Becoming a Feng Shui Master on Tenerife Island, part of the Canary Islands – Part One

February 26, 2002 will always be a MAGICAL DAY for me!

Diploma Certification as Feng Shui Master

Diploma Certification as Feng Shui Master

It was the day I earned my Feng Shui Master’s degree/certification. Many things contributed to the “magic!”

The journey has been unexpected, long, interesting, terrifying, blissful, disconcerting, challenging, mystical, weird, expansive, and so much more – especially LIFE-CHANGING! Someday I’ll have written a book about it all, but for now I’ll share part of this particular day plus a few events that led up to it.

As I write this, I see it is going to be longer than what I want one post to be. Hence, this will be Part One.

I’d been taking courses on various topics including Feng Shui with Prof. Dr. Jes T.Y. Lim for several years. Because of his extensive and diverse education, these trainings encompassed so much more than Feng Shui. Since he has diplomas and degrees in psychology, medicine, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), hypnotherapy, and business administration, we’d learn all of these modalities and how to interconnect them.

Leading up to the 3-week course –

Culturally, as a student, it is disrespectful to arrive late to a class, and late could be as little as a couple of minutes. I was planning to attend this course when my “life-saving” best friend announced she was getting married. (I’ll share the “life-saving” story for another time also.) When the Twin Towers were attacked in September 2001, she was in Tahiti. That was a wake-up call for her to marry the love-of-her-life NOW! It was scheduled for February 9, which happened to be the first day of the Canary Island course.

It may sound strange, but back then many of us didn’t have, or use, email like we do now. It was still a very new technology and everyone was working out the bugs with it. I emailed the organizer to tell her I wouldn’t be attending after all – and why.

Arial View of Hotel - I believe it is Dreams Jardin Tropical

Arial View of Hotel – I believe it is Dreams Jardin Tropical

A couple days later I received a personal phone call from Dr. Lim from his home in Australia with this voice message: “Linda, you go to best friend’s wedding. Then you catch the first flight next morning out of San Francisco. When you arrive in Tenerife, you go straight to hotel, drop off bags, and come to class!”

WHAT?!!! That is totally unheard of!!! Many times I had seen a person kicked out of course, or even kicked out of the Feng Shui School, for being as late as an hour because it is such an insult or dishonoring to the Master when one is late. To be given permission to be almost 2 days late – actually to be given a directive to attend even though I was going to be 2 days late – I was in tears with gratitude!

I did exactly that.

I was stopped and searched in San Francisco because I was carrying eight 18″ hollow copper rods as part of the “tools” I needed for the training. Remember, this was about 4 months after 911 and security was exceptionally high.

I knew it might be challenging to get through security, even though I had contacted airport security telling them I was going to be traveling with the copper rods. I allowed plenty of time – at least I thought I had. I had allowed 4 hours and it took every bit of the four hours and then some – to the point where I did almost miss the flight!

Maybe this day stands out as magical to me because of the prelude. Yet when I tell you some of the rest of the story these following days, you just might see a Divine Directive was at play!

Exploring the Mystical World of Blue Herons: Spirituality and Science Merge

Blue herons: majestic creatures that gracefully glide through wetlands, captivating our hearts and minds with their beauty.

Blue Heron Unexpectedly Lands in the Tree in Front of Me When I Go to Get the Mail

Blue Heron Unexpectedly Lands in the Tree in Front of Me When I Go to Get the Mail

But beyond their physical allure, these birds hold deep spiritual and symbolic significance across various cultures. Let’s take a whimsical journey into the mystical realm of blue herons, blending spirituality with scientific marvels.

In many indigenous cultures, the blue heron symbolizes wisdom, patience, and inner reflection. Observing their deliberate movements as they hunt for prey in shallow waters, one can’t help but be reminded of the importance of mindfulness and perseverance in our own lives. Their solitary nature also reflects the value of introspection and solitude in spiritual growth.

