By Caroline Patrick

The Ying and Yang of Life {Part Two}

The closing of doors is never easy, but it is a necessary step, gentling pushing and guiding us toward our potential. This subconscious knowing is a natural energy of nature and the power behind what Star Wars Trekkies call, "the source." This invisible energy is what the Chinese call Chi or breath of life flows throughout the universe and our bodies. The body knows when the contract and mission with God on this earth is over and we are allowed to go home. The way I described this closing of doors aspect to a close friend who lost her beloved thirty-year-old son to a sudden and unexpected death this week was, "of course I will never know what you are feeling at this moment, but your son was too far beyond the vibration of earth, he couldn’t possibly teach and work in this dense and lousy reception. His energy was too pristine to stay in the earth’s atmosphere. Now he can bring us all who are feeling and listening his lessons of joy." This is my true belief. The lessons of this planet are yin and yang, light and dark, male and female, and we sometimes fly and sometimes wade through muck. Using the art of placement helps our home and working environment by raising the energy level of chi flow in and around our spaces, allowing new opportunities. Birth and death are so close to the same energy. The portal of life opens, we come into the world and we pass through the same portal or door to return to the source. The body is too heavy to bring along. It is of the earth. We can only pack light when leaving. The invisible spirit soars with joy and incredible knowledge to share with us still, but without the lousy reception.

My mother-in-law also decided her mission was over this past week. It was an end to the earthy relationship we shared and the beginning of listening to her through a higher current of communication which might manifest as a fleeting remembrance of something funny Mom shared with me or some long lost advice she imparted. Mom is no longer earthbound, and to share her valuable information I will need to meditate on a regular basis, which will allow me to pick up those new wise words of advice.

I met Mrs. Patrick before I dated one of her sons. She was strict at times with her seven children, but always for a reason. She invented the motherly retort, "because I said so." There was no time to set the child down quietly and comfortably explain the reasoning behind her judgment, as the decisions needed to be swift when caring and being responsible for so many souls. I quickly became a fan of this brilliant homemaker, storekeeper, motel owner, businesswoman, caretaker, fantastic cook, storyteller, seamstress, wife and mother and valedictorian of her high school graduating class. Later I learned more of her talents, which included florist, working for a mortuary, land developer, bakery clerk, income tax consultant, dairy, wheat, livestock farmer. I learned most of these untaught life lessons from Mom firsthand including childcare, canning, harvesting and how to butcher. Did I win the lottery or what?

Of course, my father-in-law was unique also. It was through him she learned to master most of these jobs. Dad was loved by most everyone he met. A quiet mischievous gentle man who started most of these projects, and left Mom to finish them. They worked as a team most of the time, until my mother-in-law was over the top with her duties. Dad loved children though, and the newest child in the family’s tiniest legs never touched the ground until they were firmly walking. Although Mom loved her brood beyond the call of duty, she wasn’t gushy in her affection. It was more important to show affection by special foods fixed for the current birthday child, making the impossible happen with no visible money or tackling a school superintendent over the injustice of one of her children’s complaints. She saved this tactic for a last-straw issue, and when the school teachers saw her coming down a dark hallway toward the office, they trembled with fear. Quietly she spoke her piece and the problem was resolved instantly, as Mom had an aura of determination which you could feel and see at a great distance. Did I fail to mention, she also taught country school classes when needed?

Humor was her forte. She didn’t stay mad long. Many times when Dad created a new frontier, she refused to leave the security of her current home. But as Dad’s wandering was greater than her wishes, she gave in one more time as the pickup moved literally westward. Impossible was never in this family’s vocabulary, and all six sons and one daughter have succeeded in making their lives productive. Not only did she raise these children, but became mother to two grandchildren and a grandmother to fifteen grandchildren, seventeen great-grandchildren and eleven great-great grandchildren.

Doors were closed many times in this woman’s life, for she understood the value of moving forward into new territory. During one large family gathering, I became irritated at my husband and was complaining to her about the injustice of the problem. She acted as if she didn’t hear me as we were busy cooking in huge pots used for army mess halls. She found them somewhere and they worked perfectly for the large portions of food needed for the family. Trying humor to get her attention, I asked her since my husband wasn’t working out, could I give him back to her and choose again. She laughed at my plea and responded, "No, you can’t send him back and choose again, besides all Patrick men mellow after forty, just hang in there." It seemed a long time to wait. We had only been married fifteen years. She was right, of course; we are now trying for forty-three, and I still wonder what tomorrow holds married to her second son. I just try each day to make it a better one and when I fail, I try humor and feng shui. The Yin and Yang of this place called earth. This remarkable woman took on life with courage and little money. She left me with enough wisdom to accomplish most anything. Nothing was impossible, and she set an example for everyone in her path. I bless her decision to go home. Mission accomplished, "but please Mom, keep sending advice, I need all the help I can get!"

1-DAY FENG SHUI – Sign up for an early spring workshop. Caroline will feng shui a local Benicia home while you watch. Class is limited. Time and date and cost to be announced. We offer unusual feng shui holiday gifts and gift certificates, including hand-beaded crystals for each of the 9 sections of the home.

• Clear the clutter · Remove 27 objects
• Magical energy of numbers
• Remove blockage · restore health & wealth
• Space clearing
• Create altars for any religion or occasion
• Attunements

Saturday, January 11^th, 10 a.m. – 12 noon, Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe - $89

Call 707-748-1127 for registration and consultations.

Caroline’s Arts & Feng Shui Shoppe

129 First St. Suite K

Benicia, Ca. 94510

www.moongateschool.com

Caroline is a feng shui consultant, artist, herbalist and author. She is available for speaking engagements, consultations and workshops. Her weekly newspaper column can be read on her second website, moongateschool.com for individuals out of the Benicia area.