West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Organizing Life on the Road

I enjoy traveling, but getting ready for a trip always takes longer than I expect. Mixing business and pleasure takes extra time and involves checking two suitcases instead of one. It seems I should have figured out a quicker way to organize by now, but there are always last minute details to attend to. I begin several weeks ahead by making lists. On one list I write down things to pack. The other is what needs to happen before I walk out the door, such as turn down heat, turn off ice maker, water plants, make arrangements for the mail pick-up, pay bills, wash certain clothes, pack herbs and vitamins, which include small liquid tinctures for the heart, cholesterol, liver, V-C, B-12's, magnesium, nettles, vitex, Chinese Curing Pills and a Chinese mixture packet for flu. Of course, I make room for a makeup case, as wearing lipstick gives me a Chi or energy lift! My mother always looked beautiful and she said, "If you feel beautiful, you act beautiful." She must have been right, because by 4 p.m. her lipstick and eyebrows looked a bit 'scrumpy,' and she did get grumpy when her hair sagged and red lips wore off! But that is another tale for another day. As the things go into the suitcase, they get marked off the "to-do list."

Benicia, California was next on my traveling list. Attending my Master Teacher's Professor Lin Yun's Berkeley workshop is a yearly event. I plan trips to Benicia on many levels so I can enjoy friends, take in the newest Feng Shui lessons, teach a class and give consultations. The list might say SEE FRIENDS, and under that I would remind myself to bring prints of information they request, such as The Treasure Box Cure, or a small gift, or maybe pictures of the grandchildren. The categories continue as the calls begin to come in for Feng Shui appointments.

CONSULTATIONS are another header. To start a visual calendar, I make up a large daily planner, including each day's date, leaving large spaces between each day. I fill in some things on the computer, such as flight time, car rental and hotel, and then make double copies of these for my purse. Each day on the calendar is filled as requests for appointments come in to the office. I book everyone in pencil, so if changes occur, it is easy to erase and change. Names, addresses, phone numbers and directions to each company or private residence are in place before I hop on the airport shuttle to Seattle, Washington. Seattle is over an hour south of the office condo on the mainland. I like noon flights so I don't have to hurry, and this reduces stress. Not all plans go according to schedule, but lists are my way of giving me time to have fun. Once it is recorded, I can relax while mixing business with pleasure.

This year will find me traveling more as I know the time has come for me to help as many people as possible. I will be taking more assignments to teach what I have lived. As Eckhart Tolle explains in his book, you have "sudden awakenings" which lead you to Purpose. These are rare, but once you experience this "moment in time" love feels unconditional as freedom flows into your heart; the vision stands still, and questions are answered in a split second. Your life mission unfolds before your eyes. Compassionate light glows inside your being.

Make your lists of not only mundane things, but of what you want to happen, where you want to live, who you want to work with, what you want to learn, who to forgive and why you hold on to negative grudges. These blockages are reflected in your homes, offices and body. These actions alone will create illness, bitterness and misunderstandings. If you are spending time "tale bearing," as the Chinese say, then all is lost and you will suffer loss in some area of your life.

Next week I will tell more about these issues and the recent visit to one of my favorite places, Benicia. Don't forget to attend and support your local artists in the Art Walk Days coming soon in the old fort section down by the water off of Grant St. Drop in on Michael Trahan Designs' NEW model showroom on Tyler Street, Benicia's Chamber of Commerce 2007 Business of the Year and say hi! Michael and his wife Martha have great ideas to make your home or business a haven.

WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?

· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 4500 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where you need to start.

· A six-month commitment is necessary.

· A monthly mentoring date is set for at least one to two hours of phone conversation, at different intervals.

· Packets are sent for you to study each month. Emailing and faxes will be part of the course as we go over floor plans.

NEW CLASSES COMING IN 2008……… THE YEAR OF THE EARTH RAT!

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 and speaking engagements.

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 workshop and classes in the Northwest, Southwest, Midwest and Alaska. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations.

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

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