 Spiritual: December 28, 2010 Issue [#4156] |
  Spiritual
This week: The Magic of Change Edited by: KimChi  
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| With New Year's come resolutions. With resolutions come failure. I vow only to listen to the voices that uplift me, to dance when the Spirit moves me, and to fill my life with meaning, order, and beauty-- one whatnot at a time. |
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"If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home."
~Chinese proverb
January 1st brings out the neat-freak in many of us. My resolutions always include organization, and my favorite tool (besides watching reality TV shows about hoarding) is feng shui. Out of the stack of books I've read, digested, or promptly burped back up and forgot, this one saying has remained with me.
This year, I resolve to put it in a blinged-out frame on the wall and consult it daily. Mainly because it works like a magic ... mirror.
To be honest, some of the advice feels like useless superstition (3 x 3 x 3 = 27), some feels like common sense (keep entryways clear), and some speaks to protective instincts (no beds facing a door or mirror so as not to be startled).
Psychologically speaking, I don't care how or why this simple adage works for me. Spiritually speaking, I'm convinced it satisfies my human need to be surrounded by beauty instead of chaos. To have room for the finer things in life like dancing to Hannah Montana songs and secret tea parties beneath Grandma's red and gold tablecloth.
Or, is there magic in those simple little numbers? I find that one change to my home, my spiritual practices, or my writing life brings an avalanche of unintended blessings.
When I move things around, it forces me to consider the entire scene versus a single object, to look at the situation from a new angle, to find homes for those items now longer useful.
Therefore, Buddha slides four inches toward the center of the mantle. His glass pebbles would look awesome in the blue rectangular vase, but first the faux Gogh must go. So I find the cordless tool and screw Vincent to the plaster wall in the kitchen. Sixty minutes of fumbling and cursing later, I've moved the same 3 items around 9 times.
I consider that a strong finish on a technicality.
One small change makes me smile every time I step into the kitchen; almost smelling the fresh dampness of Irises in a Vase, instantly cheered by the graceful blue petals and crisp pea-green stalks. The illusion of fresh flowers turns the dungeon-like stone backsplash behind the stove into a cheery castle wall. The plans and dreams snowball--chalkboard the pantry door, sew curtains, install cat door.
Whether one calls it stale energy, negativity, or boredom, once the scene is reset, my mind is also refreshed. I feel a few pounds lighter. I can breathe easier when the looming stacks of clutter have disappeared, replaced by pictures, books, and knickknacks that hold personal meaning.
Before dragging out the wok and a tote of red decorations, I'll have a completely "new" kitchen in time for Chinese New Year on February 3rd. And all because I took the time to dust Buddha's fat little belly. If that isn't magic, I don't know what is. 
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Our lives depend so much on our attitude, especially when we first wake up. In the morning, the mirror in your bathroom is usually one of the first places you look. Plaster the bottom of the mirror with post-it notes: I Choose To Be Happy Today; Today Is The Best Day of My Life; I Will See Good in Every Place I look.
If the Turkey was dry - then eat the ham. If my daughter felt she wasn't getting enough gifts, maybe she will try harder to behave next year while mommy plans her holiday budget earlier in the year.
Push aside insecurities; welcome change.
Mirror reflects truth as faces stare at me.
Opening the book that will be my story;
turning the page, anxious of what I may see.
What could be worse than being trapped indoors for an entire Saturday? I thought as I ran the tip of my finger across the top of an ancient looking wooden chest. I used my thumbnail to scrape the film of dust from my skin.
Sometimes, I'd catch Mrs. Lescoe in the midst of doing laundry. As she carefully folded each sheet and pillowcase and article of her family's clothing, she'd explain that a wife and mother should pray for each individual as she folded their clothing or bed coverings. I'd bow my head as she prayed faithfully for her spouse and mother-in-law..
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Question:
What reminders do you use to keep on track with your life? A journal, calendar, or devotional calendar? Notes posted around the house? Daily meditation, reflection, prayer?
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