The Curse of the Feng Shui Money Frog!?!

 

ARe Feng Shui Money Frogs classed as cursed objects or are they possessed of more friendly and positive forms of powers and qi (chi)?

Let me first start off by saying that there is no such thing as the curse of the Feng Shui Money Frog but I had you going, didn't I? I just thought that would make a catchy title for my article about Feng Shui and the Feng Shui Money Frog. Of course I also think it would make a good title for a big budget Hollywood blockbuster, perhaps starring Jackie Chan, and I am of course open to any cash offers of this sort. First we will start off by briefly looking at what is Feng Shui and some of its origin and history. Then we will look at the Feng Shui Money Frog and how to take advantage of its power. Once again though, there is NO such thing as the Curse of the Feng Shui Money Frog, in fact, rather the reverse is true because the power of the Feng Shui Money Frog is used to attract wealth into your life, home and business!

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui, also known as Kanyu is chinese and means "wind and water". These are the two containers for the Qi(Chi). Since life exists within either air or water, Qi(Chi) is said to be the life energy that flows within these two environments. Qi(Chi) is a very important force in nature and has major influences on many oriental disciplines including Buddhism and most martial arts philosophies. It is the goal of Feng Shui to orient one's dwellings, one's possessions, and one's land and landscaping, so that it is in harmony with the flow of Qi(Chi). Feng Shui considers all cultural and social issues to be influenced by natural, metaphysical and cosmological factors. To understand Feng Shui one needs understanding of magnetic fields and how they influence people, astronomy, Chinese astrology, the weathering process of building materials, and of how the forces of nature act on buildings and their surroundings.

Feng Shui has influence not only on placement of items with a structure but also on how the structure is built and even on the site on which it is built. Most of the Feng Shui influences on site location can be attributed to common sense. In ancient China a city was planned using a system concentric rectangles fortified by walls and surrounded by hills, valleys, gardens, courtyards, lakes and parks. The ancient Chinese tried to ensure that both the natural and building environments were planned to enhance positive (Qi or Chi) energy flow. Taoist ideas of opposites (Yin and Yang, solid and void, earth and water) were used to landscape the area. The left of the buildings represented Yang or male force and was connected to the forces of heaven. The right side of the building represented Yin or the female force and was connected with the energies of the earth. Buildings, even the Palaces of the Emperors were constructed in such a way as to promote harmony in family and harmony with nature.

Many think of Feng Shui as a style of decoration but it is more of a discipline for arranging everything in one's life so that it is harmony with the environment otherwise know as the flow of qi. For instance sharp corners of a structure and geometrically straight line lines should not point to where the people are in a room. Clutter is to be avoided. Stairs should never face the front entrance. Some objects are believe to have the power to gather wealth, love, and luck in one's life while others are believe to have the power of reflecting or shifting negative and evil energy from a space. The latter would include certain crystal forms, wind chimes, mirrors and of course fountains and pools of water. A perfect example of the former would be the Feng Shui Money Frog.

The practice of Feng Shui began in the either the late Qin or early Han dynasty. This period dates from about birth of Christ to sometime around the early third century BC. The early Chinese, like the early Egyptians were obsessed with ancestor worship. Feng Shui was originally intended for ideal placement of gravesites so that people could gain the most benefit from their ancestors. As time progressed Feng Shui evolved to include harmony for the living. Feng Shui is believed to have evolved from the even more ancient practice of Vastu which itself stems from the ancient Vedic tradition of the early Hindus. None of this is being offensive to practitioners Feng Shui however because evolution is itself in harmony with nature.

Early Feng Shui was mostly handed down through the centuries through oral tradition. This is due to an effort to burn all written Feng Shui materials during the Qin dynasty. The order of Chinese dynasties is: Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Lio, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing and had their beginning around 3000 years ago. The Jin Dynasty is famous for the War of Eight Princes and The Battle of Fei. It was during this time that the Burial Book by Guo Pu was written and is considered to be a good work based on the early oral traditions. Many consider the most authoritative book on Feng Shui is generally considered to be the "Qing Nang Jing" by Huang Shi Gong written in the Qin Dynasty. And inspiring the Feng Shui burnings which occurred soon after. There are other's who view the books of Yang Yun Song and his followers to be the most authoritative works. These books are hard to read and don't translate well because they are cryptic in nature and believed to be similar to the Bible in that they are a written form of an oral tradition handed down through centuries. They were written during the Tang Dynasty.

Today we are blessed(?) with several popular schools of Feng Shui most of which contradict each other and more books have been written on this subject than anyone could ever possibly read. Today's schools are based on the San-yuan(Three Periods) School founded around 1150 years ago and features the "Flying Stars System" to chart the flow of energy in buildings. The San-ho School (Three Combinations) is about 150 years younger and is focused on the energy flow between mountains and waterways. This is the school, which uses a Feng Shui compass that has been specifically developed for the classification of land and building sites. The Hsuan-kung School (Mysterious Subtleties) is about 200 years younger yet and was originally designed to compliment the San-ho by expanding its tradition into the building construction area. The Pa-chai School is the baby of the traditional Chinese Feng Shui schools yet it is itself about 300 years old. Many modern Feng Shui are trained in at least two of these schools and do their best to reconcile the many contradictions that can be found between there various teachings of the various schools.

Now that we have finished our time traveling we will discuss the wealth, relationship, and luck aspects of Feng Shui and from there we will finally meet the accursed(;) Feng Shui Money Frog. Once the building is built certain objects made from certain materials are placed conspicuously in pre-determined areas around the home or place of business to ward off evil influences and to attract positive energy (Qi or Chi). These objects can include Buddhas (including female Buddhas also known as Qin Juans), Dragons and other Guardians. These Feng Shui objects are placed at appropriate compass points and facing directions, which can themselves, vary depending on the use, time of day, month and year, and also on the school of belief used. The subject is far too varied to go into detail in a mere article however we will delve a bit into the uses and placement of the Feng Shui Money Frog and finally on where traditional Feng Shui Money Frogs may be obtained.

