Feng Shui Tips: Ten T’s to Thriving Times

Feng Shui is a powerful tool you can use to change your life. As I wrote in the Power to Change book, we’re talking about vibration when we talk about Feng Shui and everything has a vibration. When you move one object, you change the vibration of the room; this, in turn, changes the vibration of the home, thus changing the vibration in which you live each and every day. This changed environment’s new vibration – when done correctly – changes your personal vibration.

Setting the stage for your success can come in many forms. This driveway entrance let's you know there is going to be a lot of fun at this house for Halloween. That's a special type of energy. From the Five Elements perspective, it includes them all.

Setting the stage for your success can come in many forms. This driveway entrance let’s you know there is going to be a lot of fun at this house for Halloween. That’s a special type of energy. From the Five Elements perspective, it includes them all.

So what are you waiting for? Don’t you want the vibration of your home to support you in manifesting all the dreams you hold in your heart? It’s rather easy. Depending what is going on in your life and what you want out of your life, it just takes a little time and focused attention.

Here are the Top Ten Tips to Thrive This Thanksgiving (and holiday) season:

  1. Tortoise Backing – Make sure to place something made from the earth (tile, marble, cement) in the middle section of the back of your home. This gives the vibration of support to you in life as well as supporting you financially.
  2. Trees and Plants – Have trees, or at least one houseplant, on the east side of your home to create the vibration of health and vitality. Plants equate to Yang energy – the larger the plant, the stronger the chí.
  3. Tiger Energy – Tiger energy equates to nurturing energy, Yin energy. Have lots of pillows, a blanket throw or overstuffed furniture in which to snuggle; or play music to soothe your soul.
  4. Thresholds – Clean and beautify every entry into your home, especially the front door. Polish the handles, oil the hinges and sweep away the debris. Get a special front door mat to celebrate the holiday season. Elevate the energy between the two worlds to acknowledge the transition from outdoors to inside!

    Making a statement at the threshold from the street to the front yard, this home let's you now it's Autumn with an abundance of colorful leaves wrapped over the trellis.

    Making a statement at the threshold from the street to the front yard, this home let’s you know it’s Autumn with an abundance of colorful leaves wrapped over the trellis and pumpkins flanking the sides as special greeters.

  5. Target Organizing – Clutter stops the flow of chí in and around your home. Even if you don’t have time to clear everything, target certain areas. As part of my Clutter Busting program (look under “Events”), I can tell you where to focus your attention to support health, wealth or whatever else is a challenge in your life.
  6. Technology – There’s a saying in our society, “High Tech, High Touch!” With so many electronic devices in our lives, the chances are you have “technology overload” in one or more areas of your home. “Unplug” if you can – any time, any thing and any place possible. The Electro Magnetic Field (EMF) energy created by many electronic items has been linked to serious health issues and often cause disharmony in homes.
  7. Transformers – There are a couple different transformers – those associated with electronic devices (mentioned above); and, from Feng Shui, the Five Elements also are known as transformers. Plan to have all Five Elements within your home. The Five Elements are: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. (I’ll write more about these over the next few weeks.)
  8. Tune Your Space – Change the energy of you home by “tuning” it. You literally can use TUNES – the sound of a drum or piano, or by removing the energetic debris on your floors by sweeping, vacuuming or washing them. Use some essential oils in the water or vacuum to infuse the home with the vibration of the plants’ essence.
  9. Trust Your Instinct – You know when something isn’t right in your home. The sound isn’t as clear; accidents seem to occur or things seem to go wrong; there are more water leaks or computer issues; children or pets seem to misbehave; or lots of light bulbs go out all at once. Put your focus on your home and ask for clarity as to the next step you need to take to clear the space and create more harmony in your home.

    Being thankful for what we have in our lives is so important. In fact, the corporate headquarters of Houzz in Palo Alto believes family is so important, they give thanks by having several walls dedicated to "family photos" - encouraging their employees to share family moments together on their walls.

    Being thankful for what we have in our lives is so important. In fact, the corporate headquarters of Houzz in Palo Alto believes family is so important, they give thanks by having several walls dedicated to “family photos” – encouraging their employees to share family moments together on the corporate office walls.

