by llenore | Sep 1, 2013 | Uncategorized
Sacred Spaces Sunday – Our Body as Sacred Temple
Several of my Feng Shui Masters have opened my mind to the importance of my physical body; to take care of it through awareness of what I put into it (food, liquids, etc.), the activities I do with it, where I place it (buildings, locations within buildings, the cars I drive or planes in which I fly, etc.), the people around it, the clothing I put on it and many more areas of prominence where the energy interacts with, and affects, my energy.
Claremont Hotel – Abundance Energy
This last week I had the opportunity to evaluate how well I’m doing in several of these arenas. I was even going to quote some Biblical comments about our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit, but instead I will refer you to a blog I found that encompasses much more than I was going to write. It is by Carrie Fieharty and the blog address is: http://www.success.bz/articles/2526/sacred_body_body_as_your_temple
Elegant dining room with incredible architectural details
During the week while I was at a 3-day meeting I encountered several issues where choices occurred. The focus of these 3 days was on my business. Realizing in order for me – as an entrepreneur – to do the best I can in my business, I have to be the best I can, especially in caring for my body.
Dinner prepared with attention to detail and crafted with love
Here are some tips (in order of how they occurred for me during this last week) to care for our body, the sacred temple of the Soul:
1) Prepare for travel as much in advance as possible
2) Make a list of things needed to do before and items to take
3) Wear and bring natural material clothing (cotton, linen, silk, hemp)
4) Get packed early – find all items needed and put them together
5) Don’t plan anything the day before traveling to allow for the unexpected
6) Allow enough time for traveling by car, plane, etc. (especially when a bridge, like the San Francisco Bay Bridge, is closed)
View of San Francisco Bay – water and commerce for abundance – on Labor Day weekend during Bay Bridge closure
7) Travel with friends when possible
8) Bring or purchase bottled water
Fresh plants for the hotel room
9) Purchase fresh fruits close to the meeting location to enjoy instead of eating only restaurant or hotel food
10) Bring a plant or purchase one for your hotel room (you can always leave it for the housekeeper or give to another member of your conference who lives in the area)
11) Use essential oils or aromatherapy in your room
12) Get an allergy-free room if possible
13) Eat organic foods and meals prepared by chefs who love their craft of preparation – we want “good energy” put into the food we ingest
14) Bring and light tea candles in the evening while getting ready for bed
15) Limit alcohol and sugar consumption
16) Enjoy the company of new friends
Like-minded, positive women at TEEM event
17) Discover the unique architecture
18) Enjoy the view
19) Exercise or take a walk, especially if you have been sitting much of the day
20) Be patient – breathe deeply – all things happen in Divine Order
21) Look for the “gifts” and coincidences that happen during your trip
22) Get a massage, use the whirlpool, enjoy a spa treatment
Stimulating view of the San Francisco Bay with fresh air, allergy-free room, beautiful architectural detail and view of life’s possibilities for magnificent lifestyles through manifestation of our dreams
In Feng Shui we realize the energy in and around us affects everything we think, say, do and become. Being with like-minded people, in beautiful places with elegant craftsmanship, treated with excellent customer service in a hotel, having views of water and commerce, in an area of higher-consciousness or abundance mentality and focused on how to achieve our dreams is a perfect way to support the Sacred Space we call our body.
by llenore | Aug 25, 2013 | Uncategorized
As I mentioned last week in Part 1, in Feng Shui we look at the symbolic meaning of flowers, yet I had never heard a specific word to describe this science until the previous week while I was watching a television show. The word was “florology.” I also found another word used to describe the language of flowers, which is “floriography.”
Bachelor Button
Today I had an opportunity to visit Filoli in Woodside, California. You may know it as the Carrington Mansion from the television show of many years ago called Dynasty.
Filoli is one of my favorite places to go relax, enjoy nature, and find “secret gardens” where I can sit for awhile. And now, after last week when I took an iPhone photography class at Filoli, I can take really fantastic photos more easily.
