Feng Shui Tips

Maintaining Good Feng Shui

2005-09-27T19:33:00.000-04:00

Maintaining Good Feng Shui
By Suzee Miller:

"Feng Shui is a way of life, that when monitored and maintained, enhances the prospects for health, wealth and good fortune in your career and personal life. When the "five elements" in your home, work and landscape environments are in harmony and balance, joy, peace, prosperity and healthy relations are just a few of the blessings that are derived.

Occassionally I receive letters or calls from clients who initially experienced positive results from Feng Shui, then things seem to go in reverse. My first response to them is always, "tell me about the condition of your garden/landscape and the things you've added to your home/office." Invariably, they discover that there is debris, dead/dying plants or barren areas in their garden and almost always... more clutter in their home/offices.

It's easy to get excited about Feng Shui in the begining, but in reality it is more important to maintain good Feng Shui as a way of life. There is also the tendency, in human nature, to overlook the less appearent blessings surrounding us daily, such as improved health, contentment, more serenity and peace, restful sleep, better grades and behavior, less effort, better relations and an overall feeling of well being...than it is for us to relate to the excitement of more business, more money and more abundance in our lives.

FENG SHUI TIP #1

Feng Shui is an earth art and an earth science, thus you can NEVER over improve the grace, beauty and richness of your garden or landscape environment (this even includes parking lots). NATURE is the primary magnet for good fortune in your life.

FENG SHUI TIP #2

Less ALWAYS means more Ch'i...life force in your life. Thus the importance of constant space clearing...gifting away, throwing away, storing away or burning away "things" that do not enhance or enrich your life. CH'I is the primary force of health and blessings in your lives.

Feng Shui is not superstition, philosophy or a religion.

It is the art and science of living in harmony with our interior and exterior environments.

Suzee Miller is a nationally recognized expert on Feng Shui principles and their applications in business and real estate. She has authored 17 audio programs on Feng Shui and appears as a frequent guest on radio and television talk shows. Dedicated to healing the planet and to empowering people, Suzee is fast becoming the most sought after Feng Shui speaker and consultant in the nation.

www.fengshuiplaza.com
www.fengshuiparadigms.com
800-499-7844"

Believe me, when we start to change we think its the hardest thing in the world. Believe me, this isn't true in most cases. Generally the hardest part is keeping something going once it looses its "new/wow/cool" factor. I hope this article help you to maintain good feng shui for a long time to come.

For now,

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality

2005-09-27T19:29:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality
By Rodika Tchi:

"How many of us wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, happy and full of energy? How many of us, after a few hours in the office, still feel full of energy? Why certain environments uplift our spirits and make us breathe deeper, while others drain our energy? We seem to have forgotten how deeply connected we are with the space we live in and how important is for our well being to live in a balanced environment.

As our lives are certainly not getting easier, the need to create a healthy and vibrant home environment cannot be overestimated. We have to have a safe, peaceful and energetically balanced space where our bodies can let down the daylong protective shield and focus on regenerating and self-healing.

Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that has been used for over 5,000 years to heal, balance and enrich people’s lives. It is a very complex body of knowledge that reveals how humans are connected to their environment and shows numerous ways to change specific aspects of one’s life by changing the living or working space.

Being aware of this deep connection and its influence on all aspects of your life, it would be wise to employ feng shui knowledge in your home (and business!) to improve your health, vitality, and general well-being.

One of the main theories of Feng Shui is the theory of Five Elements, which are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. The elements are the five manifestations of Chi, or universal energy, and are represented in your environment by colors, shapes, textures, smells, taste, etc. They interact with each other in certain ways, the basic cycles being Constructive (where each element supports the other) or Destructive (where one element destroys the other). Understanding this theory and its applications in your life can be a very powerful tool indeed. In order to experience high vitality levels and an increased level of well-being, feng shui masters recommend living in a place that supports and nourishes your birth element.

Each of us has a predominant element, which is calculated by the year of birth. (You can find out your own element from specific tables in many feng shui books or by visiting our website) Once you know your own element, look around your place and see which element is predominant in it. Yes, any specific environment also has its own predominant element. For example, if your living room has purple curtains, art with predominant red-orange colors, lots of candles, a fireplace, objects in triangular, pointed shapes etc; the energy in the room is predominantly Fire.

If your birth element is Wood, and you live in a Fire environment you will tend to experience headaches, inability to relax, have constant arguments with you family, often feel “burnt out.” As Fire burns the Wood, you need to focus on reducing the element of Fire in your environment, thus improve your well being. To remedy this situation, you may want to bring some of your own element (Wood) and/or the element of Water (which puts down the Fire.)

Wood element can be brought into your environment by colors brown and green, plants (green bamboo is especially powerful!) objects in rectangular shapes, actual wooden objects and other. Water can be represented by actual water (a fountain) or images of water – oceans, lakes, rivers; as well as mirrors, wavy and curved shapes, colors black or deep blue, etc. The scenario described above will also be true for a person whose birth element is Metal, as Fire melts the Metal. However, an Earth or Water person will feel very good in that environment, and you can easily guess why. Both of these elements are not overpowered by the Fire energy.

An old Chinese proverb states that feng shui consultants double as doctors. And for a good reason. The art and science of Feng Shui has a wealth of recommendations, cures, solutions for every person and virtually every space, be it home, business, garden, etc. Just like your body has a specific anatomy, the space you inhabit also has its own anatomy, with its own “do’s” and “don’ts.” Specific areas of your life, as well as specific body organs relate to specific areas of your home. For example, East is the area “responsible” for Family and Health. The element of East is Wood; therefore it is wise to avoid the placement of objects representing either Fire or Metal in this area of your home/business. If you suffer from certain body ailments, you can choose to place in the East area a picture, or any other representation of a medicine plant particularly healing for you (for example dandelion for liver problems)

Here are some feng shui remedies to improve your Health and increase Vitality:

* Keep the center of your House clean, clutter free and open. This is considered the Heart of the House and is a sacred area in many old cultures. No heavy objects should be placed here. The center of your space is a very good place for a fountain, some crystals, bells/chimes with a harmonious sound, happy pictures of your loved ones, or any other items that speak to your heart.

* Reduce or eliminate metal objects from your Bedroom, as metal conducts electricity. Work on reducing the electromagnetic fields in your bedroom. Provide an ideal space for your body to regenerate, replenish and heal itself during sleep. Do not sleep under beams or sloped ceiling. Do not sleep with your feet in line with the door. Have a good, supportive headboard. Choose a natural mattress.

* Become aware of the quality of air in your space. Aerate your home often and use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sage, frankincense, bergamot, etc to purify the space, uplift the spirits and improve your sense of well being. Consider using an air ionizer should this be necessary. Have specific plants that purify the air, such as peace lily, boston fern, spider plant, etc. Color green is very healing.

* Have a pleasing welcoming entrance. It should be well lit, spacious and have uplifting energy. If you face a wall or stairs, apply specific feng shui cures or your life could be stuck in unnecessary struggles.

* Surround yourself with objects you love and people that uplift your spirits. Try to spend some time in nature at least once a day. Make your home a healing refuge from the stress you encounter during the day by applying various feng shui cures and reducing the internal pollutants present in most homes.

By following these simple, basic feng shui recommendations you can greatly improve your sense of well being. You can bring healing beauty and harmony into your life and create an environment that is fully supportive of you and your loved ones.

Rodika Tchi, MSc, is a professional feng shui consultant. Her Vancouver-based company offers feng shui information, services and products. She can be reached at www.TchiConsulting.com

About The Author

RODIKA Tchi, MSc, has been a researcher and practitioner of the field of feng shui for over 8 years. She has several feng shui certifications from the International Institute for Feng Shui and Geobiology based in Germany and happy clients in many countries. Raised in Europe and educated in the US, Rodika lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and consults internationally. She can be reached at www.tchiconsulting.com

rodka@tchiconsulting.com"

I'm really not sure when I'll be able to next update the blog. I don't know a whole lot beyond what happens after today. I'm about to embark on an uncertain journey leaving behind a permanent role with a great company in Sydney Australia for the uncertainty of a contract role with a company of similar repute in a smaller city where I should be able to buy a home and raise a family.

I wanted to leave my blog on a good note in case this was my last post. Today I've found two really great articles. One is how to create a positive enviornment using feng shui, and the other is how to keep it.

Best wishes for the future.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips for Your Kitchen

2005-09-26T06:36:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Tips for Your Kitchen
By Stephanie Roberts:

"Feng Shui (say "fung shway") associates the kitchen with both health and prosperity. Couple this perspective with the role of the kitchen as "the heart of the home," and you can see that any feng shui problems in this room can have a significant impact on your family. Here are some quick tips for improving the feng shui of this important area of the home.

* Good housekeeping is good feng shui! Keep your kitchen shiny and clean for the best possible energy. A cluttered, dirty kitchen will have stagnant, dirty energy, which interferes with your ability to cook and enjoy healthy, nourishing food. When you are poorly nourished, your ability to work hard and earn a good income will suffer.

* Hidden clutter counts. An excess of stored food in the pantry or freezer can become clutter if it far exceeds a reasonable amount for your family. Old, stale food has old, stale energy, even if the expiration date is still months (or even years) away. Clean out your food cupboards and refrigerator regularly.

* Good nutrition is also good feng shui, so try to add more healthy, organic foods to your diet, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Start thinking of junk food as clutter that you are putting into your body, and maybe you'll be able to resist that next cookie or donut.

* A stove that is not in good working order implies a problem with financial resources. If any part of the stove (burners, oven light, fan, etc.) does not work, get it fixed as soon as possible.

* An unused stove implies untapped resources or ignored opportunities. Even if all you do is boil water for tea, rotate which burner you set the kettle on so that all of them get regular use! And use the oven, too, from time to time, instead of always relying on the microwave.

* If you stand facing the wall while you cook, this leaves your back exposed, a position that is considered weak in feng shui. Hang a mirror on the wall over the stove so that you can see what's going on behind you while you cook.

* Hanging a mirror so it reflects the stove burners visually doubles the number of burners. This symbolizes doubling of your income; more good food = better health and strength = ability to earn a good income.

* Fire and water fight each other, so the placement of the stove and sink is important. If they are directly opposite each other, this can lead to arguments and conflict within the family. Fix this by placing something green between them, such as a green rug on the floor or a living plant on a table in the center of the room. (A sink and stove that are side by side also weaken the energy of the kitchen. Again, place something green between them.)

* The stove is symbolic of wealth, so it is important to keep its fire energy strong. Wood feeds fire, so plants or plant imagery (or again, the color green) are all good to have around and near the stove.

* Fresh flowers bring beautiful uplifting energy to the kitchen. Place a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, or a living plant on your kitchen table, windowsill, or wherever the layout of your kitchen allows. (In feng shui, dried flowers have no life energy in them, so they are not recommended. If real plants are impossible, you can use very lifelike fake ones, but the effect will not be as strong.)

* Since nine is a feng shui power number, and oranges symbolize good luck, you can bring good luck energy into the kitchen by placing nine of the biggest, roundest, most perfectly orange oranges you can find in a bowl in the center of the room, on top of the stove (yes, you can move them while you are cooking!), or in the far left corner of the room. Always keep some oranges on hand, so each time you take one from the bowl you can add another to keep the total number at nine. Be sure to use the older oranges first, so none of them rot or dry out; if it's not good to eat, it's not good feng shui!

When your kitchen is clean, bright, and welcoming, the heart of your home is filled with good feng shui. The care and attention you give to enhancing this important area of the home creates a powerful, positive energy that supports the health and prosperity of your family.

Copyright (c) 2003 Stephanie Roberts

About The Author

GOT CLUTTER?!? Clearing out clutter is the most important and powerful way to dramatically improve the feng shui of your home. Stephanie Roberts' "CLUTTER-FREE FOREVER!" Home Coaching Program provides all the insight, motivation, and step-by-step guidance you need in an in-depth ebook and 6 weekly lessons. Plus, you can join our Affiliate Program and earn a commission on every referral sale. Find out more at http://www.clutter-free-forever.com

stephanie@clutterfreeforever.com"

I'm sure I don't need to tell you of the risks and importance of creating the right environment in the kitchen. I hope this article helps.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Bedrooms – Should Be A Safe Haven

2005-09-26T06:32:00.000-04:00

Bedrooms – Should Be A Safe Haven
By Beverly Marshall:

"We spend a great deal of time in our bedrooms, hopefully 8 hours, and decorating ideas for them should reflect that and be well thought out. Very few other places should capture our attention like that of the bedroom. It doesn’t matter if you are alone in the bed or not, you might try looking at this room with Feng Shui eyes. Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement. In Feng Shui, it is said to make a difference how you feel according to where you place the bed and what is around you when you sleep. Feng Shui suggests that you should feel safe and secure in a bedroom. You don’t need to practice Feng Shui to realize that. You should also feel comfortable and very calm energy there because you spend so much time in that room. Sometimes that feeling you get speaks volumes about how you sleep and it can determine how much time you really want to spend in the bedroom.

When you think about the bedroom, you may be thinking about a partner or finding a partner. Since practicing Feng Shui involves a lot of metaphor; take a look around your room and see what you are telling the universe by your furniture placement and surroundings. If you have pictures around you of a figure standing alone, you are reinforcing the reality of being alone. If you want to feel more comfortable, sleep well and/or find a partner; check out a few of the following guidelines.
ac • Place two pink candles or hearts on a side table in a bedroom; suggesting you would like a partner
• Don’t have photos of family or other friends in the bedroom as this is “your” space. Pictures of you and your partner is okay
• Place the bed so that the head of the head of the bed is opposite the door. You want to easily see people as they enter
• The head of the bed should not be over a window or you may feel lack of support
• Don’t have a TV staring at you in bed. If you must watch TV, cover it up before you go to sleep at night
• Try not to bring work home from the office; only to work on it in the bedroom. You are sending the wrong message
• Do not have a lot of books surrounding your head when you sleep. All of that information could be confusing and distracting your sleep
• Never place a ceiling fan above the bed because you don’t want the feeling of having fan blades above your head
• Having a night table on each side of the bed suggests there is another person in the bedroom, even when you do not have a partner
• Paint your bedroom pink. I painted mine pink and two weeks later I met my husband
• Make sure your bedroom door opens and closes easily. Noisy doors are disturbing
• Place earthy elements in a bedroom such as plants, stone, crystals or things that remind you of the earth

These are just a few bedroom decorating thoughts using Feng Shui as a guide. Have a clear intention of what you want in life and go about getting it. You can apply Feng Shui guidelines throughout the home and office with this ancient art and just see what a difference you will feel in your home or bedroom with a few subtle changes.

Bev Marshall is a successful freelance writer, Aromatherapist and Feng Shui consultant offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying a duvet cover, mattress, bedspread, baby bedding, comforter and more. Her many bed linen articles can be found online. She gives information and tips to help you save money and make informed buying decisions."

Well, it seems like my mind is dwelling on the uncertain present. Great waste of time I admit. Not much I can do about it right now so why worry? Still, preperation is important to success. Here's an article which helps you to create the right environment.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Interior Decorating For Cats - Protecting Your Possessions

2005-09-24T06:11:00.000-04:00

Interior Decorating For Cats - Protecting Your Possessions
By Joey Lewitin:

"Part 1

The first thing a cat owner should know about home décor is to keep it simple. Cats are completely convinced that they are in charge, that the house and its possessions belong to them, and that they have every right to break rip or shred anything they like. Even a well trained cat (a possible oxymoron) will occasionally get overzealous, and with an inadvertent sweep of their tail will knock your favorite decoration from its place to a pile on the floor.

This disregard for your possessions, overt or otherwise, requires that you use some strategy when deciding on the placement of various decorative pieces. This is going to amount basically to common sense. Any surface that a cat can reach, they will walk on. Therefore low shelves or dressers should not contain any objects that are fragile. Items should be moved towards the middle of a surface, or back against the wall, to prevent them being knocked onto the floor. Items that have a broad or sturdy base should replace other more top heavy objects. Decorative accents that can shatter, such as ceramics or stone statues, may have to be replaced by steal or wood.

One way to display fragile items is to move them up. High shelves that are isolated from cat “stepping stones” will be out of dangers way. The same may be true of tall dressers, although unfortunately some cats will take a tall isolated dresser as a personal challenge, which they simply have to climb. Your décor will have to be matched to the personality of your cat.

Mirrors can also provide a problem, as some cats tend to attack their own reflection. If your cat has a problem with this, buying velvet or satin cloth and draping it over the mirror can be a decorative way to solve this.

Plants can be one of the biggest décor problems a cat owner will face. Your pet can chew on leaves, dig in the soil, or urinate in them. Luckily, there are ways both to decorate around these problems as well as to train your cat out of them. For biting and chewing of leaves, a natural spray repellent applied to the plant will cause most cats to avoid it. To stop a cat from rooting in or excreting in your plant you have to realize that the dirt in the pot is reminiscent of the cats litter box. In order to change this, use stones or gravel to fill over the top of the dirt. This will remove the cat’s fascination with the soil, and can be a lovely decorative accent to your plant

Cat grass is a special kind of plant you can grow in your home that is specifically formulated to be safe for felines, and to provide them with certain vitamins they may be lacking. Purchasing this can give your cat an acceptable alternative to messing with your plants. When you see your cat eating the cat grass, reward them lavishly. When you see them going near other plants, pick them up and place them in front of the cat grass. If they eat the offered vegetation, then reward them. In this way you can use positive reinforcement to turn one behavior into another

Cats will scratch anything which is made of cloth, including couches, drapes, and pillows. Because of this, you may want to start by spraying natural cat repellent on your more attractive pieces. A plastic couch cover may have to be used for a short time while the cat learns to behave itself. Buying your pet a scratching post and praising it for scratching that instead of your couch is a good way to positively reinforce the negative behavior out of the cat. You will have to carefully monitor their progress, and only remove protective coverings from your furniture when you are sure they are safe.

While cats are a hazard to most décor, planning ahead can minimize these problems. Cats are so difficult to train that it is often easier to simply decorate around them. Using common sense, and paying attention, should allow you to develop a setting that compliments your pet owning experience.

Part 2: Protecting your pet

If you own a cat, then designing the décor of your home will require taking several precautions in order to protect your pet from harm. Glass items should be avoided both because they are easy to shatter, and because fragments of glass can then become embedded in your cat’s skin. Other items to avoid are those that have sharp edges, spikes, or that have small pieces which can break off and be swallowed.

You should also consider whether any object you bring into your home would be unhealthy if eaten by the feline. These items may include plants, flowers, and scented candles. Cats are fairly self-sufficient, as well as intelligent, however they are also curious, and you do not want to give them any easy method for hurting themselves.

Cats are fascinated by string, as part of their inherent instinct to kill snakes. This fascination may carry over to electrical wires. If you catch your cat attacking or playing with electric cords you should stop them immediately. This is a very dangerous problem that can not only result in the cat electrocuting themselves, but also in causing a fire. If your pet persists in this problem, one way to protect your wires is to wrap them in duct tape. This will make them harder to break through and less appetizing for a cat to chew on. There are also many natural sprays which have specially formulated smells that will cause a cat to avoid an area in which it is sprayed.

Curtain cords hold much the same fascination that electrical wires do, and they can also be a danger from strangulation. If you have rope that dangles too far from your curtain, the cat may attack it, causing it to tangle. If the cat becomes caught in the tangle itself, it can be very dangerous. Long hanging cords should be tied up out of the cats reach, or cut so that they do not dangle where a feline can reach them.

The level of caution you should use is based upon your individual cat. Monitor your pet and your home, and change your setting as necessary. Always use caution when bringing a new object into an area, and be certain you don’t introduce anything which can be harmful to the cat. Mostly, just use common sense and try to remove any obvious hazards to where they can’t be reached.

Interior Decorating for Cat Owners
Part 3: The Beauty of Cat Decor

For the most part cat décor is less about being beautiful and more about keeping your pet safe and comfortable. However there are so many manufacturers of cat products that you can fine almost any of the items mentioned above in several different colors. Try purchasing items such as litter boxes and scratching posts in matching or complimentary colors. If you match the hue to the rest of your setting you may be able to blend them seamlessly into the area

Alternatively, you may want to set aside a space just for the cat’s things, in order to separate them from the look of the rest of the room. While this won’t completely eliminate the intrusion of cat toys onto your setting, it can allow you to create interplay between the cat’s possessions and yours. If your home is predominated by a single color such as green or blue, purchasing matching black cat possessions can actually compliment this look. If your colors are more mottled, then patterned cat toys, or subdued sandy colored ones, may be a better way to create equality in the room’s hue.

The litter box is one of the most troublesome cat possessions to decorate around. It stinks, it’s dirty, and it’s generally surrounded by stray litter tramped out of the box by your oblivious cat. One way to deal with this item is to hide it, either in a bathroom, or somewhere out of the way such as a closet. If you don’t have anywhere to hide it, then you should consider getting a covered cat box. They are much more attractive then leaving the litter bare, and will also reduce the smell. Unfortunately these are rarely attractive, and become dirty easy. To create your own custom covering, get a giant cardboard box and place it over the litter. Cut a hole in the front where the door is. Cover the box in decorative paper, such as wrapping paper, and then coat this in plastic to protect it from moisture. This method should only be used in conjunction with an existing plastic cat cover; otherwise moisture will seep into the cardboard and turn it to mush.

Cats can make wonderful loving pets. They are fairly self sufficient, and don’t require much attention. However, they are still animals, and will be oblivious to the beauty of your home. In order to maintain the look of your setting, while maintaining the safety of your pet, you will have to plan the décor that you develop in your home. Every cat is different, so let your home evolve with the pet, until you reach a stasis in which safety and beauty are at their best.

Joey Lewitin is an artist, author, and designer that specializes in innovative decorating ideas. Click here to see more Interior decorating and home décor ideas from him and experts."

Ok, so I just posted an article on tips for decorating for your child's room so if you're like me and don't yet have kids, here's a great article on how to make your cat the king or queen they are in their own minds.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

7 Tips for Decorating Your Childs Room

2005-09-24T06:08:00.000-04:00

7 Tips for Decorating Your Childs Room
By Liz Hekimian-Williams:

"If you're not sure where to start or how best to tackle updating your child's bedroom, you're not alone. In a lot of families, the baby nursery takes a lot of planning and decorating time but there's often less thought and energy put into decorating the same child's room as they grow older.

It's common for baby toys and furniture like diaper disposals, pull toys and cribs to get removed, but other things often stay around for quite a bit longer than the growing child might wish. For instance a wall paper border with prints more suitable for your baby or young child's room, may not be as enjoyed by your now older child (or teen?!).

Here are a few tips to help you get started with decorating your child's room. The best part about this is that your child can help you do it this time around. So this can be a fun project you can do together!

1. Select a new color to paint the walls, a color that your child likes. If you have a strong objection to it, though, negotiate with perhaps a lighter version of that color, or limiting their color choice to only one wall. (Or, encourage them to put up some nice posters to lessen the wall color's impact!)

2. Mood lighting! Kids of all ages enjoy mood lighting of one sort or another. Together, select either a night light, a small novelty lamp with a low-wattage bulb, or an interesting colored or black light bulb lamp. Other lighting effects kids enjoy include disco lights, dog statues, flowers with light effects, and glow in the dark items.

3. Bedspreads. Get rid of baby blankets and exchange for favorite cartoon throws or bed covers. When they're teenagers, they might enjoy sports, frilly, or even more adult taste bed coverings.

4. Personalize something for their bureaus or their walls, with their names and/or photographs. Photos can be made into a collage. Exchange those baby and stork photo frames with an upgrade to novelty photo frames. Try one with hearts, a sports theme or a safari look, for instance. Engraved stones with your child's name or an inspirational thought and personalized acrostic poem name prints are fun and unique decor ideas that kids enjoy. Engraved name stones become long-lasting gifts and keepsakes. Acrostic name prints use the letters of your child’s name to start off self-esteem enhancing phrases that can inspire your child and highlight their special talents and interests.

5. Create a comfort zone area in the room, for cuddling up cozy and reading. You can use big pillows, plush or inflatable chairs, anything your child might enjoy to sit on and relaxing in. You'll also want to conveniently have some books placed within their arm's reach. You can also place some music equipment by that area for them to enjoy. And if there's room, add an additional seating space for you. Then together you can enjoy reading, listening to music, or simply chatting with each other. If you have a teenager, they'll likely want to have another seating space for you or their friends to use.

6. Together with your child, agree upon a wall paper border that you can use to decorate their room with. This idea can be in addition to or used instead of painting their room. Adding or changing a wall paper border can be a very simple and quick way to change the look and feel of your child's room.

7. And... here's an interesting idea my daughter suggested when I asked her for suggestions about decorating a child's room ... (I simply had to share this intriguing idea with you!) She said, "tell them to get an extra thick room door so you don't hear your kids fighting!"

Can you tell that she shares her room with her sister and something about the noise level in their room at times?

Hmmm... she might have a good idea there after all!

Liz Hekimian-Williams is founder of Giftsprings.com, a home decor and gift shop that features unique personalized gifts including engraved stones and personalized acrostic name prints, as well as novelty decor photo frames and accent lamps. To delight your child with his or her name etched in stone, you are invited to explore the personalized engraved stones available at http://www.giftsprings.com/category/estones

© 2004 by Liz Hekimian-Williams, Giftsprings.com"

My partner and I are trying for children and not enjoying success, so if you have children, give them a great big hug, tell them how much they mean to you, and help them create a space that is truely as unique as them!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Clutter & Creativity

2005-09-21T19:22:00.000-04:00

Clutter & Creativity
By Linda Dessau:

"Take a look around you right now. Look away from the computer screen and scan around you – the surface of your desk or table, now scan farther to look at the rest of the room. Close your eyes and imagine the rooms you can’t see from here; particularly the space where you most often work on your creative projects. Take a deep breath and really take in the image. What’s the impact?

If you’re like me, a reformed pack rat and clutter-magnet (and I think many creative people are), you might even find it difficult to breathe - almost like the piles, mess, unwanted and un-useable items are taking up air. Well, they are!

Clutter, essentially anything you don’t need, use or love, affects your creativity on many levels. In your workspace, it’s messy and makes it harder to find and use what you need to get your work done. In your schedule, it creates chaos and a feeling of a lack of time. In your mind, it clogs the pathway to your intuition and feeds fear and self-doubt.

In your heart, it blocks out love and peace by hanging onto negative emotions from the past. In your body, it weighs you down by making it harder to take care of yourself and harder to hear the messages your body sends you. In your relationships, it clouds your communication and affects your ability to give and receive.

This article will give you come clues for how to spot clutter in your life, and tips on how to begin clearing it out.

Do you have physical clutter?

1. Do you spend a lot of time looking for things when you’re trying to work?

2. Do you feel uninspired, or even dragged down, by what you see around you in your workspace?

3. Does the clutter distract you by reminding you of things you need to do (broken things that need to be fixed, half-finished projects, unanswered mail, unpaid bills)?

4. Are there things in your workspace that you haven’t looked at in years?

5. Does anything in your workspace remind you of unpleasant experiences?

Creative energy needs space. While some of the artists I spoke to when writing my book, “The Creativity Interviews” (http://www.genuinecoaching.com/creativity-interviews.html), seemed to thrive in chaos and busy-ness, most equated creative flow with a peaceful serenity surrounded by open time and open space.

Aside from space and freedom from clutter in our “home base” (the workspace where we write routinely), sometimes it’s OUT THERE that we actually do our best work. Riding on trains, sitting in cafés or surrounded by nature.

Do you have time clutter?

On any given day:

1. Are there many things you did that you didn’t enjoy doing?

2. Are there many things you did that you didn’t need to do?

3. Are there many things you did that didn’t do you any good (maybe even did you harm)?

The clutter in our schedules can lead to a chaotic life while things just seem to “happen” to us.

Do you have mental clutter?

1. Are you distracted by thoughts while you’re trying to write?

2. Do you criticize yourself in your own mind?

3. Do you spend time re-playing conversations or events?

4. Do you spend time speculating about future events?

Sometimes the chatter in our minds is constant and difficult to decipher. Other times there are the same boorish and loud messages over and over again – messages like “You can’t do it!”, or, “You’re no good!”. All of them are distracting and make it much more difficult to hear our muse.

Do you have emotional clutter?

1. Do you “brood” about arguments long after they’ve happened?

2. Do you hold grudges?

3. Do you spend a lot of time focusing on the things in your life that you don’t like?

Emotional clutter stems from the same pack-rat habit of not wanting to let go. Instead of hanging onto an old sweater missing a button, it’s hanging onto an old emotion. Once an emotion is over, it’s over, unless we choose to hang onto it. That’s a powerful ability we have – to either stay enraged, sad or anxious over something that happened three days ago, or three YEARS ago, or let go and give ourselves the freedom.

Do you have relationship clutter?

1. Is there someone in your address book that you’d like to let go of?

2. Do you find it hard to concentrate and listen intently to people?

3. Do you find it hard to be open to what other people are offering you (i.e. the appreciation of your audience or a compliment from a friend)?

4. Do you find it difficult to freely give (i.e. to perform without being preoccupied with your own thoughts)?

5. Do you say “yes” to everything that’s asked of you?

Sometimes we hold on to broken relationships for the same reasons we hold on to broken things: because we think they can be fixed (and that we’re actually going to take the steps to fix them), and because they’re familiar and safe.

The clutter in the rest of your life blocks your communication – it’s just too hard to listen with your whole heart when there are layers of clutter in the way. This affects your inner listening as well – your ability to tune into your intuition, your “muse”. Stage fright is a BIG form of clutter.

Is clutter impacting your health?

1. Are you “too busy” to exercise?

2. Is fast food easier because you can’t find your kitchen counter?

3. Do you exhaust yourself with a busy day and then putter around trying to “wind down” until late in the evening?

4. Do you not notice (or pretend not to notice) symptoms of illness or injury until they’re so severe that you have to take drastic measures?

