Having lived in Penang, it is fascinating watching Chinese friends prepare for their new year. This year the lunar new year falls on 1 February. They clear away the ‘old ghosts’, the last year’s bad luck, by cleaning, painting and fixing and we have even seen new kitchens being installed quickly. Out with the old and in with the new. It is a wonderful celebration of renewal with red and gold everywhere and wonderful feasts. This year it is the Year of the Tiger; think of moving forward, adventure, taking risks and a leap of faith with lots of Yang active energy. Feng Shui practice acknowledges new beginnings and there are simple methods to be followed to reset your space.
Clear Out the Clutter
Take stock and start with each room and cupboard. It is often an emotional or mental experience so be prepared for that. Donate, sell or throw away clothes not worn this season. Those old jumpers, jackets, multiple hats and socks. If they have not been worn this year, someone else needs them. The same with bed linen, old towels, books and toys. If it is because it represents a memory, take a photo or keep one item. A colleague had to clean out her grandparents’ house and garage. No one wanted any of it and after a sidewalk sale, most was taken to a charity depot. She said it made her do the same for her own place now!
Bring in the New
No, the kitchen doesn’t need to be re-tiled. Make sure everything works, fix that lock; we changed the wobbly toilet seat. If you have read other posts, you will know that the toilet is a Feng Shui nightmare! If a room isn’t attracting the abundance, friendship, relationship or job you want, move things around. A rug was brought upstairs to an odd space we have near the kitchen. It instantly made it warmer and gives the feeling of an ‘area’ rather than a vacant space. The cane chair will move up and people can talk to the chef in the kitchen. Change towels in the bathroom. Move art work around. It doesn’t have to cost much but if you have some money, change the bed linen and brighten up your place.
Celebrate
There will be six of us around a table of Asian food, wine and fortune cookies. Each will have their Chinese 2022 horoscope. We have two monkeys, a tiger, rooster, dog and a rabbit with a range of elements. We will laugh at the Chinese predictions offering a wonderful aspect and then the negative, the reality check. Gong Xi Fa Cai!
