Clothing Swap: We grow, we change… To dress yourSelf in someone else’s old clothes is generally not an idea supported by Feng Shui. Do we want to wrap ourSelves in the energy of another person? How about the energy impressed on a particular garment? Well, OK if it’s the energy of a celebration, or a new job, or a fun date. That could be fun. What about a garment worn to a funeral, a down-sizing meeting, or divorce court? Oh, not so much. Well, let’s think about this. The economy is presently not supporting a lot of shopping - especially for ready-to-wear we (probably) do not really need. However, it might help us feel a little more confident on a job interview or a little sassier on a date to have something fresh to wear. A larger issue: Earth. Maybe a Clothing Swap is actually ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ in disguise. If we rethink our wardrobe to what we actually need (Reduce), participate in a Clothing Swap or donate to a shelter or charity (Reuse), and… Recycle? Recycling lightly worn clothes – taking used wearing apparel apart and making innovative clothing of it? Sounds like a new Green-fashion industry. (I love to sew so when I’ve written everything I can about Feng Shui, I am going to play with this idea!) So here we are, thousands of years from the beginnings of Feng Shui in China. Like many practices on our planet we grow, we change. As has Feng Shui. With great regard to Chi, let us try on ‘new-to-me’. The first step in participating in a Clothing Swap is to gather up your currency. With large plastic bags in hand, head for your drawers and closets. Gently worn clothing, shoes, bags, accessories of every kind are acceptable tender. There is one category of clothing to avoid taking to a swap or giving away. If you have a garment from a particularly heartbreaking or dreadful time or experience in your life, please, do not pass that energy on to anyone. If you are ready to release this fiber reminder, consider throwing the article of clothing away. Look at everything in your closet with honest eyes. Will you put enough weight on to look good in that dress again? If you loose enough weight to fit into those spendy jeans, how will they look on you at this age? That expensive jacket was an unbelievable bargain – but you never wear it. Go ahead. With a giving heart, put those garments in the bag – let someone else enjoy them. It’s not about what we have but how we give. OMG! - the Clothing Swap event (i.e. Party!). Piles of clothes, a massive assortment of accessories, familiar friends, new faces, and more “Remember when” stories than you could shake a shoehorn at! What a great excuse to spend time together. Let’s show some restraint, shall we? Remember how clutter-free your clothing drawers and closets are at home? As you look through the mounds, be mindful about what you want to take home with you. When you see an outfit you like, if every fiber of your being says, “YES!” grab it before someone else does! On the other hand, if you see it and barely feel a thumbs-up, leave it for some One else to love. Everything vibrates, has an energy – we encounter this every day, every where, and with every One. To release the previous-owner energy your new garments hold, consciously launder or dry clean the items. At the same time set an intention to keep only that which lifts you up, letting go of the rest. Donating the remaining stock of ready-to-wear to a shelter or charity is a blessing to all. Maybe that interview outfit will again let someone feel as self-assured as you did on that life-changing morning. Writing this Clothing Swap article has been an “Ah-ha” moment for me. It was actually my intention at the onset to explain energetic reasons to shy away from used clothes. We grow, we change. Shoes and Clutter Services In gratitude and with an intention to serve. |
| Feng Shui is acknowledging an energetic component in the items with which we choose to surround our Selves. |
| Feng Shui at Your Service Vikki Albers, Consultant 707 . 315 . 1629 / vikki9@fengshuiatyourservice.com |
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| Clearing clutter is the single most important action to take to cause a shift toward the Greater Good in your life. |
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