by llenore | Dec 30, 2014 | Uncategorized
In learning about the Asian culture through my trainings to be a Feng Shui Master, I have come to embrace several rituals and traditions used to greet the New Year – whether it is the Western New Year we are about to celebrate or the Chinese New Year, which arrives at different times each year during January or February. I actually incorporate both New Years’ celebrations into my life due to the complexity of some of the traditions.
As part of my ritual to greet the New Year and bring in the many gifts the year holds in store for me I create a “Blessings” table. Here is an abundant array of flowers on the activating red table cloth.
Have you had a great year? Whether you have, or not, would you like to know how to make the next year better?
Feng Shui is all about energy. In fact, everything in the world is energy! When we change one item in our home, it changes the energy of the home. When we change one of our thoughts, it changes the cellular memory in our brain, which in turn changes the outlook we have on life. Hence the statement, “Change your thinking, change your life!” Doing one act with focused attention and with clarity of intention is all that is needed. This change in energy has a ripple affect to everything else. Science is proving this principle everyday.
To keep it simple, think of the things you would like to be different this year. Let’s create a clean slate to manifest them. We want to get rid of the old in order to attract and make room for the new.
Here are just a few tips to do TODAY before you welcome in the New Year. These are quick ideas; so if you don’t have the time, money or wherewithal to do one, go on to the next.
Earlier today I removed the old caulking around my kitchen sink. It had become dark with mold and looked horrible. Now I have a beautifully sealed, water-tight sink. This kind of repair and maintenance works sets the intention for a beautiful, well-maintained life for the New Year.
- Clean the entrance to your home. Sweep TOWARD the house to sweep in the “GOOD LUCK” waiting right outside for you. Continue sweeping from the front door into the house to bring all the “GOOD LUCK” all the way into your home.
- Make repairs and do maintenance work to anything needing it.
- Change old, burned out light bulbs for a bright, well-lite future.
- Clean the refrigerator to bring in “GOOD HEALTH” for the coming year. Get rid of the leftovers. You don’t want to ingest the energy from the old year.
- Clean the bathroom to symbolic of doing an internal cleanse to your body in order to revitalize the “GOOD HEALTH” you have.
- Put clean sheets on the bed for a good night’s sleep.
- Pay your bills in order to be debt-free. If you can’t pay all of them off, be sure to pay at least one of them in full. It might be your rent, a utility bill or small credit card debt. Doing any of these shows the Universe you have the INTENTION to be debt-free. Work toward achieving this during the year.
- Clear your desk to create a fresh start filled with lots of creative ideas for the New Year.
- Do a special blessing to thank your home for giving you the comfort and shelter it has provided.
To continue with your focus to have a great New Year, only do those activities on New Year’s Day that you want to do during the coming year. If you want to do more biking or skiing, try to do that activity on New Year’s Day. Don’t want to be doing housework, get it done before midnight to have a clean house for the New Year, but not always be cleaning during the year.
These are just a few of the many rituals I’ve gleaned from my Feng Shui studies. And don’t worry if you are not able to do all of these by the end of December 31. We have the Chinese New Year starting on February 19, 2015. You have another opportunity to start a “new year” with a clean slate by doing some of these by February 18!
Here’s to you and YOUR FABULOUS NEW YEAR!
by llenore | Dec 8, 2014 | Uncategorized
When you move into a house, do you think it is your house? From a Feng Shui perspective, let’s look at it energetically.
You may have purchased the house or you may be the name on the lease agreement, but the previous occupants’ energy is all over the place. It will never be totally your home unless you clear the energy from the previous occupants.
Let’s take it to one more level. Today I cleared the energy in a home for a new bride. The “bride” – who is in her 70’s – got engaged, moved into her soon-to-be husband’s home and married him. He is a widow who still lives in the home where his previous wife died from cancer. Ever since this beautiful, once-healthy woman moved into the home she has had one health issue after another. AND it’s only been 6 months since she first moved in.
This is just one example about the energy of previous occupants I’d like you to take into consideration. If you’ve had a live-in lover, then broken up, you want to clear that energy. If you have had a series of unhappiness in your home, you need to clear your home to get rid of that sadness.
Here is a saying about energy for you to ponder: “Like energy attracts like energy!” Think about that for a few minutes.
This is the premise many Asians use when purchasing a home. They want to know what happened to the people who lived in this house before. If there was a death in the home, they will run from it. If the people made money and are buying a bigger home or a home in a more prestigious location, they often will pay more for it. They want the “Good Feng Shui” energy.
Again, I ask this question: “Who’s house are you living in?” Think about this. Has your life improved since you moved into your current home or have things gotten worse? Maybe your home needs a good ENERGY cleaning more than a spring cleaning. After all, you don’t want to be smothered by someone else’s stagnant energy. You want to fully live YOUR LIFE!
by llenore | Oct 28, 2014 | Uncategorized
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.
