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Feng
Shui Will Change Your Life!
by Sheri Ruston
Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Shway) is the study of arranging
environmental and living spaces to enhance our quality of life and,
ultimately, achieve perfect harmony and balance. Feng Shui, translated
as Wind and Water, has been practiced in China for over 4000 years.
Feng Shui practitioners consider a site lucky where the vital energy
called chi (pronounced Chee) flows in a manner that is harmonious and
supportive of human life. The goal of Feng Shui is to arrange rooms,
furniture, and buildings in the most beneficial way to achieve maximum
harmony with nature. Once this is achieved, good health, prosperity,
and tremendous joy will follow.
Our physical environment is a mirror image of our current lives. If
your home is filled with clutter and chaos, your life will lack
clarity and you will have trouble concentrating, thinking clearly, and
functioning properly. If the walls of your home are empty and you
choose not to decorate your home, then most likely your life will be
empty. Some people have the misconception that their home is temporary
and, therefore, there is no need to decorate. No matter how temporary
your living arrangements may be, it is vital that you make your space
comfortable and appealing. If unappealing furniture and accessories
surround you, you may be depressed and unhappy since you look at these
objects every day.
There are many different Feng Shui schools of thought. I will
discuss the Black Hat Sect of Feng Shui, which was established by The
Grand Master and world-renowned expert Professor Lin Yun. This school
uses a Bagua, a kind of map showing nine different areas in your home
or office that correspond to different aspects of your life and/or
business. The nine areas are:
- Wealth and Prosperity
- Fame
- Relationships
- Children/Creativity/Future
- Helpful People/Travel
- Career
- Knowledge/Spirituality
- Family
- Health
Where these areas are located is determined by the entranceway of
your space in accordance with the Bagua map. Just think of dividing
your space into nine segments like a tic-tac-toe board. If you desire
to enhance any of these areas in your life, you may make adjustments
in the appropriate space in your home or office.
The 9 Areas
Wealth and Prosperity oversees your finances,
prosperity and power. Fame is your public recognition,
how others know and perceive you. Relationships can
represent your relationship with a partner or yourself. Children,
Creativity, Future includes your relationships with your
children, your creativity for new ideas, thoughts and inspiration for
the future. Helpful People, Travel draws helpful people
into your life and business. These are the people who aid you in
everyday life such as your postal carrier, the check out person at the
supermarket, your doctor, etc. This is also the area that promotes
travel. Career represents what you do or aspire to do
and oversees all aspects of your career. Knowledge,
Spirituality, Wisdom represents your education and future
learning and spirituality. Family provides the positive
energy for a better relationship with your family and/or relatives. Health
represents your health and the health of all residing in your space.
In a business environment, this represents the health of the business.
In Feng Shui, color on the walls is very important. It's okay to
have beige or white on a few walls of your space. However, if
possible, it is wise to include a variety of colors on different walls
to enhance your moods and emotions. Our world is colorful: we have
beautiful blue skies, green grass, a yellow sun, colorful flowers and
blue-green oceans. Lack of color brings our moods down. Living in
Alaska, this is especially true, due to the lack of sunlight through
the long winters and predisposition to SAD (Seasonal Affective
Disorder). It is extremely beneficial to our health to have colorful
walls. If you are not used to having colored walls, it may take time
to get used to, so start slowly.
A Feng Shui consultant analyzes your space according to the Bagua
and might suggest a specific color that corresponds to a certain area.
Or, a specific color might be suggested for healing emotions. The
bottom line is that you want to choose colors that you love. You also
need to choose colors for the intent of the room. For that reason, you
would not want to pick a very bright color for a child's bedroom since
the intent is to have the child sleep well in the room and not be too
stimulated.
Most home consultation adjustments and remedies are generally very
simple and inexpensive. An adjustment might be repositioning a bed for
better health or adding a plant in the appropriate spot to watch a
relationship grow and blossom. By rearranging your furniture, working
with color, and locating energy blocks in your home, you will restore
the natural flow of good health, prosperity, and good fortune.
