West Meets East

West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Starting Over is Not Easy, But Worth the Effort!

Americans are certainly getting a wakeup call on all fronts! I won’t get on the political doom-and-gloom wagon, but it is time to shift gears, face our problems and deal with them. This was the topic my Feng Shui master teacher, Professor Lin Yun, spoke on at Harvard University recently. “Coping With the World Economic Crisis” was the topic, and we were rewarded with three days of intense information. Grandmaster Lin feels, as consultants, it is our obligation to give clients tools which will ease the problems of the economy during the recovery period. Even though he greatly desires to retire at age 77, he continues to teach and speak worldwide on these solutions. Feng Shui is not a fad or cute interior design fix, but an ancient way to determine how Wind and Water can bring harmony, not only to your home and business, but to all nations. We must pay attention to how these principles interact with humans and the environment, and prevent global warming. The following poem was written in our workbooks revealing its mystery.

The Great Tao (the pathway of life book) covers a mere couple of sentences.

And, unveiled its value is less than pennies.

Yet a million gold pieces cannot buy this truth,

that guides the Destined at the crossroad of life.

If you are faced with starting over, take the bull by the horns and use the simple but complex advice Master Lin Yun offers:

1.FIRST, FACE YOUR PROBLEM. Do not run away, face it bravely.

2. ACCEPT YOUR PROBLEM. Do a reality check. Why did you spend more than you earned? Who made you buy the big house, big cars and all those things? Why did you have to have more than the Joneses?

3. HANDLE YOUR PROBLEM. Use softness to subdue, not hardness. Go with the flow of adversity and direct the problem into the right course. Own up to your mistakes. Take care of the runaway debts you created, in a kind way. Take responsibility for your actions.

4. LET GO OF IT, LEAVE IT BEHIND YOU. Use prayer, good deeds, knowledge of Feng Shui and meditation. Mantras are a great way to change behavior while raising Chi in your body and home. The repetitive sounds bring peace to your mind and spirit, and strength to your body. Listen for answers afterwards. It is ok to fall asleep as the answers may be waiting for you upon awakening.

This simple-sounding advice is not so easy to follow and can take a lifetime of study, good deeds and learning how to bring balance to all situations. Just as the January diet fails over and over, year after year, so do our spiritual practices fall away as life gets busy and seems to consume our time; but “time” is running out to save the planet. The year of the EARTH OX will soon arrive. Welcome his earthly nature and learn his habits. He rarely hurries into anything, takes his time making decisions, and slowly tills the earth, building a firm foundation for future generations. Though the OX is the friend of many, other signs of the Chinese Zodiac will find him too slow, too patient and not so playful. His energy will give the world the necessary energy to plow through “our stuff.” But your next foundation will be made of earth, not imitation false abundance.

Note: Caroline Patrick BorNei (pronounced Bornay) is Caroline's Chinese name give to her by her Master Teacher His Holiness Grandmaster Lin Yin.

DEPOSITS for THE CHINA TRIP ARE NOW DUE! spaces are limited, please call (360) 424-1501 for details, or go to www.fengshuiartistry.com and click on travelogue for flyer.

Traveling is in full swing for fall of 2008. August traveling to OKLAHOMA, September 17-October 1st, teaching ARIZONA Workshops in Watercolor, Oil Painting and Feng Shui including a visit to Diamond Mountain Buddhist University, ALSO a workshop on Feng Shui in Phoenix...November BOSTON, teaching in NEW YORK 1st week and KANSAS CITY. 2nd week.... REDDING, CALIFORNIA the 1st week of December workshop on Feng Shui. CHINA TOUR MARCH 2009 WITH CAROLINE, SIGN UP BEFORE JANUARY 1^st. For schedules & contact info go to www.fengshuiartistry.com

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.