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 know it’s Autumn with an abundance of colorful leaves wrapped over the trellis and pumpkins flanking the sides as special greeters.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.)
- 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.
- 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 the corporate office walls.
- 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!
by llenore | Oct 20, 2014 | Uncategorized
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
by llenore | Oct 17, 2014 | Uncategorized
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.
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.
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.
by llenore | Sep 8, 2014 | Uncategorized
Many cultures are celebrating Moon Festivals today as part of the Mid-Autumn Full Moon that represents, from the Feng Shui perspective, the harvesting of our many blessings of family, romance and the bountiful supply of food.
Auspicious wedding ceremony of my dear friend Nancy and her new husband, Bob, under the Mid-Autumn Moon energy in the San Francisco Bay Area during the Moon Festival, September 6, 2014
The symbology and folklore around this particular Mid-Autumn Full Moon is especially significant to most people of Asian descent since it honors ancestors, family members, the annual harvest and romance.
The Moon Festival celebrates the end of the autumn harvest by gazing at the Full Moon, consuming mooncakes and drinking wine, especially with your loved-one. The Full Moon is the full moon of the 8th month of the Chinese calendar and is held on the 15th day of that month, which in the Gregorian culture arrives during the months of either September or October depending on when the Chinese New Year started.
Modern Day Mooncake Supstitute – Almond cookies with almonds decorated as footballs and “Half-Moon” Chocolate-dipped Raspberry cookies
This is a time of giving thanks for the blessings bestowed upon the family – the plentiful harvest that has been given to them by their ancestors – and is sometimes called the Chinese Thanksgiving. Most of the Asian cultures honor their ancestors in many ways including making sure the Feng Shui is burial site is correctly placed for the deceased’s spirit to bring peace and contentment to the spirit.
Gravesite Feng Shui was one of the first types of Feng Shui practiced and is still in extensive use today. In fact, many memorial parks around the world have been designed to accommodate the beliefs to correctly place and honor the ancestors of the Asian cultures as well as ancestors of Hispanic, European and Portuguese cultures, to name a few. In the San Francisco Bay Area we have several memorial parks with which I personally have been involved to support family members in order to feel comfortable with their decision on site selection.
Cake pops as wedding cake (and “Moon Cakes?”
When the spirit of the ancestors is happy, the family is happy. When the spirit of the ancestor feels loved and honored, their spirit, in turn, watches over the family bringing many blessings to them.
Moon Festivals are a time to honor this connection to the ancestors and give thanks for their support of the harvest as well as the love of life. In fact, some of the folklore about the Moon Festivals directly relate to romance.
Some say the celebration of the autumn full moon dates back to the Shang Dynasty (c. 16th to 10th century BCE). It is believed harvest celebrations originally began with worshiping the Mountain Gods after the harvest.
An important part of the ceremonies is moon worship. The ancient Chinese believed rejuvenation is associated with the moon and water. One subculture has a fable saying the sun and the moon are a couple and the stars are their children. When the moon is pregnant, it becomes round. It becomes crescent-shaped after having given birth to a child.
“Chang’e Flying to the Moon (Ren Shuai Ying)” by Ren Shuai Ying
Another story states that a hero named (Hou) Yi who was an excellent marksman, shot down 9 of the ten suns that rose one year causing great disaster. An immortal admired Yi and sent him the elixir of immortality. Yi did not want to be immortal without his wife, Chang’e, so he let Chang’e keep the elixir. When Yi went hunting in August, an apprentice who knew Chang’e had the elixir came to get it. Chang’e refused to give it to him.
The Wedding Dance
“Instead, she swallowed it and flew into the sky. Since she loved her husband very much and hoped to live nearby, she chose the moon for her residence. When Yi came back and learned what had happened, he felt so sad that he displayed the fruits and cakes Chang’e liked in the yard,” according to a story in Lihui Yang’s Handbook of Chinese Mythology.
Ever since, the folklore about looking at the moon while eating mooncakes, rice cakes, almond cookies and drinking wine with your loved-one while holding hands, has prevailed. It is even said that if you can’t be with your loved-one in person, you are joined in love when you both look at the moon from wherever you are in this world.
When I read this part, I got those wonderful goose bumps and a shiver up my spine. Being invited and participating in a dear friend’s wedding on Saturday – a time the Moon Festivals were being celebrated here in San Francisco – became even more meaningful as we all held hands in honor of their marriage, danced and gazed at the beautiful moon.
Hilory & Linda celebrating weddings and Moon Festivals – And a wonderful life together!
As I harvested the romance of sharing this special evening with my love, Hilory, I was so honored to be aware and conscious of all that was happening around me. This Chinese Thanksgiving and the Moon Festival associated with it have given me a special gift – the blessing of a bountiful life filled with amazing people and a world filled with myth, magic and moments to remember.