5. Do you have a hard time falling asleep because your mind is whirling around or your emotions are surging?

If we’re surrounded by clutter and chaos, things like eating vegetables or walking around the block just don’t seem do-able or important. And yet if we don’t take care of our bodies everything else becomes much, much harder and can lead to fatigue, illness, trouble concentrating, pain, addiction and weight problems.

Tips for Clearing the Clutter

1. If you’re serious about tackling your physical clutter, I recommend the book, “Clear your clutter with Feng Shui”, by Karen Kingston. She has wonderful ideas for clearing your clutter and also helps you to have a much deeper awareness of how the clutter got into your life in the first place.

2. One simple method to get the physical clutter out is to create three piles (boxes are helpful), labeled: Give away, Throw away and Put away. You can add other categories if you like (i.e. recycling, repair).

3. To quiet down your mental clutter, try writing. In the Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron recommends writing three full pages every morning. Find your own method – write to do lists, poems, lists of everyone you’re mad at, talk back to your inner critic, write about whatever’s swirling around your hear. You can also write down questions for your muse – help with a particular verse or a request for general inspiration.

4. To deal with your time clutter, just say “NO”. This is a muscle that might need some exercising. Put yourself and your creative pursuits first – just because you’re at home, that doesn’t mean you have to be available.

5. If emotional clutter has your heart tied up in knots, practice letting go. Forgiving someone doesn’t mean condoning what they’ve done. It means freeing yourself and being open to positive emotional experiences.

6. To improve your relationship with your audience and combat relationship clutter, think about what they’re hoping to get from your performance – maybe to be transported by the music, to be inspired, to have their feelings put into words, to be soothed, to be “rocked”, to be energized or to be cradled. You have an enormous power to give them these gifts.

This article was originally published on the Muses Muse Songwriter’s Resource website (September 2004) http://www.musesmuse.com.

© Copyright 2005, Genuine Coaching Services. All rights reserved.

Linda Dessau, the Self-Care Coach, helps artists enhance their creativity by addressing their unique self-care issues. To receive her free monthly newsletter, “Everyday Artist”, subscribe at http://www.genuinecoaching.com/artist-newsletter.html"

Clutter?! Ha! If I had to submit to a clutter audit I'd flunk for sure! Most of it is mine and a lot of it is just work mess. I really do have the best of intentions but I never seem to get around to doing anything about it, somehow clutter seems to get in the way of me making any improvements! This article gave me some good ideas so I help it help you too.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Are You In or Out of Balance?

2005-09-21T19:17:00.000-04:00

Are You In or Out of Balance?
By Suzee Miller:

"CLUTTER: When clutter starts to accumulate in an environment, imbalance in our personal, professional and social lives always follows. This can range from health and financial challenges to struggle and conflict with friends, family, co workers, affiliates, as well as with buyers and sellers. Feng Shui is the communication that takes place everyday between you and your environment. At a glance, take a look at your home, office, desk, car and briefcase and check to see if you are in or out of balance!

DE-CLUTTERING: This is the first step in reclaiming your health, vitality, energy and business! Creating a sense of harmony and peace in your space will reflect the same in your life and career. Consciously letting go of "things" that no longer serve your highest good, will invigorate and energize your personal Ch'i, and empower you to attract blessings, abundance, health, wealth and good fortune in your life.

FENG SHUI...
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

"Should I include porches and decks in the Ba-gua when I Feng Shui my listings?"

If a porch or deck completes the Ba-gua square (eliminates a missing corner or qua section) then, yes, include it. If it extends beyond the Ba-gua and is less that 50% of the width, then do not include it. The later scenario is called an "Extension" and is considered a fortunate blessing for the occupants.

"Given the choice to face one of my power directions at work vs. sitting in one of my best gua areas, what would you advise me to do?" Good question. Although some Feng Shui Masters would disagree with me, I would definitely honor at least 2 out of your four "empowerment" directions, at all times, when working or talking to significant others. Also, some Masters believe the sitting direction is more important than the ("eyes") facing direction. I believe the facing direcition is the most powerful school of all. Aligning yourself with your power directions will help to reduce stress and eliminate wasted time in the day. If you are lucky enough to sit "facing" 3 out of four of your best directions, it's possible to reduce your work time by a third, too. This phenomenon is based on magnetic energy alignment. Each human being has four out of eight magnetic "compass" directions that support them in almost every aspect of their lives. (Click onto www.chiquiz.com to find out your personal power element)

"How can I tell if a house has good or bad Feng Shui?"

The answer to this question is both simple and complex. The perfect form/shape of a house in Feng Shui is square or rectangular with no missing corners. However in Classical Feng Shui, we believe that the "unseen" energy inside a property will either support or deplete the Ch'i of the occupants. This is based on many factors ranging from "compass" sitting/facing directions, year constructed, your year of birth, whether you are an East or West Group person, the compass direction of main doors and bedrooms, as well as the location and shape of the land and building too. To embrace Feng Shui from a Classical perspective like this, requires a consultation with someone who practices both Traditional and Western Feng Shui.

"What is your 5 Element Business System all about? There is a gal in my office who had you Feng Shui her office last year and teach her this and now she is number one in our office, but she won't share anything with me, it's like some kind of big secret."

I'm happy, but not surprised, to hear she made #1!! However, I am sad to hear that your associate is not willing to share her success story with you and others. There is an "endless supply" of abundance in the Universe for everyone to tap in to, even within the same real estate office; therefore, it's impossible for competition to hurt anyone.

My 5EBS is not difficult to learn, and it is not a secret. It's a powerful color code system based on the "productive cycle" of five Chinese elements that when used properly, magnetizes business to you. This system is effective in any industry. It's our most sought after consultation; it's called the COMBO (a 2 hour recorded phone consultation) and includes the Feng Shui of your office, desk and learning a 5 Element Business System that supports high volume sales. This consultation has helped hundreds of Realtors® triple their existing sales and income in record time. However, because the 5EBS is designed to honor each individual's or company's visions and goals, it is impossible to duplicate the 5EBS on CD, thus the reason why it is done by consultation, one-on-one. (click onto the Consultation link at www.FengShui4RE.com for more information or to read a few Real Estate testimonials)

"I have a listing that won't sell, what can you do to help me sell this property fast before the listing expires in 30 days?"

Believe it or not, 90% of the time, it's the Ch'i of the land that needs to be Feng Shui'd more than the house to get it SOLD. Western Ba-gua, the simplest school to learn, is the easiest and fastest way to Feng Shui and sell a difficult or hard to sell listing. You can learn how to do this, step-by-step, on your own with our REALTOR® EMPOWERMENT program. It's fun and the results are fast and dynamic, and your sellers will love it too. You can order this unique marketing and sale program online at www.FengShui4RE.com by clicking onto the Product link. After learning this program, it will take you less than ONE hour to Feng Shui your listing!! Also, super star agents around the world are proactively Feng Shui'n all their listings today, even when they know they are going to sell quickly, because Feng Shui'd properties act like magnets to attract buyer, seller and referral business, effortlessly.

"Someone told me that single women artwork in my bedroom is affecting my ability to find a mate, is this true?"

Feng Shui is the language of symbols, colors and metaphors (among other things). Thus if you are single and desirous of a partner in life, this would be an inappropriate placement. Pairs of things would help to pull in partners i.e.. artwork of lovers kissing, dancing etc. would certainly enhance your odds. However, I have found that many clients, both male and female, with single object artwork in their living environment, are often times more "ambivalent" than desirous of a relationship. Thus the fourth realm of INTENTION always rules! You would benefit greatly by listening to TeleSeminar CD# 2 LIKE GRAVITY you Don't have Believe in Feng Shui for it to Work!!

"I've listened to your REALTOR® EMPOWERMENT program several times and think it's TERRIFIC! I also Feng Shui my listings using your program, and they all have sold!!! I love Feng Shui and it's amazing how both my life and career have changed since using your unique methods. Thank you so much!! I can't wait to learn more, can you tell me what books I should read or do next?"

Congratulations!! It sounds like you are ready for advanced Feng Shui! I suggest you join our monthly interactive Feng Shui TeleSeminar series. Classes have begun and are open for registration. If you are unable to participate LIVE, you can purchase this seminar and those you have already missed on CD or MP3 at www.FengShuiTeleSeminars.com All of our CD TeleSeminars include handouts that you can retrieve on line as well. This advanced course is presented in sequential order, so there is still plenty of time for you to catch up.

With Peace and Blessings,
SUZEE MILLER
Feng Shui Paradigms
www.FengShuiParadigms.com
800-499-7844

Feng Shui is not superstition, philosophy or a religion. It is the art and science of living in harmony with our interior and exterior environments. Suzee Miller is a nationally recognized expert on Feng Shui principles and their applications in business and real estate. She has authored 17 audio programs on Feng Shui and appears as a frequent guest on radio and television talk shows. Dedicated to healing the planet and to empowering people, Suzee is fast becoming the most sought after Feng Shui speaker and consultant in the nation."

I'm definately NOT in balance. If I were a washing machine I'd be banging against the sides and making a terrible noise and you'd probably come running to see what the noise was and to stop the machine before it destroyed itself.

How about you? How are you doing? Is your life in balance or are you a toy boat in a 5 year olds bathtub? Sometimes it's not possible to escape turbulence (anyone thats been on an airplane will know that it's not always possible to go around and sometimes you just have to slam through and pray you survive).

I hope this article offers you some help!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Use Feng Shui Techniques To Design a Harmonic Website For Your Business

2005-09-18T19:40:00.000-04:00

Use Feng Shui Techniques To Design a Harmonic Website For Your Business
By Jakob Jelling:

"By following feng shui guidelines and techniques, you can build and design a business website that is not only visually attractive but also attractive to wealth and prosperity. The elements that are part of a business website are somehow equivalent to the objects distributed through a working space since the website is the electronic version of the actual business' offices. Therefore, the website design and the elements that will be in it should follow feng shui guidelines in order to be properly balanced.

The colors used to design your website are very important and you should choose it carefully. If you want a website which feels lively and active, it should contain yang elements, while if you wish it to be quiet or passive, it should have yin prevalence. Yang colors are all the bright and cheerful ones, while ying colors are all the dark shades. Therefore, a website with predominance of a light and bright color would be more yang than a dark or off colored one where yin would have prevalence.

It is important that you keep your business' website general appearance clear and tidy. A messy or cluttered website would not only make the user feel overwhelmed but it would also be an obstacle for your business prosperity. Your business website should be designed having its graphics and written content clear and organized. Besides this, the general appearance should be as natural and easy to follow as possible. Anybody who visits your business website should feel welcome and comfortable in it, and this should be achieved by providing a clear and welcoming main page and allowing an easy navigation through the entire website.

The lines you use for your business website and its graphics are also important regarding feng shui harmony. Straight lines and shapes with cutting edges are not natural and when having too many of them it can be harmful for your business' prosperity. Therefore, you should try to use as many curved and smooth lines as possible, since this would not only help you adding nature inspired elements to the website but also bring wealth to it.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Most business web site drives me nuts! I think they're ugly, cluttered, eye sores. What most bosses don't seem to realise is that a web site will not make you money, only a business with successful sales communication tools make money. If you are a business owner with a web site I wouldn't like, I hope the article aove helps!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

10 Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life

2005-09-18T19:36:00.000-04:00

10 Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life
By Glenn Murray:

"Ever walked into a house that felt like home? Ever reminisced about the best year of your life, and wondered why everything came together for you? It could be Feng Shui.

Simply put, Feng Shui is about creating a harmonious environment. It’s the ancient Chinese Science and Art of placement, intended to improve our health, harmony, longevity, career and wealth.

Pronounced, “Fung Shway”, it was a jealously guarded secret for thousands of years. Now, the benefits of Feng Shui can be enjoyed by anyone. In fact, Feng Shui is a part of everyday life for many Australian businesses, home owners, decorators, and architects.

June from June Turner Designs and Lifestyles has been an expert Feng Shui practitioner for 13 years. “Feng Shui can be simple or involved – whatever you’re comfortable with. Decorate a room or buy a home that is perfect for your family.”

The key is energy (or Qi “Chee”). June offers ten quick tips that can improve the flow, transformation, and containment of Qi in your life:

1) Remove shoes before entering a home. Don’t take your problems in with you.

2) Cook at least one meal a day and eat at the table as a family.

3) Never have knives on show – even in a block.

4) Always sit or stand facing the door (or its reflection).

5) Keep the toilet lid down and bathroom and laundry doors closed.

6) Don't sleep under white blankets or doonas.

7) Don't sleep with your feet facing the bedroom door.

8) Don't sleep next to the wall that has the metre box on it.

9) If your front door is in line with a tree or the door of the house opposite, place a Ba Gua mirror above the outside of the door.

10) Never have a Ba Gua mirror in the house. They are far too powerful.

It’s no coincidence that some of these tips are just common sense. You’ve probably been practising Feng Shui for years without even knowing it!

According to June, “this is just the tip of the iceberg. Just a few little changes can make the world of difference. But most solutions are specific to the individual.”

For more information, contact June Turner Designs and Lifestyles on Sydney (02)43992018.

About The Author

* Glenn Murray is an SEO copywriter and Article Submission Specialist. He is a director of PublishHub and also of copywriting studio Divine Write. He can be contacted on Sydney +612 4334 6222 or at glenn@divinewrite.com. Visit http://www.divinewrite.com or http://www.publishhub.com for further details, more FREE articles, or to purchase his e-book, ‘SEO Secrets’."

I found this article on the web. I think it's a great article full of easy to impliment tips. Isn't a better lifestyle what we all want?

Have a great day,

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Interprets Exposed Beams

2005-09-15T07:47:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Interprets Exposed Beams
By Kartar Diamond:

"What constitutes a balanced room according to feng shui theory involves not one, but several aspects. Some of those aspects are non-obvious while some aspects are immediately palpable, such as the flaw of a room which is chronically dark or cold.

The look of exposed beams can be architecturally stunning, but when large looming beams hover over a person's bed, they can create an unbalanced flow of chi (air currents) within the room. This can have a predictable affect on the person sleeping below. For example, if a large exposed beam hovers over your waist, it could undermine fertility or cause digestive problems. A large beam that crosses over the knees could trigger or worsen knee problems. When the beam travels length-wise over the middle of the bed, the couple sleeping below can feel divisive. It is as if an invisible curtain divides the connection between the two people.

Feng Shui is a 3,000+ year old metaphysical practice, originating in China, but relevant to everyone since it deals with energy, nature, laws of physics and the environments we all create. The harmful effect of exposed beams is well-documented and a basic feng shui principle is that flat, beamless ceilings are much healthier to sleep under.

What do you do if you have exposed beams in your house? Well, if the room is big enough to handle a four-poster canopy bed, the fabric draped over the frame can work as a faux ceiling and deflect away the downward pressure of the beam. Some people are actually able to drop the ceiling in a remodel and thus eliminate the exposed beams entirely. This is only recommended if you will feel comfortable with the lower height of the ceilings.

Exposed beams in other rooms of the house, such as a den or dining room, should not be a concern. The beams are only a potential problem if you sleep under them or work long hours under them.

Written by feng shui expert Kartar Diamond. http://www.FengShuiSolutions.net Visit our website and let us know if you would like to see an article on a feng shui topic that interests you."

I gotta admit, I do love exposed beams, I just wanted to point out the dangers in play here if you have them in your home.

Got a question? Click on the "my feng shui ebook" link or visit this authors web site and ask away!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Guidlines for Storage Spaces

2005-09-15T07:44:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Guidlines for Storage Spaces
By Stephanie Roberts:

"Professional organizers and helpful-hint sources often recommend storage solutions such as shelves above doors and in corners, hooks on the backs of doors, and peg-board or tools and small appliances. They are masters at maximizing every square inch of a closet with bins, baskets, shelf dividers, and multiple hanging rods. What they don't realize is that, from a feng shui perspective, these techniques can cause as many problems as they solve.

For good feng shui, it's important to leave some of your storage space unused, for doors to open all the way, and to aim for visual simplicity. As you work toward achieving the organizer's dream of a place for everything and everything in its place, keep these guidelines in mind:

* Spaces that are completely full block the flow of "chi" (vital energy) into your home and your life. Full file drawers block the flow of new business; full bookcases block the flow of new information and knowledge; a full bedroom closet can block your ability to attract a new relationship, and so on. Wherever possible, keep 20-25% of your storage areas available for new ideas, relationships, and opportunities to flow your way.

* Storage units hung from the ceiling create oppressive energy that presses down on whatever is underneath them. Anything stored overhead can contribute to feelings of depression, anxiety, and overwhelm. A pot rack hanging over the stove is considered especially bad because it "weighs down" your finances.

* Shelves over a door, or on a wall beside your bed or desk have a similar oppressive effect, and can lead to headaches, poor sleep, lack of energy, or muddled thinking.

* A hook on the back of the bathroom door is fine if all you hang on it is a summer-weight robe and PJs. If the hook is piled with three terry robes and a few extra towels, so the door no longer opens all the way, that's a feng shui no-no. Never use hooks on the back of the main door to your home or on bedroom doors; it is essential that these doors open freely and completely, with nothing stored behind them. (That means removing anything stored on the floor behind the door as well.)

* Vinyl-coated wire shelves on the inside of a door can be a good way to keep lots of small items tidy; however, they should only be used on closet, cabinet, or pantry doors.

* Avoid under-bed storage if you can. If you must use this space, use it for extra bedding and for soft, seasonal clothing such as sweaters. Never store any kind of sharp objects, information (books, videos or DVDs, paperwork), or exercise equipment under the bed; you may have trouble sleeping or feel exhausted no matter how much rest you get.

* As much as possible, store things where they are accessible but out of sight. Peg board and open shelving create visual clutter, so limit these to the garage, workroom, or pantry where they won't affect the energy of the rest of the house.

* Be thoughtful about how much stuff you display in a room. Filling the den with knick-knack shelves so hubby can have his entire collection of sports memorabilia on display creates visual overwhelm. From a feng shui perspective, it's better to invest in closed storage such as drawers and cabinets and have only a few treasures on display at a time. Change the selection every three to six months, and with each rotation you'll rediscover old favorites. By displaying fewer items at a time, you'll actually enjoy and appreciate your collection more.

* Another common problem is family photos and snapshots scattered lavishly throughout every room and wall in the house. Select a dozen of the best ones, frame them attractively, and create a mini-gallery on one wall in one room or hallway. Store the rest or put them in albums. (Okay, okay, you can stick a few on the fridge, too!)

* Aesthetics are as important as functionality in feng shui. Keeping earrings and small jewelry in an ice-cube tray or egg carton works, but it's cheap-looking, cheap-feeling, and will drag your energy down every time you use it. It's okay to be budget-conscious, but appearance counts, too. A small plastic storage box is more attractive than an ice-cube tray and you can get one at your local discount, craft, or housewares store for less than three dollars. They even come in pretty colors so you can choose one to match your bedroom décor.

With these easy guidelines in mind, you can choose storage solutions that will keep your space tidy and create good feng shui in your home. For even better results, remember to get rid of clutter before you put things away. Why waste time and money finding clever storage solutions for stuff you can do without?

Copyright © 2003 Stephanie Roberts

About The Author

STEPHANIE ROBERTS is a feng shui consultant and writer in Maui, HI. She is the author of the popular "Fast Feng Shui" book series and the "Clutter Free Forever!" Home Coaching Program. For more tips and information, visit her websites at http://www.fastfengshui.com and http://www.clutterfreeforever.com.

stephanie@fastfengshui.com"

Let's face it. If you're anything like me, you've got too much "stuff" and too little "space" so I thought this article might be a helpful!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui

2005-09-14T07:27:00.000-04:00

How to Buy a Home with Good Feng Shui
By Kathryn Weber:

"Buying a home is usually a stressful experience. So much rides on a new home because this is where you relax, have fun, sleep, eat; in short, it’s the place central to your life. Not only that, but homes usually cost a whole lot of money and represent our single largest investment. Most homebuyers can usually find the objective requirements of house hunting, such as location, size, and price. But, there are also intangible factors when searching for a new home, but most people don’t know what to look for.

Helping you find the flaws
This is where feng shui comes in. Using feng shui, you’ll be able to spot the problems –or the potential -- in a house that exist outside of the objective requirements of number of bedrooms, amount of storage, etc. These are features that you might not notice, and a realtor will seldom, if ever, point out to you. But, with this checklist, you can at least feel more confident about your decision to go with a particular property.

Look at the space with “feng shui eyes”
When you are looking at a house – or any space for that matter – and considering whether to buy it, it helps to look at it with “feng shui eyes.” You will want to do this once you have considered all the other objective aspects of the house, such as square footage, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, living areas, location, price, etc.

The next step is to run down a checklist of the subjective feng shui considerations that will help you make a feng shui assessment. Even if you aren’t house hunting, this list can give you some important information that might be very revealing about the house you are already in!

The list below provides some of the more serious feng shui problems.

Exterior
Street: Is house at the end of a cul-de-sac, dead end or T-junction?
Topography. Is the lot sloped away at the back? Avoid yards that slope down toward the rear. Select home with a rise at the rear. Is house below street grade? This will make for a constant “uphill” struggle while you live here.
Landscape. Is there a tree or pole directly in front of the front door? Dead trees or shrubs? Dead lawn?
Garage. Is it ahead of the house or front door?
Neighbors. Is this house smaller than houses on either side? Do neighbors’ houses have sharp angles pointing at this house or appear to overpower or dominate the house?
Views & proximity. Can you see or is it close to church, temple or other house of worship? Can you see or is it close to funeral home, cemetery, hospital, police station, sewage treatment, abandoned building or run-down house?
Water. Is water, lake, river, ocean at the back of house or too close to front?
Lot. Regular or irregular-shaped? House sits too close to the front of lot? Does backyard fall away from the rear of the house?
Paths. Driveway ends at house instead of garage? Walkways end straight at door?

Interior
House style. Split, bi-level, or center hall colonial?
Front. Front door lines up with back door? Does front door face stairway?
Structure. Overhead or exposed beams? Ceilings too high or are they low and slanted? Skylights over sleeping areas or kitchen? Foundation cracks or problems? Serious plumbing or electrical problems?
Entrance. Do you see toilet/bathroom door from the entrance? See the kitchen/stove from the front door? See the dining room from the front door? See the bedroom from front door?
Toilets. Located in NW, SW, center, or corners of the house? Bedroom, dining area or kitchen located under or over toilet?
Staircases. Spiral staircase? Staircase stops at front door? Split or scissor-style staircase?
Hallways. Too long? Divide the house into two sections? Too dark?
Bedrooms. Over garage? Over bathroom or laundry? Have empty space below, i.e., patio area? Is master bedroom too close to the front door?
Fireplace. In the NW portion of the house? Is it in the Southeast (wealth) sector?
Major locations. Problems with or missing sections in Northwest (man), Southwest (woman), North (career), or Southeast (wealth)? Bathroom, laundry, kitchen in center of house?
Odor. Smells musty, smoky, putrid?

Enlist a professional
Still not perfectly confident? Well, a home is a major purchase and we must always consider that important point. Most people take a used car to their mechanic before buying it — and its purchase isn’t as important as a house. So, if you’re still confused or just want to proceed with the sale in confidence, why not talk to a feng shui specialist about looking about the prospective house?

A professional feng shui consultant should be able to tell you what you can expect from this location, such as good financial or business opportunities. Or, maybe you’ll find out that buying this house means your health will suffer, you’ll discover an afflicted portion of the house, such as a toilet in the SW sector that can hurt your marriage. Give serious consideration to hiring a professional.

Fortunately, most problems have a feng shui fix
It’s important to know that every house has “feng shui flaws” and that no house is perfect. However, you should be aware of what you are buying so that you are knowledgeable about what kinds of problems might be associated with the house. The good news? Most feng shui flaws can be corrected.

Kathryn Weber is a certified master practitioner in classical feng shui and the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter a weekly feng shui E-Zine. She has been featured and quoted by publications and websites, including Seventeen Magazine, First for Women, Martial Arts Professional, the Indy Star Newspaper, Self-growth.com, and Transformations.com. Log on to www.redlotusletter.com to subscribe or to contact her about a personal consultation, speaking engagement, or workshop."

Yes, it's another one of those "not again" posts. I keep dwelling on this one because my partner and I are trying to look at creative ways to buy our first home. Why creative? In Australia, like in England, unlike in North America, house prices are stupidly expensive. I'm on a good salary and still I can't afford a family home. If you can, then this article should help with finding one with good feng shui.

Best wishes,

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Using Candles in Feng Shui Decorating

2005-09-14T07:22:00.000-04:00

Using Candles in Feng Shui Decorating
:

"The basic belief behind Feng Shui is that there are five elements, some combinations of which create a productive cycle, and some a destructive cycle. When one of these five elements – water, wood, fire, earth, and metal, respectively for the productive cycle – are combined with an element adjacent to the main element, a productive cycle is perpetuated. The reason being that water sustains wood, wood feeds fire, ashes create earth, earth creates metal, and metal holds water. So if you have a room where wood is the main element, it would be good Feng Shui to add a water or fire element to the room, as water feeds wood and wood feeds fire. This is where candles would be a nice touch of good Feng Shui.

A look at the destructive cycle will show which elements do not work well together: water, fire, metal, wood, earth. And we can see that water puts our fire, fire melts metal, metal cuts wood, wood clogs earth, and earth muddies water. Although these elements are generally considered bad Feng Shui combinations, one can be used with an adjacent element in the destructive cycle to minimize an overpowering element. For instance, if a room has overpowering metal elements, maybe filled with modern metal furniture, you can minimize that with wood elements like some green leafy plants, or with fire elements such as red throw pillows, a fireplace, or even candles.

It is beneficial to bear in mind the productive and destructive cycles while decorating, but for optimum Feng Shui, a room would have an equal balance of all five elements – none being too overpowering. If this isn’t the case and there is not one overpowering element, then the productive cycle is a good place to start when decorating.

Now that we have a basic understanding of the elements, we can see how to best utilize candles in our decorating. In areas with predominately metal or water elements – rooms which would have a lot of blue or silver colors or metallic furnishings – a candle would help minimize the overpowering colors and add balance. If you want to start using Feng Shui in a room with no overpowering elements, you could bring in a candle and a complimentary element like a plant or a brown oval rug since that color and shape are associated with the earth element.

Candles can be an easy way to bring a natural element into your home and can be a good starting place for implementing Feng Shui design. Not to mention that scented candles are often great Feng Shui because of the mood-enhancing qualities certain scents have. Candles provide a simple start in creating a pleasant ambiance and good decorating style.

About The Author

Jennifer Hall is the founder and editor of Candles 4U featuring scented soy candles and much more. When she's not online, Jennifer's spending time with her family, gardening, or playing the piano or accordion."

I honestly love candles! I don't know what it is. I do tend to have a fair amount of wood in my home, but probably only as much as I have metal. I have to admit that the rooms I prefer to have candles burning in do tend to have more wood and plants in and around them.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Useful Feng Shui Career Tips

2005-09-13T07:00:00.000-04:00

Learn some useful feng shui career tips
by Jakob Jelling:

"As it does with every main life aspect, feng shui also provides tips and guidelines to help you improving your career. If your career is not moving on in the way you wish, that is due to a lack of balance and harmony within your environment and the elements that affect it. Feng shui career tips intend to help you reach that harmony, but besides of following these specific tips, you should try to follow feng shui guidelines for all your life areas, since your life should be balanced as a whole as well.

One first and very important feng shui career tip talks about your desk position. The desk or table you use for working should be placed in a position that allows you to see the main door. Your desk should never be with your back at the door, since that would be very harmful for your career. And if possible, you should also try to place it in such an angle where you can also see the window.

You should be careful of not having your back towards a sharp edge or a poison arrow. If you can't avoid this, you could minimize the harmful effects by placing a plant or a crystal covering it. In case you have a door or a window at your back, you can also place a plant or a crystal to neutralize bad consequences.

It is also important that you design your office or working space according to the bagua map indications. If possible, you should try to create your working space at the south of the environment where it will be. According to the bagua, south symbolizes the life area corresponding to career, and therefore it is the ideal place for such purpose.

Another important thing to take into account is tidiness. Your working space, and especially your desk, should be tidy. You should get rid of clutter from your working space and maintain it as clean and tidy as possible. Besides, it is particularly important that you keep the south area of your desk free of objects since this area is the one which corresponds to career according to the bagua map.
About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Yes, this is another one I keep dwelling on. That's because I don't know how to progress with my career so I'm dwelling on it. I'm at the top of my career progression at this point (I've got five years experience and I'm up against people with fifteen years experience who are asking for the same hourly rate) and I'm struggling to work out how to climb out of the bucket I'm in so I can fall into the bucket of the one above. Lifts appreciated!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Get Rid Of Clutter

2005-09-13T06:54:00.000-04:00

Get rid of that clutter
by Mary Lambert:

"Why is it that clutter seems to build up so easily in our homes? No sooner do you have a clearout than it seems to start creeping back in - one pile appears in the hallway and before you know it, it has spawned other piles that go down the hall and up the stairs.

So what actually is the definition of clutter? Basically it is:
• something you don't use or dislike every time you look at it or wear it
• an unwanted present
• a broken item that can't be fixed If you love an item, or it still has a use it's not clutter, so display it, wear it or store it where you can easily find it.

Clearing out your clutter is the first aspect of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of furniture placement and energy flow. Improving the flow of energy (chi) in your home and creating good feng shui is believed to improve different areas of your life, bringing about increased wealth, career success and better health. But when you home is full of clutter, the energy that first comes through the front door will struggle to move smoothly around the rooms if it keeps encountering piles of junk stored in the hall, hidden behind doors, sofas or crowding surfaces in kids' bedrooms, the kitchen or bathroom. The slow, sluggish energy that this creates then has a negative effect on you and your family, often making you feel confused, blocked, lethargic, depressed and reluctant to progress or move on in any area of your lives.

