This week, I’m on part 1 of my European vacation (more on that in another newsletter)!
Yes – I’m slowly adapting to the slower European lifestyle, and no, I’m not crying about it. But I knew myself well enough to start off this integration into a slower living, gently.
I didn’t disappear into the forest. I didn’t book a silent retreat (did that in NYC ;)). Instead, I chose a city I haven’t visited in over 30 years, one with enough energy to keep me moving and just enough slowness to invite a pause. Somewhere not too dissimilar from Paris… or dare I say, NYC?
Well, at least they speak English. What’s your guess as to where I am?
I am in lovely Amsterdam.
And yes, I brought my laptop. Because I’m American. And taking time off is a skill I’m still learning.
But I promised myself: no huge projects. No Zoom marathons. Just me, a good oat milk English cup of tea, and decent WiFi. And while I’m here – in between bike rides, museum visits, and figuring out what Dutch people actually eat – I’m doing something I’ve been putting off for months:
Clearing digital clutter.
I’m a visionary, which is code for: I have ideas and LOTS of them. With those ideas come with documents, spreadsheets, client files, notes to self, more spreadsheets…a photo I’m definitely going to use later. You get it.
All of this, drains energy. It whispers you’re behind even when you’re not.
So this week, I’m clearing space – digitally and strategically. With headphones and good snacks.
And if you want to join me – whether for a full weekend digital detox or 15 minutes here and there – here are 5 Feng Shui tips to help you digitally detox like a (Feng Shui!) pro:
1. Declutter your digital front door
This is just like addressing your physical front door as your home screen is your energetic entry point. If it’s a mess, your mind probably feels the same. Start with:
- Clearing your desktop
- Deleting apps you forgot existed
- Choosing a wallpaper that is calm.
This alone will make you feel 20% saner. We will work on the other 80% soon 😉
2. Make a power-down ritual (that you actually follow)
Transitions matter. If you work from home or your phone, which most of us do these days, boundaries can be an issue; there’s often no clear “off” switch. Try this:
- Give yourself a phone curfew
- Close your laptop, stretch, light a candle — something physical to mark the transition
- Put your devices in another room (or at least across the room — baby steps)
Your brain will thank you. Your sleep will too. Mine have.
3. Turn off the noise
Every notification is an energy leak, just as every distraction in your home is an energy leak.
You don’t need to know the second someone posts on Instagram or emails you. Go into your settings. Be bold – turn it all off, then:
- Set app limits
- Schedule notification-free windows
- Bonus: tell no one and enjoy the silence 🙂
4. Beautify your screen
What you look at matters – even digitally. It contributes to your energy, immediately.
Pick lock screens and wallpapers that reflect where you’re headed, not where you’ve been.
Here is my desktop wallpaper – not kidding!
And this is my current Amsterdam view.
Set your intentions very concretely then ask the Universe to provide something even better than you can even imagine. It did for me! 🙂 #LifeAndWorkGoals
5. Reconnect with your REAL environment
Because this is the whole point, right?
The more you unplug digitally, the more you plug back into what’s around you – your home, your energy, your people, your breath.
Feng Shui isn’t about perfection. It’s about alignment. And your digital world is 100% part of that. When there are too many things pulling your attention away, it’s challenging to stay present and reflect on what’s really important to you.
So – are you in??
I hope this little ole post inspired you to join me.
If so, just like in your physical home (or anything in your life for that matter), start with baby steps. Pick one small corner of your digital life to clean up this weekend.
Reply and let me know what you’re tackling, and we can cheer each other on – just no long emails – I’m decluttering, remember? lol
Big things are coming in my world. And this is how I’m making space for them. Tot volgende week (I’m a fast learner – eh?)