The Traditional Feng Shui Money Frog is usually sculpted to hold a Ching Dynasty coin (or at least a Chinese coin) in its mouth and is usually depicted sitting on lots of gold ingots, coins and wealth. Making the symbol even more powerful, the Feng Shui Money Frog will have a crown on its head to signify its authority for creating wealth. A bagua would also often be carved on its back to protect against loss of wealth. Strings of Chinese coins can be strung behind the back of the Feng Shui Money Frog to even further enhance its power. Another important factor to consider before purchasing a Money Frog is to ensure there are 7 dots of stars to represent 7 Great North Pole stars of the bagua, which fundamentally triggered the study of Feng Shui in ancient China. The Feng Shui Money Frog is sometimes called a Three Legged Toad or Frog or "Chan Chu") and it is the most significant symbol of wealth and prosperity in Feng Shui. Because of its association with wealth building and money gain the Feng Shui Money Frog is also linked to the moon.

Chinese legends have it that the Feng Shui Money Frog was the wife of one of the Eight Immortals and she was turned into a frog as a punishment for stealing a peach from the Tree of Heaven. And like most women she has cravings for wealth and money. For generations since ancient China, this mythical Feng Shui Money Frog is the most powerful of five Chinese holy creatures that attract wealth, power, good health and love and protect us from evil influences and misfortune.

The Feng Shui Money Frog can be placed in many places to both attract wealth, build prosperity and ward off the losing of both: 1) Place either one, three, six or nine randomly in your living room. If you have a garden they should also be placed randomly there too. They are placed randomly to signify them hopping as they bring lots of wealth and money scattering all over your home and your outside living area. Your Feng Shui Money Frogs will hop out during the afternoon to collect money, wealth and prosperity and return at night with it sticking to their feet. They do not need to be treated as deities so they may be placed low or on the ground. In fact they should not be placed too high or they may be afraid to jump off and go out to seek wealth for you. The Feng Shui Money Frog should be placed randomly in the living room, dining room, or any gather room or outside in your garden. But do not place Feng Shui Money Frogs in kitchens, bathrooms or bedrooms. A good concentration of them should be placed in your wealth corner. They can be placed diagonally facing your main door and some inward facing, but never facing straight out of the door the front door or they will leave and never return. 2) To double the income of your home you may consider placing two Feng Shui Money Frogs at the guardian positions directly inside the front entrance of your premises with their heads looking in. This invites constant cash flow and prevents your gained wealth from leaving. 3) Your wealth corner, which should be located in the southeast corner of either your living room or premises as a whole. Feng Shui Money Frogs should be placed in the wealth corner facing in the direction indicated by your personal Sheng Chi number which can be referencing the Feng Shui Sheng Chi page located at Ye Old Art Shoppe The placement location is also very important and is determined by where lucky stars numbers eight and nine are located. It is often said that at these points you will sometimes experience unexplained gusts of wind. 4) Feng Shui Money Frogs are a must for businessmen who want to succeed. In a place of business the Feng Shui Money Frog should be placed at or near your cash register and also should be placed just inside the door of your safe facing in to protect your acquired day's receipts. If you have an office a wealth corner should be set up in the southeast corner of your office as described in three. A Feng Shui Money frog may also be placed on your desk but not at a direct angle to the front entrance of your office. And not if you are sit with your back to a window or with your back to the door. 5) Finally for housewives and gamblers a Feng Shui money frog should be placed by you at the altar of the God of the Earth.

Where can you find the most powerful Feng Shui Money Frogs and a very powerful selection of Feng Shui Art and Feng Shui Sculpture objects? The author would suggest that you first try at Ye Old Art shoppe located at http://www.yeoldartshoppe.com for a powerful selection of hand sculpted Feng Shui Money Frogs created from bronze, quartz, agate and goldstone in various sizes and styles. Dragons, including turtle dragons sitting atop coins, Buddhas, including Quan Jin, and many other Feng Shui and oriental art objects are available. Ye Old Art Shoppe is your source for Oriental Art, Oriental Sculpture, Feng Shui Art and Feng Shui Sculpture. But no cheap junk! Searchers and Questers after cheap junk should look elsewhere for only individually handcrafted unique works of art may be found at Ye Old Art Shoppe!

The author is a career computer professional and an avid support of the arts.

Feng Shui ? Its Concept And Benefits

 

You may be living an unhealthy life if you?ve never heard of Feng Shui. Feng Shui is based on the idea that if you place your belongings in a certain order your life will become more balanced including your health.

One school of Feng Shui involves the use of colors. If you choose calming colors in your home you will feel calmer. For instance having a bright red bedroom can actually lead to stress and uneasiness. A shade of purple might be a much better choice.

The color of your home is not the only aspect of Feng Shui that can impact your health. You should also focus on aspects of the different rooms. The belief in Feng Shui is that when the kitchen is kept clean, well lit and the air is fresh, your food will be healthy as will your eating experience.

The bathroom is one room where we all have to be wary of bacteria build-up. This is essential in Feng Shui along with the idea that the bathroom needs to be free of clutter. Make-up, brushes and creams and lotions should be kept in order. Feng Shui also suggests that keeping the lid of the toilet closed is a very healthy choice and should be taught to every member of the family.

Exercise is essential to everyone?s life and this is also true of those who practice Feng Shui. There is one exception to the rule of daily exercise though and that?s where the placement of the equipment should be. It?s advised by every school of Feng Shui not to place the exercise equipment in a room where you rest. This means moving your rowing or stepping machine if it is now stored in your bedroom.

