“To everything there is a season and a time and purpose under Heaven.”
Ecclesiastes 3:1

Here in Portland, Oregon, the leaves are a blast of crimson and gold. The fields were harvested weeks ago and we’ve begun to set the table with hearty soups, squashes and vibrant root vegetables. Autumn reminds us to wind down. Mother earth is letting go. We pull in and stock up as the cool, crisp mornings prompt us to winter’s imminent arrival. For humans, we take into account what we have accumulated and appreciate what we’ve accomplished. The abundance of summer has been assimilated and now it is time to integrate the wisdom gained from the events over the year. Fall, the Metal element in the Five Elements, lays the space to refine your relationship to the Earth, to yourself, to your home and harvest the best in your life. Here are four tips to create a spacious, harmonized body, mind and home this Fall.

Conserve In Autumn your body wants to conserve energy. As you draw inward, you are being pulled outward by the same responsibilities as in other times of the year. Uplift your energy and harvest the best in your life by taking time to give some oxygen to your thoughts and emotions. This nurtures  your Ch’i and will place you ahead of the holiday triggers that stir up conflict. But if discord is already snooping about, create a spacious and clear mind with an orange peel bath. Cut nine circles (skin only) of one orange and wash your entire body, even your head. Make it a ritual for nine consecutive nights for good measure. The warm, fresh, sweetness of orange conveys joy and positivity, dispersing moodiness and irritability. Letting go in this positive way encourages peace of mind. This is what gives the orange its reputation as embodying “good luck”.

Clear out As the leaves fall and you are bringing out your warm, snuggly sweaters and rain wear, this is a good to time clear out unused items in your closet(s). If you find it’s not easy getting started, Professor Lin Yun shared this valuable piece of advice. “Speak to the item. Thank it for faithfully serving you.” Then say, “I appreciate you but now it is time to part ways.” By liberating the space in your closet(s) you send the message that you are in tune with the best in your life and ready for the prospects coming your way.

Clean Now that you are refreshed and have more energy, you can turn your attention to creating spaciousness in your home. You are probably familiar with spring cleaning but the shift from warm to cool temperatures encourages mold to propagate and your health is likely to be compromised. I encourage a good fall clean especially the stove the seat of our wealth and family unity. And what’s more, fall cleaning is an act of completion of the four previous seasons (winter, spring, summer and the middle season of harvest time). This could also be the perfect time to convert to green cleaning products, even make your own. Here is one recipe for an all-purpose cleaner from Rodale’s Organic Life: 9 parts water to 1 part white vinegar. I like to add rosemary essential oil to the cleaner. The plant is considered to “renew enthusiasm and bolster self-confidence.” As an herb of remembrance, it helps us not only to recall loved ones but to remember our own true path and for me, to remember to harvest the best in my life.

Consider Some folks live without a roof over the head nor sleep in a bed. Consider passing along some of your good fortune. Lend a helping hand when you see a person in need. Kindness ripples out and has a positive effect on the world.

Have questions about your home?  Feng Shui A La Carte, think of it as a fairy godmother for your home.

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.