Beautiful pink begonia entices a bee
Did I have fun today as I took lots of photos of flowers (and lots of nature, including several secret gardens) to post as part of this blog on Sacred Spaces Sunday! For as I have mentioned before, you can create a sacred space in almost any location where you spend time.
In addition to the gorgeous weather, the love-of-my-life, Hilory, was there with me. We had a lovely late brunch in the café while talking about the many things that have happened during the week.
To add even more enjoyment to the already perfect day, Filoli was having a special event – a Jazz concert. We could hear it in many locations as we walked through the gardens, yet we were also able to enjoy the sound of birds and quiet locations as we walked further away from the tennis courts where the concert was being held.
Nasturtiums growing on bamboo tepee.
Sunflower
Here are some of the flowers I found while enjoying sacred spaces throughout the Filoli Grounds.
Sweet Pea
Bachelor Button: Single blessedness, celibacy
Begonia: Beware, a fanciful nature
Nasturtium: Patriotism
Rose (Yellow): Friendship, jealousy, infidelity, apology, a broken heart, intense emotion, undying love, and extreme betrayal
Rose (Red & White together): United
Sunflower: Pure and lofty thoughts
Sweet Pea: You have my thanks
Zinnia: Thoughts about “Absent Friends”
In one of the secret gardens I was surrounded by hydrangea, a white lattice wall and under the shade of an oak tree that must have been several hundred years old. I’ll talk more about “tree” energy at a future time.
Yellow Rose “Marco Polo”
If you have a flower you want to know what its meaning is, please contact me. I’ll let you know what I know about it.
by llenore | Aug 18, 2013 | Uncategorized
Sacred Spaces Sunday – Florology
In Feng Shui we look at the symbolic meaning of many things including plants and flowers, yet I had never heard a specific word to describe this science until last week – in of all places – while I was watching a television show. The word was “florology.” In researching this information, I also found another word used to describe the language of flowers, which is “floriography.”
Gladiolus, coral rose, Peruvian lily (Alstrameria) and hydrangea greet guests at this anniversary celebration.
While attending an anniversary celebration with lots of floral decorations I started to think about the meaning of the flowers they had used and wondered if it could affect the energy of the gathering. Not knowing the meaning for several of the flowers, I really couldn’t say until I looked them up. I decided to be very observant to the dynamics of this diverse group of people.
Up close view of arrangement where you can see the lily more clearly.
Before I share further, let me say I know from experience the power of flowers first hand from having worked in a flower shop, garden nursery and my own garden. In the flower shop we were sometimes asked what flower represents “love” (red rose) or “remembrance” (Rosemary.) Then add a little knowledge of literature where William Shakespeare, Jane Austen and Frances Hodgson Burnett used the language of flowers in their writings and you have an interesting topic for conversation.
Magnolia leaves on the fireplace
Even J.K. Rowling used the language of flowers in the first Harry Potter novel, “Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.” According to Wikipedia:
“Professor Snape’s first question to Harry–phrased as a hostile interrogatory–is “Mr. Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel with an infusion of wormwood?” Asphodel… means ‘My Regrets Follow You To The Grave’ and Wormwood means both ‘absence’ and ‘bitterness.’ Together this becomes a poetic way of Professor Snape to express that “I bitterly regret your mother Lily’s death” in a way without directly revealing what he is saying.” ”
Coral roses and Alstromeria
Not only have I worked in flower shops, I’ve had my own personal positive outcomes by doing ceremonies involving flowers and trees. My first most profound experience was creating a sacred space with a peach tree when I desired to have a “soul mate” come into my life. Within 3 days of creating this sacred space, the love of my life and Soul Mate, Hilory, came into my life. That was about 23 years ago.
Having had many personal experiences including several dozen clients who have also attracted their Soul Mates using this same process, I know there is power in the vibration and energy of plants, especially flowers. Just think about the flowers you have received in your life and how they have made you feel.
Here are the flowers used in various locations of the home where the anniversary party was held. Some were used throughout the house while others were only used in one or two locations.
