Things You'll Need:
- An intention to release gently-worn clothing
- Large plastic bags
- Fashion-swap party location
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Step 1
office.microsoft.comGenerally speaking, donning someone else’s old clothes is not an idea supported by the ancient Chinese art and science of Feng Shui. Do we want to wear the energy of another person? How about the energy surrounding an experience while wearing a particular garment? Quite often: NO!
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Step 2
office.microsoft.comWell, wait a minute. Let’s think about this. The economy isn’t presently supporting a lot of shopping - especially for garments we (probably) don’t really need. It might, however, help us feel a little more confident on a job interview or a little more sassy on a date to have something new to wear. So which part of this is Feng Shui: the old clothes or the party? Both, silly!
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Step 3
office.microsoft.com
A larger issue: Earth. Maybe a Fashion Swap is actually ‘Reduce, Reuse, Recycle’ in disguise. If we rethink our wardrobe to what we actually need (Reduce), participate in a Fashion Swap or donate to a shelter or charity (Reuse), and… Recycle? Recycling lightly-worn clothes – taking used wearing apparel apart and making new clothing of it? Sounds like a new Green-fashion industry.
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Step 4
office.microsoft.comSo here we are, thousands of years from the beginnings of Feng Shui in China. Like many practices on our planet we grow, we change. We grow, we change. As has Feng Shui. With great regard to Chi, let’s try on ‘new-to-me’.
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Step 5
office.microsoft.com
The first step in participating in a Fashion Swap is to gather up your currency. With large plastic bags in hand, head for your drawers and the closets. Gently-worn clothing, shoes, bags, accessories of every kind are acceptable tender.
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Step 6
office.microsoft.comThere is one category of clothing to avoid taking to a swap or giving away. If you have a garment from a particularly sad or tragic time or experience in your life, please, do not pass that energy on to anyone. If you are ready to release this fiber reminder, consider throwing this article of clothing away.
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Step 7
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Look at everything in your closet with honest eyes. Will you put enough weight on to really look good in that dress again? If you loose enough weight to fit into those spendy jeans, how will they look on you at this age? That expensive jacket was a great bargain – but you never wear it. Go ahead. With a giving heart, put those garments in the bag – let someone else enjoy them. It’s not about what we have but about how we give.
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Step 8
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Oh, my - the Fashion Swap Party! Piles of clothes, a massive assortment of accessories, familiar friends, new faces, and more “Remember when” stories than you could shake a shoehorn at! Not to mention a great excuse to spend time together.
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Step 9
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Let’s show some restraint, shall we? Remember how clutter-free your clothing drawers and closets at home are? As you look through the mounds, be mindful about what you want to take home with you. When you see an outfit you like, if every fiber of your being says “YES!” grab it before someone else does! On the other hand, if you see it and barely feel a thumbs-up, leave it.
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Step 10
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Everything vibrates, has an energy – we encounter this every day, every where, and with every One. To consciously release the previous-owner energy your new garments hold, launder or dry clean the items. At the same time set an intention to hold to you only that which serves to lift you up, letting go of the rest.
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Step 11
office.microsoft.com
Donating the remaining stock of ready-to-wear to a shelter or charity is a blessing to all. Maybe that interview outfit will again let someone feel as self-assured as you did on that life-changing morning. That little, black dress is just too 'Ooo-la-la' to not be worn by someone again!
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Step 12
office.microsoft.com
Writing this Fashion Swap ‘how to’ has been an “Ah-ha” moment for me. It was actually my intention at the onset to explain energetic reasons to shy away from used clothes. We grow, we change.
In gratitude and with an intention to serve.
Comments
GreenGardenChic said
on 8/22/2008 This is a fun idea, it always feels good to clean out the closet. Then to get some new stuff, bonus!
Melanierose said
on 7/14/2008 Very nice idea! I like this! 5*
heatherschulte said
on 7/5/2008 Always a great idea to keep the closet clutter from taking over. Thanks!
mattlee said
on 7/5/2008 great idea!
asksummer said
on 7/4/2008 Great article. Im getting into this feng shui totally.