Clutter hotspots So which are the worst areas in the home where clutter tends to gather?
• The door and hallway - Piles of children's paraphernalia, shoes and bags, boxes and newspapers stacked around here makes a bad impression for visitors and can stop energy entering positively, and prevent new opportunities coming in.
• Attics and lofts - these can become veritable dumping grounds for our past. They are often full of mementoes and memorabilia that creates a heavy, oppressive energy that is constantly hanging over us - old love letters and tokens, old school books, diplomas, old appliances and sports' gear and ancient board games - all gather here.
• Wardrobes in bedrooms - these are havens for old clothes, items that no longer fit and shoes that are too tight or never worn. Most people only wear about 20% of their clothes. Your wardrobe should reflect the person you are now, not who you used to be.

Clear out and move on So have a big clearout, be ruthless keep only what you really like and want. Do a few hours here and there and see how you lift your home's energy and atmosphere. It is truly liberating, once you create a shift and dump that rubbish that has being annoying you for months, you will soon notice new exciting things starting to happen.

Clutter clearing tips
• Go round each room with a pad and assess your junk, highlight the priority areas to sort out first.
• Do one small area at a time, focus on clearing out a drawer, cupboard or a wardrobe - don't overwhelm yourself.
• Get together five bags or boxes and label them: Junk, Charity shop or friends, Things to be repaired or altered, Things to sort and move and Transitional (keep in the loft for 6 months, if you don't miss them, throw them out). Sort out all your clutter into these bags.
• Don't hold onto presents you don't like just because a friend or relative gave them to you, give them to charity or someone who will like them.
• If anything is broken, get it mended or get rid of it as it promotes negative energy.
• Remember linking yourself to past relationships won't let new ones come in, so keep a few romantic mementoes, but throw away the rest.

About the Author

Mary Lambert is an experienced feng shui and decluttering consultant and can be contacted at www.marylambertfengshui.com"

I know, another "get rid of clutter" article Sam? I can explain. I live in Australia so it's spring time here and of course with spring comes spring cleaning, but that's not all. I'm at a stage in my life where I'm trying to work out what I want my life to be like for the next 30 years (yes, it's my 20's, remember yours?)

I'm doing a lot of throwing out the clutter, organising the mess, and focusing on a leaner, cleaner lifestyle where meaningless junk doesn't drain my energy. I really do think these articles are of great value, which is why I keep posting them.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Maintaining Good Feng Shui

2005-09-12T17:40:00.000-04:00

10 Feng Shui Tips for a Better Life

2005-09-12T17:39:00.000-04:00

Wind Chimes Soothe The Soul

2005-09-11T05:09:00.000-04:00

Wind Chimes Soothe The Soul
By Lee Dobbins:

"They can be pretty to look at and soothing to hear, but did you know that that wind chimes also have healing effects? Just listening to the tones of the chimes can help calm your mind and release stress. Calming your mind, the tones of the chimes help to release all that stored up stress. This soothing effect helps open our spiritual awareness and has been used by many cultures for centuries.

As a Feng Shui cure, your wind chimes could help you gain luck and prosper. Metal wind chimes are recommended for the North, West and Northwest, Wood for the East, South and Southeast. For good luck, it is recommended to use chimes with 4, 6, 7, 8 or 18 rods. If it’s bad energy to want to keep away, then go for a chime with 5 rods. For outside the house, bamboo chimes are best.

You can hang wind chimes anywhere and on any type of hook - hooks sold for bird feeders work pretty good. Just make sure whatever hook you choose can support the weight of your chime. Make sure you do not hang it too close to any structure as you want it to be free to flow in the wind. Or you can use a fancy hanger to add more interest. When hanging your chime, remember to pick a spot that is protected from strong gusts of wind to avoid damage to your chime.

Some Ways To Enjoy Your Wind Chime:

# Hang it near your hammock and take a soothing nap to the melodic tones of your chime.
# Plant some flowers while listening to the music of your wind chime.
# Bring dinner outside and have a romantic supper while listening to your chime.
# Set your chimes up in your bedroom window so that you can hear them when the breeze wafts through on a hot summers evening.
# Put some chimes in your office and to help release the stress of the workday.
# Hang your wind chime by your door so that you can hear it first thing upon arriving home.

Find out more about the soothing effects of wind chimes at Wonderful Wind Chimes"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

What Clutter Clearing Can Do For You

2005-09-11T05:08:00.000-04:00

What Clutter Clearing Can Do For You
By Stephanie Roberts:

"You can get a pretty good idea of the benefits of clutter clearing simply by imagining your life free of all the negative effects of clutter: lack of focus and clarity; feelings of being professionally, creatively, spiritually, and/or romantically stuck; insufficient time and attention for self and family; increased stress, irritability and depression. Wouldn't it be great to be free of all these?

No matter what other factors may be dragging you down, I guarantee you that clearing your clutter will dramatically improve your mood and energy. And then any other problems you are confronting won't seem quite so bad.

When you first start clutter clearing you may be surprised at the emotions triggered by the simple act of dealing with your stuff. You think you're just cleaning out your home, but what you're really doing is rooting around in dusty corners of your psyche and coming eyeball-to-eyeball with unresolved business from the past. The personal relics that lurk within your clutter - college papers, family memorabilia, detritus from a long-dead marriage - can be easier to ignore than to carry to the dump, which is why they've been haunting the back of your closet for so many years.

As you persevere with clutter clearing a moment will come when you realize how much lighter and happier you feel. In the process of coping with your clutter, you've reconnected with your inner self, with dreams and wishes long ignored. Those you've outgrown can be released with a fond smile. Those that make your heart leap with recognition and longing... well, now you have the space, time, and energy to pursue them.

Clutter clearing gets you out of your rut. It shakes loose frozen aspects of your soul and allows them to journey into your heart where they belong and where you can listen to and act upon them.

Eventually, you will find yourself turning to clutter clearing instead of aspirin or caffeine when you notice that you're not as clear-headed, focused or insightful as you'd like to be. If you're feeling lethargic and don't want to exercise, you'll know to examine whether you've allowed a zone of stagnation to creep in around the couch (where you are most likely to be having lazy thoughts in the first place). If you can't seem to decide on priorities for your business, you'll realize it's time to clear off the desk and catch up on paperwork. And if you're not eating as well as you should, you'll remember that clearing off the kitchen counter and cleaning out the fridge will help get your eating habits back on track.

What this all boils down to is that managing your clutter helps you feel like less of a victim and puts you back in control of your moods and your life. You have greater confidence in your abilities and decisions, so you feel more hopeful and optimistic about the future. You respect yourself more, and will probably find that other people treat you better as well. You feel less stressed, and have more courage to try and do new things. You stop turning to material objects to make you happy, because you are content with less.

Clearing out your clutter creates space for possibility. You may find yourself deciding to go back to school, change your career, start your own business, go out on a date, take up painting or singing or ballroom dancing, try out for a part in a play, or... what's your dream? (No wonder clutter clearing can be a little scary! Suddenly there are no more excuses for why you can't pursue that dream.)

Your friends will say you look terrific. They'll wonder where that sparkle in your eye came from, and how you manage to look both energized and serene at the same time. It's because you have released from your life everything that is no longer useful to you. You have let go of the past and are no longer hoarding for the future. You have made space for living freely in the present, where peace resides.

© 2003 Stephanie Roberts

[excerpted from "Clutter-Free Forever!", Lotus Pond Press, 2003]

About The Author

GOT CLUTTER?!? Clearing out clutter is the most important and powerful way to dramatically improve the feng shui of your home. Stephanie Roberts' "CLUTTER-FREE FOREVER!" Home Coaching Program provides all the insight, motivation, and step-by-step guidance you need in an in-depth ebook and 6 weekly lessons. Plus, you can join our Affiliate Program and earn a commission on every referral sale. Find out more at http://www.clutter-free-forever.com.

stephanie@clutterfreeforever.com"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Using a Feng Shui Compass

2005-09-10T06:28:00.000-04:00

Using a Feng Shui Compass
By Jakob Jelling:

"What should you look for in a feng shui compass and how should you use it?

A feng shui compass is a very helpful element when it comes to finding out the location and orientation of a house or building. It will allow you to apply feng shui guidelines in an accurate manner since it will provide you with knowledge on the exact orientation your house has.

There are different kinds of compasses, and the most useful feng shui compass you can find is the one which allow you to look at the numbers it shows at the same time than you look at the building and keep aligned with it. Other kinds of feng shui compasses, the most traditional ones, require you to look down in order to watch the numbers they show, and this is not as helpful as if you can watch them while keeping your sight up.

A traditional feng shui compass' name is "Lo Pan", "Lo" has the meaning of "everything" and "Pan" means "bowl", and the correct interpretation of the term means a bowl which allows you to have access to the universe mysteries. This feng shui compass is also known as the traditional Chinese geomantic compass.

The Lo Pan feng shui compass has different concentric rings which provide the information through a magnetic needle. One of the most important rings is the one called "the twenty four directions ring". This ring is the third one and accurately tells you which direction the building faces.

Another important ring you may find in a Lo Pan feng shui compass is the one called pre-celestial. This ring is placed at the center of the compass and provides information about the way chi flows in every specific environment and the realm of that space. This would allow you to find out the right way to improve the chi of that specific place.

As you can see, a feng shui compass is a very important feng shui tool which must be taken into account at the time to professionally apply feng shui within a space. A feng shui compass would provide you with accurate information regarding all the important aspects considered by feng shui and therefore allow you to properly balance and harmonize that space.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map

2005-09-10T06:26:00.000-04:00

All You Need To Know About The Feng Shui Bagua Map
By Jakob Jelling:

"The feng shui bagua map is an octagonal shaped map which allows you to evaluate in feng shui terms any living or working space. The feng shui bagua is a very important feng shui tool and indispensable when we wish to harmonize a place and the elements in it.

According to the feng shui bagua map, each part of your house corresponds to a different life aspect. The life aspects are nine and each one of them has its own characteristics and elements. By properly harmonizing each of the bagua areas within your home or working place, you will be harmonizing each area of your life.

The nine life areas symbolized in the feng shui bagua are: prosperity, fame and reputation, relationships and love, family, health, creativity and children, skills and knowledge, helpful people and travel, and career. Prosperity is the area which you should pay attention to when you are having money related problems, its color is purple and the elements you should use in it are wood and water.

The feng shui bagua life area called fame and reputation is the one which should be paid attention to when wishing a reputation improvement of any kind; it is represented by the color red and its most important elements are fire and wood. Relationships and love area is the one which should be improved when looking for starting or improving a relationship of any kind; its color is pink and the elements are earth and fire.

Family is another feng shui bagua life area and you can harmonize family boundaries by working on it, its colors are green, black and blue and its main element is water. Health, another life area represented in the feng shui bagua map, can be improved by working on that area of your house. Health colors are yellow, brown and orange, and its main elements are earth and fire.

The next feng shui bagua life area is creativity and children. Creativity and children should be harmonized when having problems with children in the family, when wishing to have children or when wishing to improve our creativity. The colors of this area are yellow and earth tones, and its element is metal. On the other hand, the colors you should use in order to improve the skills and knowledge life area are black and green and the element you should add is earth.

Helpful people and travel is another feng shui bagua life area and it can be improved by using the colors white and black and by making sure it contains the elements metal and water. The life area of career can be harmonized and improved by using blue and white in the space which corresponds to it as well as by adding some metal in it.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui North versus South Hemisphere

2005-09-09T03:42:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui North versus South Hemisphere
By Peter Corbett:

"The North South Hemisphere Question:

The question of whether or not the orientation of the Lo Pan, Lo Shu should be reversed when applied to the Southern Hemisphere has been thrown back an forth for years so lets consider the excellent arguments put forward in Qi Concepts at the www.dragonsbreath.co.uk

Feng Shui originated in China between 3000 and 5000 years ago. China is a vast country however its placement is entirely in the Northern hemisphere no part is closer than 18 degrees North of the equator. There is neither authentic historical data, nor are there any records regarding the application of Feng Shui theory in the Southern Hemisphere. Evidence simply does not exist, so unfortunately we have to debate the question, postulate our theories and make our own decision on what we feel comfortable with. Certainly if you live close to the equator, you need to be aware of the difference between the geographical equator and the magnetic equator, as I have already pointed out in the previous section. The difference can be quite considerable as much as 12? of latitude that's 720 nautical miles or 828 statute if you like.

Isogonics Charts show the magnetic flux. It can range from 0° to 30°. Interestingly the large area over China has no Magnetic Variation. This diagram is only to illustrate the variation in flux. To see a good example of an Isogonics Chart visit the British Geological Society Web Site

If you look at the earth you can see that the earths axis is inclined at angle of 23.5? to the plane of its orbit around the sun this is called the ecliptic. It maintains this tilt pointing rigidly and parallel to the same point in space towards the Star Polaris. If the angle of the Earths axis remained perpendicular to the plane of the Sun then the Sun would be overhead at the equator at all times. This is not the case however and we are stuck with it the way it is.

The Earth orbits the sun in 365 days. The suns apparent motion crosses to the North side of the equator for around for six months peaking during the summer solstice on the 21 June, over the Tropic of Cancer where it reaches its maximum declination* North around 23? North. It then starts to decline and crosses to the Southern side of the equator crossing the point of Libra around the 21 September. It continues its loop South until it is over Capricorn around December 22nd, the winter solstice, where it is at its lowest West point.( Reversed for the S Hemisphere) It should be clear from this now how the seasons are formed. (*the angular distance of the sun North or South of the Equator)

From this model, we can see that most people in China lived above The 22nd Parallel of North latitude. This means that their view of the sun, from Quinghai Province North Central China for instance, on the 21 June would have been rising East North Easterly approximately 064? True (24°N of E).

The sun would traverse the sky, reaching its maximum altitude of 74? at mid day, when it bears due South, and the proceeds across the sky Westward where it sets West North West around 290?True (16°N of W)

Now if we consider the fact that the earliest school of Feng Shui was Form School Feng Shui, which supposedly predates the compass by at least 2000 years and was concerned with the topography of the landscape using the four celestial animals configuration we can see a pattern forming.

We have in Chinese Form School an arrangement naturally looking towards the midday Sun/South our biggest source of energy and the ultimate Yang. the source of our warmth and light. This is the Phoenix to the front Red /Orange its element is Fire like the rising and setting of the Sun. It is only natural that this would be the direction for the Yang rooms of a home to face. These would be the rooms that are most active and used during the day.

They would be the most open rooms with the largest windows The entrance hall, living room, family room, conservatory, courtyard, sundeck,

The Turtle is to the North at the back of us providing protection. Blue/Black/ Yin Cold and dark like the long far Northern nights. The Black Turtle historically represents the shady side of the hill. It makes sense that this direction with the least light smallest windows and being the most Yin should be considered the most suitable for the Yin rooms of the house such as the bedrooms toilets bathrooms store rooms.

The Azure/Green Dragon the colour of the Eastern plains and the China sea, is to the left/East and the rising Sun, Its wood element is expansive and represents the growth of spring and the dawn of each new morning. This area is conducive to a kitchen being yang but lesser yang than the South and good for breakfast room, if there is a garden then this is an area for a vegetable plot or an orchard especially if they can be orientated to a southerly aspect.

The White tiger to the right/West, towards the snowy peaks of the Himalayas and the setting Sun. its metal element is representative of contraction and autumn it is yin, feminine, conserving and protecting by nature. This is also a good area for children's bedrooms and nursery especially for the youngest daughter.

It is relatively easy to see how and why the ancient Chinese configured their homes to face in these directions. This configuration is just as relative today to homes in the Northern hemisphere as it as 5000 years ago in China. If we had the option to build our perfect home, this would be the configuration we would be most likely to choose, for sure.

The energy pattern and qualities of the sun's apparent motion in the Northern Hemisphere as viewed down on the North Pole is clockwise. Likewise, the major ocean currents and major air streams the trade winds and monsoons circulate in a clockwise direction.

(The World Climatic Chart for July in the Admiralty sailing Directions NP136 is an excellent illustration).

In harmony with the laws of nature; and therefore balance, the Yin and Yang. The opposite exists in the Southern Hemisphere. Although the Sun will still rise in the East, the Suns apparent motion when viewed from the Southern Hemisphere is anti clockwise. The major currents and air streams are anticlockwise. The Sun, the major source of energy is to the North and the cold dark and shadows lie to the South. The four seasons are not reversed i.e. Autumn, Summer, Spring, Winter as often stated, but complement their opposites Spring and Autumn, Summer and Winter, Autumn and Spring, Winter and Summer. The wave patterns are cyclical, alternating but equal in frequency and amplitude providing a dynamic balance and overall harmony. Common sense dictates that you would not through choice build a home facing the cold Yin South, the shadow side of the hill in the southern hemisphere.

There are a number of other very powerful phenomena and examples in nature that reinforce the idea that the orientations are reversed in the Southern Hemisphere and we should be observant of our surroundings and take notice of and listen to Nature and our environment after isn't that what Feng Shui is all about.

The earth's rotation when viewed from above the North Pole is clockwise. The earth's rotation when viewed from above the South Pole is anti clockwise. The Corriolis force reverses from one Hemisphere to another. The Ocean currents change their direction of flow when they cross the equator. Weather systems Tornados and Storms revolve in opposite directions in each Hemisphere. The trade winds change their circulation on crossing the equator from one hemisphere to another.

The huge upper air masses warm and expand and rise upward over the equator diverge in a direction towards the poles. Yang The huge upper air masses get cold heavy and sink converging on the Poles, Yin. The four seasons are opposite. Plants and trees lean towards the sun the source of all energy the ultimate yang. The further North or South you travel as you approach the poles the speed of the earth's rotation slows Yin. The nearer you approach the equator the faster the rotation goes Yang. The further North or South you travel as you approach the poles the earths the earth grows colder darker stiller Yin. The nearer you approach the equator the brighter warmer livelier, lusher and more animate more Yang.

Peter Corbett author of Qi Concepts and the http://www.dragonsbreath.co.uk site. He examines the question of north south hemisphere and the compass or true north questions."

All the best,

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

The Five Feng Shui Elements and Their Characteristics

2005-09-09T03:41:00.000-04:00

The Five Feng Shui Elements and Their Characteristics
By Jakob Jelling:

"Feng shui handles five main elements in order to achieve harmony and balance in any space. These five feng shui elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. Each one of them has its own characteristics and properties, and we will detail them in the following lines.

According to Chinese traditions, everything is constantly changing and interacting and that happens through these five main elements. Feng shui traditional knowledge and all its guidelines are based on these five feng shui elements. Therefore, when wishing to harmonize a place according to feng shui, these elements must be properly employed according to their characteristics and effects.

One first feng shui element is wood, which has the Chinese name of Mu. Wood represents innovation, creativity and birth, and it is a sociable element. This element corresponds to the color green and the east direction. By placing this element at a strategic spot in any space, you would be adding all of which it represents.

Another feng shui element is fire, called Huo in China. Fire symbolizes and brings activity, enthusiasm and energy to the places where it can be found. It is a warm element that must be treated with measure since too much of it can destroy what surrounds it. Fire is represented by the color red and direction south, and symbolizes the puberty years.

A next element is earth or Tu in Chinese. This feng shui element symbolizes stability, patience and honesty. It is a methodic element that can also become demanding, and is ideal for everything that is related with real estate and inheritances. Earth is symbolized by color yellow and is representative of the early youth years.

Metal or Jin in Chinese is another main feng shui element. It represents success in businesses and harvesting. It can also represent a knife or cutting metal and be destructive through it. White and gold are the colors that symbolize it, and its direction is west. This feng shui element symbolizes the adult years of human life.

One last element is water, called Shui in Chinese. It has a very important role among feng shui elements, and actually the name feng shui contains its name in it, meaning water and wind. Water mainly represents communications and traveling. But it also represents learning, arts and media. Water is elemental for living, not only for humans but also animals and plants. It can be quiet or violent. This element is represented by the color black and direction north, and symbolizes the old human years.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Hope it helps,

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Improve Your Love Luck with Feng Shui!

2005-09-08T02:22:00.000-04:00

Improve Your Love Luck with Feng Shui!:
by Stephanie Roberts

"Are you tired of looking for love without success? If so, the layout, furnishings, and energy of your home and bedroom could be part of the problem. When the areas of your home affecting your love life are cluttered, missing from your floor plan, or suffering from sha chi (harmful energy) it can be difficult to find and maintain a good relationship.

A key principle of feng shui is that everything is connected energetically. This means that your thoughts, feelings, and behavior are influenced by your surroundings. A dark, untidy bedroom contributes to an atmosphere of fatigue and depression, which in turn makes it harder for you to find the energy to clean the place up. In feng shui terms, it also undermines your ability to attract and maintain a joyful and fulfilling romantic attachment. Feng shui problems can even affect your reputation, make it harder to meet new people, and lead to increased arguments and miscommunication -- all of which contribute to difficulties in your love life.

Improving your love luck with feng shui starts with understanding that attracting a partner is only part of the solution. For example, if a serious relationship has recently ended, you may need a period of healing and self-reflection before starting to date again, no matter how eager you are to connect with your next partner. Maybe you have no trouble finding dates, but can't seem to meet the right kind of person. Or perhaps you're seeing someone exclusively, but seem to be stuck just short of commitment.

Here are some quick ways you can apply basic feng shui principles to increase your chances of success in various stages of the relationship cycle:

When you need to recover from a break-up before moving on, your key task is to let go of the old relationship and reconnect with who you are as an individual. In feng shui terms, relics from past relationships - such as photographs, clothes, and mementos - hold you in the past. The stronger that old energy is, the harder it will be to move on to someone new. Remove anything that reminds you of a past failed relationship from your bedroom. This includes things that are out of sight in your closet, a dresser drawer, or under the bed. Pillows, mattresses, and bedding absorb your energy over time, so when a marriage or live-in relationship ends, it's a good idea to buy new sheets and pillows and even a new mattress if you can afford it, to help you make a fresh start. New bedding is also a good idea if you have been single and lonely for a long time. Pamper yourself during this stage, and try to do at least one thing every day just because it makes you happy.

When you are actively looking for a partner, your key task is to create space for a new romance. If your closets, dresser drawers, and bathroom shelves are filled up with your own stuff, there is no room on an energetic level for someone new to come in. That's why the best way to attract a new romance is to literally make space for it. Empty out at least one dresser drawer for your next partner's clothes. Make space in the closet, in the bathroom cabinet, and on bookcase shelves. Start with your bedroom, then move on to the rest of the house. Is there room for another person's DVDs and music in your CD rack? Where will your new sweetheart put his or her health supplements, exercise gear, notebook computer? Is there room for another car in your garage, or have you filled that space up with stuff? Make a list of all the areas of your home where your new partner might need some space, and try to free up at least 25 percent of it. If you can't clear 25 percent of the relevant spaces, just do the best you can; your strong intention to create room for a new relationship is the most important factor. When you do connect with your new love, you can look for a more spacious residence together!

When you have met a "likely prospect" and want to nurture that new relationship, your key task is to ensure that your bedroom supports romance. This is a good time to get rid of any clutter blocking the path from the front door of your home to the door of your bedroom. This will help keep the energy in your bedroom fresh and strong. In feng shui, the symbolism of what we see is very important, so make sure your bedroom says "romance" in some way. Focus on these areas: 1) what you first see when you enter the bedroom; 2) the wall across from the foot of the bed; 3) the relationship area of the room (the right-hand corner on the side of the room opposite the door, and/or the SW sector). Just about anything that means romance to you can be appropriate feng shui imagery for your bedroom. Traditional romantic symbols such as hearts, cupids, and pictures of happy couples always work well, as does a faceted feng shui crystal hung in the relationship area or over your bed. Look for opportunities to group objects in pairs, such as placing two pink or red candles or a bud vase with two red silk roses on your bedside table. Pale green is also a good color for new romance.

Although these simple steps are just a few of the many ways you can use feng shui to improve your love luck, they will do a lot to shift the energy of your home. As your environment becomes more welcoming to romance, your own energy will shift as a result. When you are clear in your heart about the kind of love you want, and take action to welcome it into your home, your dream of lasting happiness with a wonderful partner really can come true.

About The Author

Stephanie Roberts is the author of "Fast Feng Shui for Singles: 108 Ways to Heal Your Home and Attract Romance", now available in ebook format at http://www.fengshuiebooks.com and in paperback at Amazon.com or your local bookseller. For more feng shui tips and information, please visit Stephanie's feng shui website at http://www.fastfengshui.com.

stephanie@fastfengshui.com"

Another great article by Stephanie! If you're looking to improve your love life situation definately take a look at her web site!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It

2005-09-08T02:20:00.000-04:00

8 Signs Your Home is Out of Control -- and What to Do About It
By Kathryn Weber:

"It happens without warning. One day you notice your home has turned into a collage of papers, junk, and stuff – everywhere. You’re not alone. Today more than ever it seems that the flotsam and jetsam of living, like the waves of an ocean, continually beat at our doors, flooding our houses with all manner of stuff until our homes are bulging at the seams. A typical home is now cluttered and dirty to the point of exhaustion -- yours.

All this accumulation also makes going home, or being at home, fill us with a sense of dread because we’re overwhelmed by the sheer volume of things surrounding us. Once islands in the stream, many homes are often now just as jumbled, crowded, dirty, and chaotic as the public places we try to escape from. Housekeeping and cleaning house is not the greatest of fun, but it is vital to our well-being.

Recently a study by the UCLA Center for Everyday Lives of Families found that families are overscheduled, child-dominated, and cluttered. The study touched on something that’s become a common problem in most households today: too much stuff. And all that stuff, makes us feel out of control.

Could your home be out of control?
If you have a perfectly ordered home or just don’t care about the state of your surroundings, then having an out of control home isn’t a problem. But, if the thought of your home raises your blood pressure to an unhealthy level or spending time there would make you rather have your teeth drilled, then you do have a problem – and you may have a home that’s out of control.

An out of control home is a source of frustration, embarrassment, and tension. So where do you start if this describes your home? The first step in learning how to cope with an out of control home is to recognize the signs. Only then can you address the problem.

The 8 Signs You Have an Out of Control Home (OOCH)

1. It’s messy.
Anything that can be straightened up in five minutes or less does not qualify as messy. A truly messy house has been hit by more than its fair share of bombs: toy bombs, clothes bombs, paper bombs (magazines, mail, and other piles of paper), dirt bombs (general dirt and debris), pet bombs (hair, smell, food), collectible or hobby bombs, etc. And, the mess is everywhere: the kitchen, the bathroom, the living room, the bedroom.

2. It’s disorganized.
No one can find anything, from the car keys to last year’s tax returns. A disorganized home is one where too much time is spent looking for things, and where you have doubles or triples of everything because when you couldn’t find what you were looking for, you went out and bought another to replace the one you couldn’t find.

3. It stinks.
The smell can come from the puppy training on the new carpet, the moldy smell from the roof leak, the cat box that’s never changed, or the trash that everyone forgets to take out.

4. It’s dirty.
This is that garden-variety filth that makes you hope no one will ever come to visit. It’s the ring in the toilet, the dust bunnies the size of Dallas, and the cobwebs hanging from the ceiling that wave gently in the breeze. The dirt is pervasive and ground in.

5. It doesn’t work.
This is a home where the furniture is broken, the bed sags in the middle, things don’t work like they should, and repairs that need to be made drag on for months or years. It’s not truly functional and lots of things have “work-arounds,” such as pliers to turn on the washing machine because the knob fell off.

6. It’s anxiety-producing.
Does the thought of going home make you feel anxious? If you’re happier at work or in places other than home, then chances are it’s because your home is out of control. It makes you uptight because it’s dirty, disorganized, or messy – or all three. And, when you’re there, you can’t relax and you often find excuses to go somewhere else to unwind, such as at the movies or driving in the country.

7. You avoid having visitors.
If you feel panicked when the doorbell rings then you’re living in an out of control home. Guests should be a welcome sight in the house and you should feel confident enough to invite visitors in.

8. It’s cluttered.
If every square inch of your home is covered with something, then you’ve got too much stuff. There’s got to be some open space somewhere in your home because open space give us a “visual rest.” Look at interior design magazines and you’ll notice the homes pictured in them because there isn’t stuff everywhere to distract you.

Most houses have out of control areas
Of course not all homes are out of control, but many homes suffer from one or more Out-Of-Control-Home (OOCH) symptoms, or they have an Out of Control Area (OOCA). These are areas such as the laundry room or garage that tends to get out of control, and most every home has one. But, regardless of whether your home is truly OOCH or OOCA, it doesn’t have to stay that way. You can take steps to bring your house back to order and get it under control.

The 8 Steps to Get Your Home Back in Control

1. Declutter and straighten first.
Take a trash bag with you to each room, throwing away anything you no longer want or that doesn’t work. Take another box with you from room to room for items you want to donate.

If you have paper bombs, clothes bombs, and toy bombs that have gone off in your house, get these under control. Handle the paper by throwing it away, recycling it, or filing it. Get the clothes picked up and put in the wash, folded or hung up. Next, corral the toys, throwing away what’s broken. And practice saying “When in doubt, throw it out.”

Next, don’t forget to contain yourself. It’s easy to work in the living room, pick a toy for your child and wander into that room and then start working there. This is important: Stay focused on the task and the room at hand or you won’t get anything done.

2. Clean second.
Now that the mess is handled and everything is picked up, it’s time to get down to serious cleaning. Thoroughly clean each room, including the kitchen and laundry room, and don’t forget to sweep porches and walkways outside. Get kids to clean the baseboards, windowsills, and clear the cobwebs from the corners of ceilings. Go from one room to the next and don’t leave until each room is completely cleaned.

Lastly, schedule some hired help and have your carpets and upholstery steam cleaned. Steam cleaning does not use soap, which can make carpets get dirtier faster and actually attract more dirt. This will also make your home smell better, too. Schedule this at least once every year. If your house still smells musty, air it out or consider having your heating and air conditioning vents cleaned.

