Energy surrounds us in every form. The environment swirls and pulsates every second. Plants grow, hibernate and burst forward again as spring begins the cycle of life over and over. Our bodies radiate measured chi as we sing, cry, pray, praise, get angry and make up again.

The complex system of yin and yang encompasses a vast knowledge of information we have only touched upon. Birth and death are mysteries beyond our earthly wisdom.

Feng shui opens a glimpse of understanding into the balance of these energies. When a space feels bad we know it. A room unused, needs fixing. It represents a portion of our environment, which we fail to understand. Whether it is as simple as taking time to enjoy hobbies and have fun, which plays out in the middle room of the right side of the house, or cleaning up the far back right corner of the inside and outside of the house to promote a better love life, the clue of clutter or an unused space spells to the consultant a tip of the iceberg energy problem.

Every blocked energy source is a blatant tap on the shoulder from God. You are a reflection of everything you have witnessed; spirit, genes, interaction with parents, siblings, husband, wives, coworkers and animals. If you don’t like where you are in life — change it. Every thought can lead to victim or victor. Want to be a pilot, enroll now in a course tomorrow. If that isn’t quite what you had in mind, the aeronautic environment of the school will lead you to the right path just by making the forward motion of faith or action energy.

The following question of name change is an interesting concept. Before acquainting myself with understanding energy flow, I would have advised keeping your given name because blood is thicker than water and we don’t want to hurt Mom and Dad, etc.,etc. etc., but if a name is its sound vibration, color and musical note, why not enjoy a self made symphony.

Here is a reader’s question.

Hi Caroline,

Hi,

Before considering changing your name, I would make a trip to a big bookstore and do some research. I used to have a book that gave all of the root names and their energies. It is a fascinating book which played a big part in my grandchildren’s names. Much research was done by my son and his wife, choosing only names with the most positive energies and vibrations. Each letter has a color and energy. Every letter also has meanings and tones with numerology. My son’s children were given Welsh and Irish ancient names. They spent months choosing men’s titles of appointment of only renowned reputation. There were so many warriors mentioned in the histories of these harsh weathered countries. With Patrick as their last name they wanted first and middle names of this Celtic heritage to blend the sound. The first boy has a predominate K in his first name. The sound of K is harsh sounding, as in the word KEY. He is charming but wild, while my second grandson has an L to start the name. It has a soft LEE tone. This guy is strong, smiling and easy going. Add genetics to this mixture plus spiritual aspects and you get a unique human being with gifts and talents all his own. So--- yes, names have energy. Choose a good one to pursue your creativity, because that is the main mission for everyone on planet earth.

Another example, my daughter loves her maiden name Patrick, but after her divorce 10 years ago, she began investigating the Patrick roots. The name reveals honesty and long suffering! "Yikes" she said to her Dad, "I love you, but think I’ll check the book for a better one." They agreed, so she is still thinking about it. Her long term current relationship is with a man named Pat, so she still hasn’t decided what to do. She and her ex are friends and she feels fine with his last name until she decides otherwise. So, I would say what do you feel like doing? As for me, IF I wasn’t married to her Dad; I would consider an easier namesake. My maiden name of Benton as I recall isn’t a great choice either though I like the sound. Feng shui is considered a forward movement. The only sure thing in life is change.

Let me know what your research turns up. The book as I recall was titled "The Name Book".

P.S. My son doesn’t like me to use the children’s names in the newspaper column but if you call me at the Shoppe I’ll tell you! Thanks for a great question.

Caroline,

Visit Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe at 129 First St. suite K to sign our interest list for classes in feng shui, art, fountain making. Mission Possible, a Feng Shui class will be held at the McBride Center in Vacaville on February 9, 10 a.m. Call (707) 748-1127 for more information about upcoming classes and visit the website www.fengshuiartistry.com for the latest information.

The year of the Water Horse is beginning this month. The symbol of going forth to grasp success in this year can be found at Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe in a collection of horse statues and art pieces. Peace and prosperity to you in the New Year!

WEST MEETS EASTÓ CAROLINE PATRICK 2002