West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Changing Seasons

The season of harvest is ending and once again we start the journey inward. The cycles of life are ever present. From spring planting and the promise of new beginnings to the end of the growing season, we are reminded that the efforts we put forward into transformation will always produce results. What seeds are you planting? Are you stuck? Or are you moving forward with the seasons? Have your thoughts matured? Are you keeping anger and blame in your pocket? What needs throwing away? Look deep into the “pocket.”

Each individual comes to earth with a ticket of purpose, destiny and talent. Maybe your ticket has slipped to the bottom of that pocket and you have completely forgotten why you agreed to this journey called life. Other clutter piles on top of these talents and purposes and we forget we were even issued these priceless tokens.

Clutter in all forms creates procrastination. The mind, body and spirit become tired, cranky and sick.

Feng Shui, the ancient system of balance and harmony, was recognized centuries ago by Chinese intellects. They searched for the best areas of land to produce crops, build temples and nurture families. Although every surviving civilization used a form of Feng Shui, the Chinese recorded their progress and prosperity. Keeping records of yearly rain measurement, violent storms, tides, waterways, forest growth, crop success, healthy citizens and workers provided the ancient masters with priceless information through the good and bad years. Realizing the balance of positive and negative powers needed to be kept in harmony to produce a healthy environment, they became advisors to the rulers. Many civilizations have come to the same conclusions and have shared success and prosperity.

The reason I believe Chinese Feng Shui has gained such popularity is because we have volumes of this recorded information. Whether you choose form school, compass school, intuitive school or geomancy, I feel they will all work; I just find the Black Sect School of Feng Shui brings relief quickly and effectively to my clients, as the front door is considered the “Mouth of Chi.” This method has gained popularity since the 1980s when His Holiness Master Lin Yun broadened the ancient Chinese science to include today’s new technology. Computers, electric blankets, energy towers, electrical lines and indoor toilets were not part of the ancient world’s environment

As Professor Lin Yun, master in the world on this concept, states, “We want to provide people with peace in the homes, which in turn provides peace in the communities, peace in the cities, peace in the states, peace in the country and then encompasses peace for the world.” What a concept. Never is religion mentioned in this purpose, which in turn gives each individual the freedom to use their own beliefs to provide balance and harmony within their environment.

Many clients ask, “Where do I start? My clutter is so overwhelming!” Start by reviewing your life. What is working? What isn’t working? Check your job or career. Do you love it? Does it bring joy to your heart? Family life can be improved. Health can be helped with friendly design details. Money flow may need to be increased. Are you and your partner at a crossroads? There are many Feng Shui cures to improve relationships. Why don’t you have time for hobbies anymore? Are you feeling overwhelmed with “it seems I have to do everything myself” syndrome?

Releasing old bedroom furniture can change your life. How many generations have slept in your bed? Are you taking on “their stuff”? Did you like the previous owners of your home or furniture?

1.

Begin by checking one drawer at a time. How many straws, toothpicks or outdated coupons do you need?

2. Walk to the most unused room of the house. What is stored in this area? Which triad of the Bagua does this room reside in? Laying the 8-sided grid over your floor plan gives you the quickest answer. This tool shows you where your life is stuck and stagnant. These “hot spots” bring trouble to that area of your life.

3. Is your purse overflowing with receipts and change?

4. Are the hallways of your home filled with shoes and books? Health problems could arise if the center of your office or home needs de-cluttering. Create a bright inviting space and get rid of too many objects.

5. Many years ago I formed a check and balance system that still works for me. If I bring any new item into the house, one equally sized item has to leave. Using this system has helped me eliminate excess possessions. Or Call the Man! Look in the newspaper for phone book or a pick-up service, or better yet, order a large special dumpster for large and small trash.

Try some of these methods of clearing clutter and I promise you will eventually retrieve that lost treasure in your pocket. Cash in your unique ticket and enjoy new found freedom.

Caroline is a Feng Shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 3500 Feng Shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advice is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. Please consult a physician for any diagnostic evaluations concerning your health.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS 2006------sign up now------

1. ART classes and workshops ---- from 6 weeks to Saturday All Day Workshops!

2. FENG SHUI ISLAND TOUR---- on site evaluations in the San Juan Islands, WASHINGTON STATE

Where is the entrance or “Mouth of Chi” to the Island?

Please email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com for more information on classes or to purchase her greeting cards.

For Pet Sitting call Barbara Pike at “I Care Pet Services,” 707-745-3420

There are many Feng Shui products available online, but here are my favorites where I personally shop, www.yunlintemple.org for the finest quality; www.harmonydesigns.net ask for Shelly; www.fengshuishopper.com ask for Marina; and www.fengshuifusions.com . All items are cleared and blessed.

Caroline Patrick Caroline's Feng Shui Concepts Mt. Vernon, WA 360-424-1501

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com www.fengshuiartistry.com www.moongateschool.com