Clearing Out Your Closet

Each area of your home correlates to an area of your life: Your kitchen represents how your family is nurtured. Your bedroom represents your ability to renew and refresh your life. Your garage represents your independence and mobility, and your bathroom represents your ability to deal with change and transitions.

But can you guess what your closets represent? They represent your subconscious mind and what is happening beneath the facade you present to the world.

Imagine your bedroom closet in its present state. Is it neat and organized, or messy and over-stuffed? Does your closet contain items that have nothing to do with your apparel? Can you see how the state of your closet correlates to what is happening in your life and in your mind?

A clear closet fosters a clear mind and supports clearing from the inside out. Here are some tips to help you “cure” your closet of whatever ails it. I follow these tips religiously:

Let go of clothing you have not worn in a year or two.

Statistics show that we wear 20 percent of our clothes 80 percent of the time. If you have something in your closet that you never wear, you intuitively know that it no longer aligns with who you are. Ask yourself, “What does this item do for me? Do I feel uplifted when I see it or does my energy drop?” If your energy drops, drop the item.

Can we tell how old you are by looking in your closet?

If you haven’t worn an item in a year or two, check to see just how outdated it is. Discard clothing that anchors you to past memories and emotional associations. Let go of the wide lapel jackets, the blouses with shoulder pads and the clothes that are two sizes too small. Just as you check expiration dates on food to clear out your refrigerator, look through your closet to see if anything has expired. If it doesn’t flatter you or is worn out, donate it. Keep your closet reflective of who you are now. The best way to move forward is to embrace the present.

Saving items you never wear sends a negative message.

It is natural to want to save things, but saving anything you never wear, do not love, or that does not fit sends a negative message when you open the closet. It shows scarcity thinking rather than abundance thinking. Moreover, the items take up valuable real estate in your closet and in your head. Let go of scarcity thinking and trust that life will always bring you what you need.

In with the new and out with the old!

From time to time you may purchase new clothes. For every new item you put in your closet, remove an unused item and donate it. This will help keep your closet uncluttered and looking abundant. Moving clothing in and out keeps the energy flowing in your closet and in your life. The more you have in your closet, the more your energy is tied up in mundane matters.

How much clothing do you really need?

Purchasing a bargain for a bargain’s sake creates clutter. If you think you can’t afford not to buy something just because it’s on sale, think again. Never let price overrule usefulness. Don’t just buy to buy.

Closet Awareness

Practicing closet awareness helps you realize just how much of your energy is tied up in your closets. Look at your closets with a new consciousness. Look at what you are keeping through a new perspective. Clear your closet to clear your mind!

Feng shui expert and life guide Alice Inoue offers books, DVDs, workshops and private consultations. Visit www.aliceinspired.com