A Feng Shui business consultation may enhance your company's goals,
growth, wealth, and prosperity while creating a pleasant working
environment that supports staff members. Again, adjustments are
usually easy and cost effective. Perhaps a plant or a fountain would
be added in the proper locale to increase wealth and prosperity. The
location of the CEO's office, positioning of desks and/or cash
registers, and the shape of the overall office or building are some
factors to evaluate.
Feng Shui consultants can assist in a wide variety of ways. The
focus of a consultation may be to increase wealth and prosperity,
enhance relationships, heighten a career, boost health, eliminate a
streak of bad luck, design and build a new home or office building,
choose an existing home or office location, remodel or build an
addition, sell a home, bless the home you live in, or upgrade your
life in any way.
Feng Shui consultants read your floor plan much as a doctor reads
an x-ray. Studying the shape of the property, home or office, as well
as the position of the furniture and major appliances, and directional
swings of the doors are all very important. Examining a person's space
is similar to reading a palm. By inspecting the layout of furniture
and structural formations in a room, an adept Feng Shui Consultant can
determine the patterns of a person's life. All of these things are
clues leading you to a happier, healthier lifestyle. Using Feng Shui
to balance and enhance your environment is a very powerful tool to
help manifest your goals, hopes, desires, and dreams for the future!
Sheri Ruston is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant. She
attended The Accelerated Path Program in New York instructed by Nancy
SantoPietro, Feng Shui Expert and author. Contact Sheri at (907)
929-0909 or gofengshui@gci.net
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Feng
Shui in the Bedroom
by Sheri Ruston
| The
principle of Feng Shui is to create ease and harmony… |
Since we spend approximately one third of our lives sleeping, the
bedroom should represent a place of refuge, serenity and peace. It
needs to convey a nurturing and loving environment. If your bedroom is
full of clutter and chaos, your body will identify with that energy;
in turn, you will not sleep soundly.
The master bedroom is a place that should glow with sensuality.
Artwork that depicts happy couples, pairs of things, flowers and
romantic sunsets are recommended. Create an environment that
encourages intimacy and romance. It is wise to only keep photos of you
and your partner in your bedroom. Pictures of family members and
children can be displayed in other rooms of your home.
If you are looking for a mate, convey this message in your bedroom.
Prepare your room to invite romance and room for two. Sleeping on a
single bed or a bed pushed against a wall conveys the message that
there is no room in your life for a partner. Why not leave some empty
drawers and closet space for your new mate to arrive? A sturdy
headboard is essential, for shaky headboards can lead to unstable
relationships. Keep pairs of things or artwork that depicts pairs in
your room, such as two candlesticks or a sculpture of a man and a
woman.
The far right corner from the entrance to your bedroom is your
Relationship area. Be conscious of what is placed there. Does this
space house a pile of dirty laundry or a beautiful blossoming plant?
Make sure this corner is clutter free and decorated appropriately to
invite or enhance your love relationship.
Your bed should always be positioned so that you may view the door.
However, the bed should not be in a direct line with the door, for
this can lead to health issues as well as disrupted sleep. If you must
keep your bed aligned with the door, place a large plant or other
object in front of the bed to create a shield between you and the
door. If you cannot view the door, a part of you will always stay
alert waiting for someone to enter. One remedy for this would be to
hang a mirror on the wall to give you a clear view of the doorway.
As desks, computers and exercise equipment are associated with
activity, they are best not located in a bedroom, for the feeling of
rest will be forced right out of the room. Having a desk or computer
in your bedroom also indicates that work will interfere with your
relationship. Exercise equipment might imply that your relationship is
a workout.
A mirror directly across from your bed can lead to disrupted sleep.
Mirrors activate energy and can cause restlessness and insomnia. If
the mirror cannot be moved, cover it at bedtime with a fabric. If
mirrored closet doors face the bed, hang a curtain that you can draw
closed at bedtime.
