Use Feng Shui to Keep Balanced this Holiday Season
As we enter the holiday season, it’s important to acknowledge that along with the fun, this season can also be a stressful time of year for many people. Previously, we've asked Lisa Law, a certified Feng Shui practitioner and author from Lisa Law Feng Shui, for tips on how to use Feng Shui principles to get a better night's sleep and tackle our spring cleaning. We reached back out for tips on using Feng Shui to stay balanced this holiday season. As usual, Lisa had lots of great ideas!
5 Tips to Stay Balanced
Think about what brings you joy.
As you acknowledge this holiday season, do it in a way that is joyful to you. Decorate and celebrate in meaningful ways that make you happy. Keep in mind that may change from year to year. Just because you did something one way one year, doesn’t mean it has to be that way every year.
Help your space to flow.
If you’re going to be hosting guests, look at your space with fresh eyes. Where will people congregate, have meals, gather? Make those spaces as comfortable as possible. Keep in mind you may want to rearrange your furniture for a party. Flow for a party is often different than it is for everyday living.
Have conversations with your guests ahead of time.
This year, many of us are looking forward to seeing loved ones in person. Before you get together, talk to your guests to find out their comfort level regarding the pandemic. Are there any needs or anxieties to address or accommodate? Listen and be sensitive to people’s feelings without taking anything personally. If someone isn’t ready for large groups yet and would rather stay home, that’s ok.
Use the opportunity to evaluate what you have.
This is the perfect time of year to clean out your storage spaces. As you take out your holiday items, evaluate what you have. Are there pieces you haven’t used in a while? Donate them to a local charity. When it’s time to put items away, do so neatly. Keeping your items well organized will lower your stress level next year. Also, keep in mind this fundamental belief in Feng Shui, giving care and appreciation to items in our homes has a ripple effect. When we appreciate our items, that feeling of care and appreciation ripples back to us.
Don’t should yourself.
This time of year, it is very easy to fall into the trap of constantly should-ing yourself. Instead of saying, “I should buy this thing” or “I should decorate my house this way,” ask yourself “What do I want to do? What will make me happy? What is the most meaningful thing I can do for me and my family?” Come up with solutions that relieve stressful situations and remember those solutions may differ from year to year. Also, don’t forget to ask for help if you need it. Getting ready and cleaning up is exhausting. Most people are happy to help, but may not realize you need it. And if you're a guest, ask people if they need help.
Everyone deserves to enjoy this time of year in ways that bring them joy, even the host!
This blog post was written by Kristin Crane.