3. Repair what’s broken.
The house is decluttered, clean, and now it needs to work. Fix broken panes of glass, leaking faucets, or repaint water stains on the ceiling. Put your husband on the job while you’re cleaning or decluttering.

4. Edit your stuff.
Collections and knick knacks everywhere is what’s classified as clutter. Clutter is a problem because of the emotions associated with it. For instance, many people feel guilty about getting rid of things because certain items were gifts or were inherited.

But the first rule of clutter-busting is that you have to absolutely drop-dead love something in order to keep it. If you just can’t part with something, then don’t. Put all the items you can in a box and then put it into storage. Then once you’ve forgotten about all those guilty feelings, you can put the items in a garage sale, donate them, or just throw them away.

In short, if your house is overrun with family pictures on every inch of wall space, an explosion of sports memorabilia, or a porcelain pig collection that won’t end, for example, pare them down and then find one central spot to display these items rather than spreading them all over the house where they can make you feel overrun.

5. Create visual space.
Clear as many items as possible off the floor, off the tops of dressers, countertops and nightstands so your home will have plenty of clear space. You know how a hotel room makes you immediately want to go flop on the bed? That’s because it’s clean and clear. Clearing away excess stuff will give your eyes -- and your mind -- a rest.

6. Get pets under control.
If possible, evaluate your pet’s impact on your home. Do what you can to create a living situation where both you and your pets are happy, but not where one of you is at the expense of the other. Many homes are controlled by pets to the point that woodwork is scratched, the home is damaged, every surface is covered with hair, and there is an unpleasant odor in the home.

7. Organize your home.
Create areas for coming and going where keys, backpacks, purses, wallets, mail, and other needed items can be placed. This area should have a trashcan where you can sort mail, and a small hanging basket where bills that need immediate attention can be placed.

Then, work on organizing bill-paying, files, warranty booklets, and all the little areas of your home that get cluttered, such as medicine cabinets, home offices, desk areas, pantries, laundry rooms, garages, spice cabinets, and so on.

8. Keep at it and involve everyone.
This is probably the most important step for getting – and keeping – a home under control. A home that’s under control is not something that happens once and then it’s done, like taxes. Keeping your home in order is more like exercise or taking vitamins. You have to keep at it. Keeping a home in control is a process, not an event. I have to tell myself all the time don’t put it down, put it away.

It also takes commitment on everyone’s part. My pantry is an OOCA in my home mostly because an orderly pantry is important only to me. But, a family meeting was called so that everyone does their part at keeping the pantry orderly. It will also keep us from having five boxes of raisin bran or three bags of marshmallows.

Bringing your home into control is a wonderful way of bringing a sense of accomplishment and order back into your life. It will also save you money because you won’t purchase multiple items because you can find what you’re looking for. It will also help you create a home that is your refuge and where you enjoy spending your time. Lastly, it will make you proud to live there and have guests over. Now, let’s get to work!

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of the Red Lotus Letter feng shui e-zine and is the cleaning editor at Bellaonline.com. Both sites focus on how to improve your life by improving your surroundings. Sign up for her newsletter and receive a free report, 16 Feng Shui Secrets for More Prosperity. Log on at http://www.redlotusletter.com"

Get control now, it will make a world of difference to every aspect of your life!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Finding Your Feng Shui Power Spots for Love and Romance

2005-09-07T02:05:00.000-04:00

Finding Your Feng Shui Power Spots for Love and Romance: "Finding Your Feng Shui Power Spots for Love and Romance
By Stephanie Roberts

The first step in using feng shui to attract a partner or improve your love life is to find the relationship power spots in your home. Once you have located these areas, feng shui cures and enhancements can activate these areas and increase your love luck.

The feng shui "ba gua" is an energy map that divides any space into eight ("ba") sections ("guas"), each of which affects a specific aspect of life. Love and marriage are governed by "Kun" gua. Your relationship power spots are the Kun guas of your home, bedroom, and other main rooms.

In traditional Chinese feng shui, Kun gua is the southwest (SW) sector of the home. Secondary Kun guas are the SW sector of each room within the home. Contemporary Western feng shui defines the ba gua in relationship to the entry. Using this method, Kun gua is the area of the home or room that is farthest to the back on the right-hand side, when you stand in the doorway facing into the space. (Always use the formal front entry to the home when you are using this method, even if you go in and out through a side or back door most of the time.)

One reason many people find feng shui confusing is that they don't know which to method to follow. With so many places within the home that might be called Kun gua, where do you place your feng shui objects?

Follow these steps to find the best relationship "power spots" in your home by combining and comparing these two methods.

1. Using a compass, find the room or rooms that are located in the SW sector of your home. (If you have a floor plan that indicates North, you can use that to figure out which direction is SW.) If you have no way of confirming SW accurately, just use the doorway method.

2. Stand in your front entry, facing into the home. What room or rooms are in the back of the house on the right-hand side?

3. Compare the rooms you identified using these two methods. Stairways, narrow hallways, closets, bathrooms, and bedrooms occupied by anyone other than yourself should be crossed off your list. If you identified the living room, dining room, kitchen, or any other comfortable, pleasant space, keep those rooms on your list.

4. Your personal bedroom will always be a good place for romance feng shui. Put it on your list, even if it is not in the SW or right-rear area of the home. If your bedroom is in the SW or the rear right area of the home, it is a very strong relationship power spot for you.

5. Find the relationship areas within you bedroom. First, use your compass to locate the SW area of the room. Then stand in the doorway facing into the room and locate the far corner on your right-hand side. If these two areas overlap, you have identified a very powerful relationship power spot for feng shui enhancement.

6. If these two areas in your bedroom (SW and far-right corner) are not the same, compare them. Which is brighter, cleaner, less cluttered, more attractive? Which has potential for adding feng shui enhancements: a section of wall where you could hang a poster, photograph, or framed piece of artwork; the top of a dresser or bedside table, a fireplace mantel, or a bookcase where you could clear a little space on a shelf for a romantic figurine or other object.

7. Now, find the relationship areas within any other rooms on your "approved" list. First, using the compass, locate the SW area of the room. Then stand in the doorway, facing into the room, and locate the far corner on your right-hand side.

8. Again, compare your options, and look for clean, uncluttered, well-lit, attractive places where you could place feng shui objects or romantic artwork or imagery.

9. If by the end of this process you have more than three good options available to you, continue to prioritize your list. The most desirable "power spots" will be:

1. in your bedroom

2. places that you see most often as you go through your normal daily activities

These are now your priority power spots for love and marriage. Some easy ways to enhance these areas are with:

* imagery or artwork representing lovers

* two pink or red candles set side-by-side

* a red, pink, or white heart-shaped box

* two round or heart-whaped red or pink pillows

* two red silk roses in a pretty vase

* fresh flowers with red or pink blossoms

* a pink faceted feng shui crystal, hung over your bed or in a power spot

* imagery or artwork of pairs of mandarin ducks, doves, or swans

* the Chinese symbol for "double happiness"

* any image or object that represents love, marriage, or romance in a way that has strong personal meaning for you

There is much more to feng shui than activating power spots, but these simple steps will get you off to a good start. The feng shui imagery and objects that you place in your power spots help to shift the energy of your home, and are visual reminders of your intention to find happiness with a romantic partner who will be everything that you have dreamed.

(c) 2003 Stephanie Roberts

About The Author

STEPHANIE ROBERTS is a feng shui consultant and writer in Maui, HI. She is the author of "Fast Feng Shui for Singles; 108 Ways to Heal your Home and Attract Romance," available at your local independent bookseller, Amazon.com, and at http://www.fastfengshui.com.

stephanie@fastfengshui.com"

Stay happy! Stay active!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality

2005-09-07T02:03:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality: "

Feng Shui for Your Health and Vitality
By Rodika Tchi

How many of us wake up in the morning feeling refreshed, happy and full of energy? How many of us, after a few hours in the office, still feel full of energy? Why certain environments uplift our spirits and make us breathe deeper, while others drain our energy? We seem to have forgotten how deeply connected we are with the space we live in and how important is for our well being to live in a balanced environment.

As our lives are certainly not getting easier, the need to create a healthy and vibrant home environment cannot be overestimated. We have to have a safe, peaceful and energetically balanced space where our bodies can let down the daylong protective shield and focus on regenerating and self-healing.

Feng Shui is an ancient art and science that has been used for over 5,000 years to heal, balance and enrich people’s lives. It is a very complex body of knowledge that reveals how humans are connected to their environment and shows numerous ways to change specific aspects of one’s life by changing the living or working space.

Being aware of this deep connection and its influence on all aspects of your life, it would be wise to employ feng shui knowledge in your home (and business!) to improve your health, vitality, and general well-being.

One of the main theories of Feng Shui is the theory of Five Elements, which are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood. The elements are the five manifestations of Chi, or universal energy, and are represented in your environment by colors, shapes, textures, smells, taste, etc. They interact with each other in certain ways, the basic cycles being Constructive (where each element supports the other) or Destructive (where one element destroys the other). Understanding this theory and its applications in your life can be a very powerful tool indeed. In order to experience high vitality levels and an increased level of well-being, feng shui masters recommend living in a place that supports and nourishes your birth element.

Each of us has a predominant element, which is calculated by the year of birth. (You can find out your own element from specific tables in many feng shui books or by visiting our website) Once you know your own element, look around your place and see which element is predominant in it. Yes, any specific environment also has its own predominant element. For example, if your living room has purple curtains, art with predominant red-orange colors, lots of candles, a fireplace, objects in triangular, pointed shapes etc; the energy in the room is predominantly Fire.

If your birth element is Wood, and you live in a Fire environment you will tend to experience headaches, inability to relax, have constant arguments with you family, often feel “burnt out.” As Fire burns the Wood, you need to focus on reducing the element of Fire in your environment, thus improve your well being. To remedy this situation, you may want to bring some of your own element (Wood) and/or the element of Water (which puts down the Fire.)

Wood element can be brought into your environment by colors brown and green, plants (green bamboo is especially powerful!) objects in rectangular shapes, actual wooden objects and other. Water can be represented by actual water (a fountain) or images of water – oceans, lakes, rivers; as well as mirrors, wavy and curved shapes, colors black or deep blue, etc. The scenario described above will also be true for a person whose birth element is Metal, as Fire melts the Metal. However, an Earth or Water person will feel very good in that environment, and you can easily guess why. Both of these elements are not overpowered by the Fire energy.

An old Chinese proverb states that feng shui consultants double as doctors. And for a good reason. The art and science of Feng Shui has a wealth of recommendations, cures, solutions for every person and virtually every space, be it home, business, garden, etc. Just like your body has a specific anatomy, the space you inhabit also has its own anatomy, with its own “do’s” and “don’ts.” Specific areas of your life, as well as specific body organs relate to specific areas of your home. For example, East is the area “responsible” for Family and Health. The element of East is Wood; therefore it is wise to avoid the placement of objects representing either Fire or Metal in this area of your home/business. If you suffer from certain body ailments, you can choose to place in the East area a picture, or any other representation of a medicine plant particularly healing for you (for example dandelion for liver problems)

Here are some feng shui remedies to improve your Health and increase Vitality:

* Keep the center of your House clean, clutter free and open. This is considered the Heart of the House and is a sacred area in many old cultures. No heavy objects should be placed here. The center of your space is a very good place for a fountain, some crystals, bells/chimes with a harmonious sound, happy pictures of your loved ones, or any other items that speak to your heart.

* Reduce or eliminate metal objects from your Bedroom, as metal conducts electricity. Work on reducing the electromagnetic fields in your bedroom. Provide an ideal space for your body to regenerate, replenish and heal itself during sleep. Do not sleep under beams or sloped ceiling. Do not sleep with your feet in line with the door. Have a good, supportive headboard. Choose a natural mattress.

* Become aware of the quality of air in your space. Aerate your home often and use essential oils like lavender, chamomile, sage, frankincense, bergamot, etc to purify the space, uplift the spirits and improve your sense of well being. Consider using an air ionizer should this be necessary. Have specific plants that purify the air, such as peace lily, boston fern, spider plant, etc. Color green is very healing.

* Have a pleasing welcoming entrance. It should be well lit, spacious and have uplifting energy. If you face a wall or stairs, apply specific feng shui cures or your life could be stuck in unnecessary struggles.

* Surround yourself with objects you love and people that uplift your spirits. Try to spend some time in nature at least once a day. Make your home a healing refuge from the stress you encounter during the day by applying various feng shui cures and reducing the internal pollutants present in most homes.

By following these simple, basic feng shui recommendations you can greatly improve your sense of well being. You can bring healing beauty and harmony into your life and create an environment that is fully supportive of you and your loved ones.

Rodika Tchi, MSc, is a professional feng shui consultant. Her Vancouver-based company offers feng shui information, services and products. She can be reached at www.TchiConsulting.com

About The Author

RODIKA Tchi, MSc, has been a researcher and practitioner of the field of feng shui for over 8 years. She has several feng shui certifications from the International Institute for Feng Shui and Geobiology based in Germany and happy clients in many countries. Raised in Europe and educated in the US, Rodika lives in Vancouver, British Columbia and consults internationally. She can be reached at www.tchiconsulting.com

rodka@tchiconsulting.com"

I'm a sucker for a Canadian accent, 'eh?

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Your Desk for Career Success

2005-09-06T00:43:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Your Desk for Career Success: "Feng Shui Your Desk for Career Success
By Aisling D'Art

Have you used feng shui around your desk? It's a great way to "test drive" feng shui, to see how well it works for you.

In feng shui, we work with a 3x3 grid called a bagua (said "bagg-wahh"). The grid is placed over your floorplan, and can look like a tic-tac-toe board, or perhaps the face of a clock, seen from above. With this, we can organize any room, home, or office into areas, each with its own color and design themes.

So, let's pretend you have Superman's x-ray eyes, and you're flying over your home or office, looking down into it. And, let's pretend that you can see the bagua grid that's overlayed onto your floor plan.

Starting clockwise from your left--about the "eight o'clock" area of the clock--the design themes are: Knowledge, Family/Security, Money, Fame, Romance, Creativity, Helpful People and Travel, and finally your Career. At the center of the clock--the middle of the bagua grid--the theme is Health.

You can apply these same design principles to your desk, too. In fact, when you're new to feng shui, this can be a great way to begin. You'll soon have a better organized work area, and perhaps a little "feng shui magic" will boost your career as well.

Sit at your desk, and start at the left side. In feng shui, this is the Knowledge area. It's an ideal place to store your reference books, such as your dictionary, manuals, and anything else you often reach for when you're working.

If you have a counter or bookcase to the left of your desk, the top may be the perfect place for symbols of Family (family photos) and Security (anything that says "old money" to you).

The back left corner of your desk is the Money area. Whether your monitor is there or something else, be sure to keep this corner clean, dust-free, and uncluttered. If there's space in back of your monitor for photos or posters, this is the perfect place for pictures of what you plan to do (or own) when you have an even better income.

At the back center area of your desk, or on the wall directly in front of you, take advantage of this Fame area. Display awards, diplomas, certificates, and anything that tells others about your accomplishments. Add a little red--the best color for this area--to draw attention to your new display.

At the right corner of your desk, and on the wall behind it, the focus is Romance. This is where you'll place photos of your sweetie, or symbols of love and partnerships. If you have flowers or pens at this area of your workspace, remember: Everything in twos... no "onesies"! (Of course, if you're hoping for a date this weekend, put two fresh flowers in a vase in this area. But, be prepared: This might work even better than you'd expected.)

Closer to you on the right, it's your Creativity area. Be sure to keep symbols of what you do that's original, as well as tools for creating things at work. Whether this is a stapler or a set of pens and paintbrushes, the emphasis should be on creativity. And, if you're a fan of Disney or other cartoons, those figures and pictures go in this area. (If you have children, this is the perfect place for pictures of your little darlings, too.)

At your immediate and front right, it's the Helpful People and Travel area. This is where you'll put your Rolodex or Palm, or whatever you use to store names & phone numbers. This is also a good place to display vacation-related items and pictures.

And, the center of your desk is the Health area. If you want a healthy career, your work area should be clean & "happy looking" at the center. With spring on the way, consider a new blotter or other desktop covering in sunny yellow; that's the best color for the Health area.

Finally, your chair represents your Career area. Keep your chair well-oiled (if it's on wheels or springs) and clean. Polish any chrome on it, and keep it dusted. If you're on any kind of mat that protects the floor underneath, make sure that your mat looks fresh and new. If it doesn't, a replacement may be a small expense for the potential benefits. Or, sometimes a little floor polish will renew a plastic floor mat and make it look "like new".

Aisling D'Art is the editor for BellaOnline's Feng Shui column, http://fengshui.bellaonline.com See her website for more ideas for feng shui and interior design."

Seek the stars, or you may only make it to the moon!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips

2005-09-06T00:42:00.000-04:00

The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips: "The Ten Most Important Feng Shui Design Tips
By Jakob Jelling

If you wish to learn how to manage interior design according to feng shui design guidelines, there are some major tips you must know. We wish to help you achieve a balanced and harmonic feng shui design for any environment you wish it to be. Read the next paragraphs and learn the feng shui design most important tips.

1. Feng shui design should always be done having the people who will be in it in mind. People's comfort must be a priority, and all you do must be done thinking of that.

2. You should be guided by the bagua map and the areas it indicates within that space in order to distribute objects and furniture in it.

3. Make use of the main feng shui elements. An interior design uses furniture and objects which may contain the different elements. These elements should always be in harmonic quantities and according to the bagua map indications.

4. You should choose colors according to what they symbolize and represent. Different colors represent different elements and have different symbolisms.

5. Good feng shui design does not allow dark spots in it since that doesn't allow chi flowing properly.

6. You should choose carefully the shapes of the objects and furniture; different shapes provide different feelings as well as tend to balance in different ways.

7. Couches and chairs should always be placed in a way that allows those who sit on them to easily look at the door.

8. According to feng shui design guidelines beds should not be right across the door and ideally should have a wall at one side as protection.

9. Mirrors should be placed strategically, thought according to the light amount wished as well as which objects you wish it to reflect.

10. Correct feng shui design would allow people to feel good and comfortable in that interior without really noticing it has been carefully thought of. It should be natural and balanced, providing comfort to those occupying it.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

To your success!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Learn All About Feng Shui Money Trees

2005-09-04T19:59:00.000-04:00

Learn All About Feng Shui Money Trees: "Learn All About Feng Shui Money Trees

A feng shui money tree is an indoor plant used in order to attract prosperity and wealth into any space. The feng shui money tree's botanical name is Pachira, and its care requires the average sun light and watering that any other indoor plant would need. Its height can reach to as much as seven feet while it can reach to be as much as three feet wide.

The shape of these plant's leafs represent the five main elements of feng shui, wood, water, earth, fire and metal, and this is what makes the feng shui money tree so symbolic. When an element is missing, or the elements in a space are not balanced, a feng shui money tree would help adding what is missing harmonizing the elements.

Since feng shui money trees bring or increase wealth, they are ideal to place near a place where money is kept or near the cash registers in businesses. Prosperity and wealth, as well as elements harmonization should come after placing this plant at those spots. Any other place where money and wealth is needed can be a good place for a feng shui money tree as well.

Feng shui money trees can also be strategically placed according to the house areas indicated by the bagua map. The bagua map northwest corner corresponds to the prosperity area of life, and this could be an ideal place for a feng shui money tree to be. Since it brings prosperity, you can also help attracting this factor to any other area of your life by placing the feng shui tree at the house area which corresponds to it.

If you would like to have a feng shui money tree but don't know where to find it, there are many stores selling it online which would allow you to buy it through their catalogues. You would easily find them by typing feng shui money tree at your search engine, and they would allow you to see them in pictures as well as provide you with details about it.

As you can see, feng shui money trees symbolism can have many different applications as well as having decorative properties. I can also help you enlightening a dark corner and help chi flowing better. Whether you are thinking of buying an indoor plant for yourself or giving it as a present, a feng shui money tree can be a great option.

About The Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Not sure about you but I like the idea of a money tree but I have enough issues keeping my lucky bamboo alive!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi

2005-09-04T06:03:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi: "Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More 'Baby Chi'
By Kathryn Weber

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office cubicles to gaining more recognition at work to helping aspiring writers become more prolific. But what if what you want is a baby? When you are trying to conceive, feng shui can be another tool in your fertility arsenal.

Fertility is such a delicate thing because it can be affected so easily. This is where feng shui can come help. Feng shui can help create a more balanced, harmonious – and relaxed – environment for conception to occur.

Obviously, the first place to look at is the home. Perhaps there is some kind of energy blockage. Another consideration is the personal feng shui are the parents. This is the feng shui that is related to gender and birthdate.

Unlike western thought, feng shui for parents places the most emphasis on the father and not the mother. The father must have what is called “descendant’s luck.” This is where personal feng shui can be called upon to help improve this type of luck.

Renowned feng shui writer, Lillian Too, credits every book to her daughter Jennifer, whom she says was conceived after a feng shui master visited her home and saw that a tree was blocking her front door. The master told her that once the tree was removed she became pregnant.

True to his prediction – and after nine infertile years of marriage – Lillian’s daughter was born. This was also what launched her full study and practice of feng shui.

When it comes to enhancing fertility with feng shui, though, it would be wise to address both parents as well as the home. This way, a complete approach will be taken and nothing is overlooked. Fertility feng shui can't create miracles but it can create a positive environment in which miracles can occur.

6 Tips for Improving Fertility Feng Shui

1. ACTIVATE THE DESCENDANT’S LUCK DIRECTION.

The northwest (NW) is the direction of descendant’s luck. It is also the direction of “heaven” according to feng shui (and aren’t all babies heaven-sent?).

By positioning the man to sleep with his head pointed in the northwest direction, sit at work facing the NW, eat facing the NW, etc., this will activate his descendant’s luck.

It might look odd, if necessary, couples should turn the bed so that the man is sleeping with his head pointing NW. If this makes the man’s head point toward the door or sleep with his back to the door, then try another method.

Another way to activate the descendant’s luck is to install a metal oscillating fan in the bedroom. Placed in the NW corner and turned on during the day, the fan produces a generous helping of descendant’s luck in the bedroom. Be sure to turn it off while sleeping, though, or this luck will be scattered and unable to attach itself to the couple sleeping in the room.

2. USE PERSONAL FENG SHUI.

Personal feng shui is a powerful method for creating good descendant’s luck. To calculate your personal feng shui directions, go to http://www.redlotusconsulting.com/KuaCalculator.html

Based on the KUA number, you can determine the man’s “personal descendant’s luck direction.” The man should work, eat, and sleep facing this direction if the NW direction does not work for him.

KUA NUMBER

1 South
2 Northwest
3 Southeast
4 East
5 Northwest
6 Southwest
7 Northeast
8 West
9 North

3. REMOVE ANY BLOCKS TO THE FRONT DOOR.

It worked from Lillian Too, so it might work for you. Be sure that there is an open space out the front door and that there is nothing in direction line with your front door, such as a tree, street, or other object. The front door is considered the “mouth of chi” and is where all energy enters the home. Make this area clean, auspicious, and beautiful.

4. ENHANCE THE WEST SECTOR.

The west is the sector associated with the children. For that reason it is best to avoid having fire objects here, such as candles or bright lamps. Earth objects, such as vases are excellent fertility enhancers. Enhance this portion of the house, living, and bedroom with metal objects, such as fans, stereos, or other electronic or metal items.

Lastly, be sure to address problem areas in the west sectors of the home (and the west corner of your bedroom and living room) such as crowded closets or junk rooms. Work at getting these cleaned out to allow new creative (fertility) energy to enter your life.

If there is a bathroom in this sector, make sure bathroom doors are shut and to keep a bright light on in this room.

5. OBSERVE PROPER BEDROOM FENG SHUI.

Bedroom feng shui is extremely important when you are trying to conceive. Beds should never share the same wall as the door, a bathroom, or a kitchen. Televisions, work objects such as computers, mirrors, plants, and exercise equipment should be removed. Rest and romance should be the only activities in this room.

6. USE FERTILITY SYMBOLS AND ENHANCEMENTS.

Feng shui uses a number of symbols, many of which are thought to enhance fertility. Some of these would include:

Dragons: Placed on the side table of the man’s side of the bed, the dragon can add a little extra “oomph” in the bedroom. Make sure the dragon is small, otherwise, it will create too much “yang” energy in the room and make rest difficult.

Elephants: Place a pair of elephants on either side of the bedroom door. Elephants are associated with pregnancy. Or, place one statue of an elephant in the living room. Placed prominently in the bedroom, elephants are said to produce male children.

Double fish: The double fish is a symbol of marital union. Display this in the southwest corner of your bedroom.

Single piece of hollow bamboo: Place this in the north sector of the bedroom to enhance fertility. These are said to aid conception.

Red paper lanterns: hung on either side of the bed, these are believed to bring excellent yang (creative)energy to the bedroom.

When you are trying to conceive, it's always worth taking a comprehensive approach. Fortunately, feng shui can help you make sure the environment supports your endeavors to bring that new addition to your family.

About The Author

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter feng shui E-Zine. For more information or to subscribe, go to http://www.redlotusletter.com

kweber@redlotusconsulting.com"

Feng Shui Tips: Important feng shui dont's

2005-09-02T19:56:00.000-04:00

Important feng shui dont's: "There are some things which you should always try to avoid doing when looking for a feng shui balanced environment since they could be disastrous to such purpose. We intend to help you achieving a proper feng shui balance by detailing some of the most important feng shui don’ts through the next lines.

First of all, you should avoid living or working in an environment containing too much yin energy. Among the places which contain more yin energy we can find cemeteries, hospitals and churches. Also, you should avoid attracting to much yin into your space by opening the windows and doors regularly and allowing sun light enter.

You should also avoid living in a house that is much bigger or smaller than the neighboring ones. This could bring you misunderstandings and problems with your neighbors. Your house should never be placed facing the end of a road, or hallway in case of an office. Your house or office’s entrance door should be clear and free of obstacles; there shouldn’t be trees or any structure right in front of it.

You should never place furniture in such a way that there is not much space between them; there should always be space for chi to flow within any space. Besides, you should always avoid placing beds, chairs, sofas or desks right across main doors or with the back towards them. You and your guests should never be with your back right across the entrance door.

It is also important that you don't place too much of an element in the wrong area. If, according to the bagua map, a house area should contain water or metal to be in balance, you should avoid placing to much fire, earth or wood in them. It is also important to avoid dark corners; if you find a dark corner within your house or office, you should make it clearer by illuminating it or by placing a plant at it. Dark places and spots always attract yin energy and obstruct chi from flowing freely and properly, therefore you should always attract light and yang energy to every corner of your house and office.
About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

As long as you never break simple rules like these Feng Shui will have a wonderful positive effect in your life!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips!

Feng Shui Tips: Psychology of colors – the bedroom

2005-09-01T06:59:00.000-04:00

: "Psychology of colors – the bedroom by Joey Lewitin

Color can have an astounding effect on perception, personal feelings, and even interactions. Different colors evoke different memories, and different ideas. In the bedroom, where one is supposed to be most at ease, it is important that you plan out your color scheme so that it creates the maximum comfort for you.

In feng shui, every color evokes energy. In order to choose the right color for a certain setting, the one who inhabits that area must get in touch with their inner self, and see which color they harmonize best with. In the bedroom one tries to achieve maximum relaxation. By choosing the colors that you feel most comfortable with, you will find the greatest contentment with your decorating.

The two extreme colors are white and black. Black is an attention grabber, and can create a very exhilarating effect, but it will also make a room look smaller, more closed off, and can create a dark feeling. Using black too heavily could lead to a negative effect on your emotions. Meanwhile its polar opposite white, is boring. Most rooms start off with white walls, and it is the generic look for many homes. However white is a good color for warm climates. White reflects light creating cooler temperatures and a breezy feeling.

The earth tones are gentle and will keep a room feeling organized and close to the earth. These include browns, oranges, and yellows. Yellow however is generally very extreme and irritating, and when toned down can look pale and nasty. Orange is the color associated with food and could lead to midnight snacking.

Blues and greens evoke serenity and peace. They are colors associated with nature and oceans. Placing these colors heavily in your room can help to calm the emotions of its inhabitants. Pink is an even more extreme claming color and many will find it impossible to act aggressive when surrounded by that color.

Colors in the bedroom should evoke relaxation and calm. By choosing your colors carefully you can actually control the subtle effects on yours and others minds.

About the Author

Joey Lewitin is an author, a designer, and an artist. Check his website to see some of his creations such as a variety of Decorative stone wall clocks and
rustic stone home decor gifts and furnishings"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips!

