Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui by Karen Kingston
Karen Kingson has been practicioning feng shui since the 1970s. For those who are not familiar with feng shui it's a Chinese philosophical thought of being harmonious. It talks a lot about this universal energy that permeates our body, belongings and space which is also called chi. Kingston lived in Bali, Indonesia for 20 years which makes this book more intriguing to me since I grew up in Indonesia. I never studied feng shui but being a Chinese descent I've heard my mom talked about it and have argued with my mom in my teen years about paint colors and placement of my bed.
Since I've read both of Marie Kondo's books it's a bit difficult to review this book as a stand alone without comparing it to Kondo's method but I'll try my best and I'll pop in my thoughts on the major differences between the two at the end of the post.
"You are energetically connected to everything you own. When your home is filled with things that you love or use well, it becomes an incredible source of support and nourishment for you. Clutter on the other hand, drags your energy down and the longer you keep it, the more it will affect you. When you get rid of everything that has no real meaning or significance for you, you feel lighter in body, mind, and spirit"- Karen Kingston
The Feng Shui of Letting Go
In the first chapter titled Feng what? Karen introduced Feng Shui and the idea of space clearing. She also introduced a term called "stuck energy" which are physical grime, astral imprints, and stagnant energies.
Physical grime is just basically dust and dirt that accumulates that can create a feeling of discomfort. Astral imprints which she describes as unseen energy that built up in a space from experience. She used an example of moving to a home that was previously owned by a happy couple and how that energy would affect the new occupants as well. Stagnant energies are basically clutters that affect the flow and energy (chi) of the space.
Physical grime is just basically dust and dirt that accumulates that can create a feeling of discomfort. Astral imprints which she describes as unseen energy that built up in a space from experience. She used an example of moving to a home that was previously owned by a happy couple and how that energy would affect the new occupants as well. Stagnant energies are basically clutters that affect the flow and energy (chi) of the space.
In chapter 4, Kingston described the four categories of clutter which I found to be very direct and simple which are:
- Things you do not use or love
- Things that are untidy and disorganized
- Too many things in too small a space
- Anything unfinished
The next few chapters she talks more about the relationship between feng shui and clutter and how it can affect different parts of your life. This is where I noticed the significant difference between Kondo and Kingston books. While Kondo provides lots of steps, tools and guidance to actually let go of things I didn't find the same process in this book. Kingston even stated that "my intention is to explain how keeping clutter can affect you so that you can make your own informed choices".
Spark Joy or Feng Shui-ing Clutter?
Even though I felt the book lack in actual process, I think that for the folks who questioned Kondo's if-it-doesn't-spark-joy-let-it-go method a bit harsh, Kingston's method of de-cluttering is more kind and thoughtful. While reading Kondo's book I felt like I was in an episode of hoarders in the moment where you can see that things started to click for the hoarders. It was an emotional read and even though I don't follow it step by step, it's one of the best self-help book I've read. Now the parts that I do deviate in Kondo's I found the answer in Kingston's book.
How & When to Declutter?
Kondo- One category (clothes/makeup/books, etc) but everything you own in that category at one time so that you can see everything you have.
Kingston- Start somewhere (bedroom, filing cabinet, bathroom, etc) and progress at your own speed
What to Declutter?
Kondo- Correct order of tidying: clothes - books - papers - komono (miscellaneous items, beauty products, accesories, etc) - sentimental items.
Kondo- Correct order of tidying: clothes - books - papers - komono (miscellaneous items, beauty products, accesories, etc) - sentimental items.
Kingston - Tour your home and make a list of what to clear out.
Declutter Mantra?
Kondo- Does it spark joy?
Kingston- Does it pass the clutter test?
The Clutter Test & Dilemma Box
Kondo- Does it spark joy?
Kingston- Does it pass the clutter test?
The Clutter Test & Dilemma Box
1. Does it lift my energy when I think about it or look it? This method is the most similar to Kondo's "does it spark joy?" and it's all about gut instinct. Your mind can make excuses but your body knows immediately if you like or dislike something.
2. Do I absolutely love it? Pretty straight forward again, just make sure that you are being honest when asking these questions,
3. Is it genuinely useful? If so, when did I actually use it? When will I use it again?
The final item in the clutter test is called a dilemma box. Kondo has something similar which is just a box that you can fill with things that you aren't ready to part with. The biggest difference is that Kingston suggest that you put it in the deepest, darkest recess of a closet and the line of thought is that if you want something in that box you would actually have to go in and get it. Kondo vehemently disagrees and feels that you should see it everyday so that you can make a conscious decision to get rid of it.
The last few chapters of the book talks about clearing mental, emotional, spiritual, physical clutter.
Which book to read?
I wouldn't say that one book is better than the other. I've learned different things for both books. I think for me since a lot of my clutter is emotional based, Kondo hit deeper and made more sense in the way that I need to get rid of things. Kingston helped in a way that there are things that may not "spark joy" but functional/ useful that I need in my daily life. If you read Kondo and felt that it was unrealistic, I would give Kingston a try. As always, thanks for reading!
Until next time,
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. Most products on my blog have been purchased by me (unless stated like this one) and I will be honest about my reviews and will only work with brands who truly have great products. Please check out my full disclaimer page if you have any questions. Following guidelines provided under FTC 16 CFR, Part 225.
The last few chapters of the book talks about clearing mental, emotional, spiritual, physical clutter.
Which book to read?
I wouldn't say that one book is better than the other. I've learned different things for both books. I think for me since a lot of my clutter is emotional based, Kondo hit deeper and made more sense in the way that I need to get rid of things. Kingston helped in a way that there are things that may not "spark joy" but functional/ useful that I need in my daily life. If you read Kondo and felt that it was unrealistic, I would give Kingston a try. As always, thanks for reading!
Until next time,
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review, no other compensation was received. Most products on my blog have been purchased by me (unless stated like this one) and I will be honest about my reviews and will only work with brands who truly have great products. Please check out my full disclaimer page if you have any questions. Following guidelines provided under FTC 16 CFR, Part 225.