Keeping your home free of clutter is a very important part of Feng Shui. If you have small children make certain that you clean up after them each day and try and teach them when they are young to keep their rooms neat and tidy. This will set the stage for a life-long habit of creating a healthy space.

You can use the techniques and ideas behind Feng Shui in other spaces as well. Many people organize and design their office space to utilize the principles of Feng Shui. If you spend eight or nine hours a day in your office you want to make certain that the space is working towards your good health. Consider painting the walls a calming, tranquil color and remove any unnecessary distractions from the room.

Feng Shui is an interesting and believed effective way to add to your good health. Keeping your home as a place that helps you feel relaxed is always a wise idea.

Read more from Claire Quaty at: Blogoltre.com - Health Resources

Feng Shui --the Myth And The Marvel

 

It is possibly the most ancient design movement known and yet has made itself an avant-garde design craze. Although, over three thousand years old, the idea of Feng Shui has received much attention in modern day. Surf the net or the local bookstores and you will find numerous resources on the subject. It has taken the Interior Design industry by storm and has found a way into university classrooms all over the world. It has been revered as an art. It has been shunned as superstition. It is controversial, which means it is interesting. So let's take a brief look, shall we?

Feng Shui ("wind-water") is an ancient Chinese practice dealing with the arrangement of a space and its elements to bring balance to the environment and those who dwell within, more basically, living in harmony with your surroundings.

This ancient philosophy says that being in tune with the elements and energy around you will bring you the most balance in life. These elements are Earth, Fire, Water, Metal, and Wood. The energy is Ch'i (pronounced 'chee').

Ch'i is the life force, and it is present all around us, all of the time. The purpose of incorporating Feng Shui into our homes is to attract Ch'i and to raise positive energy levels. The Chinese have utilized this in the construction of large buildings and homes, aligning the corners of the structures with the corresponding directions of the four cardinal directions--north, south, east, and west. The ancient Chinese tended to build their homes according to the directions and meaning of each.

Astrology is incorporated as well. Depending on the individual?s year of birth, each direction has different meaning. Those dealt with include positive directions (prime, health, longevity, prosperity, etc.) and negative directions (death, disaster, the six shar, and the five ghosts). According to Chinese life principle, there is no getting around the negative directions. Though, it is believed that utilizing Feng Shui in your home can keep the Ch'i in balance, and the positive and negative in harmony.

In this day and age, not many of us have the option of choosing our land so freely, as we have settled down already or dwell in apartment buildings. Unfortunately, we can't very well pick up and turn our homes to suit our individual Ch'i. This is where Feng Shui designers have found their calling. Placement of furniture, certain deco, as well as color use are considered imperative factors in the Feng Shui culture. Here are a few interesting and random examples.

Furniture Placement:

- Move the bed to face your health and longevity direction.
- Always have a bed against one wall, as this gives the individual stability.
- The oven and the sink should have space between them, as they represent opposing elements; water and fire.
- The living room is the central gathering room and where most families spend their time. Try to put the main area of focus (television, sound system) in the corner that represents health. This way, when the family lounges together, they are facing a positive direction.
- The Chinese believed that no matter how big the family, there should always be at least eight chairs at the dining table. If more or less, the number must always be even.
- Face the desk that you work at towards your creative direction.

Decorations and Accessories:

- If one of your positive directions lie in the South, and there is a Southern wall with no window in your home, add a mirror. This gives Ch'i room to flow with no ending point.
- The bathroom of your home is the place for Ch'i to pool--and in its most negative environment. Bathrooms are typically small, and are associated with destruction. Mirrors, and house plants should be abundant in this area.
- The living room or bedroom are good places for oil paintings and art, as these are objects of prosperity.
- The study, or the area where you do so, should be filled with objects of creativity. Fill the area with artwork, pottery, and house plants. If there is no window above your desk, guess? Add a mirror!
- Round objects represent money. So, in the living room, and study, try round rugs, tables, and coasters.
- Wind chimes, wind chimes, wind chimes! Anything associated with wind will help Ch'i flow freely.

Color:

The central colors of importance to Feng Shui include green, red, yellow, white, and black. Although the meaning and directional significance of each differs depending on your source, each color represents one of the five elements (Earth, Fire, Water, Metal, Wood).
- It is important that the color of your bedroom correlate with your element. Mine is water, which seems to be associated with white or blue.
- The kitchen is the one place in the house most susceptible to hazard. Green is the safest color to use here.
- The study is an important area for free air, and open mindedness. Yellow or white will keep the area amicable.

For more information on color use, check out the Quick Guide to Color Effects and Meanings blog.

Whether or not you take the ancient art of Feng Shui on board, it is quite an impressive subject as well as vastly immense--I have only just touched the bare minimum here. Aside from the apparent mysticism, its principles touch upon the chic mannerism of modern design as well. More and more designers and clients are designing with meaning and with spirituality. In my opinion, this is wonderful!

Every type of art has spiritual root and meaning--it's the artist that makes it distinct. As always, my best design advice is to understand what touches you and manifest it into your space. Peace be with you and may your Ch'i flow free!

Breiana Cecil of OverstockArt.com graduated from Ball State University with a Bachelor Degree in Interior Design and in Studio Art. Breiana is an avid enthusiast of the art and design world and intends on continuing her contribution to the industry. Talk to Breiana on the ArtCorner Blog today!

 

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 descendants 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 Lillians 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 DESCENDANTS LUCK DIRECTION.

The northwest (NW) is the direction of descendants luck. It is also the direction of heaven according to feng shui (and arent 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 descendants 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 mans head point toward the door or sleep with his back to the door, then try another method.

Another way to activate the descendants 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 descendants 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 descendants 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 mans personal descendants 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 mans 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.