Feng Shui Tips: How To Use Feng Shui To Atrract Money

2005-08-31T06:01:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "Feng Shui Atrracts Money by Samantha Stevens

The first thing that you need to do is get yourself a good compass and determine what is in the southeastern corner of your home. The Southeastern sector of your home governs both your cash flow as well as your faith in the idea that you will always be able to create money.
According to the classic and traditional rules of Feng Shui (the ancient art of object placement to increase good energy in your life) the items that you place in this part of your should be things that align with the energies of personal abundance.
Things that Create Prosperity:
•The colors purple, red and green. These three colors support prosperity energy in a space. A pleasant still life to attract this energy is a pretty glass bowl containing a purple amethyst, a red carnelian and a green piece of jade. You also might want to consider painting this corner one of these colors or using purple, red and green lighting in this corner. An easy way to enhance the color value in this corner is to purchase a lava lamp in purple, red or green. The great thing about a lava lamp is that it also moves, and in Feng Shui, anything electronic or moving helps keep the money circulating in your life.
•Symbols of wealth: Actual money and gold objects are good to display in this area of your house. A bowl of foreign or antique coins can also augment this sector. You can also find statues of "gold ingots" to your local China Town A wonderful statue to place in this area is of a Prosperity Buddha lifting a gold ingot over his head. You might also want to consider placing a gold or green statue of a Chinese Money Toad (this is a three legged statue of a frog or toad with a coin in it's mouth) or a statue of leaping goldfish
•Fake Money. This is the place to put that fake million-dollar bill you got in a novelty store in a frame and hang it. Some people even keep monopoly money in this area as a symbol of their circulating prosperity. A bowl of foreign coins can also be placed here to magnetize wealth into your life.
•Fountain. This is one the two best places in the entire bagua to place a flowing fountain. The other is your Career sector. Flowing water represents the flowing of money. The Chinese consider wood or bamboo fountains to be especially auspicious when placed in this area.
•Goldfish. This is a great area to put an aquarium. Traditionally the Chinese place eight orange or yellow gold fish and one black goldfish in an aquarium to attract money. The number 8 represents prosperity in Feng Shui. The idea too is that if misfortune hits your family, then the ninth black goldfish will die and receive the misfortune instead of you. You can also buy the traditional Chinese poster of this image in Chinese specialty shops.
•Eight Horses. This is an image of eight horses that can be purchased either a statue or as a poster that adds good chi to this sector. However please note the position of your front door when positioning this poster. Make sure that the direction the horses are running is INTO the house and not out the front or back doors! You can buy this statue in gold, red, green, crystal and orange. When placing it in the southwest, red, green, brass or gold are the best styles to choose.
•Jewels. Treasure chests or displays of real or costume jewelry can help attract the chi of abundance to your southeastern prosperity sector.
•Symbols of Luxury. This is the place-to-place photographs, fine art or statuary that represents the aspiration of "having it all." A toy model of a Porsche, an image of a country mansion or a photograph of a man standing at the highest mountain in the world are the kinds of images that you should consider putting in this corner.
•Jade Plant. The Jade plant is the ultimate symbol of prosperity for the Chinese. It's flat round leaves and compact shape makes it the Asian equivalent of a money tree.
•Fruit Trees. Small orange, lemon or lime trees also contain money-drawing properties and are ideal to place in this sector.
Things That Put You in the Poorhouse:
•Clutter. The planet Venus rules prosperous energy. Venus won't enter a dirty home. Piles of junk serve as an obstacle so that positive energy cannot pool and accumulate in your space.
•Leaks. If you have a kitchen or a bathroom with a leaky faucet in this area than the theory is that your money will also be leaking away.
•Toilets. If you have a toilet in this area and there is nothing you can do about it, then make sure that you keep the lid closed at all times to keep your cash from being "flushed away."
•Kitty litter boxes. Animal toilets have the same negative association as toilets -- especially if they smell bad.
•Broken objects. The theory is that " If it's broke, you probably are too! "Remove anything that doesn't work including clocks that keep the wrong time, dead batteries and similar decrepit items from this area. Also replace any burnt out light bulbs, as it is essential that this area be well lit.
•Dead or withering plants: Anything obviously decomposing is antithetical to the energy of prosperity and should be removed from this area.
•Trash cans. Like the toilet, this item drains vital energy from the prosperity area.
•mages of Poverty or Want: Art that depicts objects or landscapes in a withering, rustic or decomposing state should not be displayed here. Also avoid placing photographs of yourself when you were going through a "broke phase" (such as when you were a student in college or just recently divorced) here. You might repeat the situation!

About the Author

Samantha Stevens was a professional psychic at http://www.psychicrealm.com for many years. Read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110"

Not sure about her books, but a great article! Any questions, just click on the "my feng shui ebook" link and ask me!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Practical Feng Shui – Debunking the myths and finding out what we can actually learn from the ancients

2005-08-30T05:35:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "Practical Feng Shui – Debunking the myths and finding out what we can actually learn from the ancients

Joey Lewitin

Most of the information that is available concerning Feng Shui is highly over-simplified. It often comes in the form of out-of-context eastern principals, mixed in with basic interior design horse sense from the west, to form a hybrid which many professional
Feng Shui analysts agree can be as harmful as it is helpful. Feng Shui is more than just choosing certain colors, or “getting rid of clutter”, as many books and articles will have you believe. It is actually an extremely complex system of mathematical formulas that give highly specific advice based on the type of home, its layout, and its time of construction. There are no simple answers in Feng Shui, however there is something we can learn from the methods the ancients used to derive these principals.

Real Feng Shui is a system that has been evolving over thousands of years. The concept behind this design form is the idea that energy or “chi” flows through everything. Feng Shui is an attempt to maximize the flow of positive chi through a space to benefit the lives of the people within that setting. Feng Shui is originally based on the I Ching, an ancient Chinese text of mystical origins. Over the years successive schools of thought have come to dominate this decorative philosophy. As each new movement came to power, they refined the formulas and functions of previous schools. In this ongoing process of refinement, every possible arrangement of objects was tested against numerous people’s emotional and spiritual reaction to them over thousands of years. These reactions allowed the ancients to slowly improve their diagrams for the placement of objects.

This ancient mathematical formula for laying out the design of a setting does seem to be a sound method for improving the quality of a room’s décor. While this may be due to the ancients having determined the way chi flows, their real accomplishment might instead have been to develop a systemized mathematical representation of a wide scale, long term psychological study. While trying to determine the flow of energy, they may have instead determined the basic principals of design that elicit positive responses in humans, by experimentally testing and recording peoples reactions to different object settings.

Real Feng Shui is extraordinarily specific, and complex. The only way to do real Feng Shui is either to become a student of this art, and painstakingly learn the many principals and subtleties it requires, or to hire a professional to do an analysis and work over of your home. Either way, use of this design style requires a large sacrifice, and is outside the realm of most people’s time and money budget.

However, Feng Shui does teach us something that is very useful when decorating your home. The ancient thinkers who developed this idea derived it by simply paying attention to the feeling of objects in different spaces. This is a process that every person has it within their power to do. Everyone has taste, everyone has feelings. By simply getting in touch with your inner critic, you can become the source for your own personal Feng Shui. No matter how specific they were, a Philosopher from a thousand years ago is not going to understand the spiritual and emotional nuances of you, your family, and your home as well as you do. By using the strategy rather than the formula of Feng Shui, you can develop a highly personalized design that is a true expression of yourself.

Walk into a room, and see how it makes you feel. Notice the colors, the objects, and their placement. What do they evoke in you? Is the room comfortable? Is it calming or invigorating? Maybe there is something wrong in the room, even if you can’t tell exactly what it is, register that feeling. If you are attentive, you will start to get sensitive to the psychological influences that placement and design have on your own mind.

Color
Colors have very strong and individual effects on people. Different shades will have radically different results on people’s mental behavior. Dark colors can either be relaxing or depressing, light colors can be uplifting or annoying, and extreme colors can be exhilarating or aggravating. Pay attention to how these colors make you feel. When you visit other peoples homes, or even their shops or offices, pay attention to the effect that walking into a room has on you. Sometimes you will enter a space and feel naturally relaxed. Other places can have a negative effect, making you feel uncomfortable or agitated for no apparent reason. Remember the colors and the shades of these rooms, especially if you have a particularly strong response to one.

Colors also affect the nature of interactions, and when you enter a new space you should always pay attention to the way people behave to one another. If there is a room in your home where people tend to get into arguments, reassess the colors in that room. Bright or extreme colors can irritate people’s eyes and increase their metabolism, making them more likely to fight. Darker rooms can put people in a bad mood and make them lethargic. Color and placement are not the only things that influence interactions, but by paying attention you may be able to understand the subtle influence it can have.

Flow
In traditional Feng Shui, the goal is to maximize the flow of positive chi in an area. While you will probably not be able to detect the essence of the energy of a space, you can increase the feeling of flow in a room by paying attention to the way people and objects move through the space.

The flow you want to achieve is in the essence of the room. You want there to be easy access for people moving through the room, as well as in and out of it. You want objects to be able to move from their storage, into use, and back without adding to clutter. This kind of flow is a mixture of organization and design that focuses on removing blockages and allowing easy movement through every area.

You will be able to feel whether a room has flow just by walking into it. There are tiny currents of air that run through every space. We do not generally notice these currents, however using your intuition you can just barely perceive this air. The difference between greater and lesser currents will be translated into your mind as greater or lesser flow. As always, make yourself sensitive to the subtleties of the space.

EXPERIMENT
It is important to allow yourself to be wrong. If you don’t make mistakes, you won’t learn anything. Pay attention to emotional variations you feel from placing different decorations and colors in different spaces. At a certain point, stop and simply exist in the room, remaining attentive to the feel of the space. Occasionally, make small changes, and observe the emotional and interactive differences.

If you don’t have the time or strength to constantly move furnishings and furniture around, then try visualizing different scenarios. Sit somewhere quiet, close your eyes, and imagine the room in a different style. Imagine yourself in the room, and try to incorporate every detail in the room into the setting. Feel how your emotions respond to such a setting. Pay attention to any problems you may feel. Allow yourself access to the subconscious of your mind, and trust its natural inclinations, as it will pick up on problems and solutions that you won’t consciously understand. Use color charts and pictures to help with the imagination process.

Feng Shui is a very respectable form of interior decorating with a long and rich history. However, it was originally based on simple trial and error, as ancient Chinese thinkers explored the many different ways that positioning and design can affect the most subtle workings of the human mind. Today you can try to recreate that method, by experimenting with yourself and your surroundings to produce a room that will affect you and your family in a positive way. While you probably won’t achieve the accuracy of the ancients in your first attempt, each try will educate you as to the style and design that suites you best as well as the way it affects you. Exploring this further can allow you a creative outlet enabling you to get in touch with the very basic nature of art that exists within you.

About the Author

Joey Lewitin is an author, artist, and designer of home décor accessories made from imported stone. Original designs from him and other artisans can be seen at
The Stone Décor Store"

Sam,Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: If You're Looking For Bedding, Think "Pink"

2005-08-29T07:21:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "If You’re Looking for Bedding, Think “Pink” by Beverly Marshall

If you have come to a point in your life that you want a serious relationship, I would strongly suggest that you “think pink”. This may sound strange to some of you, but I have discovered that the color “pink” has some interesting qualities. Pink is definitely a girly color, and it speaks of love, romance and partnership. Pink flowers, hearts, and just about anything else this color makes you feel soft and feminine. What woman doesn’t love receiving even a single pink rose? The majority of the time you will think of pink for baby bedding if you are expecting a girl. Most of the gifts you receive at a baby shower will be pink for your newborn girl. Don’t stop using pink for your bedding after you have grown up. There are lots of things you can do to enhance your bedroom when it comes to finding partnership and having a pink duvet cover or bedspread is just one of them.

I really wanted a serious relationship in my life so I decided to use the color pink to my advantage. If you have read about the principals of Feng Shui, you know that pink is an important color to enhance partnerships and when used in the bedroom wonderful and magical things can happen. With the intention of a loving relationship clearly in my mind, I went out and purchased a pink comforter and sheets to match for my bed. It had only a small tonal design, but I didn’t want a lot of other flowers or patterns getting in the way. The color was what mattered to me, the thing that was going to jumpstart my quest for the ideal relationship. I put my new pink bedding on the minute I got home from the store and visualized what this new man would look like and the kinds of things we would do as a couple. I didn’t stop redecorating my room with just the pink bed linen; throw pillows in different shades of pink were called for as well. I already had several vintage velvet pillows in the shape of hearts that were perfect. I put white lace accents around the dresser representing the lace from a wedding dress. I placed two pink candles beside the bed and immediately lit them both. Two is better than one because this also reinforces the pair and not just one single candle standing alone. I found beautiful artwork that went well with the new bedding. I had fresh pink roses in my bedroom everyday. If you want new linen for your bedroom, check out http://www.bedding-4u.com.

I also cleared out my closet of all the stuff I no longer wore, gave it to charity and created a “space” for the man coming into my life. I went through my drawers as well, and it felt good to get rid of some of the stuff I was hanging on to. You’d be surprised what you find when you go through your stuff. Clearing the clutter out of your life is also a Feng Shui principal that opens the way for something new to enter in; out with the old and in with the new as they say. Are you starting to get an idea of how you can use some common sense things to assist you in finding your right relationship?

If all of this pink, hearts and flowers are beginning to look too much like bubblegum, just take a moment and think about how you would like your bedroom to look. There are many shades of pink. You don’t have to buy a duvet cover or comforter that looks like it belongs to a ten year old. Some of the salmon and mauve shades available in the bedding department are very sophisticated. If you aren’t excited about lace and velvet, why not try satin with silver accents or how about rich chintz or beefy jacquards? Look for things that mean something to you. You might also have a family piece that your mother gave you, and every time you look at it, it reminds you of your parent’s happy and enduring marriage. This is even more helpful when placed with intention in the room. If you find a beautiful modern bronze sculpture of a couple entwined, go for it. You might see the perfect heart grapevine wreath with roses, so hang it with love and the thoughts of things to come. If pink sheets aren’t called for, why not paint the room a warm rose and change the curtains or draperies? It would still be a nice touch to buy new bedding, even if it is a shade of gray or blue as you are “preparing” your room for someone new. The style in which you decorate doesn’t matter. The intention behind the changes you make is what counts.

Take a look at your own bedroom
Take a look at your own bedroom. If you want a serious relationship, what are you saying to the universe about yourself through the colors of your bedding, decorating themes and the shape of your closets and drawers? Do you have artwork on the wall that is of a woman standing alone looking at the ocean, or is the woman sitting alone on a park bench? Do you have only one end table beside the side of the bed that you sleep on? You may want to consider putting one on the other side too, inviting that other person in. Are you starting to see that what you have around you speaks volumes about what you believe about yourself and what you think is possible?

You may be wondering if the “pink” work its magic. Did someone new come into my life? Of course the color pink doesn’t possess powers that mysteriously draws people to you. However, when you focus on a goal with a clear intention, you will draw energy to that goal. Plain and simple, it is the law of the universe. You will be assisted in achieving the goal and the “pink” can work to help you. The same Feng Shui principal applies to whatever you want in life, a new career, more money, better health and so on. By the way, I met my husband one week after I put the pink bedding on my bed and made my other changes. You decide for yourself if you would like to “think pink” to change your life.

About the Author

Bev Marshall is a certified Feng Shui consultant and successful freelance writer offering guidance and suggestions for consumers buying bedspreads, mattresses, baby bedding and more. Her many articles can be found at http://www.bedding-4u.com. She gives information and tips to help you save money, make informed buying decisions and common sense ideas for changing your life."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Fathers Day Idea

2005-08-28T07:22:00.000-04:00

Father Day Idea: "How To Create Wealth and Success

1. Buy 6 or 9 bamboos.

2. Place them in a round vase of any size. Ideal colors are blue, black, silver, and gold.

3. Place pebbles or small rocks into the vase to keep the bamboo stalks steady.

4. Add water to cover the roots of the bamboo.

5. Sprinkle some gold specks over the pebbles or rocks. You may also wish to use fake gold rocks.

6. Add a special note to the bamboo gift. Make a Flag and attach to a wooden skewer. The note may simple say wealth and success or I love you.

This is a great gift because the plants grow with little care. They just need a little water to keep their roots wet. The green bamboo stalks will brighten anyone's desk or work space. "

This one will probably be best timed for Australian fathers (like mine), however owing to the inexpensive nature of this gift it can be given just about any time!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Organizing Small Spaces

2005-08-24T18:14:00.000-04:00

Organizing Small Spaces: "Organizing Small Spaces

Feng Shui is based on organizing your space to bring harmony and balance to your home environment. Occupants of small spaces such as studio and 1 bedroom apartments have a difficult task of keeping their space organized.

The best advice for organizing small spaces is to keep it simple. The kitchen cannot be overrun with gadgets and the bathroom cannot have all the latest styling products. Bedrooms need to have only one set of extra linen and the closet needs to cleared out on a bi yearly basis. The living room and dining room needs to be multifunctional.

The key to organizing a small space is to ask yourself if the item is a need or a want. If it is a need you can keep it. If it is a want ask yourself if it inspires you or does it just sit collecting dust. Only have want items that inspire you.
Organizing Solutions for Small Spaces

Have items that are multifunctional in your small space. Example: ottomans with storage compartment, coffee tables with drawers or baskets.

Have a place for all items in your home. Every object needs a home otherwise they begin to accumulate in one part of the home, usually the living room or kitchen.

Use pots and pans that are multipurpose. You only need one frying pan, not an assortment because they are cheaper to buy as a group. Buy quality that lasts and is able to do more than one function.

Do not buy all the latest fads in kitchen gadgets. Steam in a pot not with a plug in steamer. Everything in the kitchen needs a home other than the counter. Keep it simple in the kitchen.

Have one set of dishware and give the rest away. An 8 to 12 set is ideal even for the larger gatherings. Buy nice kitchen dishes that can be used for entertaining and everyday.

Clear the clutter in your kitchen and if you do not use it, give it away. The most frustrating thing in a small kitchen space is not having the room to cook freely because of counter space.

Do not buy in bulk. You may save a few pennies but the added headache of storage costs more. Look for sales and buy one package instead of your traditional 4 or more.

Bathrooms are very difficult to organize in apartments. Make use of the vertical space. Place cabinets above the toilet, and on any available wall. Bathrooms seem to multiply with items in a short period of time. Place a basket on the floor to hold your toiletries. At no time, place items other than bathroom items in your kitchen. No pots or pans in the bathroom. The bathroom is a place to cleanse the body, it is not a good place for kitchen items.

A big collector of stuff is the bathroom and kitchen cleaners. Keep it simple and try and clean with natural cleaners.

Before you buy something make room for it in your home. Do not bring an item into the home if you do not have space. If it is a must have you must remove another item in the home.

Get rid of the countless plastic bags and recycle them to your local library or grocery store if they are accepted."

Another great article on clearing out clutter from the folks at about.com

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Bedroom Colors

2005-08-23T04:43:00.000-04:00

Home Improvement: Advice and Features: Feng Shui: ASK ANGI: "

Q. Can I paint my bedroom yellow? What other colors are OK?

A. A soft pale yellow, like buttercup, is a wonderful color for a bedroom as it represents motherhood, relationships, love and romance.

Sleeping is a yin activity, so colors should be yin also – that is, they should not be too strong. Bedspreads should also be subdued, with colors and motifs found in nature.

Avoid bright "school bus" yellow – and never have a lot of red in a bedroom. Bright yellow and red are yang colors – too stimulating for a place of rest. Also avoid sharp angles and geometric shapes with a lot of straight lines, because they emanate negative energy.

Your bedroom should be a place of refuge, serenity and peace – a place to recharge your physical, spiritual, emotional and sexual energy. Who knows? In improving the feng shui of your bedroom, you might also attract someone new into your life.

Angi Ma Wong is a feng shui consultant to over 80 major residential and commercial developers. Visit her website at www.wind-water.com."

Is it just me or is Feng Shui just mostly common (and thus uncommon - I know my common sense skills aren't what they could be *smile*) sense? Another perfect example!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Bed Placement Is Very Important

2005-08-23T04:40:00.000-04:00

Home Improvement: Advice and Features: Feng Shui: ASK ANGI: "

Q. The foot of my bed points directly to the doorway and is in the path of the door. Is this a problem?

A.

A bed that has its foot directly facing the entrance to the room is in the death position and very unlucky – and not only according to Chinese feng shui. Other cultures, such as the Italians, also carry a body out feet first when a death has occurred in a home. Try to not position any part of the bed directly in line with the door opening, or the corresponding part of the body will be affected.

The head of the bed should butt up against the wall across from the main entrance of the room. If the door is in the corner, for example, the bed should be diagonally across the room, in the farthest corner from the door. You can also have your bed at a 90-degree or 45-degree angle from the door. If the door is the middle of the wall, have the bed to either side of the door.

Angi Ma Wong is a feng shui consultant to over 80 major residential and commercial developers. Visit her website at www.wind-water.com."

Great tip for bed placement! Hope you like it!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui: Unhealthy Homes

2005-08-22T06:22:00.000-04:00

Home Improvement: Advice and Features: Feng Shui: ASK ANGI: "Unhealthy Homes

Q. I have had health problems ever since I moved into my new apartment. What can I do to improve my physical well-being?

A.

First, check to see if you have any metal objects such as exercise equipment or mirrors in the east, which governs health. Remove them immediately – especially if they are in your bedroom or dining room. Next, introduce the element of wood into the east part of each room. This could be plants or woodcarvings.

It is very important that there are no open beams directly over your bed as these sharp angles can cause maladies. In addition, do not place your bed on a wall with plumbing, i.e. a shared wall with a bathroom.

Keep your bathroom door closed and the lid on the toilet down. This will prevent bad chi from circulating into your living araeas.

Angi Ma Wong is a feng shui consultant to over 80 major residential and commercial developers. Visit her website at www.wind-water.com."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip

2005-08-21T06:09:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Bedroom Tip: "Feng Shui Bedroom Tip - Baby and Kids Bedroom

Give a kid a great start to the day with a good nights sleep. Quick tips to make your child's bedroom into a haven for sleeping and remove all the high stimulating gadgets that keep kids tossing and turning.

* Keep the bedroom simple and clean.

* The bedroom is for rest and relaxation.

* Place the bed farthest from the door preferably on a solid wall. The child should see all people entering the room when lying in the bed.

* No mirrors

* Keep computers, televisions, video games out of the bedroom. If you really want them in the rooms place them behind screens or in closed off armoires.

* Have a neutral paint color. Chose from the blues, greens, beige and light yellows. Accessorize with their favorite things.

* Have a good blind on the window to close at night or when they want privacy.

* Soften the windows with carefree drapes.

* Buy good quality beds. * Preferably out of pure wood such as pine and oak. Stay away from beds that wobble.

* Have a light for the entire room and individual table lamps.

* Limit the amount of toys and clutter in the room.

* Hide the toys in boxes under the bed and in the closet if space is limited.

* Choose soft, relaxing bedsheets and comforters. Stay away from the bright colors.

* To brighten the room use lighting or place a bright cover on the bed during the day.

* Keep garbage out of the bedroom. All waste should be placed outside the room in the appropriate containers.

* Place stars on the ceiling to bring in the night sky.

* Play soft music in the rooms about an hour before they retire. Do this even if they are not in the room. It lowers the energy, making the room more suitable for sleep.

* Keep active night animals out of the bedroom such as hamsters.

* No fish tanks or fountains.

* Design the room around the eight life areas.

* School is in the Northeast sector. Place their desk, books or school bag in this area.

* Family is in the East sector. Place a family picture here showing great love and happiness. A good photo is the candid shot taken on your summer vacation.

* Helpful people is in the Northwest sector. Place a photo of their mentor.

* Creativity is the West sector. Place their drawings or creative papers in this section.

* Abundance is the Southeast sector. Place a fake or real plant here or their piggy bank.

* Health is the center of the room. Keep the room free flowing. Imagine pouring a glass of water into their room. Where does the water go?

* Allow your children to participate in the design of their rooms.

* Keep phones out of the bedroom.

* Open the windows regularly to allow fresh chi into the room.
* Place a hanging crystal in the window. It will shine a variety of colors all over the room.

* Kids room should feel safe and comfortable. A place to be themselves.

The room should have many of the yin qualities at night. The above tips are able to transform the room from a yang room in the day to a yin room at night. "

Sleep well!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: House Plants!

2005-08-21T06:06:00.000-04:00

Houseplant tip: Houseplants are great for clearing the blocked and stagnant energies in the home. However an unkempt houseplant can stagnant the energies around it and produce negative chi if it is not well cared for.
How To Care For Your Houseplant

Place your houseplant in a container that is visually aesthetic to you and your family. Do not place the houseplant in an old pot that reminds you of a difficult time in your past. If you desire, decorate your plant container.

Once the houseplant is in the container, water as required. Make it a ritual so you do not forget to feed it on a regularly basis. Often we either give too much or not enough water to our plants.

As you water it visualize the plant as strong and healthy and with every drop of water it becomes more vibrant.
Name Your Houseplant

Name your houseplants, as you personalize them you are more likely to give them">Houseplant Tip: "Houseplants are great for clearing the blocked and stagnant energies in the home. However an unkempt houseplant can stagnant the energies around it and produce negative chi if it is not well cared for.
How To Care For Your Houseplant

Place your houseplant in a container that is visually aesthetic to you and your family. Do not place the houseplant in an old pot that reminds you of a difficult time in your past. If you desire, decorate your plant container.

Once the houseplant is in the container, water as required. Make it a ritual so you do not forget to feed it on a regularly basis. Often we either give too much or not enough water to our plants.

As you water it visualize the plant as strong and healthy and with every drop of water it becomes more vibrant.
Name Your Houseplant

Name your houseplants, as you personalize them you are more likely to give them more tender loving care. Watch a child, if they name a plant they will say hi to it as they pass by it.
Purpose For Your Houseplant

Give a purpose to your houseplant. For example, make a plant responsible for bringing wealth and abundance into your home. An ideal plant for this is one that flowers. As you water the plant, visualize each flower or plant leaf as a thousand dollar bill or whatever denomination you desire. For the wealth to grow you must care for it and then let it be to grow into a vibrant and healthy plant.
Purpose For Your Houseplants

* wealth
* health
* career
* new job
* child
* travel to a new place
* school success
* self esteem

Your houseplant can have any purpose you wish. For example, as you watch your plant grow you watch your self esteem grow. With each new leaf you release your old negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. "

I love my plants! Get into them!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Timing Good Feng Shui Luck

2005-08-18T07:43:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Times for Articles, Resources and Feng Shui Tips for your Home and Office: "Timing Good Feng Shui Luck
Before attempting to define 'good luck' it would be wise to consider what category of luck that is taking effect. The very crucial Cosmic Trinity explains that a person's total Destiny is influenced proportionally by 3 kinds of luck factors - Heaven luck, Man luck, and Earth luck.

Heaven luck was already pre-determined by an individual's time of birth and cannot be altered. On the other hand Man luck, which refers to ones personal virtues, effort and motivation, is fully within ones control.

Earth luck is where Feng Shui comes in.

How would 'good luck' be defined then? Apparently it is the misinterpretation of many that 'good luck' virtually means money falling from the sky. A proper Feng Shui practitioner can tell you, in fact, that good luck is simply 'good timing'. Imagine - being at the right place at the right time. Similarly bad luck would then be 'being in the wrong place at the wrong time'. Imagine - you walk into the local bank as in any other day, and a robbery was coincidentally going on. Or - the nurse with the headache mistakenly gives you the wrong medication to bring home. You were her last patient before she took the day off.

It's all in the timing.

The 3 important areas in a house may already be well set to receive excellent Qi. The main door is located in the Sheng Qi (Life Force) of the house. As the mouth of Qi, let's say it is also activating the Prominent Facing Star 8 White. Wealth Qi will be flowing in any moment now. The master bedroom is then placed in the Fu Wei (Stable Seat) sector of the house. To add to that the bed itself sits on the Prominent Sitting Star 8 White. This room will assure many descendants and optimal health. Finally, the kitchen taps into the Tian Yi (Heavenly Doctor), while positioned to face the owner's good direction. Everything is in perfect place.

So why is nothing happening?

In Feng Shui, the Time factor is as important as the landforms and internal positioning themselves. This is because, even when everything is set to receive wealth and health, certain Qi only comes in at certain times. In some years the metal Qi is strongest. They hit their peak in certain months, and at their height of power their effects will manifest more obviously. In other years, water Qi may become dominant. Consequently Fire Qi weakens for the whole year. Certain months may allow the Fire to flare up, but most of the year the Qi is cool (too cool and it can even 'freeze', technically speaking). Again, it's all in the timing.

Although Xuan Kong Flying Stars place emphasis on the timing of Qi, 8 Mansions has its own method in timing the intensity of Qi too. The point illustrates that, even when a door is set in Sheng Qi mode, tapping the Wealth Star #8, one cannot expect 'good Feng Shui luck' to be flowing in every single day and month of the year. It is crucial to understand that Qi is cyclical, and goes through phases of waxing and waning. The reality is that even with good Feng Shui, timing the arrival of auspicious Qi is also as essential.

Besides the Time and Landform factors, one other factor seems to be displaced when discussing 'good luck' - the Human factor. One third of luck can come from a person's very own actions and effort. A person has the capability to take control by seizing opportunities, planning wisely, and working hard.

Good Feng Shui can offer a person many windows of opportunities. Whether or not these 'opportunities of good timing' become fruitful, in fact, depends on the Human factor to take responsibility with wise management of the Earth luck. Timing exists in everything, and by being able to predict the Time factor, one will then be able to make full use of already good Feng Shui.

This article is taken from the Volume Two: Issue 14 of Mastery Journal, courtesy of Joey Yap.

This article is brought to you by
MasteryJournal.com
The article above is published with copyright permission from Mastery Journal Basic Edition, a monthly inspiration and updates for Feng Shui and Chinese Astrology enthusiasts. For more information on Feng Shui updates and training, please visit http://www.masteryjournal.com ."

I truely have absolutely no idea about traditional feng shui. If you have any links that help explain it please post them as a comment, that'd be great!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners

2005-08-16T00:14:00.000-04:00

7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners: "7 Habits of Highly Successful Small Business Owners
by: Lorraine Pirihi

Do you spend every waking minute in your business? Do you find it difficult to take time out for you? Are you constantly working in a mess?

Unfortunately there are far too many business owners working too long and too hard. They tend to be involved in every aspect of their business from being the bookkeeper, marketer, human resources manager, mediator, customer liaison officer and cleaner.

The smaller the business the harder it is for the owner to delegate these functions because they dislike spending any money. They fail to realize that if they invest their dollars wisely in accessing the right type of goods and services to grow their business and be more effective, they will see positive changes occur over time. It takes time to build a good 'business mindset'.

I've noticed that those people who grow their businesses successfully do the following:

1. Highly successful small business owners are great role models
They practice what they preach. They lead from the front.

2. Highly successful small business owners invest time and money in their team and themselves

They develop their people and themselves through personal and professional development. They utilise outside expertise , as the successful small business owner recognises they do not have all the answers.

