A Fresh Start in Spring

 “The whole year’s work depends on a good start in Spring,” according to an ancient Chinese adage.

This year, this has really struck a cord with me and last weekend found me getting down to spring-cleaning. And once I started, I found black holes that had not been cared for, for so long (under the sofa, at the back of a drawer and inside the closet).

And what I imagined would be the work of a couple of hours stretched to more than a day.
 
As I got ready for the big clean, I spoke with Ken Koh, the owner of House of Feng Shui. He gave me some useful advice and explained the significance of this ritual for the Chinese people. “All households, big and small, rich or poor, must be spring-cleaned preferably with a new coat of paint to prepare for the New Year.

“Customary and practical, this event marks the riddance of old dust and stagnant energies so that new positive energies can make their entrance. Shortcomings and disappointment make way for new hope and rays of optimism,” Ken explained.

Then he came up with a fresh and perhaps unusual idea. “To give the space additional spiritual uplifting and space clearing, strike a Singing Bowl three times in each room the morning after your spring clean.”

If you don’t know already, Singing Bowls have been used for years in the Himalays before meditation, for healing and “space clearing.” Made from seven metals, they produce a pleasant hum when struck or if a wooden mallet runs around their edge. In Feng Shui, they can also be used in the metal area of your home (the south-west or north-east this year).

For all of us, the Lunar New Year brings a chance to start afresh. “This is your one shot at new resolutions, increasing your wealth, paying off debts, ending a feud, renewing harmony, tidying loose ends and turning over a new leaf. Everyone is entitled to take advantage of this time, regardless of his past, status or position,” Ken added.

Sound advice indeed.