  10. Thankfulness – An attitude of gratitude is one of the most powerful tools you have to raise the energy of your home. Focus on all the wonderful things you have in your life: family, friends, health, a roof over your head, food to eat and clothes to wear. Show your home and your family your appreciation by giving it – and them – Tender Loving Care. Say blessings and thank yous!

If you have any questions about the above list, contact me. Join me for the Clutter Busting program to gain knowledge about how clutter affects our lives in 22 different ways PLUS have support, structure, and accountability to clear it and get organized!

Thriving at this time of year sometimes can be challenging. Your home can support you with your desires for a reduction in stress and more harmonious home. Follow these ten T’s in your home to energetically set the stage for a successful season of celebrations!

Earthquake Preparedness Kit and Ideas

As promised, here are a few things you might want to have on hand in case of emergencies, whether it be an earthquake, flood or power outage.

Have at least 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day on hand in case of an emergency. Be sure to have extra for your pets as well.

Have at least 1 gallon of bottled water per person per day on hand in case of an emergency. Be sure to have extra for your pets as well.

My husband, Hilory, actually put together the original Disastrous Preparedness Program for San Mateo County, California, after the horrific tragedy of September 11, 2001.

These are things to consider for the well-being of your family and yourself. Our families have put together most of these items. (I found out there are a few more things we need to do when I investigated this more thoroughly while writing this.) We also have a meeting place designated in case we aren’t able to communicate via phones and can’t stay in our homes for some reason.

EARTHQUAKE PREPAREDNESS KIT

WATER

  • 1 gallon/person/day

FOOD

  • Canned meats, soups, fruits and vegetables
  • Dry milk and juice drinks
  • Sugar, salt and pepper high-energy foods; peanut butter, jelly, crackers, granola bars and trail mix
  • Comfort foods: cookies, candy, instant coffee, tea
  • Vitamins
  • Special needs: infants, special diet, pet food
  • Avoid foods like rice and pasta that require more water to prepare
  • Restock 1/year

 

Have a First Aid Bucket readily available in case of emergencies with the main items needed. Having a bucket makes sure everything stays dry in case of a flood or any type of water damage.

Have a First Aid Bucket readily available in case of emergencies with the main items needed. Having a bucket makes sure everything stays dry in case of a flood or any type of water damage.

FIRST AID

  • Band-Aids
  • Gauze
  • Roller bandages
  • Scissors
  • Antiseptic
  • Soap/anti-bacterial
  • Moist towelettes
  • Petroleum jelly
  • Pain reliever
  • Other non-prescription medications
  • Sunscreen
  • Latex gloves
  • Tweezers
  • Thermometer
  • Safety pins

 

 

You may want to have a 50 gallon barrel in case Hetch Hetchy pipelines break.

You may want to have a 50 gallon barrel in case Hetch Hetchy pipelines break.

SUPPLIES

  • Paper plates and napkins
  • Plastic utensils
  • Flashlight
  • Battery-powered radio
  • Batteries
  • Cash
  • Can Opener
  • Tape
  • Matches in waterproof container
  • Foil
  • Paper and pencil
  • Needle and thread
  • Wrench
  • Pliers
  • Signal flare
  • Ponchos
  • Blankets or sleeping bags/warm clothes

SANITARY

  • Toilet paper
  • Garbage bags
  • Soap
  • Feminine supplies
  • Plastic bucket
  • Disinfectant
  • Household bleach

DOCUMENT COPIES

  • Will/insurance
  • Passport/Social Security cards
  • Immunization records
  • Bank account numbers
  • Credit card numbers
  • Contracts/stocks
  • Best to store these items in a waterproof zip lock bag

    Know where to turn off the water and gas to our home. Also, have a wrench at these locations in order to turn them off. You don't want to be trying to find them in a shed or garage after an earthquake or during any type of disaster.

    Know where to turn off the water and gas to our home. Also, have a wrench at these locations in order to turn them off. You don’t want to be trying to find them in a shed or garage after an earthquake or during any type of disaster.