From a scientific perspective, blue herons are marvels of adaptation and resilience. With their long legs and necks, they are perfectly equipped for navigating the marshy landscapes they call home. Their keen eyesight and sharp beaks enable them to hunt with precision, showcasing the wonders of evolutionary biology.

But it’s not just their physical attributes that make blue herons fascinating. Their role in the ecosystem as top predators helps maintain balance within wetland habitats. By controlling populations of fish and other small creatures, they contribute to the health and diversity of these ecosystems, highlighting the interconnectedness of all living beings.

In some cultures, blue herons are also associated with messages from the spirit world. Spotting a blue heron during a time of contemplation or decision-making is believed to be a sign of guidance and reassurance from the universe.

So, whether you view blue herons through a spiritual lens or appreciate them for their ecological importance, there’s no denying the enchantment they bring to our world. As we marvel at their beauty and grace, let’s also take a moment to reflect on the deeper lessons they impart about life, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all things. After all, in the dance between science and spirituality, there’s room for wonder and wisdom alike.

Spring Cleaning, Chinese New Year Style: Habits for a Sparkling Home – While Adding a Feng Twist!

Okay, here it is just before the Chinese or Lunar New Year and you know there are many things you were supposed to do to prepare. But it isn’t going to happen in one day! Think about putting a few of these things in place the day before the New Year, even if they are done imperfectly. What great FENG energy you’ll create!

Family Cleaning Their House Together for Before the Chinese New Year

Family Cleaning Their House Together for Before the Chinese New Year

Imagine stepping into your home every day, and it feels as vibrant and festive as the Chinese New Year celebration. While we might not have the time for a weekly deep clean—because, really, who does?—we’ve got some light-hearted habits that will keep your home in tiptop shape. Embrace these weekly rituals, and you’ll have a home that radiates positive energy and good fortune!

  1. Declutter with Delight: Channel your inner Feng Shui master with bite-sized, weekly decluttering sessions. Implement a schedule that aligns with the lunar calendar – perhaps declutter your pantry on the first Friday and the mudroom on the third Sunday of every month. It’s a tidying strategy that even Confucius would approve of!
  2. Mop with Joy: Mopping might not be everyone’s idea of fun, but it’s crucial for maintaining a hygienic and auspicious home, especially with little ones running around. Implement the “No Outdoor Shoes Inside” rule to keep the good vibes flowing. Imagine dancing through your kitchen without a care, knowing the floors are as clean as a dragon’s lair (Okay, that’s a little far fetched even for me!).
  3. Bed Linens for Sweet Dreams: Changing bed linens can feel like a royal chore, but making it a weekly habit can transform your sleep sanctuary. Make your bed a haven fit for an emperor or empress, surrounded by the comfort of fresh linens. After all, Feng Shui was originally only for the Emperor of the country. Now you can also channel your inner Empress as well as your Feng Shui Master!
  4. Dust and Vacuum with a Smile: Turn dusting and vacuuming into a weekly dance routine! It’s not just about cleanliness; it’s about extending the life of your carpets and floors. If time is as elusive as a lucky cat, consider enlisting the help of a robot vacuum. Your home will be so spotless; even the spirits will be impressed. (Side note – Did you know that Black Cats were considered royalty in many cultures? PLUS considered GOOD LUCK if they crossed your path!)
  5. Bathroom Bliss: Scrubbing the bathroom might not be the most glamorous task, but it’s worth it. A weekly spa day for your bathroom—scrubbing, wiping, and shining—will make it a place you don’t want to escape from.
  6. Kitchen Kung Fu: Master the art of keeping your kitchen clean and tidy. A quick wipe down after dinner will make your kitchen sparkle, and your home will radiate the warmth of a family feast fit for a fabulous female!.

Incorporate these light-hearted habits into your routine, and your home will be the center of joy, luck, and good vibes – just like a Chinese New Year celebration that never ends!

Gong Hay Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!