Go ahead, let it go

QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I read that feng shui is about having things you love in addition to arranging things in harmony. I basically understand this, but wondered if you could expand on this concept a little more.

Take a look around your home. What do you see — things you love and cherish, obligatory or negative items or items that hold no special memory? When I used to visit homes, I often saw items on display that I was curious about.

When I asked the occupant to tell me about them, sometimes the response was, “Oh, my mother-in-law (who the individual can’t stand) gave us those, but I really don’t like them.” Or, in another case, referring to an ethnic warrior mask on the wall, “I don’t know. It was here when I moved in, so I kept it. It kind of spooks me out though.”

In his book, “Power vs. Force,” renowned kinesiologist Dr. David Hawkins stated, “Everything in your environment has a measurable vibratory frequency and energy that either supports you or weakens you.” Relating that to feng shui, a figurine of your favorite animal, given to you by your best friend, would support you energetically, while an odd-looking clock that is not your style, and was given to you by a person who constantly bickers with you, would not.

• Remove what doesn’t support you. Look specifically at the items surrounding you, and remove anything that you do not absolutely love, leaving only items that support you energetically. Items hold the energy of the time and space they were brought into your life. Keep this in mind when making a decision as to whether or not to keep something.

For instance, if you still have items acquired during a time of loneliness, that negative energy is being “beamed” into your environment, affecting everyone present. If you still have an item that represents the “old you,” clear it out, unless you love the memory it holds.

Be open to letting go of old gifts and items from others. Remember that the gift is in the intent, not in the object itself. Take the fact that it was a gift out of the equation, and ask yourself, “If it wasn’t a gift, would I keep this.” If the answer is no, then go ahead and let it go.

• Remove draining items. Don’t delay in removing items from around you that aren’t supporting you. Start in an area of your home or office where you spend a lot of time, remove what is not serving you, and see the difference you can make with very little effort, and in a very short time.

Do you have a question for Alice? If so, send it to alice@yourhappinessu.com. Alice Inoue is the founder and Chief Happiness Officer at Happiness U, a friendly educational establishment, where you’ll find inspiring classes geared toward personal growth and self development. YourHappinessU.com.