A Day of Surprises

West Meets East ©Caroline Patrick 2001 • 10-22-01

Giving yourself a day off now and then restores the body and soul. I decided that was exactly what I need.

The San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of Professional Organizers were holding their thirteenth annual seminar. The topic of this event was titled "Less is More." The day ahead would feature workshops, teaching some tips on how to accomplish tasks in a more efficient manner. Some class titles were: Technophobia: Computers aren’t as fragile as you think; What do you have, after you have it all? (possessions); Making Filing Fun; Setting Boundaries With Clients; Taking Charge of our Lives; Public Speaking Made Easy; Meditations for the Workaday World and On The Job Humor Power!

Keynote speakers were Karen Kingston and Janet Luhrs. Karen was the reason I had chosen to go. Her books Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui and Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui are considered number one with feng shui consultants. The sales of these popular books have sold over 800,000. The awakening created by this woman’s books was astonishing. Written in 18 languages these little jewels opened our eyes to a better life of less is more. My first awakening to this life’s lesson was losing my home to a flood during the 1980’s. The town gave us a bed and couch. The Red Cross handed us a bucket, mop and shoes.

After the water receded, we realized most all our possessions were gone. Digging a ditch 20 feet wide and 30 ft long with a bulldozer, my husband filled the trench with waterlogged furniture, clothes, carpets, shoes, pictures and warped canvas. Next fuel was poured over the useless possessions and set fire.

We watched as the flames ended one phase of our life, and a new one began. Later mounds of soul were pushed over the charred remains. After a few days, I realized a heavy weight seemed to be lifted off my shoulders. After that experience, I learned less is more!

As the program started, Karen Kingston shared some of her experiences with this process. As she explains, "Clutter is stuck energy that has far-reaching effects physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually." " The simple act of clearing clutter can transform your life by releasing negative emotions, generating energy and allowing you to create space in your life for the things you want to achieve. The experience is liberating," she vows.

Her many stores intrigued me, as I listened to life’s journey of purpose. "Material things are trivial. Things hold you back. Give stuff away, let someone else love it for a while," she stressed. "When you collect too many things, Brownie points are deducted!"

World events were another topic, mainly the September 11 event of the terrorist attack on our New York’s World Trade Towers. "America’s reaction will play a big part in what the terrorists want, the media pushing fear every day will only cause problems. Having a clock radio next to your head can also cause major sleep disturbances. Electromagnetic waves fill your sleeping environment and physically affect your body — then the radio alarm goes off and the first sounds your brain assimilates are war and fear."

Karen’s talk was over way too soon and I found myself hanging around like a "groupie" as she signed her books. "I wish I would have brought mine," I thought.

To my left was another woman who seemed to be waiting also. I struck up a conversation and asked her where she lived. "Seattle." was her reply. "I love Seattle, my husband and I have lived several places in Washington State," I responded. We exchanged e-mail addresses during the conference to be able to stay in touch.

Karen looked our way as the crowd thinned. "Hi, are you waiting for an interview?" she asked the lady to my left. "Yes," she said. "I’ll be with you in a minute." Karen stated. Then Ms. Kingston raised her eyebrows toward me "And you?" she asked in that lovely British accent. "Ah — me?" I dumbly replied, with my finger pointed toward my chest. "Yes," she said looking my way. "Would it be possible for me to interview you also, for my paper?" I heard myself ask. "Sure, ok, after Janet," she decided.

Later I found out the Seattle woman was Janet Luhrs, author of The Simple Living Guide and Simple Loving. Janet is the founder, editor and publisher of Simple Living Journal. She has been a newspaper editor and received numerous writing awards, has studied fine art, commercial art and photography, and has degrees in journalism and law. She has hosted her own radio show on public radio and has appeared in the major media in the US and Canada, including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, US News and World Report. She has appeared on the Phil Donahue Show, Peter Jennings World News Tonight and with Maria Shriver — and I was asking her if it was raining when she left! Oh well!

Karen Kingston did indeed devote special time to me for an interview. We talked about the need for accelerating teaching techniques, which she feels are extremely necessary during this time. Good spiritual leaders and teachers are much needed. The frustration of America’s overabundance was one of the subjects we discussed.

We are such a rich society and this angers other cultures. We talked about Karen’s next book, which she will be writing about after this tour, the death exit or the physical manner of leaving and the entrance of birth. Her home in Bali will provide the peaceful, mystical environment to write her next book.

"Letting go of clutter is necessary to bring about what’s really important in life. It’s a national crisis," she feels.

I thanked her for the privilege of listening to her wisdom and hoped to see her again soon. I felt lighthearted for several days afterwards, which is always a barometer to the wisdom and advanced awareness of any spiritual teacher.

Driving home the traffic was light, the air sparkled and the clouds bubbled over the mountains and I was happy. I’m glad I gave myself the day off. Try it — you’ll like it.

For answers to your feng shui questions call Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe at (707) 748-1127. Our trained staff can schedule a feng shui appointment. Come by Caroline’s Arts to sign up for workshops. We offer gift certificates for housewarmings, birthdays or holiday gifts. For information on Karen Kingston’s upcoming workshop in San Mateo (October 26 — 29, and November 4) come in to the shoppe.

Caroline Patrick is an Artist, Herbalist and Feng Shui Consultant. She blends these three areas of knowledge into a unique practice to bring peace and harmony to your home and business.