West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick BorNei

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

Starting Over Is Not Easy, But Worth the Effort!

Traveling has been a big part of my life for the last five years. I find myself coming and going to Arizona, California, and Oregon checking on large Feng Shui projects. Some site locations are thriving with new structures, while others are large corporate buildings falling under litigations and bankruptcy. Endings and beginnings are as natural as the energy or Chi of land and nature. The beauty of places can be changed in an instant. People’s lives can be changed in an instant. I will soon share what has been taking place with these clients, as I find life and nature intertwined as I look for clues to helping people with new projects or helping them with the tough times of the here and now.

Please reread what my Master Teacher advised everyone to do as the problems of 2009 came to the surface to show what was hidden beneath the muck of the past. I have been heeding his words of wisdom, and even though they appear to be simple, they are powerful.

American’s are certainly getting a wake-up 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 I was 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 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 okay 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, but 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.

Greetings to all,

I have opened my new offices in Portland and delighted with the changes.

Much of my work has expanded to Arizona, Colorado, Oregon, California and other locations, which makes Portland a pivotal location for travel, teaching, speaking and the arts. My new living space is at MILEPOST 5. A community for The Arts and is 15 minutes from the airport.

I will be traveling to Canada, China and Arizona in-between the relocation, so the phone number above is the best way to stay in touch for now (also email) ... Call (503) 208-2906 for easy phone consultations and on-site. Designing Space, Health Issues or evaluating corporate problems is my specialty. Check for schedules in your area www.moongateschool.com.

Thank you for your continued support. Stay focused and let the OX of 2009 plow the fields of opportunity, but decide NOW what you want planted .......for 2010. Be ready when the Tiger leaps forward with your decisions.

Blessings and good Chi,

Caroline Patrick BorNei Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Red Ribbon Professional of

the International Feng Shui Guild

www.fengshuiartistry.com

caroline@fengshuiartistry.com