West Meets East©

By Caroline Patrick

Why? Stop, Look and Listen!

When the world is in chaos it is time to take inventory! We are the world. Our thoughts, actions and reactions release potent energy or Chi into the atmosphere. Change is inevitable. Nothing stays the same. Everything is moving and shifting constantly. Some things are seen, while others are unseen. This is the nature of life. I am human and would prefer everything to run smoothly and perfectly. Isn’t a state of bliss preferable to the unknown? What is your first reaction when things go wrong? Do you blame, get angry or create a circle of despair? Are you tired of the merry-go-round?

I have had a series of Feng Shui consultations which reflect the mood of the Nation. Chaos, indecision, blame, depression and sickness have escalated in business and affected home life. Lost jobs, houses, land and savings are rampant. Regaining balance of home life is the first step to World peace. The Nations are mirroring each other. Imagine two huge mirrors reflecting our actions. It doubles our deeds. What if you decided enough was enough and you had a plan to change the world a person at a time starting with yourself. Sounds easy, but living gets in the way. We are busy, busy, busy, and if we can’t fill every minute with busy, we create busy-ness for our children and others. What have we built?

Remember the phrase STOP, LOOK and LISTEN which was taught in elementary school pertaining to safety when crossing the road? Try using this synopsis in an adult version: STOP doing what you are doing if it isn’t working! Stop and say ‘no’ to those things which make you tired, depressed or ill! The progression of tiredness trickles down to health problems and if not stopped, causes death, as Chi can’t flow through a body blocked with “a dis-ease to please.” STOP being a Warrior who attacks from overdeveloped frustration, but be one who has developed strength through challenges, faith, and courage and awakes the Fire within through good deeds and creativity. STOP using anger, jealously and blame to raise the Fire within. Eating foods which destroy the immune system are another way in which Fire can become imbalanced. This same Element when used correctly fires up everyone around them. New ideas are carried out, you are inspired by intellect and inspiration, and have a happy heart, instead of being buried in the ashes of destruction.

LOOK at yourself in a mirror. Place a large one across from your desk to inspire new ideas. Place one under the cash register at your business to increase sales. LOOK to see if your bed, desk and stove are in commanding to the front entry at home and at work. For advancement in a company or home business these items MUST be in the proper location. If your bed is not facing the front door at home (looking through the walls) you are not in charge of your life. LOOK to see if you are in a series of cubical and if they come to a “dead end” with no outlet or “no way out of a situation.” LOOK at your children. Are they tired, making bad grades and bad choices? Maybe their bed in is line with a doorway which siphons Chi from the body as they sleep. Is their bed backed up to a bathroom wall? The plumbing causes a pulling sensation on the brain. Is their bedroom window blocked with tree limbs or white blooming flowers, causing illness, as the windows reflect the eyes of the house and the children’s voices? Have you given them time in their schedules to dream? Parents, please don’t destroy this link to the heavens. My grandchildren had such a hectic school week that we took our pruning tools and trimmed trees and bushes. Working with Earth and Air not only grounds us, but “chopping to grow” is necessary, just as clearing the clutter activates better health, new opportunities and new relationships.

LISTEN to yourself. Record a conversation and find out what you are really saying! Words are powerful. Be careful what you are conveying. If you can’t control your mouth, can you image what turmoil is going on inside of the body? Negative words destroy the heart, lungs, colon and other organs. Cells shut down with cruel words. LISTEN and hear what you are saying or what someone else is saying to you. LISTEN as you talk to your children, co-workers, employees, your partner, the banker or checkout clerks. If you find YOU may be the person causing the problem, it’s time to change. The benefits are countless. LISTEN when you pray. What are you asking for? Praying isn’t listening! LISTEN to the answers through meditation or chanting to calm the mind. LISTEN to the whispers before they become yelling. LISTEN to your inner dialog. Choose a quiet space to place an altar. What type of altar would you want to create? Place pictures of family or deities, use candles or lights which are of the Fire Element to light up the situation. Some clients make a happy altar while for others a religious section makes their life calm. Some have lost loved ones such as children, wives, husbands, mothers, fathers or pets. Color, shapes of objects and their related Elements can be included. A bell for clarity, a poem, a letter, pictures, a scarf, artwork, a tiny Buddha, Mary and Jesus or flowers, beads, shells and bottles filled with sand, twigs, acorns or rocks. Just preparing the space will calm your mind and give comfort.

When you are feeling lost for any reason or need strength to change, consider Feng Shui for many solutions. STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN to yourself and others for clues. Cures, corrections and enhancements can be put into place to ease the problems facing us during these phases. Please make an appointment to find out where your home life, design details or business layout is causing personal chaos.

Caroline is a Feng Shui consultant, artist, herbalist, newspaper columnist, businesswoman, author and teacher. She has conducted over 3500 Feng Shui consultations. She has taught art for over 35 years. Her weekly column West Meets East can be viewed on her website moongateschool.com. Caroline’s advice is only considered suggestions and she is not responsible for any problems relating from her suggestions. Please consult a physician for any diagnostic evaluations concerning your health.

CLASSES AND WORKSHOPS 2006------sign up now------

1. ART classes and workshops ---- from 6 weeks to Saturday All Day Workshops!

2. FENG SHUI ISLAND TOUR---- on site evaluations in the San Juan Islands, WASHINGTON STATE

Where is the entrance or “Mouth of Chi” to the Island?

Please email caroline@fengshuiartistry.com for more information on classes or to purchase her greeting cards.

For Pet Sitting call Barbara Pike at “I Care Pet Services,” 707-745-3420

There are many Feng Shui products available online, but here are my favorites where I personally shop, www.yunlintemple.org for the finest quality; www.harmonydesigns.net ask for Shelly; www.fengshuishopper.com ask for Marina; and www.fengshuifusions.com . All items are cleared and blessed.

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

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