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 for Your Health and Vitality

 

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

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

How to Feng Shui Your Home to Make it Sell Quicker

 

CannonFeng Shui Your Home to Help it Sell Quicker
by Elaine VonCannon

In a competitive real estate market, home sellers are looking for the edge to make their home sell fast. Feng Shui, or the ancient Chinese art of placement, is one answer. Jaan Ferree, a Feng Shui consultant based in Asheville, North Carolina, explains. that Feng Shui is having the intention to pay attention to your environment.
I recently asked Jaan for a few Feng Shui pointers to help the home seller find a buyer faster. Here are some of her Feng Shui ideas for the home seller.

House Number
Jaan Ferree suggests taking a closer look at the house number and position on the block. As a buyer approaches the home is it easy to tell he or she is at the right place? Is the number of the home visible?
Front Door and Approach
Make sure the entrance to your home is easily discernable. If the entrance is not the front door, is it obvious to the visitor where they enter? Is the walk from the car to the door safe, well defined, well lit, and attractive?
Ferree says the front porch, door, and threshold should be welcoming and have a "greeter". Use a pot of geraniums, other flowers or plants, a statue, or an attractive welcome mat. She also suggests a beautiful color on the door, wind chime, basket hung on the wall beside the door, plaque beside the door or other plants or objects which will "lift the chi" (energy) of the person approaching the entrance to the home. Finally, a clear bell or doorknocker, to let someone know you are there, is always helpful.

Trim the Bushes
Make certain shrubbery and landscaping is not overgrown. If it is, the energy may have the effect of "pushing the person away" who is approaching the entrance to the home. The best plants to line the edge of the walkway have soft round corners. Avoid sharp pointed plants or objects.

Interior Entranceway
Once you enter the home the space inside the door should be clear of clutter and obstructions. If there is a wall directly across from the entrance Ferree says that placing a mirror or art on the wall will lift the chi tremendously. This Feng Shui treatment makes sense because it prevents your visitor from walking into a blank wall. It also makes something visible that will immediately lift the spirits of your guest.
Ferree suggests paying close attention to the subtle environmental clues in the interior of the home to make sure that you are not pushing someone away with the objects in the space, or making them have to "get smaller" to walk through the space.

Safety First
In addition to aiding in lifting the energy of a space, Feng Shui can also reflect simple common sense. Safety, both real and perceived, is extremely important. Ferree recommends, Pick up any items strewn about the yard and make sure all walkways and stepping stones and steps are level. Good lighting is essential, too. It must b e easy to walk through the interior and exterior of the house without obstruction.

Avoid Clutter
According to Ferree, clutter will keep a house from selling for many different reasons, one of which says the person does not attend to the upkeep of the home. Clutter collects stagnant energy and brings the feeling of the space down.
The two kinds of clutter are passive and active. Examples of active clutter are scattered children's toys in a living room, or brushes, paints and accessories in an artists studio. Passive clutter is piles of things which have not been put away, thrown away or recycled.

Positive Energy Keeps Guests Happy
Ferree has some ideas on how to invite positive "chi" (energy) into your home. Spread smells, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus throughout the home. Consider the lighting, colors and color arrangements and clarity of a space. Work on design enhancements that welcome visitors to your space and invite them to stay a while.
Ferree has one piece of final advice that applies to many situations. Your home tells a story about you she says, People read the story every time they visit your space. Be aware of that and put your best self forward.
by Elaine VonCannon

In a competitive real estate market, home sellers are looking for the edge to make their home sell fast. Feng Shui, or the ancient Chinese art of placement, is one answer. Jaan Ferree, a Feng Shui consultant based in Asheville, North Carolina, explains. that Feng Shui is having the intention to pay attention to your environment.
I recently asked Jaan for a few Feng Shui pointers to help the home seller find a buyer faster. Here are some of her Feng Shui ideas for the home seller.

House Number
Jaan Ferree suggests taking a closer look at the house number and position on the block. As a buyer approaches the home is it easy to tell he or she is at the right place? Is the number of the home visible?
Front Door and Approach
Make sure the entrance to your home is easily discernable. If the entrance is not the front door, is it obvious to the visitor where they enter? Is the walk from the car to the door safe, well defined, well lit, and attractive?
Ferree says the front porch, door, and threshold should be welcoming and have a "greeter". Use a pot of geraniums, other flowers or plants, a statue, or an attractive welcome mat. She also suggests a beautiful color on the door, wind chime, basket hung on the wall beside the door, plaque beside the door or other plants or objects which will "lift the chi" (energy) of the person approaching the entrance to the home. Finally, a clear bell or doorknocker, to let someone know you are there, is always helpful.

Trim the Bushes
Make certain shrubbery and landscaping is not overgrown. If it is, the energy may have the effect of "pushing the person away" who is approaching the entrance to the home. The best plants to line the edge of the walkway have soft round corners. Avoid sharp pointed plants or objects.

Interior Entranceway
Once you enter the home the space inside the door should be clear of clutter and obstructions. If there is a wall directly across from the entrance Ferree says that placing a mirror or art on the wall will lift the chi tremendously. This Feng Shui treatment makes sense because it prevents your visitor from walking into a blank wall. It also makes something visible that will immediately lift the spirits of your guest.
Ferree suggests paying close attention to the subtle environmental clues in the interior of the home to make sure that you are not pushing someone away with the objects in the space, or making them have to "get smaller" to walk through the space.

Safety First
In addition to aiding in lifting the energy of a space, Feng Shui can also reflect simple common sense. Safety, both real and perceived, is extremely important. Ferree recommends, Pick up any items strewn about the yard and make sure all walkways and stepping stones and steps are level. Good lighting is essential, too. It must b e easy to walk through the interior and exterior of the house without obstruction.

