West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

How to Stimulate New Business Using Feng Shui

The best way to teach any subject is through story telling and by example. Here is my latest example of how I stimulate new business when things get stagnant and new energy and passion for future endeavors needs a boost! All of us feel down at times and need Feng Shui to come to the rescue. Nowadays most communication starts by emails such as this........

Email question:

I would like to use a few of the art images you sent Anne Mansfield. They are absolutely beautiful. What would you like the credit to read? I can include your name and a website, email or phone number. Let me know!! Thanks.

Answer:

Hello, thanks for the comments about the art work. Could you please explain to me more about where you wanted to use the images. Your name sounds familiar, but I have been taking care of my little grandsons this weekend, so I’m a little off course in my memory data base this evening.

Email answer:

I am the editor of the IFSG Quarterly – the newsletter that goes out to all IFSG members. Anne had forwarded the paintings with your comments that if any of them were used, please credit you. I thought they would be great images to appear in the left-hand column of the newsletter. I probably would use only one or two. They would also include a link to your website if anyone wanted to find out more about them. Let me know. Thanks!

My answer back (becomes a story):

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. Yes, please use any you would like for any of the newsletters; I would be honored, as it would be perfect timing and an auspicious beginning for my new art classes starting this week. The class manifested on its own after adjusting my Helpful People and Wealth corner of my studio/condo.

Shortly after working in these two Guas, I took my car for servicing and found out I was in the wrong Ford agency, and was 25 miles from the one in which I had mistakenly made the appointment. Not being an early morning person, I was irritated at myself for booking the 8 a.m. check-up. Quickly though, I reminded myself, there are no mistakes and to just have the work done at this agency, even it was not the one that would take my $10 off coupon, if they could take me.

They agreed, and so I proceeded to the waiting room. The room was filled with other customers and I wasn’t in a chatting mood, so I chose an empty phone/computer mini-booth and sat with my back to the other people. Immediately I heard the word ‘art’ mentioned several times in a row. I tried to concentrate on the book, but when I read the same paragraph over and over, with no success at retaining the meaning, I gave up on the idea of reading.

I couldn’t help but eavesdrop and understood from the conversation that they were looking for an art teacher. Chills began to run up and down my spine, which is the sign for me to pay attention. I literally closed the book and said to the spirits that be, “I give up.” I turned around just as the seat next to the woman asking for an art teacher became available. To make a long story short, I introduced myself and gave my credentials and website to the lady. We both became excited as I began to share the ways in which I teach art, Feng Shui and herb applications. We enjoyed the unusual visit and she called her friends, so I formed a class and it starts this week. This is how most of my opportunities began, by “accident.”

Using the Helpful People section of my office, business or home to stimulate work, has activated many of my next projects.

PS. I am also going to give Feng Shui Water Tours in the San Juan Islands. I’m taking several friends by water taxi to scout out some homes, the island’s shape on which they live and where the “mouth of Chi” enters that island, or as it is usually referred to, “the port of entry.” This idea came about in a similar way using the Helpful People and Travel area of my home and office. I placed a note saying I wanted new ideas from new and old friends for bringing Feng Shui awareness to the Northwest. I put the note in a silver ice bucket to active the Element of Metal. (In the constructive cycle of the 5 necessary Elements used in life, Metal makes or forms condensation which makes Water, and Water flows money in our direction.) It is similar to building a secure foundation for your future, and we all want security. To increase the Power of Placement for the entire house, make sure your bed, desk and stove are in commanding positions. (For an analysis of your dwelling, phone consultations are available, which are more affordable and very efficient. Floor plans are sent by email, fax or by mailing and then we go over them by phone.)

The phone rang several times after my Feng Shui adjustment. One such call was a new client requesting my services as a Feng Shui consultant on one of the larger islands located between the mainland of Washington state and Victoria, British Columbia. She shared the information with a friend who also wanted a consultation, proving once again the Power of Placement in the Helpful People and Travel Gua or triad of my house. Your home takes on your personality and reflects your blockages and your successes.

(When using Feng Shui to increase business, make new friends and meet different people who can assist you, place a large silver dish or container such as a large tea pot, ice bucket, a round shiny gold or silver container in the front right section of you house or office. Fill the object with notes of intention, business cards, family members’ names, religious items or pictures of those who have passed on. Write in detail your intentions, as this is called "The Heaven Gua,” the place in the home where the energy becomes a prayer. An altar is also a wonderful idea. Creating special nooks or altars to celebrate Family, Health, Children or Abundance is a lost tradition which is now being restored, especially for those serving our country. It’s a quiet place to honor people, places and things. After the space is finished, use a prayer, mantra or special poem to activate this corner. I have electric candles which stay turned on day and night, bringing energy to this spot continually.)

Thanks for the opportunity of using my art. I am starting a new series with bamboo and flowers. I feel new “up-growing” energy celebrating the approaching Spring Chi!

FENG SHUI TOURS IN THE NORTHWEST now forming, send contact information to: caroline@fengshuiartistry.com CUSTOMIZED MENTORING for Feng Shui. Contact for details if you wish to enroll, students learn by phone and email.

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

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

Caroline Patrick, Feng Shui consultant/practitioner, teacher/speaker, Feng Shui artist and writer, lives in the San Juan Islands, off the coast of Washington. Her weekly newspaper article called WEST MEETS EAST is a popular Feng Shui advice column. She enjoys answering your questions, when possible. Some questions will be chosen for publication with the permission from the reader. Enjoy her new 5 Element attached-folding cards which can be used as a Feng Shui enhancement or correction in any space. Larger prints of several selected paintings are also available. For consultations, speaking/teaching engagements and art evaluations contact her at caroline@fengshuiartistry.com or visit her websites at www.fengshuiartistry.com and www.moongateschool.com.

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.