You might also want to consider a large 50 gallon water container for possible long-term water needs. Be sure to have extra medicines and prescription drugs on hand for yourself and family members including any pets.

Know how to turn off the water and gas lines to your home. Make sure there is a wrench handy to be able to do this. YOu don’t want to have to locate one in a tool shed or garage. You might not be able to even get to these due to the situation. Plus, it’s just peace-of-mind to know everything is right there where you need them.

If you need more information, go to: http://tinyurl.com/yfuhgbz for a complete list and tips.

October 17, 1989: Shaking Sense of What Is Important in Life

I’d been running late all day long when I decided to go straight to my therapist appointment, not stopping for gas. I could get it on the way home. I remember leaving her office at 4:55, getting onto Highway 280 and up to speed when I saw the trees swaying back and forth ahead of me on the right. Having a van, I grabbed the steering wheel embracing for the wind I was sure was to hit it with a powerful force. I put my foot on the brake and the van started rocking back and forth. I had no control over the van since the wheels were not on the ground, but bouncing as the asphalt highway rolled under the vehicles.

Here is the building my daughter Melanie was working in the day of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Thank goodness she came home early. But this was back in the days before cell phones, so I didn't know she was all right until I arrived home 2 ½ hours later.

Here is the building my daughter Melanie was working in the day of the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. Thank goodness she came home early. But this was back in the days before cell phones, so I didn’t know she was all right until I arrived home 2 ½ hours later.

That’s where I was on October 17, 1989 at 5:04 pm. Where were you? Most people who lived in the San Francisco Bay Area that day can tell you exactly where they were and what they were doing the day the earth shock. Others around the nation saw firsthand the power of Mother Nature as they watched the announcers on TV while the World Series came to a halt! It was the Giants playing the A’s – The Bay Bridge World Series!

To have the Giants win the playoffs to be able to play in the World Series is adding to the remembrance of the day. It is the 25th anniversary of the Loma Prieta Earthquake.

The rest of the afternoon and evening were horrifying for me. I was almost out of gas as I mentioned earlier. The earthquake had cutoff all electricity, which meant gas stations were closed. Thank goodness I knew several people who race cars. I stopped at several of their houses to not only get gas, but to get up enough nerve to continue home.

For you see, my daughter, Melanie was working in Los Gatos at the time. I was able to get bits and pieces of news on a radio station. I knew Los Gatos was badly hit and buildings were down.

“God, please have Melanie be all right!” was the verbal and mental prayer I said all the way home.

Finally 2 ½ hours later, a trip that would normally take me about 30 minutes, I made it home. As I rounded the curve of the driveway and approached the home, Melanie came out the door. My prayers were answered. Thank you God!

For those of you who walk Rancho San Antonio, this is the building that occupied the large field just after you cross the walking bridge. It was St. Joseph's Seminary.

For those of you who walk Rancho San Antonio, this is the building that occupied the large field just after you cross the walking bridge. It was St. Joseph’s Seminary.

During the day Melanie had not felt well and came home. If she hadn’t, she would have been one of the fatalities since the building she worked in collapsed. Some of her co-workers didn’t make it.

Each day I try to remember to say, “I love you!” to my loved ones. Each day I try to remember how my prayers are answered – always! Sometimes they are answered before I ask them. Sometimes they are answered in ways different than I have asked. But in the end, I see I am watched over – always!

I’ve got some “Earthquake Preparedness Kit” info I’ll share tomorrow. But for now, this Granma has a date to watch her grandson play for the JV football team at high school. Melanie has blessed me with three wonderful boys. I’m spending as much time as I can with my loved ones. There is nothing more important in the world then all of them.

The day the earth shock did shake some sense into this brain, body and soul. Sometimes I forget and get over-committed. Not today! What’s important to me is to see #58 orange and black have fun!

And may the other orange and black team (Giants) have a fabulous World Series by bringing home the GOLD on this SILVER anniversary of earthshaking awareness. Most of us who lived through this experience are remembering the energy “in our bones” as our foundation in life was shook to its core.