Who Stole My Chi!

The Art of Bliss by Tess Whitehurst is a new book we're carrying at the Higher Self Bookstore and my manager, Rodasi, recommended I read it. She also recommended we do some of the things suggested in the book in the store.  Okay, so, I'm reading this book and it's based on the I Ching and reminds me a lot of feng shui, only different.  Sidenote:  A lot of people use the phrase "same difference" and I never could understand it, although it does seem to fit in this case.

The nine keys of life (kinda like the feng shui bagua) represent invisible dynamics that affect the visible manifestations.  First step is to get these key life areas cleaned up to allow "Chi" (life energy) to flow so that the visible manifestations we'd prefer, well - manifest!  Now isn't it funny that almost every book about "Creating the Life You Desire" tells you to de-clutter?  So much evidence - it must be true!

So I start in the basement of my home.  After about four hours and much progress, I decide it's time to take a break.  As I walk into my bedroom, I notice the half-finished needlework projects growing in the corner.  I recall reading somewhere that unfinished projects can also block "Chi", so I decide to dig in.  I found two baby hats that only needed trimming to finish, a scarf that needed about another four inches knitted, two blankets more than half done, a couple pair of slippers waiting to just be sewn up, a sweater that needed the pieces sewn together, and a poncho that only needed the fringe added.  There's more, I'm sure, at the bottom of the pile.

The truth is, I like to knit and crochet.  I don't enjoy the sewing and trimming.  That's how the pile got started.  If I'd had a deadline, if I was working on a gift for a specific occasion, it would have been done, wrapped, and delivered. Without a deadline, I tend to do the fun part and leave the not-fun part waiting for - a deadline?  Hm, how's that like my life?

I never seem to get past step one (de-cluttering).  As I physically move the stuff around or finish the project, the "clutter" in my head comes into focus. Damn, more issues to address. Like this one:

As I'm working on how to make this blanket bigger, I'm thinking about who I will give it to.  This is usually my goal, to make a gift for someone else.  Aside from the cost of the yarn, on sale or not, I put hours into the creation.  It has become valuable!  Someone else will truly appreciate this gift, value this gift, and know that I value them by presenting them with this gift.  As I petted this extremely soft, furry wonder, it occurs to me (not the first time) that it would look great on my bed.  Oh, no - I must give it away!  Why? Good question.

Did I not deserve it?  Was it more than I was worthy of?  Don't I love myself enough to give myself this gift? I laid it on my bed and snuggled underneath it. So warm, so soft. I felt guilt.  Oh, come on!  So you see what I mean?  My head and heart needed attention and a cleaning out as well.  This issue, anyway, did get tossed and the blanket is still on my bed and I enjoy it with gratitude and appreciation every night.

It's a constant process.  Being aware is key, and taking action is critical. Even if the action is just having a heart-to-heart with yourself, asking yourself the hard questions (not just doing the fun stuff), or meditating. It is all so worth it!  Ah, Chi!  Welcome back!