3. Highly successful small business owners are organised
They know how to manage their time and have systems in place which enables them and their team to work effectively.

4. Highly successful small business owners are fit and healthy
They understand that a healthy mind and body improves their productivity and general well-being. They realise that by keeping themselves fit and healthy it enables them to cope with the pressures of running a business.

5. Highly successful small business owners have a life
They make time for their personal life a priority because they know it makes them a happier and more successful person.

6. Highly successful small business owners look after their clients
They know that clients are the life-blood of their business. Without clients there would be no business. They ensure they continually look after them.

7. Highly successful small business owners are decisive
They are not afraid to make decisions and take action. They have to if they want to their business to thrive.

The Final Word

Highly successful small business owners get their priorities about people, work and home right! They live longer and enjoy life more.

They enjoy the challenge of being an entrepreneur. They go home at the end of each day knowing that they have achieved. They are fulfilled and realise that the success of their business is a direct reflection on themselves.

So what are you waiting for? If you're dissatisfied with where you are now, then what are you going to do differently? It's June already. Take stock of where you're at. Do you need to make changes to improve your business so that you are able to enjoy the benefits of being the master of your own destiny? Or are you happy with the way you are currently travelling?

Only six more months to Christmas. Will you be sitting on the beach in January satisfied with your efforts or will you be making the same new year's resolutions you made at the beginning of this year?

Remember, nothing changes if nothing changes.

Implement the 7 Habits of Highly Successful Business Owners on an on-going basis and you too will have a highly successful business.

About The Author

Lorraine Pirihi is Australia's Personal Productivity Specialist, Leading Life Coach and a dynamic presenter. She runs her own business The Office Organiser specialising in working with Small Business Owners and Managers helping them to dramatically improve their productivity, reduce the stress and the mess and have more time for living life!

lorraine@asecretary.com.au"

To your every business success!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Ooh La La! Make Your Bedroom Love Nest Appeal to All Five Of Your Sexy Senses

2005-08-16T00:07:00.000-04:00

Decorating - A Romantic Bedroom Should Appeal to All Five Senses - Pioneer Thinking: "A Romantic Bedroom Should Appeal to All Five Senses
Practical tips turn your bedroom into a love nest

(ARA) - A romantic bedroom should please the senses. To enhance intimacy on Valentine's Day -- or any day -- the Better Sleep Council offers tips and advice on how to transform your bedroom into a love nest that appeals to each of your five senses.

1. Touch. The bed is the focus of any bedroom and the most romantic rooms make it as cozy as possible. Luxurious sheets and plush pillows are wonderful, but the real key is a comfortable mattress, so make sure to have one that feels heavenly and caresses both you and your partner.

2. Sight. Lighting should be soft and filtered; bright lights can detract from the ambience. Use lower wattage light bulbs or those with a soft pink hue. And, for special evenings, nothing adds romance like the warm glow of candles (be sure that lit candles are never left unattended).

3. Smell. Gently wiping your light bulbs with a thin coat of perfumed oil can send calming or sensual scents throughout the bedroom. In addition, sprinkling dusting powder on your sheets can make them fragrant and silky. Scented sachets of lavender and rosemary also add to the air of romance.

4. Sound. Keep your favorite CDs at your fingertips; soft music is one of the easiest ways to elevate your mood. If it's noisy outside your bedroom window, hang thick curtains to muffle the sound. A peaceful bedroom retreat is the place to focus on each other, so keep distractions such as the television in another room.

5. Taste. For a late-night indulgence, place strawberries and whipped cream on a small tray next to the bed. Champagne and champagne glasses also are ideal at the start of a romantic evening at home.

"Evaluate your bedroom, starting with the sense of touch, making sure your bed and mattress are as comfortable as possible. Then, consider the rest of the senses. Because a romantic bedroom can set the mood for the evening, don't risk having an uncomfortable bed or a noisy bedroom destroy the moment," says Andrea Herman, director of the Better Sleep Council.

_______________________________________

Author:

For more information on buying a new mattress or on getting a good night's sleep, visit the Better Sleep Council's Web site at http://www.bettersleep.org. Courtesy of ARA Content, www.ARAcontent.com, e-mail: info@ARAcontent.com"

Great tips for creating passion in the bed room! Sleep well ;)

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

10 Feng Shui Tips for your Office to Boost your Prosperity

2005-08-13T07:58:00.000-04:00

10 Feng Shui Tips for your Office to Boost your Prosperity, by Vicky White: "10 Feng Shui Tips for your Office to Boost your Prosperity - by Vicky White

Feng Shui (fung-shway) is the study of arranging your environment to enhance your life. Every minute of every day your environment is either supporting you or draining you. Feng Shui teaches you to join forces with your environment to make living your best life effortless.

Not only does your environment reflect your consciousness, but also the flow of energy in your home and workplace determines the overall quality of your life and its outcome.

By balancing the energy in your environment, your own energy will be in harmony, and you will draw to you, people and opportunities that reflect this balance. Your environment indirectly determines the type of relationships, finances, career opportunities, etc you attract.

Because we spend so much time in our workplaces, these spaces have a huge influence in our lives. These feng shui enhancements will support you in creating prosperity and balance in your work.

1. CLEAR THE CLUTTER IN YOUR OFFICE
Clutter is anything unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated or disorganized. When you clear your clutter you create space for new things and your energy and creativity will increase.

Clutter is like emotional constipation - it bogs you down. Filing cabinets need to be regularly purged and desktops kept clutter free.

2. PLACE YOUR DESK IN THE ‘POWER’ POSITION
The ideal placement for your computer and desk is in a position that allows you to see the door of your office. If this is not possible, you can restore good Feng Shui by arranging a mirror that gives you a clear view of the door. A small convex mirror designed for use on car side mirrors can be purchased and stuck to the edge of your computer. cost – about $3.00.

3. MAKE SURE EVERYTHING AT YOUR DESK ALLOWS YOU TO BE COMFORTABLE
A good combination glare screen/radiation filter to prevent headaches and eyestrain, a comfortable chair that doesn’t squeak, comfortable keyboard and arm position, a mouse that fits your hand etc. Anything that causes you discomfort will drain your energy.

4. KEEP YOUR COMPUTER CLUTTER-FREE
How is your Inbox? If you see hundreds of emails when you open your Inbox you will feel overwhelmed. Create Folders to file emails you want to refer to. Go through your folders regularly to delete emails no longer needed. Once a week empty your Delete folder.

Is your Desktop full of shortcuts to programs from a past life? Do you have programs on your computer you never use? Computers are great clutter collectors, and like us, they work better if we keep them decluttered.

5. ENHANCE YOUR PROSPERITY CORNER
As you enter the door of your office, the far left hand corner is your Wealth and Prosperity corner. What do you have there? Clutter here will definitely be affecting your prosperity.

This would be a good place for a small tabletop fountain, a valuable item or even an affirmation. Blues, purples and reds are the colors of prosperity. Can you include these colors in something that makes you feel prosperous?

6. CREATE A NOURISHING VIEW
What do you see when you look up from your desk? If you see a brick wall, this could explain why you feel stuck! Paint the wall a color you love, hang a favorite painting or poster. Make sure what you see as you are thinking, uplifts you and nourishes your creativity.

7. CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS, DUST AND VACUUM
What do you see when you look out your window? Do you look at the world through a murky lens? Regularly cleaning your office, and emptying garbage bins daily will keep the energy fresh.

8. BUY A HEALTHY PLANT
A plant will bring life into your workspace and will also absorb toxins in the air.

9. SEPARATE YOUR WORKSPACE
If you must have your workspace in your bedroom, try to partition it off with a screen. Work and sleep are two conflicting energies and having a relaxing sleep will enhance your work time.

10. REPAIR OR REPLACE BROKEN OBJECTS
Anything that isn’t working represents a block to the flow of energy. For example, light bulbs, clocks, doors that don’t open smoothly – why risk not being at your best?

By consciously creating your environment, your environment will in turn create a quality of life to support you in reaching your potential. Feng Shui has a powerful effect in your life and you can use these enhancements to create a flow of prosperity, energy and creativity in your work life.

Copyright 2002 Vicky White. All rights reserved. mailto:Vicky@LifeDesignStrategies.com"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

14 FENG SHUI TIPS TO CREATE ROMANCE AND PASSION

2005-08-13T07:57:00.000-04:00

Life Design Strategies Article: "14 FENG SHUI TIPS TO CREATE
ROMANCE AND PASSION

By Vicky White

Your bedroom is where you're renewed, energized and romantic. It's your sanctuary. Your prosperity, relationships and well-being are all determined here. Everything is connected.

Whether you're looking for a new relationship or looking to enhance an existing one, these tips will set the scene.

1. Create an inviting sanctuary
What is your bedroom saying? Does it reflect who you are, and set the scene for the relationship you want, or is it a room you don't think too much about because you only sleep - or try to sleep there. Want more to happen in there?

2. Let go of past associations
You are affected by the energy of everything in your surroundings. Does your furniture remind you of the past? Do you have photos of past partners? Yikes! Let go of anything you don't want to bring into your present or upcoming relationship.

3. Make your bed the primary feature
What's in your bedroom with you? Exercise equipment, desk, computer? This energy will conflict with the purpose of the bedroom - serenity, romance and renewal. If necessary, use a screen to separate these different functions.

4. Remove the television from your bedroom
A television will affect your relationships, and your sleep. The television is a more vibrant, yang energy, which can make it less relaxing for sleep, and take your attention away from your partner.

5. Position your bed
The ideal bed position is as far away from the door as possible, and with a clear view of the door from where you lie. If you cannot see the door easily, this will set up an unconscious vulnerability that will affect the quality of your sleep and other aspects of your life. A solid headboard will support a strong relationship.

6. Who are you sleeping with?
Your bed holds the energy of anyone who has slept in it. Support the beginning of a new life with someone by replacing your bed. And, considering you spend a third of your life in bed, invest in the best possible.

7. Don't let Clutter Bog You Down!
Clutter affects all areas of your life more than anything else, and your bedroom is no exception. Clutter here will be affecting your health, your prosperity, and both existing and potential relationships. Clutter will prevent you from creating your dreams.

Don't underestimate the importance of clearing your closet. Clients report this gives them an immediate increase in energy and improved feelings about themselves. Give away anything that doesn't make you feel your best. One client found herself writing her autobiography after procrastinating for 4 years. The more you express of yourself, the better your chance of having a relationship that works for you.

Clutter is anything unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated, or disorganized. So, this could be physical clutter, or unresolved issues with your partner or an ex partner.

8. Get a fresh perspective on your art
Art work is a powerful enhancement in creating your life. If you're a single woman, having a picture of a lonely woman walking along the beach will not be helping you create someone new in your life. Make sure your art is sending the right messages. Position images of pairs of things in your bedroom and relationship areas of your home.

9. Make space for a relationship
One client set the intention for a new relationship in her life, and made space for it by making space in her closet and in her bathroom for the person who would come into her life. She added a second pillow on the bed. Within a very short time she was in a new relationship.
Set your bedroom up for two if you want to create a relationship. Have matching bedside tables and lamps. What represents romance to you? Have pairs of things such as two dolphins, two roses, two candles.

10. Nurture your number one relationship - the one with yourself. Are you being the person your ideal partner or your existing partner will fall in love with? Are you fully expressing your unique gifts? Nurture yourself with your favorite scented candles, music and sensual fabrics.

11. Think back
What did you allow yourself to do while in love? Allow yourself to be that person and do those things. Get in the mood. Write poetry, be wildly sexual, say no to invitations you would rather not accept. Indulge your senses. Treat yourself as the god or goddess you are, the one your partner falls in love with.

12. In the heat of love, what are the things you allow yourself to believe about yourself? That you are beautiful, desirable, treasured? You are still that person. If it’s a stretch to think of yourself in this way, act 'as if'.

13. Add fresh flowers
Fresh flowers give life to your bedroom, and are a wonderful treat for yourself. Make sure to discard them when they begin to wilt.

14. Always celebrate the love you have in your life, whether its with a partner, friends or family.

For information on how to determine where the Relationship area of your home or office is see : http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/BaguaMap.html

©Copyright 2002, Vicky White. All rights reserved. May be duplicated with attribution and copyright notice intact. http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com

Vicky White is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Life Coach who works with clients internationally. Get your FREE 7 part e-course "Your Secret Weapon: Powerful Feng Shui Tips to Give Your Business The Competitive Edge". http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Chinese buyers sue over 'unlucky' units

2005-08-11T20:18:00.000-04:00

Townsville Bulletin: Chinese buyers sue over 'unlucky' units [ 12aug05 ]: "Chinese buyers sue over 'unlucky' units
By Larissa Cummings
12aug05

CHINESE investors who bought units off the plan in a 'lucky' development are taking legal action to be released from the sales because of bad feng shui.

The move comes after the height of the building was reduced from 18 to 14 residential floors.

The investors, who purchased units in the 'Form' section of the Victoria Park development in South Dowling St, Zetland, claim they were attracted by good feng shui because the principal tower was to be 18 storeys.

In Chinese mythology, the number eight is associated with good luck, fortune and well-being.

However, in reducing the building's residential levels to 14, developer Waltcorp has linked it with death, as the Chinese words for the numbers four, 14 and 24 sound like the words for 'death', 'must die' and 'easy to die'.

Settlement of units in Form, a 219-unit complex of four buildings, began on Wednesday, but at least 20 investors are taking legal action to be released from their contracts.

One investor, who asked not to be named, said she did not know to check that the development application had been approved by council before signing up to buy a two-bedroom unit.

"When the sales people show [sic] us the model, it was 18 floors. They didn't mention it was subject to council approval," she said.

"This is very important for Chinese people -- to us, 14 storeys means it's like a dead building now."

The investor, who paid $600,000 for her unit, said the drop in value of the units added to her reluctance to settle.

She said she was promised that the value of the units would double within five years, but her apartment is now worth 25 per cent less than when she purchased it in 2003.

"They are advertising similar units in the next stage of the development for $150,000 cheaper than we paid for ours," she said.

Waltcorp managing director Colin Walters said he was aware of the investors' complaints, but after investigating their claims, the company's solicitors found no satisfactory reasons to release them from their contracts.

"The market is flat and they don't want to proceed with settlement," Mr Walters said.

"Buying property is like speculating on the sharemarket - you invest in a certain stock and you take a risk that that stock will go up or down in value.""

WOW!! Just goes to show that you always need to be careful with what you are buying, huh? Just because someone says its great doesn't make it so!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips: Forget the tacky posters, students

2005-08-11T20:15:00.000-04:00

TownOnline.com - Wellesley Townsman - Arts & Lifestyle: "Forget the tacky posters, students
By Michael Cox/ Townsman Staff
Thursday, August 11, 2005

As college students pack up their cars next month with laptops, egg crates, plants and family pictures, the one thing they're most likely to forget to fill their dorm room with this year is the thing they'll probably need most - feng shui.

That's what one Wellesley college student who penned a book called 'Dorm Room Feng Shui' believes. Katherine Olaksen, of Pine Street, is convinced that college students can dramatically improve their lives by simply cleaning and arranging their dorm room space with a purpose. 'It's about dealing with your life,' Olaksen said of the book. 'It's not about interior decorating.'

Through the innovative approach to dorm life, the rising senior at the College of Wooster in Ohio is trying to help millions of college students bring more harmony and balance to their daily campus lives by showing them how to transform their living spaces to maximize good energy, known as chi. To do this, said Olaksen, they need to develop feng shui, an ancient Chinese practice that looks at how energy flows in a certain space.

"In college, you can go into one person's room and love being there, and then go into another person's room and feel uncomfortable," she said. "Those situations really clarify how important what you do with your space is."

Olaksen said her struggles as a freshman living in a crammed room that felt like a prison inspired her to write the book. Trying to find a way to make better use of her modest living quarters, Olaksen contacted her aunt, Elizabeth MacCrellish, who was bringing in feng shui expert Margaret Donahue to look at the use of space in her home. She suggested her niece get in touch with Donahue to discuss her dorm room problem. The two hit it off, and Olaksen began taking dozens of pictures of her dorm room and sending them to Donahue, who gradually helped her transform both her living space and her life. MacCrellish and Donahue co-authored the book with Olaksen.

Feng shui is not expensive or complicated, said Olaksen. For those who are going to do some feng shui fixes to their room, she points out that it is important to understand "bagua" first. Essentially, the bagua is a way to divide any space into eight separate pieces that are held together by a ninth - the center. Each piece is known as the "gua" and the center is the "ba," and each section relates to a different part of a person's life, she said. The sections are career, relationships, family, prosperity, center, helpful people and travel, creativity and children, knowledge and fame.

For example, said Olaksen, someone who wanted to get involved in a relationship might put cut flowers in their relationship corner. The idea is not so farfetched. She said it worked for her roommate, a feng shui skeptic at first, who a week after putting flowers in her relationship corner ran into someone from her math class, and the two have been dating ever since.

Olaksen said she has also noticed a shift in her own academic career and relationships since going the feng shui way. "Having something there is a visible reminder that can trigger it to come into your life," she believes. "It works in subtle ways."

The book even has adjusters for troublesome roommates. "Not everyone is going to be Martha Stewart," said Olaksen. "One thing you can do is put up a mirror that reflects the mess back to their side or the room and away from your energy."

With dorm room feng shui tools in hand, Olaksen believes that millions of college freshmen can avoid the ugly pitfall she experienced her first year away from home and flourish in a new environment.

'Dorm Room Feng Shui'

Katherine Olaksen will hold a book signing tonight at 7 at Borders Books in Chestnut Hill and Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. at the Harvard Coop in Cambridge.

The 144-page paperback book sells for $10.95 and is published by Storey Publishing. It is available locally at the Wellesley Booksmith, Barnes and Noble and at Amazon.com."

21, attractive, and full of good advise for the dorm room. Is there anything Katherine Olaksen doesn't have going for her?

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Get Rid Of Clutter With A F-R-E-E Printable Check List!

2005-08-10T06:15:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui and Life Coaching - Articles: "40 Places to Look For Clutter Now!"

This list is great! (I'm printing it now and I'd encourgage you to do the same! Why not? What do you have to loose other than clutter thats choking your energy right now. Get to it!)

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Art For Your Walls

2005-08-10T06:12:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Tips - Free Feng Shui Design for Home and Garden - Feng Shui Book by Consultant Sally Fretwell: "Art For Your Walls

Pictures have an enormous affect on how we feel in a space; on a subconscious level, we react and respond to the images on our walls. For example, a hospital called to ask for help. Their Heart Unit, in particular, had a problem with significant nursing staff turnover, and depression seemed rampant

Upon walking through the halls, I found a predominance of pictures of dead trees on the walls. In fact, the entire building had disturbing abstracts and dark, cold pictures, with the one exception of the obstetrics floor, which featured pictures of green fields and spring flowers. This floor was filled with cheery people who took it upon themselves to add special touches wherever they felt they were needed on the ward.

Pictures of places or things have the ability to influence a change in your mood. For example, when the staff learned about the importance of incorporating life-affirming imagery and inspiring art -- instead of meaningless art or art which does not inspire -- on the walls, everyone felt the difference.

So, how do you feel when you look at the art around your office? Is your office art filled with uplifting life force or is it lifeless? All office spaces should have pictures that exude life force and continuity.

Remarkable changes, such as increased productivity, can occur when you choose the right kind of art. Focus on images that inspire you or make you feel terrific -- especially images that draw you into a scene, such as a picture of the Sedona mountains or a photo of people blissfully gazing out to sea. Such art opens a space in your consciousness where you can travel way beyond the walls of your office to that inner place where your vision and productivity may be the most inspired

© 1996-2002 All rights reserved Sally Fretwell"

To your success!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Free Feng Shui Design Tips for Building or Moving Your Home

2005-08-09T06:07:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Tips - Free Feng Shui Design for Home and Garden - Feng Shui Book by Consultant Sally Fretwell: "Building A Home / Moving Your Home

Have you ever thought about would there be a difference in how you felt if you were to move the home you live in to a new location? Some local folks actually have moved their home to a new location on their property.

One woman reported that she felt like a different person after the relocation of her home. She pondered how the same home could feel so differently facing a new direction. She found that in the prior placement her home faced west. The sun came up entering into her dinning area moving around the home setting in the kitchen area. As the home sits now her kitchen is fully lit in the early morning hours, the sun moves around the front of the home and setting in the living room area. She now has a fully lit living room for a good part of the day, which in the previous location did not receive sunlight at all. The home takes advantage of the sun in a whole new way.

Her home has lots of windows but it had felt dark inside and didn't take advantage of the natural sunlight that now enters her home. She had no idea that moving her home would change her life. This is not to say that everyone could or would want to move their home but it is a proven fact that how a building is situated on a property can affect how a person will feel.

The women reported she felt totally rejuvenated and recharged in the new direction. The previous direction she didn't feel like she had enough energy to do all that she needed to do each day. She reported her over all happiness and attitude is upbeat and positive. She could not express how much better she was sleeping and the difference of how each room felt in the home.

The reason for this article is to bring light to anyone is planning on building or is buying a house take a look at the direction the building is facing and how all the rooms are affected by how the sun moves around the building. Amazing things can happen. To homeowners who are not moving observing this will bring new insights.

© 1996-2002 All rights reserved Sally Fretwell"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

5 Powerful Feng Shui Tips for Creating a Peaceful Work Environment

2005-08-08T17:58:00.000-04:00

Stress Free Living-5 Tips for Creating a Peaceful Work Environment: "5 Tips for Creating a Peaceful Work Environment

Because most people spend a large portion of their lives in an office or cubicle, that area needs to be a sanctuary of sorts-- at least for a portion of the day-- so that you can maintain a sense of equilibrium on the job. Use the following tips to make your work space as calming and stress-free as possible:

1. Use scents to calm and revitalize. According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy, aromatherapy can be defined as "the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body and mind." Diffusing essential oils into the air through use of a candle or diffuser lamp can be a convenient way to keep your work space soothing (check with your boss first to make sure this is allowed). Scents you might try include eucalyptus to relieve muscle tension, chamomile for relaxation, and rosemary to help stimulate the immune system. Visit www.naha.org for more information.

2. Use Color. Research has demonstrated that colors can have dramatic effects on people's emotions. Blue is calming, red can energize us, green can be healing, yellow stimulates happiness and violet encourages the flow of communication. Take advantage of color in your work space by hanging colored scarves as wall coverings, placing colored pillows on couches and chairs, and using colored bulbs in lamps to soften the harshness of fluorescent lights. Visit www.peacefulmind.com for information and products related to color therapy.

3. Put on music. Some studies indicate that listening to classical music enhances people's ability to remember words, poetry, and foreign languages. Dubbed the "Mozart Effect," there is also some evidence that suggests that immersion in classical music may stimulate chemicals in the brain that help bolster the immune system. Check out www.edu-cyberpg.com/Music/musicsmart.html#research for more information on this topic.

4. Hold mini-meditation sessions. Use breaks and your lunch period to get in some down time. Purchase an eye pillow (www.candledance.com has one for under $10) and dim the lights. Focus on your breathing and observe your thoughts. Notice how they arise and fall away, like clouds passing through the sky. Alternately tense and relax each part of your body. If you have time, listen to a guided meditation tape like "The Healing Waterfall," available at www.epachamama.com.

5. Utilize the principles of Feng Shui to arrange your work space. Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice that teaches how to recognize and tap into the Qi, or the cosmic energy. Principles of Feng Shui include adding mirrors, plants and wind chimes as ways to reduce the stress in an environment and create more peaceful surroundings. A good read on the topic is "Using Feng Shui" by Antonia Beattie, Anna Bullen, and Sue Ninham.

While we cannot eliminate stress at work, there are ways to assist us in coping with it. Your working space needs to be as comfortable and relaxing as you can make it in order to maximize your comfort levels in the place you'll spend most of your day. For more ideas on managing stress, check out the recommended reading section."

I don't know about you, but I'm not the biggest fan there is of Monday's. I hope these tips help you if you're like me!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Beat Infertility With Feng Shui

2005-08-07T22:06:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More Baby Chi: "Feng Shui Fertility: Six Ways to Create More 'Baby Chi'

Today, feng shui is used for everything from arranging office cubicles to gaining more recognition at work to helping aspiring writers become more prolific. But what if what you want is a baby? When you are trying to conceive, feng shui can be another tool in your fertility arsenal.

Fertility is such a delicate thing because it can be affected so easily. This is where feng shui can come help. Feng shui can help create a more balanced, harmonious – and relaxed – environment for conception to occur.

Obviously, the first place to look at is the home. Perhaps there is some kind of energy blockage. Another consideration is the personal feng shui are the parents. This is the feng shui that is related to gender and birthdate.

Unlike western thought, feng shui for parents places the most emphasis on the father and not the mother. The father must have what is called “descendant’s luck.” This is where personal feng shui can be called upon to help improve this type of luck.

Renowned feng shui writer, Lillian Too, credits every book to her daughter Jennifer, whom she says was conceived after a feng shui master visited her home and saw that a tree was blocking her front door. The master told her that once the tree was removed she became pregnant.

True to his prediction – and after nine infertile years of marriage – Lillian’s daughter was born. This was also what launched her full study and practice of feng shui.

When it comes to enhancing fertility with feng shui, though, it would be wise to address both parents as well as the home. This way, a complete approach will be taken and nothing is overlooked. Fertility feng shui can't create miracles but it can create a positive environment in which miracles can occur.

6 Tips for Improving Fertility Feng Shui

1. ACTIVATE THE DESCENDANT’S LUCK DIRECTION.

The northwest (NW) is the direction of descendant’s luck. It is also the direction of “heaven” according to feng shui (and aren’t all babies heaven-sent?).

By positioning the man to sleep with his head pointed in the northwest direction, sit at work facing the NW, eat facing the NW, etc., this will activate his descendant’s luck.

It might look odd, if necessary, couples should turn the bed so that the man is sleeping with his head pointing NW. If this makes the man’s head point toward the door or sleep with his back to the door, then try another method.

Another way to activate the descendant’s luck is to install a metal oscillating fan in the bedroom. Placed in the NW corner and turned on during the day, the fan produces a generous helping of descendant’s luck in the bedroom. Be sure to turn it off while sleeping, though, or this luck will be scattered and unable to attach itself to the couple sleeping in the room.

2. USE PERSONAL FENG SHUI.

Personal feng shui is a powerful method for creating good descendant’s luck. To calculate your personal feng shui directions, go to http://www.redlotusconsulting.com/KuaCalculator.html
Based on the KUA number, you can determine the man’s “personal descendant’s luck direction.” The man should work, eat, and sleep facing this direction if the NW direction does not work for him.

KUA NUMBER

1 South
2 Northwest
3 Southeast
4 East
5 Northwest
6 Southwest
7 Northeast
8 West
9 North

3. REMOVE ANY BLOCKS TO THE FRONT DOOR.

It worked from Lillian Too, so it might work for you. Be sure that there is an open space out the front door and that there is nothing in direction line with your front door, such as a tree, street, or other object. The front door is considered the “mouth of chi” and is where all energy enters the home. Make this area clean, auspicious, and beautiful.

4. ENHANCE THE WEST SECTOR.

The west is the sector associated with the children. For that reason it is best to avoid having fire objects here, such as candles or bright lamps. Earth objects, such as vases are excellent fertility enhancers. Enhance this portion of the house, living, and bedroom with metal objects, such as fans, stereos, or other electronic or metal items.

Lastly, be sure to address problem areas in the west sectors of the home (and the west corner of your bedroom and living room) such as crowded closets or junk rooms. Work at getting these cleaned out to allow new creative (fertility) energy to enter your life.

If there is a bathroom in this sector, make sure bathroom doors are shut and to keep a bright light on in this room.

5. OBSERVE PROPER BEDROOM FENG SHUI.

Bedroom feng shui is extremely important when you are trying to conceive. Beds should never share the same wall as the door, a bathroom, or a kitchen. Televisions, work objects such as computers, mirrors, plants, and exercise equipment should be removed. Rest and romance should be the only activities in this room.

6. USE FERTILITY SYMBOLS AND ENHANCEMENTS.

Feng shui uses a number of symbols, many of which are thought to enhance fertility. Some of these would include:

Dragons: Placed on the side table of the man’s side of the bed, the dragon can add a little extra “oomph” in the bedroom. Make sure the dragon is small, otherwise, it will create too much “yang” energy in the room and make rest difficult.

Elephants: Place a pair of elephants on either side of the bedroom door. Elephants are associated with pregnancy. Or, place one statue of an elephant in the living room. Placed prominently in the bedroom, elephants are said to produce male children.

Double fish: The double fish is a symbol of marital union. Display this in the southwest corner of your bedroom.

Single piece of hollow bamboo: Place this in the north sector of the bedroom to enhance fertility. These are said to aid conception.

Red paper lanterns: hung on either side of the bed, these are believed to bring excellent yang (creative)energy to the bedroom.

When you are trying to conceive, it's always worth taking a comprehensive approach. Fortunately, feng shui can help you make sure the environment supports your endeavors to bring that new addition to your family.

About The Author

Kathryn Weber is the publisher of The Red Lotus Letter feng shui E-Zine. For more information or to subscribe, go to http://www.redlotusletter.com
kweber@redlotusconsulting.com"

Sorry about the delay folks, I'v been having no end of trouble with my blogger account. I really hope this article help you if you are experiencing difficulties with conceiving a baby. My lady and I are in this situation, we know how draining it is!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Drive Away Wedding Woes With Feng Shui

2005-08-04T19:33:00.000-04:00

The Telegraph - Calcutta : Metro: "Ways to drive away wedding woes
Feng Shui Matters Pinky Kapoor

Marriages may be made in heaven, but there’s rarely one that doesn’t have its share of problems. While arguments and tiffs are natural in any relationship, the secret to a happy marriage is to be able to reconcile differences and carry on.

Feng Shui offers some solutions that have helped in saving a lot of marriages over the years. Incorporating these in your lives can help strengthen your love life.

