Balance & Harmony in Our Environments

Yoga headerStriving for balance and harmony on the scale of life has been an ongoing process for most of my clients as well as myself. Just when one part of the work/life equation settles into a happy medium, the other side gets weighted down or goes careening skyward. Ancient cultures, especially those of Eastern backgrounds, look at the seasons – as well as the elements associated with those seasons – for support in establishing harmony in our daily lives. They also look at their buildings to help regulate imbalances since studies have proven there is a correlation between where we live/work and our life situations.

Having studied and incorporated Feng Shui along with many ancillary modalities into my daily round for almost 30 years has helped me achieve a greater percentage of success in developing the qualities of balance and harmony into my life. One of the schools of Feng Shui divides the spaces in which we live into a “Yin” side and a “Yang” side – the two opposing forces in the Universe. If there is too much Yin in the “wrong” place, we may be under stimulated or feel too relaxed to get things done. If there is too much Yang, we might be stressed with an overly active environment. Colors, shapes and objects strategically placed can offset imbalances bringing the whole into harmony.

Another school of Feng Shui specifically looks at the nine areas of our lives as represented in our surroundings. When there is clutter in any area or a lack of proper organization, it throws the corresponding area of our life out of balance creating discordant “vibes”. Sometimes the area opposite it is affected as well. (The nine areas of life are: career, knowledge, family, wealth, fame, partnership, children, helpful people and health.)

Simply rearranging the space to be more functional or providing strategic organizational tactics based on the science of Feng Shui changes the vibrational level of the rooms to create frequencies more in harmony with the individual. Still another school of Feng Shui actually addresses the elements, shapes and colors especially suited to each individual to bring their specific need for yin/yang into balance.

As you can see, there are complex issues involved with the simple desire to create balance and harmony in our lives. Our home and work environments are just one area with which to work. Yet since we spend most of our lives – possibly 8-10 hours, or more, at home and maybe the same at work – undertaking serious consideration of our environments may well be a pertinent endeavor to help us achieve balance and harmony in our lives.

There are several ways for you to bring the principles of Feng Shui into your life. I’ll continue to have blogs on different topics, so come back often to read them. I have several products to help you right now. Attend a workshop for hours of learning in a supportive environment where you can ask questions and get answers in real time. Consultations are personalized, explaining how your specific home and office are affecting your life with suggestions to improve it.

By creating balance and harmony in your home and office it will transform your environment into a place designed to support the energies of your desired lifestyle.

Starting a New Year

It’s January 2013, the start of a New Year, a time for new beginnings and fresh energy. Some resolutions have been made while some already have been broken. That could be a disappointing way to look at a terrific time of year. Let’s try a different perspective.

On February 10, 2013 we start the Chinese New Year of the Snake. While some may not like the idea of a year of “snake” energy, it actually could be a very transformative year. I like to take advantage of both the Western calendar New Year and the Chinese calendar New Year to set the tone for creating my desired life during the coming months. Let me share a few ideas with you I’ve come to embrace.

Most Asian cultures follow several rituals or ceremonies as they prepare to “welcome” the New Year. As I mentioned earlier, this is a time for fresh energy and new beginnings. Cleaning the house, ridding your home of last year’s food, paying off any debts and doing only activities you’d like to do during the coming year are just a few examples.

Start by clearing clutter, dust and vacuum, clean the windows, wash the sheets and make the bed with fresh linens. Then tackle the kitchen. Remove all leftovers from the refrigerator and get rid of the staples from last year: floor, salt, sugar and rice. You can give unopened containers to Food Banks and any partially used ones to anyone who can use them. Purchase fresh staples for yourself.

Pay off any credit cards and loans you have. If that’s not possible this year, make payments before the “due date” or pay off one credit card. This will allow you to come into the New Year “unencumbered”. This shows an intention to handle money responsibly. Setting an intention raises your awareness around the energy of money – the flow and circulation of it – the power associated with it.

What do you want to be doing this next year? Then February 10 is a day to schedule them. If making money is foremost on your mind, and you choose to work, this will be the day you set that energy in motion. If you want more time reading, find a good book, schedule time on your calendar and pick a quiet, comfortable location. Want more leisure travel? Find a local “getaway” to spend the day wine tasting or walking the beach.

Each year brings with it different types of energy. We are leaving the energy of the Dragon, which was all about burning off the old and starting the new. There were many new businesses started. Many Asian families purposely plan to have children born during the Year of the Dragon since it is believed they will be blessed with an easier and happier life.

The Year of the Snake has a number of qualities attached to it. It will be a year of transformation – both personally and professionally. Communication is an issue with potential miscommunication possible on a big level. Also, there’s always one area of buildings more challenged than others each year. If your office is located in that area, a move to a different location might be advised.

I’ll be sharing more about this in my “yearly” teleseminar on the Feng Shui issues and solutions for our homes and workspaces. Plus I have been asked to expand on them by having workshops. My “Balance, Order & Beauty: Feng Shui for the Soul” workshops are scheduled for both the San Francisco and Los Angeles areas, plus several of you have requested I have them in your hometowns.

Be sure you sign up for my newsletters to receive notification about the “Year of the Snake” teleseminar, “Feng Shui for Life” teleseminar series, new products and workshops. I have some exciting and “transformative” surprises coming this next year to support you to achieve the life of your dreams.