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West Meets East© By Caroline Patrick BorNei
When Capsizing is a Good Thing!
My oldest grandson, who is now 10 years old, came running up to me this week with very exciting news. "Grandma, grandma, guess what?" he shouted as he got out of the island car. His golden blonde hair curling up and around a new Disney Land ball cap, reminded me of "ready to harvest" wheat. The summer sun continues to bleach his beautiful crown, accenting the crystal blue of his eyes. The ocean framed his body from behind, as the glistening blue water of the Northwest formed a backdrop only an artist can record for future paintings. His joy and innocence filled my heart, a moment in time to cherish, for soon he might sulk at having to visit Grandma; but hopefully that is far away and I can delight in his company. "What?" I called back as he ran across the decks. Tame chipmunks scatter from their front door vigil and regrouped as if to listen to the news. Two little ones sat on their haunches with tiny paws in the air, in a begging position. Grandpa has been sneaking them peanuts when no one is watching, and their boldness gives away his actions. But it adds drama to the scene. "I capsized five times yesterday," he announced. "Wow, I can't believe it," I said. I wasn't pretending to be excited. I truly couldn't believe it.
Only two weeks ago his Dad was buying him a wetsuit to try out for the sailing team. The ages for the summer program, were 10 to 15 years old. He not only passed by swimming the length of the city pool twice, but also by dog paddling while putting on a life jacket and then climbing in a small sailboat in the pool, jumping out and returning to the pool's edge. He is excelling in his sailing lessons, which dumbfounds me. I just assume angels are holding him up by his swimming trunks. My grandson has had several health issues from birth which we thought would limit his ability to breath, run and swim, and peanut allergies which have sent the family to the emergency room more than I care to think about, barely in time to save his life. His constant companion is a "fanny pack" with the EpiPen, or hypodermic needle and asthma medication needed for emergencies. But no one took into consideration his Fire and Earth Energies, which explain a lot about his character. His Western and Chinese birth charts give this little guy the power to overcome most obstacles. He now runs relays for fundraisers, and he swims like a fish after I applied my sink or swim class methods. (Throw quarters to the bottom of a private swimming pool and tell the kid he can keep what he retrieves! I have had a 100% success with this method, which includes three generations.)
"Yes," he continued, "we sailed clear down to the sunken ship in our sailboats and then back to the marina." I recalled this is about a six-mile run in ocean waters, through two marinas and in shipping and ferry lanes. He is clearly 15 pounds lighter and 4 inches shorter than his 10-year colleagues. Shock and pride filled my expression. His huge smile, with teeth too big for his mouth, twinkled stark white, like diamonds in the sunlight. Tears came to my eyes watching his fists jammed into his tiny waist, back straight and proud, with an "at-attention" soldier's stance. "Yes," I told myself, "he is going to make it just fine." I can now release my worry and care for this boy. I have given him tools to survive, both physical and mentally, teaching him breathing techniques, always telling him he can do anything he puts his mind to and using Feng Shui methods taught to me by my Master Teacher Lin Yun. I think he is ready for the world. Raising a child takes a village, and the family has joined together to make him strong.
"We capsize on Fridays and I wanted to get it easier, so I kept practicing and did it five times," he continued to report. "Did the other kids do five capsizes?" I asked. "No, they just did it a couple of times, cause they don't have wet suits and it gets real cold when you don't have one," he seriously concluded. "Boy, I'm glad your Dad got one for you, so you don't get too cold when you are sailing," I added. "Yow," he agreed. "Some girl got hypothermia, you know, and they took her to the hospital. She looked kinda blue, but she lived." Now he was concentrating on his toes, with his head hung low, remembering all his hospital visits. To change the subject, I asked how he got his 12-foot boat to capsize. Standing tall and looking very authoritative, he resumed his conversation in a very matter-of-fact way. "See," he gestured into thin air, reaching high above his head, "you grab the mast, about here … then you lean way to the side, while holding on, of course, and fall into the water while still holding on. This tips the rig, and then the hull is upside down, and now your grab the vessel with your toes on each side of the boat and flip it back. Get it?" he asked. "Yes, babe, I get it, and when you get your own big vessel, I will sail with you anywhere!" The smile returned, with self-esteem and even more willingness to conquer the world in his next adventure. We march together toward the island house to talk more about his life, both happy and sad things.
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 workshops and classes in Washington State, Oregon, Northern California, Arizona, New Mexico and North Carolina. She is available speaking, teaching and consultations. Currently her illustrations for a children’s book entitled “The Six Paramitas” have been delivered to the client for publication. “It is based on characters designed on the universal prayer OM, MA, NE, PAD, ME, HUM and is the most delightful and precious assignment I have ever done.” If you want to know more about the book or the creations, please contact Caroline.
WHAT IS CUSTOMIZED FENG SHUI MENTORING?
· It is for those wishing to study with me privately, with the experience of over 5,000 consultations. ONE ON ONE, starting where YOU need to start. · A six-month commitment is required. · A monthly mentoring date is scheduled for your convenience. · Study packets are personalized containing Feng Shui information, YOU choose to study. Email is not necessary but is a valuable asset for quick questions and answers. · This material contains current material from my Master Teacher which he calls "secret of secret"!
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, speaking engagements, art illustration and Chi-Enhancing Artwork.
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 BorNei
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