Avoid Clutter
According to Ferree, clutter will keep a house from selling for many different reasons, one of which says the person does not attend to the upkeep of the home. Clutter collects stagnant energy and brings the feeling of the space down.
The two kinds of clutter are passive and active. Examples of active clutter are scattered children's toys in a living room, or brushes, paints and accessories in an artists studio. Passive clutter is piles of things which have not been put away, thrown away or recycled.

Positive Energy Keeps Guests Happy
Ferree has some ideas on how to invite positive "chi" (energy) into your home. Spread smells, such as vanilla, cinnamon, or citrus throughout the home. Consider the lighting, colors and color arrangements and clarity of a space. Work on design enhancements that welcome visitors to your space and invite them to stay a while.
Ferree has one piece of final advice that applies to many situations. Your home tells a story about you she says, People read the story every time they visit your space. Be aware of that and put your best self forward.

Elaine VonCannon is a REALTOR with RE/Max Capital in Williamsburg, Virginia, and she manages investment property as part of her business. Elaine is also an Accredited Buyer's Representative as well as a Senior Real Estate Specialist. She has helped numerous clients invest in and make money on property in Southeastern Virginia.

 

Feng Shui, One Man's Self-Discovery

 

In this time of stress and fear of the unknown, with companies imploding and war and terrorism all around us, it's important to have good tools to remain centered and focused.

I had heard a lot about Feng Shui, it sounded interesting but was skeptical. I went to my neighborhood Feng Shui supply store to see what I could learn. I met a rather knowledgeable woman named Fee Lo Mee, she obviously wasn't Asian. She said the name helped her online sales of Feng Shui paraphernalia.

After she got a little background on me she determined the most important thing was to get a Chinese Dragon and a little water fall. I was to display this in the Southeast corner of my room to bring me maximum wealth luck. Also, since I need all the side income I can get, she advised getting a three legged toad and put him on my desk. She also tried to get me to buy windchimes and some fish figurines, but I told her I wasn't so concerned with career luck I just wanted more money.

As we chatted about her online business, I mentioned I wrote for a website. When she heard that it was all I could do to escape the store with just a small crystal globe. You see a crystal globe brings great success, wealth and recognition in literature, publishing, media and communications. I guess that sums up what I do--especially the literature part--so I was sure to put one in my shopping cart.

I hope the wealth luck works because the merchandise was over $100, which included a few I-Ching coins tied with red and gold thread to keep in my pocket for added luck.

At this point, I must admit, I was pretty excited to get home and properly place my new "energizers" in my home and office. But Ms. Mee was not done with me. She pulled aside and softly mentioned, "Feng Shui is not only about symbols and placement, it involves the whole person, including their dress." I looked at my clothes and looked back at her and she nodded slightly with that "yes I'm talking about you" look in her eyes. So I let her begin.

First thing, never ever wear faded or worn jeans like I did, it attracts poverty and bad luck and she let me know it (oh so that's what the problem's been!). Next, make sure you're always well groomed. You don't have to dress fancy, but make sure it's balanced and harmonious. And of course dry your clothes outside in the daylight to absorb purifying yang chi energies.

She started to tell me about kua numbers and elements and colors and shapes and how I should add these into my wardrobe. I told her I was pressed for time and I'd come back again to pick up that information. I really had nowhere to go, but I felt I had all the feng-shui information I could handle for one day.

Well it's been a few days since my trip to see Ms. Mee and everything is properly placed. I feel excited about the new me. Of course nothing has really changed, like anything I have to give it time. Now I'm thinking about learning about how to feng-shui my whole house. I don't really know anything about it, but I hear it really is great.

Using Feng Shui to Harness the Power of Your Intention

 

Master Lin Yun, founder of Black Hat Tibetan Feng Shui, has stated that making Feng Shui enhancements without intention, is only 10% effective. However, add intention and you'll get a 120% improvement!

If you listen to successful people talk about what makes them successful, one of the elements is being clear about what they want. And it's not just a vague idea, like to be happy, or to be wealthy. Their goals are SMART goals, they are: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. So, what's the outcome you are going for? How will you know when you reach it?

Everything around you affects you. Whether it's a pile of clutter, a relationship that is dragging you down, or a broken doorbell - everything is part of what you are creating, whether you are conscious of it or not.

Learning about Feng Shui will give you a heightened awareness of how you interrelate with everything in your environment. That's quite a responsibility. So, the question becomes - do you want to go through your life hoping things work out, or do you want to design a fulfilling and passionate life for yourself? Do you want to be the cause or the effect?

Applying Feng Shui with intention will set your life on an altered course. You're making a commitment - it's powerful. I've seen clients begin Coaching, or Feng Shui, feeling stuck in an aspect of their lives, and within one week had several options magically open up to them. They unleashed a series of opportunities and opened up a pipeline to possibility. It's also about focus. What you focus on expands, and when you move from focusing on feeling stuck, to a wider view of focusing on outcomes, the Universe steps in to support you.

And why not go for some BHAGs? they are Big, Hairy, Audacious Goals. Live your life as a daring adventure. You have the opportunity to create whatever you choose for Your life, so think big!

The clearer you are about what you're choosing to create, the greater the chance of having what you want, and the more effective the Feng Shui. Clearing clutter, or placing enhancements with intention is extremely powerful. It's the difference between making a 10% improvement or making a 120% improvement.

Maximizing the Power of Your Enhancements

Use these tools to create an environment of success that will support powerful outcomes for yourself. Make your self a priority and design the life of your dreams.

1. Get clear and very specific about your desired outcome, and write this down.

2. Remove the clutter and clean the area.

3. Choose an enhancement - something that represents the change you would like to create, and place it in the appropriate area of your home or room.

