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West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick
Eliminate Clutter and Change Your Life I recently received a newsletter from Karen Kingston about her current projects. She has updated her Clear Your Clutter book, and it can be purchased soon. I remember attending one of her programs near San Francisco a few years ago and was able to interview her for the Benicia Herald. Her book became the most popular guide on how to eliminate clutter and why hanging on to our stuff leads to illness. I sold her books in my store to teach people how to get rid of their excess and why they hang on to things. Karen realized for Feng Shui to really work, old stuff and old energy needed to leave a space and be replaced with vibrant flow. Wind and Water are two Elements which can help relieve stress. The trick is a balance between how much of our possessions are trash and how much are treasures. In her new version,, she will talk about the sickness of procrastination and what you can do to press forward. I have found this to be quite true. Diet has a lot to do with our Chi, and foods which cause our bodies distress can lead to depression, then illness. This leaves the body tired with no energy to deal with clutter. Next the clutter fills every nook and cranny, and we spiral out and run to the sugar and caffeine for relief. I promise you relief when you begin to empty your old spaces one drawer at a time. As of last week the condo is 3/4 finished and the island house is running neck and neck with the clean-up. My life is changing quickly as it reflects the new surroundings. I finished the illustrations on a children's book my friend has written and soon I will be able to tell you more. For now I wish you a "good-day" and a pleasant reread of the article I wrote a few years ago when I first met Karen Kingston. The grandkids and I are bringing new life to the front living room by hanging new light blue-green curtains. They are the color of Knowledge and will frame the seven windows facing the inland straits of the San Juan Islands. Feng Shui, the ancient art of creating a peaceful environment, takes into consideration several layers of self-examination. Not only are the rooms of a home or business evaluated, but also the deeper levels of who you are. A self-analysis begins to emerge. Maybe a current situation has suddenly changed, leaving you in deep thought about life, its joys or problems. Rarely do I find individuals willing to change or shift without a swift kick from behind. Affirm to yourself and maybe the family that it's time to move on and let go of emotional, mental, spiritual and body clutter. It's safe to change. Sorting through objects is a great way to start. Clearing clutter is about letting go and trusting the process of life to bring to you new ideas and creativity. Anything you are keeping just in case, you are keeping out of fear. Karen Kingston, author of two best selling books Creating Sacred Space with Feng Shui and Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui, held one of several workshops in the Bay Area. I decided long ago that Feng Shui has many facets, most of which I'm still learning. Karen's quick British wit and humor balanced with her down-to-earth Balinese living intrigued me. I enjoyed interviewing her and wanted to learn more of her techniques for helping my students and clients release old stuff! The three tried-and-tested main methods of clutter clearing are as follows: 1. The Let-Nature-Take-Its-Courses method (also known as the abdicating of decision-making technique). 2. The Wait-Until-You-Die-And-Let-Your-Relatives-Sort-It-Out method. 3. The Go-For-It method: Take responsibility for the stuff and clear it yourself. "This is the only method I recommend," Karen stated. Just as my daughter taught me years ago, gather three boxes: Give Away, Sell and Trash. Karen suggests five boxes: Trash, Repair, Recycle, a Transit box for things on the way out and a Dilemma box for when you're in a bit of a dither about whether to keep it or let go of it. Slowly but surely your personal energy begins shifting. I've found this to always be the case with my Feng Shui clients. What part of your home is keeping you from moving toward success or health? Choose the space or room connected to the current blocked situation. How? One way is learning Feng Shui. Several times a year I give basic workshops on how to determine which section or area is connected with the blockage. Drawing out the floor plan beforehand and bringing the "map" to class gives you a head start on the issue. The aspects of life are divided into nine equal sections. The front of the house or entry is the starting point similar to a children's board game. START = front door. Laying a Bagua or color-coded grid over the house plan, we find the troubled areas. Job opportunities are correlated to all the rooms that face the street (usually). The middle rooms are designed for cushioning the home. Family, Health and Children zones are the nurturers of the household unit. The rooms facing the backyard are considered power zones. These powerful rooms are used for prosperity, reputation and partnership. Again, check for the worst cluttered space. Take action there first. Yes, garages do count! Yes, landscapes do count. Yes, the kids toys scattered all over the backyard do count. Having playhouses, bikes and barbeque pits in the partnership or far back right section of the backyard impacts your relationship. Next, walk into the entry hall of the home. What does this open space say about the family? Karen recommends a bird's eye view of your living space. Pretend you are a bird flying over your home. What are you keeping that is so special? Objects hold energy. Check out the items below. The description of my feelings was "Look at all that stuff! How could I possibly be attached to all those heavy things?" Make a house check of your life. Today a woman called for a consultation and as I was booking her appointment, I casually asked what main area of her life and home she wished to work on. "Oh, I'm doing great," she proclaimed. "No real problem; I just need a tune-up." Knowing there is usually a deeper reason for change, I began to go over the areas for consideration. Career? No. Family? No. Money? No. Children? No. Health? No - she emphasized again, a little louder. I cautiously questioned one last part of her life. "Partnership?" "No," she replied, "I just kicked the bum out and that took care of that clutter!" Yes, I thought we could all use help with eliminating excess baggage, wherever that might exist!
Caroline lives in the Northwest Region of the US, called The Puget Sound in Washington State. She is a Feng Shui Practitioner, writer, author and artist. She gives workshops in Feng Shui, Elements of Art; private mentoring for serious students lectures and writes for newspapers. She combines teaching and traveling to other locations, here and abroad. Her 2008 schedule includes workshops and classes in Washington State, Oregon, Northern California, Arizona, New Mexico and North Carolina. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations. Currently her illustrations for a children’s book entitled “The Six Paramitas” have been delivered to the client for publication. “It is based on characters designed on the universal prayer OM, MA, NE, PAD, ME, HUM and is the most delightful and precious assignment I have ever done.” If you want to know more about the book or the creations, please contact Caroline.
WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?
· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 5,000 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where YOU need to start. · A six-month commitment is required. · A monthly mentoring date is scheduled for your convenience. · Study packets are personalized containing Feng Shui information, YOU choose to study. Email is not necessary but is a valuable asset for quick questions and answers. · This material contains current material from my Master Teacher which he calls "secret of secret"!
Please visit www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on www.moongateschool.com for current local and out-of-state class schedules in Feng Shui, Art and Medicine making with Herbs. Caroline is available for teaching, speaking engagements, art illustration and Chi-Enhancing Artwork.
Please consult your physician for physical problems as this article only gives ideas and suggestions. Caroline is not responsible for anyone using these suggested plants or advice for cures or healing any problem either medical or Feng Shui claims. This column and article is for entertainment only. Please seek help from a qualified physician, naturopath, herbalist or other certified person for treatment. Caroline Patrick BorNei
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