Element effect

It is advisable to match the compatibility charts before you decide on marrying a person. However, if you are already married and are having problems, then it’s likely that there is a clash between the elements in your astrological birth charts.

For instance, if someone with a strong fire element is married to a strong metal person, the relationship is bound to be a difficult one. The aggression of the fire person will always try to dominate the metal partner and will result in a clash since metal can’t be bent.

To remedy this situation, you need to introduce earth elements in the south-west, which is the marriage corner of the house. Fire and metal elements become friendly the moment the earth element, in the form of an amethyst rock, is introduced between them. This is because in the productive cycle of the five elements of nature, fire creates earth, which in turn creates metal.

Marriage corner

The south-west sector of the house is associated with love and happy relationships. So, couples are always advised to occupy this room. The extreme south-west corner of the bedroom should be the focal point, where a couple’s photographs should be displayed along with other love symbols like pairs of birds and ducks.

This area should also be adorned with objects derived from nature to bring earth-like stability in the relationship. These can be made of marble, stone, terracotta, onyx, crystal, porcelain, ceramic, cut glass, amethyst and semi-precious stones.

These objects should always be displayed in pairs. Never place a solitary picture or an image here as this suggests loneliness in life. Also, more than a pair would crowd a marriage, thus inviting a third person in a couple’s life.

The décor of the master bedroom should have liberal doses of earthy colours like beige, cream, yellow and rust, particularly in the south-west corner. Vibrant hues like red, maroon, purple, mauve, peach and pink are fire colours that nourish the earth element and also bring passion in the relationship.

Do not introduce anything that weakens the earth element like metal, water and wood. Also, avoid their respective colours like white, grey, blue, black and green. Do not place anything here that suggests movement like a water body, television set, music system, computer and pendulum clock.

If you are not married yet and are looking for a life partner, then the south-west part of your bedroom should be energised with Valentine’s Day cards, crystals, pictures of couples in heart-shaped photo frames and wallpapers with heart motifs. Heart symbolises universal love and heart-shaped objects help bring romance into a single person’s life.

Crystal clear

Lights play a special role in bringing Yang Chi that helps generate love and passion. Therefore, make sure there is no darkness in any of the love corners of your house.

A bunch of well-cut crystals are considered important enhancers of the strong earth sector when activated with light. This promotes harmony and love and keeps a marriage sparkling forever. Their placement in the south-west energises the love Chi of this area, thereby accumulating energy that draws romance and marriage to its occupants.

The crystals need to be energised once a week by placing them in the sun for at least three to four hours. This way they are bathed and invigorated with morning sunshine when Yang Chi is dominant and radiate wonderful positive energy in your home when placed in marriage corners.

To balance the Chi, it is equally important to bathe them on a full moon night when the moon shines in its complete glory and the Yin Chi is at its most powerful.

If unwanted guests visit your bedroom or engage in an argument, then these crystals pick up the negative vibrations. To get rid of these negative vibes you must immediately cleanse the crystals by washing them in salt water and then purifying them in rose water.

Rock solid

The most effective way of enhancing and stabilising the marriage Chi is by creating a rockery with boulders, pebbles or decorative stones in the south-west corner of your garden or balcony. To make it more auspicious and strong, spray a few rocks with red paint.

These can also be energised with red decorative light. Red is an extremely auspicious colour that is strongly associated with marriage.

Personal direction

Finally, you should not ignore your personal Nien Yen (marriage) direction that is calculated according to your year of birth. Ensure that it is energised along with the south-west.

If your Nien Yen direction happens to be the north, west or north-west, then introduce a metal figure of a dancing couple here. If the direction is south, east or south-east, place figures of ducks in pairs. South-west and north-east should have a display of ceramic love birds.

Auspicious eight

According to Buddhists, the eight auspicious symbols — mystic knot, cowrie shell, good luck jar, vase, canopy, lotus, sacred wheel and double fish — are excellent for absorbing negative and stagnant energy prevailing in the love corner. When placed in the south-west, these act as stimulants for reviving unhappy marriages."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Dorm Room Feng Shui Solutions

2005-08-04T19:31:00.000-04:00

KRT Wire | 08/04/2005 | Paperback shows feng shui in the dorm way: "Paperback shows feng shui in the dorm way

BY CHARLYNE VARKONYI SCHAUB

South Florida Sun-Sentinel

(KRT) - "Dorm Room Feng Shui" (Storey Publishing, $10.95), by Katherine Olaksen, is a simple paperback that promises to change your life. Girlfriend, who doesn't want a little help?

Feng shui is the Chinese art of placing objects that some folks believe will do everything from improve your love life to help you make better grades. The explanations can get pretty complicated (and boring), but not this time.

I was ready to dismiss this as still another way to make bucks out of the Asian design concept that has gained popularity in the United States over the past decade. But this charming 144-page paperback is fun and easy to browse, unlike some of the other feng shui books that read like a text in a class you would give anything to drop.

Olaksen knows how to talk the talk and she does it like she's your best buddy giving advice.

"Come on," she writes, "don't even try to fake me out with, `There's so little room in my dorm and that's why there's so much crap under my bed.' I know you have always had crap under your bed. Let's be honest. The fact is, there shouldn't be anything under your bed, including dust bunnies. ... So if you're going to put stuff under the bed, make sure it's not dirty laundry ... Use the space for storage bins that are neatly placed and pulled out often enough that they don't get covered with so much dust that they look like they've spent years in a crypt."

The book is far more than clever, down-to-earth writing. It's practical, too. There are plenty of illustrations, in and out lists, dos and don'ts as well as before and afters.

Now entering her senior year at Wooster College in Wooster, Ohio, Olaksen has been there. The first big challenge she says she faced in college wasn't zoology or economics but how to make a 10-by-15-foot box feel like home. She sought the help of her aunt, writer Elizabeth MacCrellish, and feng shui expert Margaret M. Donahue to transform her dorm room into what she calls a "super-cool crib." When her college mates loved the look, the three decided to collaborate on this book.

Here is a sample of some of the book's suggestions:

Your door: Make a statement. The dorm police probably won't allow you to paint it purple or drill holes, but you can tape up your fave poster.

Your windows: They represent your outlook on life. So clean the windows, move the boxes and let the sun shine into your room.

Your bed: Position is everything. Place the headboard against a solid wall and make sure you can easily see the door. You don't want it to be directly in front of the door. If there is no other choice, add a bookcase or other piece of furniture at the foot of the bed to shield you.

Your desk: Again, you don't want to be surprised by someone going up behind you, so the best position is with a view of the door and a solid wall behind you. Can't move the desk? Place a small mirror on the desk so you can see the door. And keep the desk clutter-free.

Your computer: Don't keep it running. If you can't put it behind closed doors, cover it with an attractive cloth when it's not in use. Electric appliances create EMFs or electromagnetic fields, which some experts believe can lead to cancer.

What do you have to lose? Chill and read the book. If it works, have a tall, skim double latte to celebrate.

---

© 2005 South Florida Sun-Sentinel.

Visit the Sun-Sentinel on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun-sentinel.com"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Good Feng Shui and Good Neighborhoods

2005-08-03T23:38:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui News - Feng Shui Solutions
"Good Feng Shui and Good Neighborhoods
I have found an interesting coincidence with some of the better neighborhoods I have visited and the better feng shui houses that exist there. I am speaking of the 4 major house types which are determined by their precise compass orientation.

Here is one example: In the Pico/Robertson area of Los Angeles, there is a neighborhood south of Pico Blvd. called "Beverlywood Adjacent" and it includes many homes that were built between 1924-1943. Those which are on the east side of Robertson Blvd. and face east or west are often the house types that are called "Reversed." This implies a house type that is more prone to money and health struggles. (Right next to a lot of gang activity as well.) This neighborhood has never been considered as prestigous as the neighborhood on the West side of Robertson Blvd. Many of these houses have identical floor plans and were built in the same period, but the difference in street alignment on either side of Robertson, makes them dramatically different house types. If you measure the compass degree on the East side of Robertson, the homes are aligned pretty much exactly dead-on east (90 degrees) or West (270 degrees.)

Then you go a few blocks West of Robertson and the street alignment is a little different, where the east facing houses do so at about 75-80 degrees and West at about 255-260 degrees. These house types are considered inherently good for money and people. So this 15 degree shift may look almost imperceptible on the Thomas Map Guide, but it creates two very different house types, consistent with the general affluence of the neighborhoods they are in.

Another predictable area is the San Fernando Valley, which is mostly laid out on a North-South (345-165 degrees), East-West (70-250 degrees) grid. Many of these homes were built in the 1950's and are also classified as "Reversed."

But when you get up into the hilly areas, with winding roads, particularly south of Ventura Blvd., the same 50's homes will face any number of directions, and often end up being better feng shui homes than the ones in the flat lands. Again, this has nothing to do with the size of the homes. It is the compass alignment combined with their construction age.

Another subtle shift takes place between Culver City streets in a Northeast-Southwest alignment, verses the slightly different alignment on Santa Monica streets in better neighborhoods.

In the fall of 1999, I visited a new 80-home development near Claremont at the request of the concerned builder. The Asian buyers were only buying the South-facing houses. I knew that some of this had to do with cultural superstition that South is a lucky direction. In this case, there was some truth to the situation, because new homes which face south are some of the best feng shui houses being built in the current time frame.

for more information contact:
Kartar Diamond
PO Box 67354
Los Angeles, CA 90067
(310)842-8870
kartar@fengshuisolutions.net
fengshuisolutions.net"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Principles That Annoy Architects

2005-08-03T23:37:00.000-04:00

Feng Shui News - Feng Shui Solutions

"Feng Shui Principles That Annoy Architects
It is often said that good design is also good Feng Shui. Generally speaking, I totally agree. However, Feng Shui principles of how ch'i moves in and around a building, and what kind of effect that has on people, will sometimes be in conflict with interesting architecture or landscape.

1. Does symmetry = balance? I have seen many floor plans where the architect deliberately placed doorways or windows directly opposite each other. Sometimes there is a whole succession of windows along a wall, and the opposite wall will be a mirror image. I have seen entrances or exterior facades where columns, hedges, and pathways create long straight lines toward a main door. In looking at these designs, the symmetry is obvious. But from a Feng Shui stand point, this is not necessarily harmonious or balanced. Think about nature, and winding meandering paths through gardens, and groupings in odd numbers. This is very different than the perfect pairing of windows, doors, or other architectural features. Two windows exactly opposite each other may feel like balance through symmetry from a designer's training. But this arrangement allows for ch'i (air currents) to either move too quickly through a room and/or the room leaks its vitality too soon.

2. High ceilings: A room may feel dramatic and larger (intended effect) when the ceilings are high. Most people initially feel good in this kind of room. But the function of the room will determine the appropriateness of high ceilings in Feng Shui theory. It may be hard to concentrate in a room with high ceilings, and it may be difficult to get good sleep as well. Sometimes the good energies which need to be cozy and contained in a small room, will get dissipated in a room with high ceilings.

3. Beams: The look of exposed beams can also bring personality to a room from a design point. But open beams in a bedroom are known to cause health and relationship problems in Feng Shui theory (in all schools of Feng Shui.)

4.Views from front to back: A major selling feature in many homes is to create a spectacular view from the entrance, all the way through to the back (showing a garden, or views of a valley or ocean.) But this is not the home you will sell to an adherent of Feng Shui. Once again, the premise is that incoming energy will make a bee-line for the back, escaping too quickly. The mundane result of a house losing its energy is that the occupants will have a hard time saving their money.

5. Angles and odd shapes: When a building or a single room has an odd shape, (not a square or rectangle) this can make the ch'i boomerang around the room, causing lack of focus, ill health, or arguments. I have often been in very odd-shaped buildings or houses, where the real orientation (of what is the front and what is the back) is also very confusing.
Just because a building looks striking from afar doesn't mean it is a comfortable place to work in. I once saw the design for a new building by some famous architect and it honestly looked like a crumpled piece of paper! This can't possibly be good Feng Shui.

**Keep in mind: there are some buildings which get classified as being good for money, but not good for health and relationships. The ideal is to create a building that is good for both, but given a choice, the priority should be more in favor of people over money.

6. Staircases: Sometimes the design of a grand, swirling staircase can make a huge statement for the room or entrance. But energetically, a staircase is a conduit for energy. It will swirl and activate whatever it is around. If the stairs are located in a positive section of a building, they can make it even more positive. If they happen to be in a bad location, then the movement they stir up will only further irritate the area. This can only be understood by Feng Shui practitioners who can calculate the "unseen" influences.

7.Aesthetics: Sometimes a home or commercial property just looks and feels great, and all the visual features are in sync with good Feng Shui principles as well. But every structure has been built facing a particular compass degree, and within a certain time frame, and those two coordinates may produce a house-type that can attract tremendous misfortune, even though it "looks" good. This is the level of Feng Shui that architects find most startling. How could it be that their gorgeous new home can create lawsuits? Or miscarriage? Or accidents? Or divorce?

The good news is that more and more architects are considering working with Feng Shui practitioners, so that the blending of their talents can truly create a superior space-- visually, functionally and energetically."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Teacher wins classroom feng shui makeover

2005-08-03T22:18:00.000-04:00

Local News: "Teacher wins classroom makeover

PALM BAY - Southwest Middle School teacher Ronald Lewis may have to contend with drool when fellow educators first catch a glimpse of his new state-of-the-art math classroom.

Lewis was selected "Teacher of the Year" in Brevard County by Life Style Homes, a distinction that earned him a $10,000 extreme classroom makeover that will be the envy of the school district.

"They've left no stone unturned," Lewis said, referring to the cadre of designers, artists and tradesmen that descended upon his teaching sanctum. "Every teacher dreams of what they could do if they had the right tools. Because of Life Style Homes, I'm going to be living my dreams."

Lewis was selected by Life Style from a pool nominated by students, parents and educators as candidates for the Central Florida builder's Education Renovation program.

"My kids really stuffed the nomination box," Lewis said.

He's glad they did.

With the $10,000 budget, interior designers planned a new classroom environment centered around Lewis' interest in math. Using principles of "feng shui," they created a place they thought would be conducive to learning.

It's a fun place, too.

Lewis' passion for chess is represented in chess pieces painted around the walls. A custom-made oversized cherry chess set hangs from the ceiling.

In fact, custom is the operating word in the design.

Most of the furnishings, including a handsome teacher's desk and matching podium, were made to specifications. A large trophy case will provide plenty of storage for the 386 awards Lewis' students have earned in math competitions.

A 16-foot chalkboard with marker board wings will undoubtedly help with problem solving.

However, the "piece de resistance" may well be the brand new projector.

"I've been using just an overhead projector," Lewis said.

Those days are over with the installation of a projector mounted from the ceiling and a giant screen. The projector is tied to Lewis' new laptop and to a wireless network serving six classrooms.

The design team even took into consideration the use of nontoxic, environmentally friendly paint for covering the walls.

Lewis' beloved math team will receive a year's worth of supplies. In fact, thanks to Life Style, every student in Lewis' class will be greeted with plenty of school supplies come the first day of school.

Before John Luhn and Larry Hufford began Life Style Homes 21 years ago, they were planning to make a career in teaching.

"It is a well-known fact that educators are often overworked and underpaid," Luhn said.

Life Style's Education Renovation program is the company's way to thank area teachers for a job well done.

Lewis plans to share his newfound wealth.

"These kids are going to benefit for a lifetime," he said. "I want to share the classroom with as many teachers as possible."

He'll probably have a waiting list."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

It's official, looks matter!

2005-08-03T22:16:00.000-04:00

It's official, looks matter- The Times of India: "It's official, looks matter

When it comes to swank offices, city bureaucrats sure know how to add the special effects

If you thought government offices were all about untidy rooms, cluttered with cheap wooden or plastic chairs, with a pile of dirty files on a rickety old table, you certainly are living in a time warp. A visit to the chambers of some high profile babus and police wallahs will make you see the brighter, comfortable and luxurious side of the city's sarkari daftars.

Polished to perfection: The interiors of the DGP's office present a stone and wood combination. Designed on Oxford pattern, it has state-of-the-art furniture that includes leather sofas, chairs, false ceiling with concealed light, coloured glass panes that blend with the green background of the lawn. Conceptualised by the then DGP VKB Nair, present DGP Yashpal Singh and Assistant to DGP VK Gupta alongwith other officers, the emphasis has been on allowing an unobstructed view of the greens outside from the chamber itself.

Mandi magic: Though whole building of Mandi Parishad is an antithesis of the shabby image of government offices, its conference hall, meeting hall and officers' room deserve a special mention. The conference hall has hosted four meetings of UP Development Council (UPDC) whose high profile members include, Amar Singh, Amitabh Bachchan, Anil Ambani, KM Birla, KB Kamath, MS Banga, Subrato Roy Sahara, Dr Pratap C Reddy and Nandan Nilekani. And one meeting of State Film Development Council which was chaired by Jaya Bachchan.

Beautiful interiors: SSP Lucknow's office is simple yet stylish. The office has undergone a complete makeover. SSP Navniet Sekera is more than happy with his new neat, attractive workplace. The office interiors designed by his Mrs Sekera and ASP Shachi Ghildyal, has home made curtains, four different types of lighting patterns and furniture which is quite contemporary. Soon his office will have a laser Indian tri-colour too.

Spaced out: The LDA VC's office also deserves a mention among the modern and jazzed up sarkari workplaces of the city. The office has a spacious and uncluttered corporate look with big, horizontal windows on three sides, stylish office table, wooden chairs and sofas.

Vaastu shastra: The office of Ashu Jain, competent authority & administrator, custom and narcotics, follows the principles of Vaastu and Feng Shui. Every object in the room is colour co-ordinated. The dark brown Victorian style table is beautifully complemented by chairs, sofas, carpet, corner units etc. The window has designer cloth mats, lights have been toned down to slight yellow, sitting arrangement is on the south-west of the room, paintings, Feng Shui plant, chandelier, laughing Buddha, all impart a chic look to the office while ensuring unrestricted flow of positive energy.

Talk about room service!
shambhu.sahu@timesgroup.com"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Monsters Under Your Bed?

2005-08-03T00:09:00.000-04:00

Quick Cures for Insomnia and Sleep Disorders: Cure Insomnia - Feng Shui Monsters Under Your Bed : "Cure Insomnia - Feng Shui Monsters Under Your Bed

Feng Shui Monsters Under Your Bed

by Stephanie Roberts

Good feng shui often requires making wise decisions based on your specific circumstances, rather than blindly following an ideal rule. The feng shui rule for storing things under your bed is 'don't do it.' But for those who live in small homes every inch of possible storage space is precious. If you are faced with cluttering up some other area of your home with stuff that otherwise might be put under the bed, how do you decide what to do?  

 My preference as a feng shui professional is to keep the more visible, frequently used areas of the home uncluttered. If that means storing some things under the bed, so be it, as long as it is done thoughtfully and appropriately.  

 There are two reasons why your bed is so important in feng shui. The first is the principle of proximity, which states that the closer something is to you the stronger its effect will be. The second is the principle of duration, which means that the longer you are exposed to a particular influence the stronger its effect will be. 

 If we were getting our eight full hours of sleep every night, we'd be spending a third of our lives in bed. Even with long days and not enough sleep, the average person probably spends 25% or more of his or her time in bed. Keeping the factors of proximity and duration in mind, this means that anything that is close to you while you sleep will have a strong effect on you, either physically or symbolically.  

 Since you are probably well protected from below by a nice thick mattress, whatever you've got stashed beneath your bed isn't likely to be directly harmful. However, in feng shui the symbolic energy of an object or image is just as important as whatever literal impact it may have. If you are using your underbed area for storage, take a moment to think about the implications of whatever is down there, especially if you haven't been sleeping well lately. If you don't remember what you've stashed under your bed, it's time to take another look.  

 Here are some things that you ought to find another place for: 

 - Shoes under the bed can keep you "running around" all night even when you are sound asleep. No matter how many hours of sleep you get, you may never feel well rested. 

 - Exercise gear, workout clothes, and sports equipment are also less than relaxing. Unless you want to feel like you're "going nowhere fast" in life, don't store your treadmill, rowing machine, aerobic step under the bed. Tennis rackets (or other gear for competitive sports) can bring a competitive, adversarial energy to your romantic relationships. It's best not to have any kind of exercise or sports equipment in the bedroom at all if you can find another place for it. 

 - Books and work or school papers can have an intellectually stimulating effect; if you have trouble turning your mind-chatter off so you can fall asleep at night, make sure you are not sleeping on top of a lot of information. Plus, chances are good that if you're keeping that stuff under the bed it probably isn't at all current, so all that old information is also energetically holding you in the past. 

 - Guns and knives. I really hope you don't feel the need to have these in your house at all. All that potential violence is not conducive to a good night's sleep, no matter how "safe" it may make you feel. A feng shui friend once told me she'd consulted for a guy who collected knives, and who kept that collection under his bed. No wonder he complained of a long string of failed relationships! Regardless of any other qualities he may or may not have had, that's a lot of cutting chi underlying what should be a place for romantic connection. 

 These examples should give you an idea of the sort of potentially disruptive effect the stuff under your bed can have. If you must use the under-bed space for storage, reserve it for soft, cuddly items like extra bedding or your winter sweaters.  

 You may even find a good use for that space by placing something with positive symbolic meaning there, so you can take conscious advantage of the proximity and duration effect. For example, laying a mirror face up under the bed is a recommended feng shui cure for insomnia; symbolically the mirror reflects the bed "downward" thus drawing into a deep, restful sleep. For a child who is frightened of imaginary monsters under the bed, placing a super-tough-guy action figure under there could provide some important protection and security.  

 A feng shui client recently asked if it was okay to keep her empty suitcases under the bed. If you enjoy traveling and want to do more of it, then having the luggage under the bed may help to encourage that. Inside the suitcases you can put guidebooks, photos, travel accessories, and other items related to the places where you'd like to go. For example, if you would love to take a trip to Paris put a guidebook to the city, a French-English phrase book, and a photo of the Eiffel Tower in an empty suitcase under your bed. Add some French currency or traveler's checks for the future trip. The suitcase and its contents is now a feng shui activation to help make your travel dreams come true. 

 On the other hand, if you've been traveling a lot lately and would like to stay home for a change, then I definitely recommend finding some other place to keep your luggage. If you absolutely, positively have no alternative to keeping suitcases under the bed -- and you really want a break from travel -- put a rock in each one and cover them with a blanket, to help them settle in for a long rest and to keep you grounded at home. 

 (c) copyright 2004 Stephanie Rogerts

About the Author

STEPHANIE ROBERTS is a feng shui consultant and writer in Maui, HI. She is the author of the popular "Fast Feng Shui" book series and the "Clutter Free Forever!" Home Coaching Program. For more tips and information, visit her websites at http://www.fastfengshui.com and http://www.clutterfreeforever.com."

Sleep well!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

San Diego City Council Looks For Wisdom, Harmony and Progress With Feng Shui

2005-08-02T20:56:00.000-04:00

Regional Talk - Voice of San Diego: "Bringing Feng Shui to the San Diego City Council Might Lead to Wisdom, Harmony and Progress

By MICHAEL GRANT
Voice Guest Columnist
Monday, Aug. 1, 2005

San Diego's city government can use all the good vibes it can get.

Riding to the rescue this week is the Sixth Annual International Feng Shui Conference, 60 presenters strong, opening their three-day conference Friday at the San Diego Hilton on Mission Bay.

One presenter, Dr. David (Dak) Kopec, a San Diego environmental psychologist who has studied Feng Shui in China, agreed to visit the San Diego City Council Chamber last week, to see what might be done to bring new wisdom, harmony and progress to the business done there.

Feng Shui, in a nutshell (which would have its own Feng Shui), is arranging an environment to maximize the energy and potential of that environment. From its origins in ancient China, its root principles of "ch'i," "gua" and "bagua" have become globally familiar, and attractive enough culturally to inspire international conferences.

"Ch'i" is energy, and energy is what needs arranging to make an environment more energetic and effective. A "gua" is an area within a space - a room, a home, an office, a council chamber - that corresponds to one of nine basic life situations. The guas are skills and knowledge, family, prosperity, fame, relationships, creativity, helpful people, career, and health.

A "bagua" is an eight-sided figure in which the nine guas are taken together and arranged in specific order, like boxes stacked three across and three high. Across the bottom are knowledge, career and helpful people (or "benefactors"); across the middle are family, health and creativity; on top are wealth, fame and relationships. Direction and orientation come into play also, but those are complexities best left to attending the weekend conference.

To "Feng Shui" a space, the bagua is laid over the plan of the room, home, office, or council chamber. The entry is always at the bottom of the bagua, into the skills, career or helpful people guas.

This is the diagnostic brought by Dak Kopec, a professor at the New School of Architecture and Design, to the San Diego City Council Chamber, on the 12th floor of City Hall.. Feng Shui practitioners have become particularly interested in applying their awareness to business and politics, which will be the subject of several presentations (including "Real Estate Secrets") at the San Diego Hilton conference.

The council chamber, Dr. Kopec said, "has many features that compromise the overall Feng Shui of the room."

It begins with the shape of the room.

"The shape of the room in the wealth, fame and relationship areas mimics a slightly bent semicircle," he said. "On the knowledge, career and benefactors side, the room is shaped more like a trapezoid. This unique shaped room means that the council chamber has missing areas in the wealth, relationship, benefactors, and knowledge sections. Loosely translated, this means that there will be issues related to inadequate funds, public relations, civic and employee support, and not enough information for the most optimal responses."

"Missing areas" refer to parts of the space that fall outside the bagua footprint.

"Because both the wealth and relationship areas have missing areas, they are out of balance with the fame section," Kopec said. "This means that the fame section is volatile, i.e., a really good reputation or a really bad reputation."

Council member seats are located in the wealth and fame areas, and also council member seats are situated at different levels, Kopec noted. The four council seats in the wealth area are slightly higher than the other seats, supporting a hierarchy. Additionally, the benefactors, career and knowledge areas are covered by a ceiling (created by the media room above) that is much lower than the rest of the chamber.

"This means that the knowledge, career and benefactors levels obtained in the chamber cannot reach the same level as the other areas: family, health, creativity, relationships, fame and wealth," Kopec said.

Since the areas are interactive, the low ceiling also affects the four elevated council member chairs, meaning "those members seated in those four chairs are likely to act with reduced knowledge and little regard for helpful people," Kopec said.

Those four seats also are influenced by a feature in the career area, attributed to wall angles that create "a slight point directed at the four uppermost council member seats. This means that whoever occupies these chairs will be likely to feel greater pressure to promote their own careers, and probably at the expense of others. The missing areas in both the benefactors and knowledge sections support this assertion."

Finally, fixed seating for the public is in the family, health and creativity areas, indicating, Kopec said, "that people in the council chambers will not be as flexible in regarding issues of family, health care and identifying creative solutions as they could be."

Solution: "Seats for the public should offer a slight swivel and/or reclining motion," which will help reduce the rigidity in the areas.

"In Feng Shui, there are a host of 'cures' that can be used to solve problems," said Kopec. "Common cures involve the placement of mirrors along walls where there are missing areas, the use of plants and greenery to soften the rigid nature of the room, and room screens to even out uneven walls.

Kopec suggested a redesign of the chamber into a symmetric floor plan, "either in the shape of an oval or rectangle, with ceiling height uniform throughout the chamber.

"If an audiovisual room is required to be in a superior position to the ground level, then it should be suspended over an adjacent room," he said. "Council member seats should also be evenly distributed across the wealth, fame and relationship areas and arranged in a semicircle in order to maintain balance. The four highest seats should be situated in the center, as I would assume their contributions directly affect the image and reputation of San Diego. The current arrangement creates an imbalance in the wealth area, meaning that wealth is unstable (we have lots, or we have none)."

No cure, he said, should be considered that would detract from "an image of professionalism; such cures might detract from the mission or intent of the council members."

Kopec, a member of the American Institute of Architecture and the Interior Design Education Council, is the author of the first textbook (published by Fairchild Publishing) on environmental psychology specifically for the design professional.

Journalist, author and educator Michael Grant has been putting his spin on San Diego, and the city putting its spin on him, since 1972. His Web site is at www.michaelgrant.com."

Simple Feng Shui Tips For Your Home

2005-08-02T20:54:00.000-04:00

The Seattle Times: Living: Real-estate agents studying feng shui to help sell houses: "Feng shui tips

Feng shui (pronounced 'fung shway') strives for harmonious interaction between the five elements of wood, fire, earth, metal and water while creating a place where energy can flow freely. Here's an edited list of suggestions from Anne Mansfield, executive director of the International Feng Shui Guild, for buying and selling a home with feng shui in mind:

Don't buy a house at the end of a busy 'T' intersection, which puts you in the path of dangerous 'chi,' or energy. If you're selling such a home, add hedges or other barriers for protection.

Reduce entryway clutter to create a welcoming atmosphere.

Think of the home and its environment as one place. Both should work in harmony.

The front door should face the best direction for the site. Avoid homes that face hillsides and mountains, where 'energy is coming right at you. ... You want to have it behind you, supporting you.' Cliffs are also bad, she says — your front door is associated with wealth and relationships, and you don't want that kind of energy to fall away from you. Other considerations: sun and other weather forces, as well as any cultural preferences.

Avoid living next to power transformers (too much "fire" energy) or a cemetery (inactive or downward energy).

Negative energy left by former property owners ("predecessor chi") can be improved with a space-clearing ceremony.

Resources

Cynthia Chomos, Feng Shui School for Real Estate Sales, www.cynthiachomos.com, 206-919-0107

Anne Mansfield, International Feng Shui Guild, Portland, 888-881-4374

Sheila Wright, www.fengshuiseattle.com, 888-689-2378"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Real Estate Agents Studying Feng Shui To Help Sell Houses

2005-08-02T20:53:00.000-04:00

The Seattle Times: Living: Real-estate agents studying feng shui to help sell houses: "Real-estate agents studying feng shui to help sell houses

By Marc Ramirez
Seattle Times staff reporter

The master arrived from the north, fluent in Mandarin and the ways of feng shui. In the balance hung the condominium Phillip Chan had planned to call home — until Mom stepped in to object.