For a visual representation of the Bagua Map and how to find where different aspects of your life are represented in your home go to:
http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/BaguaMap.html

4. Visualize or imagine your outcome as if its already happened - how does it feel?

5. Speak your desired outcome out loud, in the present tense. Always add, 'this or something better, for the Highest Good now occurs'. An example is: I now have 2 new clients who are a perfect fit for me. This or something better, for the Highest Good now occurs.

6. Start taking action towards your outcome.

Sometimes your Higher Power, sees a much bigger picture than you do, so don't place any limitations on what you might receive.

Feng Shui will move you towards the next step in designing your life. http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

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

There is No Place to Hide From Feng Shui - Even Temporarily

 

I once heard this definition of extroverts and introverts: Extroverts process information and issues by talking with others. Introverts do so by going within.

I am definitely an introvert, and have set my life up so as to have a lot of time and space to myself. This is how I function best. I know what feeds my soul and I also know when I dont do these things everything in my life is affected.

Sometimes I need a reminder of the importance of these things.

During a visit to New Zealand recently, I had occasion to stay with a family member who was so excited to see me, she wanted to spend lots of time with me and include me in every cup of tea. She was being a good hostess she is also an extrovert. So, where she gained energy I was fast losing it. I did have some space for myself, but not enough. I assumed that a week like this was fine. I also didnt fully unpack my suitcase, partly because there wasnt anywhere to put everything, but also, I thought its only for a few days.

I know the effect of being surrounded by clutter, and I know I need lots of space physical and emotional. I know the effect of tolerating things that bug me. I also know that sometimes in the past it has seemed like too much trouble to act on my needs.

One of the big things I learned is that it DOES matter. Even temporary situations affect me. I learned there is no room for unconsciousness around my environment there is no place to hide. I learned I need to respect my being an introvert. Its part of what makes me unique. Its part of how I express myself and give myself to others. And when I dont respect this aspect of myself, part of me shuts down and everyone misses out.

When I look back on my time in New Zealand, the visit that was most successful was with a friend who is an author and also an introvert. He made sure he had time to himself, which also gave me space.

I eventually took care of my needs by finding a Bed and Breakfast to stay in for my last week. With great good fortune the owner was going out of town, so I had her whole, huge, sunny house to myself. I unpacked my suitcase, made my room inviting, and so created an environment that supported me. Everything looked different from this place, and from there it was a lot easier to create a balance between visiting and quiet time.

The Feng Shui in your life is about more than just your environment. When you dont get your needs met physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually, your energy is blocked and this will stop the flow of prosperity, creativity, relationships in your life and will prevent you from being all you can be. Your very life energy is affected.

Is anything blocking the flow of energy in your life right now?

Where are you cluttering up your life, emotionally, physically, mentally, spiritually?

Is there anything in your life you are telling yourself is only temporary?

What would it take to make a change now?

What do you know, but need to remind yourself about in terms of your needs?

As an extrovert, or an introvert, what feeds your soul? Are you incorporating that in your life?

Visits with family are often the most challenging in terms of being ourselves. How do you take care of your needs while with your family?

When you are thrown into an unfamiliar situation, what happens? Do you make sure your needs are met or do you let them slide? What do you tell yourself?

Do you have a situation coming up maybe people coming to stay, maybe you visiting someone where you can begin to plan ways to have your needs met?

In your home, or when you are in a temporary situation, what can you do to make a sanctuary for yourself? What can you place in your environment to give you a feeling of belonging?

Some of my clients have found a way to create a sense of place when traveling. They have gathered a collection of things that have significance for them. When they travel they place them on the bedside table or somewhere they will feel their energy.

Some people have a favorite throw or they might take their own pillow with them. Dont forget the power of journaling. Keeping up this practice will give you clarity and space.

In Feng Shui, the intention is to create a flow of energy in your environment to support you in creating the life of your dreams. A life that flows and is easy and where you can be your authentic self. Your environment either supports you or drains you. By paying attention to all your environments you will create an environment of success for yourself. http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

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

Top 10 Clutter Busting Tips for 2003Vicky White

Its easy, live with clutter and its difficult to move forward, or you will move forward more slowly. Clear your clutter and you will be supported to create the life you dream of.

1. Use the Ultimate Clutter Test - ask yourself Do I love it, do I use it, does it make my heart sing? Get a no? Put it in a box for the charity shop, to give to someone who will treasure it, or to go to a consignment shop.

2. Clear your closet - this is a great place to start. Make space for the new by taking everything out of your closet and only putting back clothes you love, fit you, are ready to wear and show you at your best. You know the ones - they are the ones people comment on when you wear them.

It is better to have half a dozen outfits that make you feel your best, than a closet of clothes that are past it or remind you of the weight you've put on. If you really must keep clothes you no longer fit into, put them in a box, tape it up and put a date on it if you don't fit into them by that date maybe its time to make someones day by taking them to the local charity shop - or making some money by selling them.

3. Clear your basement and attic - in Feng Shui the basement represents the foundation to your life. Any stuck energy here will be rising up through your home and affecting every aspect of your life.

Clutter in the attic will be bearing down on you. And there is no hiding from clutter by moving it to the basement, the shed at the bottom of the garden, or even a storage unit. Its in your environment and will still be affecting you.

4. Time Clutter - do you have too many things on your to-do list? Do you keep trying to fit just one more thing in? Do you feel under pressure? I have come to accept that I cannot possibly do everything in one day, or even in one week. This takes the pressure off! Are you saying yes to what you want to be saying yes to?

5. Handle procrastination - do you put off taking action on some things you want to do, registering for a class, or making a phone call for example, so your head gets cluttered up trying to remember to do it?

Some things are worth taking action on immediately. Some things are worth scheduling so they are not done at the last minute and under pressure, or even worse, are missed. Clutter is decisions put off - in other words procrastination.

