if the feeling is originating in some dark corner or in the back of a cupboard.
Even before you realize something is “off,” take the opportunity to clear hidden spaces as you come across them. It may not even take an uneasy sense of disarray or concern to mount a full-out clearing/cleaning. Sometimes it’s just a need to get a vase from the back of the storage cabinet to launch a much-needed clearing in that area. Trying to find a screwdriver in the junk drawer can result in sorting miscellaneous items that don’t belong, leaving a functional and accessible spot for tools of all kinds. And, in both cases, a sense of clarity and accomplishment.
The results of clearing out my client’s office closet and credenza drawers underscored her need to pay attention to all parts of her office, not just the surface area. Although nothing changed in the outer office, the behind-the-scenes areas, once put in order and categorized according to need, began supporting her work and enabling her to reach a level of efficiency she could only dream about.
If your bathroom looks fabulous but towels and extra paper products are crammed in the cupboard below, then it’s only fabulous on the surface. If your kitchen counter looks nice but there are appliances that not only aren’t being used but may not even work, you’re your kitchen is compromised. Stuffing items under the bed just to get them out of the way jeopardizes the intention of a bedroom – safety, sleep, healing, and intimacy.
Pay attention to all parts of your space, especially those hidden parts, and especially if they’re nagging at you. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and contentment – like having a cat purring on your lap.
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