Tuberose and orchids
Gladiolus: Strength of character, honor, conviction
Hydrangea: Frigidness, heartlessness (negative), heartfelt gratitude for being understood
Lily (White): Purity
Magnolia: Love of nature
Orchid: Refined beauty
Peruvian Lily (Alstromeria): Clearing competition, see the other side of the story, releasing ego-based thoughts
Plumeria: Perfection, springtime, new beginnings
Rose (coral): Desire, passion
Rose (white): Silence or innocence, wistfulness, virtue, purity, secrecy, reverence and humility
Tuberose: Dangerous Pleasures, Mistress of the Night
It’s interesting what the meanings these flowers have. I would say some of the energetics are a little questionable. Others are “Right on!” for creating the desired Sacred Spaces energy for this special occasion – an anniversary of the heart.
by llenore | Aug 14, 2013 | Uncategorized
Feng Shui: Connecting Home and Garden with Heart and Soul
Pathways, Plants, Ponds and Porches are part of the tools we use in Feng Shui to connect the home and garden to enhance our lives by touching our Soul.
The hearth (heart) of the home has been celebrated by numerous cultures throughout the ages. It refers to the central fire as well as the “warm-fuzzy” feeling we associate with home as haven for body, mind and spirit. In this presentation you will:
- Discover tips for creating a welcome and nurturing home and garden
- Understand techniques to make your home feel wonderful, reduce stress, and allow your creativity to flourish
- Learn to create balance in and around your home with Yin/Yang & Element Theory
- Identify Areas of life represented in your home and garden
- Understand how small changes connect you with heart and soul to your home & garden
Come join me for this presentation in Los Gatos on Thursday, August 15 from 6:30 to 8 pm.
It will be held at:
Los Gatos Birdwatcher
792 Blossom Hill Road
Los Gatos, CA 95032
Call the store to register and pay for the class at:
(408) 358-9453
by llenore | Aug 11, 2013 | Uncategorized
Sacred Spaces Sunday – Everyday Dining Table as Heart of Home
Today’s “Sacred Spaces” is going to focus on the table where we eat; not the counter where we grab food and run, but the location where we join to “break bread” and focus our attention on the bountiful life we are blessed to live.
When I do my all-day presentation, “Balance, Order & Beauty: Feng Shui for the Woman’s Soul” – which I did again last week – I share a verse about Vesta: The Goddess of the Hearth. The “hearth” used to be the location where we cooked food; we gathered for warmth and communicated with others living in the same household.
Creating a special setting for a “Secret Anniversary of the Heart” table when there is a time you remember something wonderful happened in your life.
Now the “Great Room” serves several of those purposes. Yet the dining room or kitchen table may serve as a hub for communing when the television is off. In that case, let’s think about how we can make it more special – more “sacred” – even during the non-holiday occasions.
Setting the table with conscious awareness of the process could be one of the first areas to consider. Use a tablecloth or placemats to “decorate” the table. Find some pretty napkins instead of “everyday paper napkins” so often used for convenience. They still could be paper, but instead are a bright, beautiful color or have a pattern on them.
Next, place a small floral arrangement in a clear glass vase on the table. Or have a small object in the center of the table to add a focal point to the table. It could be a pair of unique salt-and-pepper shakers, trivet or decorative plate. Having candles is always a positive influence. Dim the lights while eating to create ambience and calm the energy to enhance digestion.
Having wooden tables is a plus in Feng Shui since the wood element represents family. In this way you are supporting family on an “elemental energy level” – reinforcing family energy instead of under-cutting it through the use of the element a metal table would create.
Setting the stage for outdoor dining is just as important as indoor dining for creating sacred spaces.
The shape of the table can also play a role. Square and rectangular tables with sharp corners can create “sharp” words. Having gently rounded corners is preferred. If you don’t have rounded corners on your table, using a tablecloth can soften those sharp corners. An oval or round table can bring family members together for enhanced communications.
Even the shapes on the table can influence the overall energy of this “heart of the home” when we desire to create balance for our “sacred spaces” energy. I’ll share more tips on this in upcoming posts. For now, consider what you want to create within your home and set your intention for love, beauty and gratefulness as you gather at the “hearth” of you sacred home – the everyday dining table.