6. Clear the clutter in your office. This will be affecting your creativity, efficiency and prosperity. If necessary, pay someone to help you organize your office. Once you get it organized get rid of clutter daily.

Papers, emails, your filing cabinet, and documents on your computer you haven't looked at in months or years. How much time do you waste looking for information? Make liberal use of your best office tools - the recycle bin and the delete button on your computer.

7. Declutter your day - What are your most productive activities at work - the ones that bring you the greatest results? How much of your time do you spend doing them? Most people spend the majority of their time on their least productive activities - reading and answering emails, having meetings, returning phone calls, looking for documents.

Do you clutter your day up with things that could be delegated or things that are not important? Do you allow yourself to be constantly interrupted with emails, phone calls or family members?

8. Your head! Do you have a whole lot of thoughts running around in your head when you get up in the morning? Julia Cameron in the Artists Way suggests writing Morning Pages. There are 3 pages of free flow writing. Just let whatever wants to come up, come up. Its amazing what does come to the fore and I have found this a useful tool to start my day with a clear head.

9. Things from the past. Do you have the wedding dress from your first marriage? Do you have books on subjects you are no longer interested in, or are they out of date? Do you have vitamins in your cupboard more than 6 months old - they will have lost their potency. Have you moved from a house into a Condo and still have gardening tools you can no longer use? Do you have your grandparents clock that no longer works, and you don't even like it? Have you been given gifts that aren't you?

Clear this clutter and notice how your energy changes.

10. Do you have things in a storage unit? Do these pass the Ultimate Clutter Test? Do you love them, do you use them, and do they raise your energy? If not, how much is it costing you to store these things. If they disappeared would you miss them? Do you even remember what is in those boxes? How about your garage? Is it so full that your car/s need to sit outside? How much are your cars depreciating by being out in the elements and are the things in the garage worth that much?

Bonus Tip. Heres a tough one! Are there people in your life who drain your energy? What is it costing you? What do you have invested in staying in contact with them? Maybe they are close family members. Who do you need to be to take care of yourself around them?

Be ruthless when it comes to decluttering. For the energy to flow easily in your life, and your home, you need to be diligent when it comes to clutter. If you dont address it, it will hold you where you were back in 2002 or before! Clutter Busting will support you in moving forward into an abundant life. http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

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

Embrace Longevity & Romance with These 10 Feng Shui Secrets

 

Your bedroom is the most important room in your home. It has the greatest effect on your health and well-being. While you sleep, your energy fields are particularly receptive to the effect of any imbalance in your surroundings.

Feng Shui can help you create an environment where your well-being is enhanced, not compromised. These secrets will enhance the energy in your bedroom, improving your health and impacting romance in your life.

1. Create A Sanctuary
How does your bedroom feel? Does it nurture your soul? Remove anything that isn't related to the purpose of the bedroom. It will be creating a conflict of energy.

2. Remove The Television From Your Bedroom A television will affect your relationships, and also your sleep. The television is a more vibrant, yang energy, than the yin energy of your bedroom, which can make it a less relaxing environment for sleep.

Also, the television, whether off or on, is emitting electro-magnetic fields which affect your health. (Read more about EMFs below)

3. 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. If it's impossible to see the door, set up a mirror so you can see the door from where you lie.

4. Treat Yourself To The Best Bed For YOU. Considering you spend a third of your life in bed, it's worth investing in the best bed you can buy. Try out several until you find one that works for you.

Your bed holds the energy of whoever has slept in it, so buying a new bed is a good way to support a new beginning in your life. This is especially important after the breakup of a long relationship or after a long illness.

5. Remove Mirrors
If you're having trouble sleeping, check the mirrors. The bigger they are, and the closer to you, the more effect they will have. In Feng Shui, mirrors are used to increase the energy. They are not always suitable for bedrooms, where you want a more peaceful energy. If in doubt - try covering the mirrors at night for a month to see if it makes a difference.

6. Eliminate Sharp Corners Lie on your bed and look around your bedroom. Do you have corners of walls or furniture pointing towards any part of you as you sleep? They will be affecting your health, and specifically the part of your body they cut across.

Remedy this by softening the edges. For the corner of a wall, you can hang a spherical crystal from the ceiling, a few inches out from the corner, to disperse this cutting energy. You could also hang a plant. Soften the edges of a dresser with fabric or by placing a tall plant in front of that corner.

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 in your bedroom will be affecting your health, your relationships and your prosperity. Clutter prevents the energy from flowing smoothly around your room and in your life.

Clutter is anything unfinished, unused, unresolved, tolerated, disorganized. This can be physical clutter, and can also be unresolved issues with your partner. That's one reason why its recommended to resolve any differences before you sleep.

8. Get A Fresh Perspective On Your Art Art is a powerful enhancement in creating the life you want. Is your art saying what you want it to be saying? If you want to be in a relationship, yet have pictures of single women on your walls, this will not be helping. If you have an image thats disturbing in any way, this will be affecting the peaceful environment you need to create rest for your soul.

9. Remove All Electrical Items Electro Magnetic Fields from electrical appliances are becoming a worldwide health concern, with studies showing they can contribute to various types of cancers and autoimmune diseases. A good way to create a space that nurtures your health rather than harms it, is to remove all plug-in clock radios, TVs, answering machines, electric blankets and any other electrical appliances.

At the very least, move them 12 feet away from you and unplug them. Your long-term health will be affected in direct proportion to the amount of electricity the item uses, how close it is to you, and how long you are exposed to it.

10. Create a nourishing view from your bed What's the view from your bed? Do you look straight into a bathroom, or worse still, into a toilet with it's lid up? Keep your bathroom door closed, or create a barrier with a screen. Make sure what you see when you wake has a sensuous and nurturing feel.