For Mom, the living room had issues. Angle issues. "It was not completely square," explains Richard Tao, a John L. Scott agent who'd helped Chan in his search for an Eastside condo. It all added up to bad feng shui.

Chan's mother had consulted her Vancouver-based practitioner, who suggested not buying the place at all. Dueling feng-shui practitioners ensued: Tao called in Cynthia Chomos, a Seattle consultant who last year opened the Washington State-certified Feng Shui School for Real Estate Sales.

His offer to Chan: He'd pay for the consultation if Chan decided to go with Chomos, who believed a few improvements could go a long way when it came to fixing problems.

The latest indication of how feng shui (pronounced fung shway) — the Chinese art of arranging items or surroundings to attain harmony with one's environment — has become mainstream might be the growing number of real-estate agents schooling themselves on the practice.

Once dismissed this side of the Pacific as a New Age fad, feng shui is now taken seriously, with Donald Trump, Disney and British Airways among those reported to have considered it in building designs. Meanwhile, a more multicultural society is prompting realtors to reassess the realities of doing business.

"Certainly when something new comes in, you have people saying, 'What's the value of it?' " says Ginger Downs of the Seattle-King County Association of Realtors. "But as diversity grows, there's better awareness on the part of agents that they need to serve that diverse community."

Chomos is one of several feng-shui practitioners the association works with, offering instruction and hands-on workshops for agents who may not completely buy into it, but see the upside in knowing about concepts important to their clients.

Chan, an industrial engineer, told his agent he'd found the home he was looking for. He agreed to go with Chomos, who suggested mostly minor changes, such as plants and mirrors that would "extend" the condo's "sha" points, or troublesome angles.

Chan's mother again consulted with her feng-shui master, who granted his blessing. Although there are a few things she'd like her son to do that he hasn't gotten around to yet, "they're very happy now," agent Tao says. "That place has appreciated very well."

Feng shui nationwide

The Portland-based International Feng Shui Guild considers itself the profession's umbrella organization, with 22 schools and 30 chapters across the U.S. and Canada. With about 400 members, "we're here to raise the bar so the public feels safer," executive director Anne Mansfield says.

Real-estate-focused feng shui is a rising specialty in the community, she says. Consultants target agents looking to feng shui to satisfy buyers for whom the idea of being in harmony with one's environment is not just a nice idea but rather a necessity, who believe that clutter in their homes creates clutter in their lives.

As Seattle's Chomos says, "If they can find feng-shui-harmonious homes, clients will be happy, and down the road it will be easier to sell that home."

Actually, many feng-shui principles can be found in staging, or dressing up a home for sale, a practice attributed to former Bellevue real-estate agent Barb Schwarz and accepted for years by realtors. Like feng shui, staging involves clutter reduction and the use of furniture to address foot-traffic flow, but it's strictly concerned with selling a property.

Millennia-old feng shui goes further to address the "emotional appeal" of a home, the reaction one feels when approaching and entering a home. "If you talk to agents," Chomos says, "that's the one thing it's hard for them to put their finger on."

Last month, she dished expertise at a workshop for nine agents gathered in a Lake Union hotel conference room. All had their own reasons for being there, starting with the three clock hours they'd earn toward required continuing-education credits.

Said one: "I had a couple clients ask me about feng shui, so I figured I'd better know a little more about it." Another puzzled over a buyer who insisted his future home's front door face east. ("I don't know what that was all about," he said.) And Julie Seaborn of Coldwell Banker Bain said she'd dealt with Chinese families who wouldn't buy homes near a graveyard or at the end of a block.

All about chi

Chomos nodded. Twelve years after giving up a public-relations career to pursue feng shui full-time, she'd heard it all before. "Feng shui really looks at the psychology of how we react to the world around us," she said; it was all about chi, or energy, and how it flows — too fast, too slow, not at all.

She unveiled a slide show of problem situations — homes built on slants, below roadways, at the ends of cul-de-sacs. Some problems were small but glaring, such as sharp-pointed plants in passageways — "a very aggressive energy to encounter," she said.

Inherently iffy problems

From a home's surroundings to its design to how items are placed within that design, many of the problems she addressed at the Lake Union workshop were the kinds of things a sensible homeowner might inherently feel iffy about anyway. Others, like ghosts and lingering negative energy from the problems of previous owners, were decidedly more ethereal.

Though Coldwell Banker's Seaborn said concepts like lingering bad vibes have to be taken with a grain of salt, "every home has an energy to it," she said. "You can feel it when you walk in."

Windermere's Eve Whitman says much of feng shui's philosophies come naturally to her. There are homes she refuses to show clients. "Whether I can be specific about it or not, there's something wrong there. It has to do with the bones, the karma, the history of a house. It's so real, it's amazing."

While she doesn't advise filling every corner with mirrors and water features, she says that being sensitive to clients' surroundings can make a difference in a referral-based business.

"It's not just about being a numbers person," she says. "It's about walking into a home and feeling it. ... It's being sensitive to what people say and picking up on the energy of their lives."

"Some clients say, 'I don't want that,' " says Tao, the John L. Scott agent. "Others absolutely want it. It's all about keeping the client happy."

Marc Ramirez: 206-464-8102 or mramirez@seattletimes.com"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui: Your Questions Answered

2005-08-02T02:43:00.000-04:00

Feng shui: Your questions answered!

Got a question about Feng Shui that you'd like answered? I've posted a question form at this site and I'm looking for youur questions. I'll be going through your questions a few each day and posting my responses here. I have almost 100 questions so far!

Get answers, get active, more feng shui tips to come!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Encourage Wealth With These Feng Shui Tips

2005-08-02T02:39:00.000-04:00

Feng shui tips: encouraging wealth: "Using Feng Shui to encourage wealth is easy to do. There are many small changes that you can make in your home and office to attract prosperity.

The Chinese art of Feng Shui has been around for a very long time. It is basically the ancient art of attracting positive energy to your space in order to have a balanced life. It is about bringing harmony to your environment. Have you ever entered a room that simply feels 'right?' It is probably because the room takes advantage of the five elements, which are the essence of Feng shui. They are metal, wood, water, fire and earth. These five elements influence our chi, which is the energy of everything around us. Using Feng Shui techniques to improve your space allows your chi to flow naturally and gently between yourself and everything else.

It is possible to use Feng Shui to attract wealth. However, wealth is not just about money. The Chinese have long believed that wealth includes everything from finances to health to our family relationships. There are many Feng Shui tips that you can use in your home and office to increase your prosperity. One of the most important tips is that if you work out of your home, make sure to keep your home office separate from the rest of your house. It is imperative that business and personal matters remain separate.

The first thing to do is to get three I Ching coins and tie them together with a red ribbon or string. The color red is thought to attract wealth. I Ching coins have a hole in the center, so it is easy to weave the coins together. Hang this on the back of your front door. This is a popular wealth symbol. Another way to use I Ching coins to attract wealth is to buy a fern and bury 9 coins in the soil of the pot. Place this pot in the furthest left corner of your home. As the plant grows and thrives, so will your wealth.

Water is considered the element that is allied with wealth. Pooling water represents wealth that is collected. Purchase a fountain, aquarium or some other kind of water feature that has visible pools of water.

Color is also important in Feng Shui. The colors of blue and black are synonymous with wealth. Burning candles that are white, gold or silver will also display your desire to have prosperity in all aspects of your life. Plant a few conifers or cactuses in your yard; these are also symbols of good fortune.

None of this will help, of course, if your home is filled with clutter. Your home should be a sanctuary for you. Clutter blocks the flow of positive energy and interferes with every part of your life. Try to simplify. Throw, sell or give away things that aren't being used. Get rid of all the paper that comes into our homes every day. Find a place for everything and then put it away after use. The simple act of clearing clutter is a powerful way to invite positive energy to reside in your home.

In your office, never have our back to the door. This leaves you open to attack by negative energy. Don't place your desk facing the door, either. Doing that allows you to be overpowered by incoming chi from others. The best choice for your desk is with your back to a wall or angled away from the door. Hang a picture of a water feature on the wall behind you, or an abstract design in shades of blue or black. A crystal paperweight should be on your desk, as well as something red. Pictures of your family are important, to remind you why you want to have prosperity in your life. If the view outside your window is less than inspiring, hang a wind chime to improve the area. Keep a plant in the furthest left corner of your office, to symbolize the growing of wealth at your workplace.

The art of Feng Shui can be a powerful force in your life. If you believe that the universe is dominated by chi, then you can use it to influence your life in a positive manner. Once you have started noticing a difference in your finances, try introducing other aspects of Feng Shui into your home and life. There are endless books and other resources to get you started being in person who is in harmony with their life and the world around them. "

Awesome tips! Enjoy!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

OFF TOPIC :: One-Stop Macrame Resource

2005-07-31T21:28:00.000-04:00

** I hope you can forgive me for this post **

A friend of mine has just gone live with a fantastic new resource (she gave me a free copy) and it's great! Macrame really isn't my thing but this resource is so jam-packed I just couldn't keep it to myself! If you are interested in Marcame I encourage you to check this out!

One Stop Macrame Shop: "Telling You Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Macrame…… & More!!!"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Feng Shui Tips :: Red rules for restaurants

2005-07-31T21:22:00.000-04:00

The Telegraph - Calcutta : Metro: "Red rules for restaurants

Q: I am planning to open a Chinese restaurant. I have observed that most Chinese eateries use lots of red in the decor. It is often seen on doors, wall hangings, table linen and other decoratives. What is the significance of this colour and how can I best use it in my restaurant?

Ritwik

The Solution: Red is the warmest of the seven colours of the rainbow. It has the power to motivate us, increase our vitality, make us powerful and strengthen our self-confidence. It is excellent for restaurants since the business is connected with cooking that represents fire energy.

But too much red can over-stimulate customers and make them aggressive. Just highlight the south wall with red and have a soft touch of this colour in the environment, through accessories.

Welcome ways

Q: I live in a bungalow where the entrance is from a small veranda in the east. We face west while entering the house. Is this an eastern or western entrance? Also, I would like to know how I could make the veranda and entrance Feng Shui-friendly.

Garima

The Solution: The direction from which you enter, rather than the one you are facing while entering, is taken as the direction of the entrance. Your house has an eastern entrance.

According to Feng Shui, this direction is considered very auspicious as the solar energy flows from here. It brings with it new opportunities, clarity and enlightenment for its residents.

The veranda or a porch or a few steps leading to your main door are all considered an invaluable intermediary space that connects the outer world to your private world. It is similar to the sacred threshold of a temple.

Care should be taken to keep this area always clean so that it has a welcoming effect. Since your veranda is in the east, place plenty of fresh green plants here. This will make the Chi entering your house more gentle and meandering. Placing the plants here will not only attract positive and auspicious energy but will also absorb any kind of negative energy.

Hanging baskets with jade plants or coloured flowers with wooden chimes at regular intervals will also help attract good fortune. Ensure that the chairs and table you place here are made of wood or cane. These should have a blend of green and blue upholstery.

Business talk

Q: I had completed my BBA from the US in 2001. Since then I have been working in a pharmaceutical company. I am quite well-paid, but I do not enjoy the work and would like to do something on my own. My date of birth is November 25, 1978. Please suggest a suitable field for me.

Shravan

The Solution: According to your pillars of destiny, you are a weak metal person who needs to be strengthened with the earth element. Fire will also help give you a high status in life.

Presently you are going through yang fire period, where change in profession is inevitable.

You can make the best of this time by venturing into a new business related with real estate, construction, investment or computers."

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Bedroom Color Psychology

2005-07-31T01:17:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "Psychology of colors – the bedroom by Joey Lewitin

Color can have an astounding effect on perception, personal feelings, and even interactions. Different colors evoke different memories, and different ideas. In the bedroom, where one is supposed to be most at ease, it is important that you plan out your color scheme so that it creates the maximum comfort for you.

In feng shui, every color evokes energy. In order to choose the right color for a certain setting, the one who inhabits that area must get in touch with their inner self, and see which color they harmonize best with. In the bedroom one tries to achieve maximum relaxation. By choosing the colors that you feel most comfortable with, you will find the greatest contentment with your decorating.

The two extreme colors are white and black. Black is an attention grabber, and can create a very exhilarating effect, but it will also make a room look smaller, more closed off, and can create a dark feeling. Using black too heavily could lead to a negative effect on your emotions. Meanwhile its polar opposite white, is boring. Most rooms start off with white walls, and it is the generic look for many homes. However white is a good color for warm climates. White reflects light creating cooler temperatures and a breezy feeling.

The earth tones are gentle and will keep a room feeling organized and close to the earth. These include browns, oranges, and yellows. Yellow however is generally very extreme and irritating, and when toned down can look pale and nasty. Orange is the color associated with food and could lead to midnight snacking.

Blues and greens evoke serenity and peace. They are colors associated with nature and oceans. Placing these colors heavily in your room can help to calm the emotions of its inhabitants. Pink is an even more extreme claming color and many will find it impossible to act aggressive when surrounded by that color.

Colors in the bedroom should evoke relaxation and calm. By choosing your colors carefully you can actually control the subtle effects on yours and others minds.

About the Author

Joey Lewitin is an author, a designer, and an artist. Check his website to see some of his creations such as a variety of Decorative stone wall clocks and
rustic stone home decor gifts and furnishings"

I'm just popping down the shops to grab some blue and green cushions for my bed. Back soon!

All the best,

Sa,, Feng Shui Tips

Magic Bathroom

2005-07-31T01:15:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "Magic Bathroom by Samantha Stevens

Believe it or not, the bathroom is one of the most magickal rooms in your house; Your make up box and medicine chest can be treasure chest of tools , the bathtub and shower are wonderful place to conduct cleansing and attraction rituals, and the toilet can be a handy mechanism for flushing away negativity.

Here are some examples of positive magick that can be performed in your powder room. First of all, though make sure your bathroom is clean and also make sure that you don�t have a mirror facing or reflecting any drains or toilets. Feng Shui wisdom says that this doubles your chances of having your money go down the drain.

Would you like to attract a life long partner? Wiping down your mirror with a mixture of Rose Water and Orange Blossom water (found in most speciality cooking stores) is said to make you attractive to the opposite sex. If you don�t have that, using your favourite perfume might work just as well...

You can also practice a little feng shui around your bathtub to attract a partner, by placing two rubber duckies in the southwest corner of the tub. Ducks represent mates in Chinese lore. You can also buy little glasses and soapdishes that already have little ducks floating inside them if you want to be more subtle...

Need to do well in that job interview. Spearmint (a herb ruled by mercury) is supposed to make you more eloquent, witty and charming. Toothpaste or mouthwash flavoured with spearmint might help you find exactly the right words to say to impress your boss.

Trying to win the heart back of that difficult ex boyfriend? Carve his initials into a bar of soap. It is best if the soap bar is pink or red in colour. Picture the soap as being the hostility or issues between you, and as the soap dissolves, as you rub it all over your body, picture all resentments and hatred between you getting smaller and smaller. An advanced version of this spell would be to actually carve it in the shape of the person, carve the initials and run it under the tap on and off for a couple of days until the bar is completely dissolved.

Another glamoury spell, (a spell to make yourself beautiful) involves taking a copper scrubber and rubbing your body (gently) down with it while you are in the shower. Copper is the metal of Venus and said to change your vibration so you can attract a lover.

One can also use various bath gels and soaps to achieve different magickal results. Remember, the magick is all in the intention while you use the product. For instance, a honeysuckle flavoured bath or soap can help keep a lover or fiancee faithful. Jasmine soap can be used to help keep you and nobody else on a lover¹s mind. Orange soap is for joy, fun and wild abandon. Mint soap is for sexual attraction, intelligence and charm. Rose scented soap can be used to attract new love or keep present love still attracted. Rosemary scented soap or bath gel is used to improve business or communication. Lime flavoured soap or gel is used to stop obsessive thoughts, chill out desire and help you concentrate on the tasks at him.

If you are feeling really sick, or like you are under astral attack, a bath in a half a cup of seasalts mixed with half a cup of baking soda is said to purify the aura of unwanted energies.

Kissing a kleenex and leaving the lipstick print of your mouth on the kleenex and tucking it into your boyfriend¹s pocket might be a good way to keep him faithful. If he has been using your hairbrush, pluck a few hairs out of the comb, twine it with your own and knot it nine times. This is a form of a binding spell, to keep his fleshly form always in sync and attached to your own.

Then there is the fine art of flushing your troubles away. Write your oppressor¹s name on a piece of toilet paper or kleenex, and while keeping your thoughts on the perpetrator, flush it down the toilet. If you want something more dramatic, follow it with a bit of baking soda mixed with vinegar effect so that the toilet temporarily represents a bubbling cauldron. Goodbye sorrows! Goodbye troublemaker. Goodbye bad ex boyfriend...FLUSH....

About the Author

Samantha Stevens was a professional psychic at http://www.psychicrealm.com for many years. Read more of her articles at http://www.newagenotebook.com If you wish to buy Samantha's books about metaphysics click here http://www.insomniacpress.com/author.php?id=110"

As someone who's just finished scrubbing his toilet I'm not sure what's magical about it. I thought this article was a great read. I hope you do too.

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Make It A Feng Shui Stay – Santa Monica’s Ambrose Hotel

2005-07-31T01:12:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "Make It A Feng Shui Stay – Santa Monica’s Ambrose Hotel by Janice Wilson

Make It A Feng Shui Stay – Santa Monica’s Ambrose Hotel
Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com
To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/calif/ambrose/ambrose.html

Summer might be over, but the Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica, California, is a new boutique hotel that provides 'ambrosia' for the soul all year-around.

This extraordinary Asian-inspired property is tucked away in a residential neighborhood, just one block from the Wilshire business district, and a quick five minute drive from the Pacific Ocean. From the STay With Feng Shui At The Ambrose Hotelmoment my husband and I turned the corner from Wilshire Blvd. onto 20th Street, we were embraced by a tranquil elegance, unlike any city hotel I'd ever visited.

We discovered this place by accident. My husband and I decided to take a weekend trip and escape from life's problems and go to a UCLA football game. I was reluctant about going to LA considering I was already stressed to the max, and it seemed that any place we could afford in Los Angeles would feel like camping out, not exactly my idea of a relaxing getaway. But it was my best girl friend who recommended this little place in Santa Monica. She told us in her worldly way, "You can afford $160 a night. The Ambrose is known to be refreshingly affordable." I was concerned. What did she mean by that?

She assured me that the Ambrose Hotel in Santa Monica was brand new and I would be very impressed. She had just been there and told me that the décor and architecture were inspired by the legendary turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts Movement, but with an Asian flair, a little like a California Mission town that was expertly Feng Shui'd! It sounded fascinating. My husband and I agreed it was worth checking out. But after fighting the LA traffic for more than a couple of hours I was sure I'd made the biggest mistake. There wasn't anything near Los Angeles that could be restful or relaxing. Besides what kind of place could offer rates that were so reasonable?

Thank goodness it was too late to turn back! From the minute we turned into the front of the hotel, we were embraced by a wave of warmth and relaxation that answered our prayers. The truth was that this place was especially designed for REST and RELAXATION. It was a "non-hotel", which made us feel immediately at home, except it was even better because it had every amenity of a luxury five-star hotel, without the dreaded expense.

The first thing I noticed was that it was so quiet. Except for the wind chimes in the Zen garden and the sound of the sea breeze fluttering in the huge bright, red silk, wind flags that boasted three large red hearts swirling in the air, there wasn't another sound to be heard. Even the water fall in the rock garden was soothingly silent as it spilled into the Japanese koi pond.

We were greeted by two beautiful hotel clerks in grey striped blazers. You could tell they loved this serene environment and were proud to be working for this 77- room hotel. The peaceful foyer/living room was decorated with rich, dark cherry hardwood floors, with luxurious Asian carpets. I quietly smiled inside, looking at the comfortable rocking chairs and the cozy library, I secretly knew I had accomplished my goal of finding a place to relax - even if we were going to a college football game at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, another 45 minutes of traffic away!

Our room was on the third floor overlooking the Zen garden. Again, I was astounded by the sense of peacefulness as we were shown to our room! As we stepped out of the elevator an inviting fragrance attracted our attention. Even my husband noticed the scent and commented on how beautiful and refreshing the hotel corridor appeared. The dark, hard wood floors on the room floors were also inlaid with decorative Asian carpets that felt rich and luxurious. The art works on the walls were small miniatures of pages from a book on Oriental elements which pleased the eye and were quite intriguing to read.

It actually took me an extra five minutes to walk to our room as I read about each piece of art work. I didn't know it at the time, but this décor was part of the hotel's master plan to invite me to relax and forget about the stress of the LA freeways. Gazing at each different piece of art allowed me to enter another world that quieted and soothed my frayed nerves. I sensed my whole body beginning to harmonize with the luxurious elements that surrounded me, and I hadn't even been to my room yet!

As we put our key into the lock, and stepped into our room, we were again greeted with a tranquility and quiet elegance everywhere we looked. There was a dark wood multipurpose armoire/entertainment center that looked like a modern "take" of the turn-of-the-century Mission-style furnishings. But the hotel bathroom said it all. The bathroom floor was a rich blue speckled Gasgon floor, fresh Fretta robes hung invitingly on silver hooks, large Oriental bamboo stalks in a clear squared glass vase richly accented the limestone countertops. There were Japanese-style black lacquer boxes that housed a collection of tempting Aveda bath products. The mirrors were framed with a dark, cherry-stained wood that sparkled against the light gold and linen textured wall-coverings. My husband touched the wallpaper and commented that it made him feel at home.

The beds were the height of luxury. As I touched the chenille duvets, and silently rested my eyes on the deep olive green hue, my entire body melted into the sensory experience of what it means to truly RELAX! I lightly caressed my hand across the 700 thread count sheets that felt like silk. The textured accent pillows with touches of sangria were invitingly rich and luxurious. On the night stand, next to the bedside lamp that was made from nickel and wood, crowned with a crisp white linen shade, was a cordless phone. I loved the freedom a cordless phone gives you. "What a nice touch," I thought. "I could relax and call friends from the solitude of our patio." As I softly walked into the room, I noticed that our patio was elegantly appointed with exotic teak furnishings. What a great place to sit and read, or call my girlfriend and brag about our new discovery!

But what really caught my eye were the window treatments, the piece de resistance! The soothing earth tones shaded our room from the brilliant afternoon California sunshine. But it was the accent of the Oriental silk threads artistically woven in a geometric pattern that created the illusion that the drapery itself was a cherished piece of artwork. The sheer thrill of knowing that someone had given such great attention to the finest detail made me feel that The Ambrose was an auspicious place.

In Feng Shui, the ancient art of Chinese placement, when something feels auspicious, you will have good fortune and experience a golden opportunity. This truly was our golden opportunity to rest, relax and rejuvenate ourselves. I took a moment and sent my girlfriend a wireless prayer, thanking her for the recommendation.

This beautiful place piqued my curiosity. I wondered who was responsible for building such an extraordinary place in the middle of a quiet Santa Monica neighborhood?

My husband's curiosity was satiated by the comfortable bed and the remote control in his hand. He had come for the thrill of watching the Bruin, UCLA football team and a quiet time of sports and flipping channels. After watching him flip one too many channels, my curiosity got the best of me. I gave my husband and affectionate hug and kiss and left him in the quiet comfort of our beautiful room. He absent mindedly gave me a wave with the remote in his right hand as I exited the room. It hadn't taken him long to relax and forget we ever had problems.

I set out to explore the rest of the property and see if I could discover how this vision had become a reality. Did I mention that even the parking was free? This is almost unheard of in Los Angeles. No wonder Los Angeles was voted as one of the worst places to vacation in the U.S. I quietly reflected on how The Ambrose Hotel could certainly change that perception.

To read this entire feature FREE with photos cut and paste this link:
http://jetsettersmagazine.com/archive/jetezine/hotels/calif/ambrose/ambrose.html

Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent – Read Jetsetters Magazine at www.jetsettersmagazine.com To book travel visit Jetstreams.com at www.jetstreams.com and for Beach Resorts visit Beach Booker at www.beachbooker.com

About the Author

Janice Wilson, Jetsetters Magazine Correspondent. Join the Travel Writers Network in the logo at www.jetsettersmagazine.com"

I love staying at hotels that are designed using Feng Shui principals (as someone who rents an apartment and is limited by that). It really gets me back to basics when I need it most!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

The Golden Ratio and Feng Shui

2005-07-28T22:20:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "The golden ratio and feng shui by Jakob Jelling

The golden ratio is a very important concept in feng shui due to the way it implies aspects of balance and perfection of shapes. Feng shui is based on the search for harmony between the human beings and the environment in which they are. Feng shui is always looking for balancing the elements and objects which surround living beings and compose their environments.

The environments in which the human being lives often tend to become unbalanced and loose its natural harmony due to the way in which he modifies it and adds artificial elements to it. Feng shui provides the guidelines and knowledge necessary to reestablish the natural balance which human beings as well as all living beings need to surround them and the golden ratio is a constant always present in this natural balance.

The environment in which the human being lives is made of natural elements and shapes. The golden ratio is a rule that can be often found in many elements of the nature as well as in artificial objects made by man. This way, it can help achieving the desired harmony by being used along with feng shui balancing elements and objects.

The golden ratio is a numeric value which was discovered by Euclid and shows a mathematical relationship which appears as a constant. The golden ratio is often known as the phi number is necessary in order to calculate many different mathematical shapes and geometrical related elements.

Architects who have a formation on feng shui and follow its guidelines at the time of designing their buildings, often use the golden ratio as an important tool in order to achieve such goal. It can be used in architectural elements such as columns, pillars, overtures and windows as well as in the general design of the building.

Besides its architectural applications, the golden ratio is also employed by feng shui experts through the use of objects such as vases, flower pots, fountains, coins, candles, wind chimes, and many other symbolic ornaments which would balance to an environment. Often, we would not even realize the ways in which this mathematical element is present around us and in the nature by appearing through natural formations, flowers, plants, and even living beings.

About the Author

Jakob Jelling is the founder of http://www.fengshuicrazy.com. Please visit his website and learn all the feng shui tips you'll ever need!"

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

Get Excited! How to Change from a Pessimist to an Optimist!

2005-07-28T22:19:00.000-04:00

Article Search Engine: GoArticles.com: "How to Change from a Pessimist to an Optimist! by Kenia Morales

Do you always see things from a negative perspective? Do not worry! You do not have to be a pessimist for the rest of your life. You have the power to turn your life around. I know you maybe thinking Kenia why would I want to change myself?

The problem with negative thinking is that you are always going to be stuck on the wrong side. What I mean is that whenever you have a dream or illusion you will ONLY foresee a negative outcome and stop before even trying. In return you are going to end up as an unsuccessful and worst unfulfilled person. Not a desirable outcome at all!

So, here are some tips that can help you change your overall outlook on life. No, they are not Feng Shui or Buddhism although some of the tips may seem similar. These are some behaviors that I have employed in my life and so far have worked. Yes! I am a pessimist anonymous in recovery but, fortunately I have learned that life can be much better. Here are some hints that can help you turn your life around:

Inspirational Content: I am a junkie for inspirational material. When ever I feel a little on the other side I search for inspirational articles or read books that I may have around.

A Thank You Journal: Everyday I write what I am thankful for. It is not long at all. I would be surprise if I write more than four lines. But, I believe it does wonders. Make sure you resist the temptation to complaint.

Take time to rest and do things you enjoy.

Cite Positive affirmations.

Take care of yourself. Eat healthy, exercise and drink plenty of water. This will not only help you look better but, you will have more energy and feel great.

Maintain your home clean: Notice how different you feel in a clean environment versus a cluttered or messy place.

Visualize and write down goals: As often as possible. This will help you materialize your dreams and keep them in mind.

Good luck,

Kenia Morales

About the Author

Kenia Morales is the publisher of online magazine http://kpatra.com "For Every Aspect of Today's Woman. Visit her site to find a variety of women related issues and topics" click here http://www.kpatra.com/keniascolumn.htm to find Kenia's little piece of heaven her inspirational column"

Here's to your positivty!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips

New Straits Times - Malaysia News Online

2005-07-28T22:18:00.000-04:00

New Straits Times - Malaysia News Online: "‘Feng shui’ master at 28

At 28, he is already a notable feng shui master. Joey Yap tells TAN CHOE CHOE why he chucked his account ledgers for a luo pan and how to spot a bogus feng shui master.

WHEN someone pointed out a lanky young man to me recently as a feng shui master, my immediate reaction was, understandably, one of disbelief.

In all honesty, I had expected someone in his 70s or, optimistically, 60s, with a white beard on his wobbly chin. Yes, I was looking for a Gandalf-the-White look-a-like, albeit the Oriental version.

"Just call me Joey," Joey Yap, 28, said firmly while I dithered over the "master" title or dai-si (a term used to address a feng shui guru).

Well, Joey, as he calls himself, is not your typical feng shui master. He is actually a commerce graduate from Curtin University in Australia, but since graduation, has abandoned accounting for "wind and water".

"It’s my childhood interest. I’ve been interested in Chinese metaphysics since I was 10, when I met my first feng shui master who came to do an audit on my home.

"From then on, I just went around learning Chinese astrology and other forms of Chinese metaphysics, like mian xiang (physiognomy) and ba zi (destiny) on my own," he said.

Joey’s enthusiasm even helped him overcome the language barrier because, like many today who studied in national schools, he was not well-versed with Chinese characters.

"It was hard because there were no comprehensive English books on feng shui but I was just too curious about feng shui to let it slip from me just because I couldn’t read Chinese characters, so I taught myself to master the language," he said."

Amazing!

Sam, Feng Shui Tips