The First and most important issue to address before successful Feng Shui can be initiated in any space, is to

Rid it of Clutter!

Clutter is toxic

and will inhibit the achievement of many dreams and goals. My adamant recommendation is to clean house and get rid of the ''extra baggage.'' How do you know if this common enemy #1 of Feng Shui is present in your home or work space?

The following is a list of common

(a bit exaggerated for comic relief)

clutter situations.

You have clutter if:

1. You cannot open your front door all the way because of a variety of objects(boxes, toys, etc.) are blocking it.

2. You cannot move your bed because last year's(1998 & 1999) Christmas decorations have been stuffed under it, and locked in the corner with its' back towards the door.

3.You are unable to open any given closet door without the threat of head injury due to unidentified falling objects from what used to be the top shelf.

4. Your fireplace mantle is hidden under three hundred pounds of unrelated and often forgotten chatchkas(yiddish for ''little stuff'') and doo-hickies.

5. Last month's bills were returned to you by the local newspaper editor who you thought would print yours and your neighbors' letters, complaining about inefficiency in town government. At least you are not angry with them anymore for not printing the letters that they never received, and grateful that they did not print your credit charges.

Seriously,

the above situation, although a bit absurd, refer to actual examples of how clutter in your home or office can clutter your life by producing a state of mental confusion and lessened energy and ambition.

By blocking, stuffing, and overcrowding spaces the all importance energy (chi) is blocked and its all important vitality giving gualities are thwarted.

Please organize, sell, give away, or pitch unnecessary ''stuff'' before it becomes unwanted ''stuffing.''

In my next article(Series #3)