|
West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick
Feng Shui Tune-up Tips for the New Year
My favorite time of year is winding down. Christmas lights and ornament are finding their way back into specially marked boxes and put away on high shelves until next year. My grandchildren romp around the living room with extra space to spread their wings as the Christmas tree is removed. They are still young enough to see some work as play, and I marvel at their pleasing spirit and the joy of doing good deeds. Realizing this eagerness is limited to age and pleasing Grandma, I take advantage of these moments in time. Empty boxes are quickly transported to the island home's hilltop, fueling Grandpa's bonfire. Tiny legs moving faster than lightning run up and down the hill adding broken pine limbs and leaves to the roaring flames. Potatoes wrapped in foil are buried in the glowing coals for dinner, adding mystery and delight to the adventure. School vacation gives the boys another few days to play on the island, which can be a wonderland full of surprises. I mix work and play, so they have a good idea that life sometime has bumps and then rewards. It is how we perceive things that make a difference.
The reward for the grandchildren's help in getting the house back in order was a skiing trip to the mountains. My reward was twelve hours of sleep, some reading, emailing friends and clients, then scheduling next year's classes and workshops. One thing often leads to another and before I knew it I had done the laundry, washed dishes and cleaned the refrigerator. Walking past a streaked mirror I decided it was time to remove the cloudy reflections. One mirror led to another and when finished I could feel the difference radiating through out the house as the energy lifted. Next, my round faceted Feng Shui crystals were washed and dried. The brilliant colors bounced around the rooms filling the spaces with new Chi. Music was added to the atmosphere, and I lit some incense to give fragrance to the rooms. As an added bonus, I moved twenty-seven items, some large, such as a rocking chair and some small like a statue. Moving items is one way of changing the energies and bringing new opportunity to your dwelling. I cleared and filed some papers from my desk and threw tons of old paper, flyers from old projects into the recycle bin, giving new growth to the upcoming city classes, students and clients. I finished by deleting old computer files.
Next I went to the front door and rang the wind chimes on the porch, bringing good Feng Shui to my house with the sound. Standing in the doorway, I welcomed the new Chi, inviting prosperity into my home for the New Year ahead. The entry to the house is considered the "mouth of Chi" where the flow of opportunities enters. Stuck doors, broken doors or creaking doors need repairing, as they impede Careers. Now as I walked through the house I acknowledged each and every Gua or section, paying close attention to what needs fixing or replacing, such as light bulbs or new plants. Looking through Feng Shui eyes, I took inventory of each room, where it "lived" in the Bagua or octagon when placed over my home's floor plan, where all the aspects of each Gua lived. An example might be the far back right corner is given the energy of Partnership. It is an Earth Element area. It relates to the abdomen and is Yin or feminine in nature. Pink, red and white are the colors. You may also use corals and yellows that are earthy. Are you inviting the Partnership Chi or repelling it? Other Guas that need to be activated are Career, Knowledge, Family, Fame, Health, Children and Creativity and Helpful People and Travel.
I finished my house tour and took mental notes on what to remove, what to keep, what to change. I blessed each room with a prayer and rang a bell as I walked through each part of the home including the closets and porches, waking up and clearing the heavy and stuck feeling spots. I use Feng Shui daily to awaken the environmental, physical and spiritual nature within myself and the home, using what I have learned to improve business and future possibilities. I hope sharing my own experiences gives you new ideas on how to incorporate The Art of Placement for your families and business ventures.
I will close for now, as "the thundering herd," as my husband has labeled the grandchildren, have returned from the snow-capped mountains. They are full of talk and hungry as usual, so my special "time alone" comes to an end. Goodbye for now, and try some of the tips I have suggested. They will raise the flow of energy in your home and open new doors. May the New Year find you ready for new opportunities, blessings and good Chi!
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 2007------sign up now------
1. ART classes and workshops – from 6 weeks to Saturday All Day Workshops! 2. FENG SHUI ISLAND TOUR – onsite 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.
Caroline Patrick caroline@fengshuiartistry.com
|