Your health is at the core of your quality of life and your body is your home, while you are here on earth. By applying these Feng Shui tips, you will be protecting your most precious asset.

What do YOU need to do to, to create an environment that works FOR you rather than against you? http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

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

8 Feng Shui Tips to Make Your Own Buds Bloom

 

Spring is here and all the energy that was laying low and gaining strength over winter is blossoming forth. Spring is the time for new beginnings. Its a time of increased energy, new beginnings and sunshine moods.

These tips will help you harness this energy.

1. OPEN YOUR DOORS AND WINDOWS The air inside your building is up to ten times more polluted than the air outside. This is due to building practices that seal the building against energy loss, and because of synthetic furnishings and carpets which are continually sending toxic vapors into your home.

Opening your doors and windows will bring more energy into your life as this is where the energy enters your homes and rooms.

2. TAKE CARE OF YOUR PLANTS Now is a good time to feed them, dust them, shine their leaves and give them some love. Plants produce movement of air, which helps them remove toxins from your environment. They also produce water vapor which controls humidity.

3. CLEAN YOUR WINDOWS
Often its not until the sun shines on your windows that you can see just how dirty they've become. Create a clear view of your world.

4. BUY FRESH FLOWERS
These will add brightness and vitality to your life. Make sure you replace them when they wilt.

5. WHAT NEEDS DECLUTTERING? Is it time to go through your closet again with fresh eyes? Can you put your winter clothes out of sight? What can you let go of? What do you no longer like or wear? What doesn't show you at your best? How about your garage, your car or your handbag?

6. DO YOU HAVE CLUTTER IN YOUR BEDROOM? Your bedroom is the most important room in your house because you spend so many hours in there. Clutter here will be affecting your health and relationships, and clutter under the bed affects you the most - it will be creating unconscious blocks as you sleep over it.

7. RE-ENERGIZE YOUR GOALS Are you one third of the way towards your goals for the year? What is blocking your way? Do you want to choose a new goal? Choose a goal and commit to taking one step towards it each day. Watch the progress you make and the momentum you create. Do this with a friend or your Coach and check in with them each day. Being accountable to someone else is often what it takes keep focused.

8. REDUCE THE STATIC IN YOUR LIFE Make a list of anything in your life that 'bugs' you and start clearing them up. What distracts you from doing the things you love to do and what distracts you at work? What can you do to resolve these issues?

Spring is a great time to reassess and re-energize your dreams and goals. You are a third of the way through the year and can take advantage of this boost of Spring energy by clearing some space and refocusing. http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

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

Do Feng Shui Remedies Really Work?

 

THE PREMISE

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese art that has been practised for thousands of years. It is based on the idea that there should be a "balance" or harmony in the world. Everything around us has its proper place. If something is out of place and the balance is disturbed, this disruption can materialize as a feeling of uneasiness in the people around it, or as violence or lack of prosperity in the area.

Feng Shui, in all its various forms, acts to restore that balance and harmony. This balance can be in difference ways, such as health, prosperity, wealth and love. And a lot of it really works. The cities of Hong Kong and Singapore are prosperous capitals compared to their neighbors because they are located in places where the Feng Shui is perfect for a bustling metropolis. Even the house of Bill Gates, richest man in the world, is said to be located in the perfect location in the hills to bring its owner great wealth.

But why does Feng Shui not work for some people? In order to answer that, we need to look at its history.

THE HISTORY

Feng Shui originated from ancient China, a land that developed other skills and arts such as medicine, martial arts and the origins of chemical warfare. The knowledge of these skills were highly priced, and the masters of these skills understandably did not want their secrets to be known to others, for fear that the knowledge could be used for wrong purposes, or that the masters would lose their status and prestige once the knowledge became commonplace.

It is therefore expected that the masters might not have handed down all of their knowledge to their students. These students might have compiled whatever knowledge they had, and guessed the remainder that they did not learn from the masters. Some of these students were geniuses, able to replicate the miracles their masters had performed. Others were not so skilled, but used whatever knowledge they had to make a living for themselves. This scenario, when applied to Feng Shui, explains the various schools of Feng Shui that exist today. Some schools do work wonders, but there are also those that produce very little tangible effect.

There are many people who call themselves Feng Shui masters these days, more so now with the growth of the internet. So how do we tell which ones can really help you? Unfortunately, there isn't much we can do. After all, someone can say they are a master of a reputable school of Feng Shui even though they are merely charlatans. The best thing we can do is to find someone who has had their lives improved via Feng Shui, and get the name of the Feng Shui practitioner who helped them.

THE FAITH

However, another important aspect of getting Feng Shui to work is your belief in it. Just like the idols of the ancient Aztecs and the Cross of the Christians, Feng Shui figurines and artefacts act as "focuses". It will work if you believe in it.

For example, in modern pharmaceutical tests, the researchers always say that a drug is successful because it worked on a large percentage (say 75%) of their test subjects. But what about the other 25%? If the drug really works, why didn't it work for them? It could be that their body's physiology was different. But in most of the cases, the reason is psychological. If you truly believe that the medicine will not cure you, it won't, no matter how good it is. "It's all in your mind", as the psychologists like to say.

The same goes for Feng Shui. If you buy a Feng Shui figurine but think it's just some voodoo magic that probably won't work anyway, I can assure you that it won't work for you. You need to have faith in it. If you believe that Feng Shui can help you improve your life, it will.

For more information on Feng Shui, you can visit this Feng Shui page:
http://www.mandarin-ducks.com/fengshui.html

Steven maintains the Mandarin Duck Feng Shui website at http://www.mandarin-ducks.com. It provides information on how mandarin ducks are able to help improve relationships using Feng Shui principles.

webmaster@mandarin-ducks.com