Choose furnishings without sharp edges, which are of obvious danger
to body parts. It is unfavorable for your health to have a ceiling fan
or large lighting fixture directly over the bed. This can lead to
health problems depending on where the fixture is positioned over your
body. For example, if the light is directly over your legs you may
suffer from joint pain or arthritis. If you must have a fixture over
your bed, make sure its shape is globelike, which is far kinder to
your body. Pointed objects emanate invisible rays and poison arrows.
The principle of Feng Shui is to create ease and harmony; therefore,
flowing curves rather than pointed objects are preferred.
Since most television programs contain violence or bad news, it is
not advisable to watch TV in the bedroom. If you insist, keep the
television in an enclosed cabinet when you are not watching it.
Televisions, clock radios and computers give off electromagnetic
energy and are best kept at least eight feet away from the body,
particularly the head. If you need to keep your alarm clock next to
you, it's best to have one that is battery operated.
Finally, if seeking a partner, remember to partake in activities
that connect you with others. If you are in a relationship but having
difficulties, utilize counseling. Along with applying Feng Shui
principles to encourage romance, serenity and peace in the bedroom, do
whatever else is necessary to achieve the happiness you deserve.
Remember: all love begins with loving yourself. This is the key to
happiness.
Sheri Ruston, a
Certified Feng Shui Consultant, has her own private practice called
Feng Shui Journeys. For more information regarding consultations, call
929-0909 or contact her by e-mail at gofengshui@gci.net.
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Enhance
Your Career With Feng Shui
by Sheri Ruston
Now that the New Year has arrived, it's a good time to look at your
career. Many people I know are working at jobs they dislike. Do you
feel trapped and don't know how to make a change? Do you need an
income and feel that you have no choice but to stay in a job you are
unhappy with? You are not intended to be unhappy or miserable. This is
a kind, nurturing, and loving universe.
We must all search from within to find our life's purpose. Everyone
has a unique talent and manner of expressing it. What is your passion?
How can you help serve others? Once you have an idea, begin by reading
books on the topic. Attend lectures or workshops to show the Universe
(and yourself) that you are ready to make a change. Gradually, things
will start to flow for you to make a shift. To further assist you with
this process, you can utilize Feng Shui principles in your home and
office.
Career
Locate your Career area according to the Bagua Map. The front
center area from the entrance to your space is your Career area.
Notice how it is decorated. Are there empty walls and no accessories?
This may be an indication that you need to make some changes.
For some people, the Career area is located at the front door and
foyer. If this is the case, make the spot as welcoming as possible.
Why not add a nice welcome mat, and bells or a wind chime on the door?
The water element is associated with the Career area. You might
consider adding a fish tank or vase with flowers for an enhancement.
Adding a black colored object will adjust this area as well, since
black is the corresponding color for career. Or perhaps you would
prefer to add a healthy plant to watch your career grow and blossom.
If you are happy at your job but looking for a promotion or raise,
adjust the Career area.
It's always a good idea to make changes to the Career area in your
home and your office. Of course, a career has many definitions -- it
may be a paid position, someone raising a family, a volunteer for an
organization, or a skill.
If you have a home office, it is important to keep it neat,
orderly, and uncluttered for clarity. Have a nice desk where you feel
comfortable working. Place your desk in a position so that you can
view the door. Otherwise, place a mirror near or on your desk to see
who is entering your office. If your back is to the door, a part of
you will subconsciously think about whom will enter, thus affecting
your concentration. A high back chair with arms to show authority and
power is advised.
Even though your office is at home and clients may never visit,
it's important to make your office alluring, attractive, and
appealing. This will convey that you are serious about having a
successful business. You will also feel more confident about yourself.
It's best to have your office in a separate room in your home. If
this is not possible, create a divider by using plants, bookcases, or
a screen. Otherwise, work may interfere with your personal life. If
possible, do not have an office in your bedroom for work can affect
your present relationship or interfere with meeting a partner.
Fame
The Fame area of the Bagua relates to your reputation. To enhance
your reputation or to have more public recognition, adjust this area.
