Question of the week: Is there such a thing as “refrigerator feng shui?” If so, our refrigerator definitely has “bad feng shui,” and we need some advice.
The refrigerator is a big part of feng shui. The energy of the food you eat becomes the energy your body uses as fuel, and if your food is stored in an “unhappy,” chaotic environment and you put it in your body, well, you get the idea.
In the same way my favorite chef has said, “Happy cooks makes happy food,” I will add, “Happy refrigerators store happy food.” Here are some “refrigerator feng shui” guidelines you can follow.
Refrigerator symbolism
A cluttered refrigerator symbolizes inefficient use of your energy, where nurturing yourself and others is concerned. You may find that your focus is so tied up in other people’s problems, wants and needs that you lack the time to do things for yourself.
On the other hand, a refrigerator with nothing in it symbolizes a lack of energy and abundance, and can relate to diminished opportunities to grow or a love life that is lacking in some way.
Respect for the refrigerator
Keep the refrigerator in the best possible shape to maintain feminine balance in the home. The following is a simple method to clear and organize your refrigerator:
• Step 1: Empty it out.Take everything out of your refrigerator.
• Step 2: Sort it out. On your kitchen counter, sort everything into the following categories: drinks; dressings, sauces, condiments and miso; eggs and butter; dairy, such as yogurt, milk and cottage cheese; fruits; vegetables; meats; lunch meats and cheese; and leftovers.
• Step 3: Toss it out. Toss out anything that is expired, old or stale. When you are unsure of whether or not to keep it, the rule is, “If you wouldn’t eat it today, it is time to throw it away.” Remember, stale food equals stale energy in your life.
• Step 4: Clean it up. Using warm soapy water, clean the shelves, walls, bins and doors, and include the outside and the handles, too.
• Step 5: Put it away. Put everything back in your refrigerator using the following concepts as a guide.
• The warmer door is good for condiments. Since the refrigerator door is exposed to warm air the most, store items there that do not spoil quickly in warm air, such as some condiments, sauces and dressings.
• It’s coldest above the crisper so store your meats where it is coldest, usually on the bottom shelf.
• Put things in their “right” place. Use the crisper for vegetables, and put cheese and lunch meats in the designated bin.
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. To learn more, visit YourHappinessU.com.