What does clearing clutter have to do with Feng Shui? My clients are finding that when we help them clear their clutter the feng shui way they are experiencing an abundance of new opportunities.

Feng Shui is the art of placement. It is the ability to create positive change through placement, intention, and symbolism. Barry Gordon defines Feng Shui as "the intelligent use of intention through environmental metaphor." In other words, your environment is directly connected to your ability to achieve your goals, desires, wishes, and aspirations. How is that possible?

Whether or not we understand the principles of oxygen and gravity, their properties are what allow us to breathe and live on our Earth. Another principle that enables us to live is -- Ch'i -- whose property is energy, life force and vitality. By creating good Ch'i in our environment, we enhance our ability to realize our intentions (goals and desires).

If your home or office has too much clutter (see clutter definitions below), Ch'i has no place to flow and your goals, wishes, and aspirations have no room to grow. Consider the following recommendations to open the door to more Ch'i energy in your environment.

1. Your front door is the "Mouth of Ch'I". Make certain clutter is absent from the entrance to your home or office.
2. If more clients and customers is your goal, archive "old" clients and make room for new client files.
3. By getting rid of clutter in closets, off surfaces, in your car, and on your desk, don't be surprised if you suddenly find more time for your friends and family, travel opportunities develop, and social invitations increase.

Clearing clutter from your environment -- the feng shui way -- says, "I'm ready to move forward in my life. I'm getting rid of anything and everything that no longer serves me. I'm clearing the way for more Ch'i and the things I want most."

Clutter is: Anything you do not love, use or need; too many things in too small a space; unfinished projects; anything that is untidy or disorganized; postponed decisions.

"After meeting with Kathie at Simplified Interiors, I began to clean out the clutter in my office. I did not do it all at once. But it was interesting to notice that each time I cleared a drawer or added a feng shui element to my office, something would happen. Within a week of making more room in my client file drawer, I had 8 new prospective clients. Within 24-48 hours of adding a desktop fountain and a red vase to my desk (in my Abundance and Wealth area) I had 2 previous clients contact me to tell me they wanted to work with me again this spring."

Michelle Cobb is a Landscape Artist/Designer and the owner of Blue Iris Landscapes. She has 11 years of design experience and is intuitively artistic. She prides herself on getting to know her client's style and personality to help them achieve their ideal landscape. The landscapes she designs have a profound impact on her clients' lifestyles. She is truly caring and greatly enjoys improving her clients' quality of life. She speaks to garden clubs and provides helpful articles in community newsletters. Her services include custom landscape plans, consultations, plant and materials purchasing, and finding the right contractor.

Contact Michelle Cobb at Blue Iris Landscapes, 303.346.8115 or email her at Michelle@BlueIrisLandscapes.com

If you decide it's time to open your life to more abundance and opportunities in 2005 -- Simplified Interiors is your answer. Call or email us for a free consultation at Kathie@SimplifiedInteriors.com, 303.779.4717.

Let 2005 be a year of expanded horizons, growth, and new energy! Join us for a series of fun, motivating, and educational classes on clutter clearing and feng shui.

The Fiesta of Learning schedule begins on Monday, March 14 with Simpler Interiors: Putting Paper in Its Place! In this 2-hour class you will learn how set up files that fit your style, how to keep up with incoming mail, systems for dealing with "need to know" information, and tips for managing photos, business cards, taxes and legal information.

All classes are guaranteed to be held no matter the class size. Small classes afford you plenty of personal time to solve your paper perils. Larger classes provide opportunities for sharing great ideas. See you on the 14th?!