The Fame area is located in the back center of your space (as
determined from the entrance). Fame corresponds to the color red. The
element of fire is associated with Fame. You can add a red object to
this area. A red candle is especially potent, as it is a fire element
that includes the color red. If you dislike red or it clashes with
your décor, don't use it. You must be happy with your adjustments.
Feng Shui is based on the premise of being surrounded by things that
you love.
Remember that intention is also a key element in Feng Shui. When
making changes, use your intent with desire as well as faith. Along
with applying Feng Shui principles to assist your career and fame,
continue searching inwardly for your life's purpose, your passion, and
your unique talents.
Sheri Ruston,
a Certified Feng Shui Consultant, has her own private practice Feng
Shui Journeys. She does on-site or telephone consultations. Call
929-0909 or toll-free (866)929-0909 or e-mail gofengshui@gci.net.
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Feng Shui and Your Health
by Sue Todd
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“The first wealth
is health.”
~Ralph Waldo Emerson
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It’s a new year. Resolutions have been
made, and there’s a good chance improving your health is on your
list. Have you decided to work out more? Lose weight? Try a new
sport? As a first step toward a healthier you, try enhancing the
Health and Family area of your home.
In Feng Shui, health and family are tied together. That’s because
strong physical health and close friends and family work together as
the supportive foundations you need to face the period shocks and
storms of life. In this way, they provide the springboard for growth
and happiness.
To find the Health and Family area of your home, use the Bagua Map.
(See Figure 1.) Imagine stretching this nine-square grid (similar to
a tic-tac-toe game) over your home, using the main entrance wall as
the front of the grid. You’ll find the Health and Family area
located on the middle left side of the grid.
Once you have identified the health and family area in your home,
try adding some of the following enhancements to improve the flow of
positive energy:
 | Healthy plants |
| Fresh cut flowers |
| Posters, paintings, collages,
photos and figures of ideal body images, family and friends,
plants and flowers, or gardens and landscaping |
| Colors of blue and green, or
floral prints for fabrics, walls, linens, and decorations
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| Things made of wood, including
furniture and decorations |
| Affirmations, quotes and sayings
pertaining to health and family |
| Personal possessions, such as
athletic awards, heirlooms, or mementos, which represent ideal
health |
All these enhancements represent the
Wood element, the dominant element in the Health and Family area.
Some of these enhancements may not feel right to you, and that is
fine. Remember, it important that you love the changes you make, and
every enhancement to your home should feel positive to you. So, if
blue and green are not your favorite colors, you might instead add
luscious plants or use posters or pictures that bring out the wood
element without adding the colors you dislike. There is always
another way to enhance an area without feeling you have compromised
your taste. The finished product should help you feel comfortable
and welcome and should be pleasing to your eye. I like to describe
harmonious environments as “making my eyes happy”. Ultimately, you
have to live in the space and it should feel right to you.
Once you have enhanced the Health and Family area of your home, you
can further identify the Health and Family area of every room within
your home. Lay the same Bagua Map over each room, using the wall
with the main door as the front of the grid. Now, add wood elements
to the identified Health and Family area in each room throughout
your home. You might also do the same at your workplace or even on
your desk. No area is too big or too small to make improvements! In
fact, this layering of enhancements strengthens your commitment to
good health and healthy relationships. It also acts as an
affirmation of your intention.
Energy is life. Whether it is blocked or allowed to flow
harmoniously is up to you. Feng Shui gives you the tools to make
simple, positive changes in your environment. If improving your
health is your New Year’s resolution, these simple measures can
bring about profound results. Here’s to a year of health and
prosperity!
FIGURE 1:
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WEALTH AND
PROSPERITY
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FAME AND
REPUTATION |
LOVE AND
MARRIAGE |
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HEALTH AND
FAMILY
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CENTER |
CREATIVITY AND
CHILDREN |
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KNOWLEDGE &
SELF-CULTIVATION
|
CAREER |
HELPFUL PEOPLE
& TRAVEL |
Sue Todd is an Essential
Feng Shui practitioner in Anchorage. Go to
www.suetoddessentialfengshui.com to learn more about Essential
Feng Shui or to book a speaking engagement or private consultation.
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