World Balance Starts At Home
West Meets East • 10/01/01

It seems everyone is out of sorts. The struggle for restoring balance in our lives is affecting all of us in different ways. This phase of readjustment will take days, months or years. We as a country have become closer. Why does it take a crisis to shake us up? Because we have only focused on ourselves.

The "me" generation became all too consumed with themselves. I had watched this phase taking place in many homes during my feng shui consultations. The family unit dissolved as money became the number one priority. Both parents working and no on watching Johnnie or Mary after school has become the norm.

Children claim they "need" all these things for which Mom and Dad buy the quilt, go to work, get the things, when all kids want is the parent to be available.

The balance of nature and our wants is out of balance.

"We" is not just you and I anymore; "we" is the entire world. Our family includes everyone living on the planet earth. Not wanting to look at the evil growing under nose we ignored the signs of hate. Just as family units must keep the peace to survive through love and peace, so must the nations. Checks and balances in business, families and civilizations start at home.

The morning of September 11, we watched the scene of the terrorist attack being replayed over and over and over again as if the "movie" couldn’t be turned off. Stuck on the screen of the television set.

Family units bonded in an instant, cell phones rang loudly all over the world, checking the safety of mothers, fathers, children, cousins, brothers, sisters, grandmothers, grandfathers and friends.

A tragedy in New York City changed our lives instantly. Home became not only a state of mind; it became a symbol of safety. People are rethinking job relocation, college choices, retirement plans and family ties. What do you really want? What is really important?

Its time to get rid of excess in your space. When the mind overflows with "what ifs" we find solace and comfort performing normal activities. Get three boxes and start in one room to rid the mind and body of clutter. One box is labeled sell, one box give-away and the third box throw away. Teach children the act of giving. This precious responsibility helps them be useful and as a bonus provides an empty space for new opportunities to appear in their lives.

"Shaken" is probably the best word to describe the results of September 11. As the tons of paper swirled through the vacant space created by the explosions of the New York skyscrapers, I cringed. Knowing the feng shui principles of power, I watched the highest points of the buildings being leveled. Feng shui teaches that taller buildings in a city create an overwhelming energy affect on smaller businesses. Building a home high on a hill opens the dwellers to too much "wind" which eventually will cause lawsuits, knocking down the modern "castles."

Business has only increased as husbands and wives realize this might be a good time in their lives to see what’s out of balance in their personal spaces.

Vacaville, California has a lovely teaching facility called the McBride Center where they have me come and give workshops on feng shui. I usually have four classes a year. Since this week’s class was so soon after the disaster in New York I didn’t expect a large turn out. Students are open to enroll up until the last minute.

Arriving early I prepared for the class. Soon the room was filled with eager energy, seeking advice on the floor plans of businesses and homes. Class time was limited to one and one half hours. Questions flowed and answers were forthcoming. Energy or chi filled the former empty room. Hunger for the ancient art of chi or energy and how to make it work for your family is at an all time high.

Whether it’s the world, your health, a bad relationship or a job loss, feng shui can give you ideas to open up your lives to harmony and peace. The home reflects yourself and the family living in the house. How does your space measure up to world peace?

Caroline owns and operates Caroline’s Arts and Feng Shui Shoppe — Open 1-5 p.m. daily, closed Monday Your feng shui questions can be answered by qualified staff. For further in-depth consultations call for an appointment at (707) 748-1127.

Workshops and classes are held throughout the year. Please call for details or check the website www.fengshuiartistry.com and click onto moongate school for schedules.