Seasonal Feng Shui Tips & Thoughts
Wintertime Tips
Winter's slowing is upon us. A welcome time of retreat and renewal--rest and meditation. Here are a few ideas to help you enjoy this marvelous time.
Immerse Yourself in the Season
Observing the natural seasonal changes by getting outside and playing in the wintery weather is a great way to connect. There's so much to experience--the wind's chill, eagles floating above, muted colors, the honking of passing geese. When the snows come, find an open field or park and immerse yourself in the spectacle. And don't forget to dress warmly!
Add Color & Light
Balance the darkness of winter with seasonal lights and color. Bring the fragrances of winter inside with wreaths of pine and arrangements of bittersweet, and cinnamon. The fire of strings of light balance winter's water element. The colors of red, for fire, to balance winter's water, and green, for wood, to feed the fire are great seasonal Feng Shui color enhancers. Candle light in votive arrays bring energy into the areas of your home associated with health, relationships and helpful people, for instance
Consider leaving some of your holiday lights up--particularly around your entry to bring essential chi into your home.
Rejuvenate Your Spirit
Take this opportunity to sit quietly in meditation, simply observing the warmth of being indoors or the chill of walking mindfully over dry leaves and frozen ground. These peaceful moments promote clarity and focus as well as rest.
Experiment in the Quiet
Autumn colors are rich, earthy and help us tune into the world outside. Bring the outdoors in with bowls of nuts and gourds. Use warm russets, reds, and golds to celebrate the season. “Metal” is the element for fall. Use metal nut dishes and platters.
Help for challenging economic times
Even in the most difficult of times, if we look carefully, we can discover the abundance that surrounds and supports us. Take charge of your life with some Feng Shui ideas.
Plug up the holes – don’t let your wealth and prosperity slip away.
Keep the toilet lids down and the sinks plugged – this really works! Also, make sure that all your plumbing is working correctly. Fix leaky faucets and phantom-flushing toilets. Make sure that leaky windows and doors are sealed, particularly in the left rear third of your home or business–this is the wealth and prosperity area.
Reuse, recycle, and reduce
This is always a good mantra, but especially so now.
Reuse - think twice about throwing something away that is not working correctly. There are many websites that show you how to repair broken things. Try to fix it before buying a new one. Also consider buying items that are not disposable, like cloth diapers, refillable pens, cloth towels, etc. You will not only save money, but help the environment too.
Recycling means not only taking materials to the recycling center, but also finding new homes for things you no longer use. Other people may love and use items that are now collecting dust in your home. Old books can go to the library; coats and hats can go to your local clothing bank to help people stay warm. Also consider selling items on Ebay or Craig’s List. This way you can clear your clutter and make money. Clearing clutter will stimulate chi flow.
Reduce – over consumption is not good for your physical, spiritual, and emotional health. Make lists before going shopping to help reduce impulse buying. Use up what you have before buying new. Consider how many bottles of salad dressing you have in the fridge–either use them or toss–and remember what you have the next time you are in the grocery store. Do you really need a 2nd bottle of chocolate raspberry yogurt wasabi vinaigrette?
Wealth and Prosperity
This area is in the back, left third of your home or business. Make sure this area is clean and pleasant to be in. Wind chimes and crystals will enhance the energy in this area as well as using the colors of purple and red. You can also place affirmations here concerning the rich abundance in your life – e.g. “Everyday the universe nurtures and supports my life”. Also look at your front door. Is the path leading to the door open and inviting? Cut back overhanging shrubs and trees. Paint your front door a bright color. The Chinese prefer red, but any color that stands out will bring energy into your home. A three-legged Chinese money toad www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chan_Chu/ by the front door will bring prosperity into your home.
Career enhancement
Whether you are looking for a new job or hope to improve your current one, observe the front center third of your home. Make sure this area is clear, clean, and inviting. Water is the element for this area, so water fountains and wind chimes improve positive chi flow here. Place affirmations in this area about your career and the direction that you want your life to proceed. Use dark colors here: blacks, dark grays, maroons, navy, deep browns, etc.
Be generous
The more you give, the more you will receive – in many ways. We need to take care of our fellow travelers in this world, so feed the birds of the world and share in the blessings. May you walk in beauty.
