Movement in stillness

                                       

In Feng Shui, we consider the Yin and Yang of the environment. In this context, we see Yang as bright colors, shiny surfaces, oversize windows, straight lines or rooms with lots of activity.  We see Yin as soft textures, calm lighting, rounded edges, subdued low furnishings, stillness.  For our home to feel balanced, we aim to have these two polarities represented equally.  Taking it one step further, the home is the Yin quality, those who live and move within, are the Yang. This is why a home that has been left vacant feels so lifeless. The Yang/spirit is missing.

This same theory exists within us as well.  So how do we recognize these polarities on an individual level?
The Yang can be compared to our spirit self. Inspired thought and action. Often referred to as the heavenly father.
The Yin is represented by the material. The physical form. That which is tangible. The earthly mother.
That is to say our bodies, the bones and organs are considered yin, the form.  The movement within the body of blood and fluids, the transformation that occurs is considered yang, the function.
When looked at in this way, it is easy to see the interdependence of the two. The yang is what animates the yin.  The yin supports the yang.

To live a more balanced experience, we need to be mindful of the two.  It's as simple as really taking notice!
In Feng shui we look around us, but what of the view inside. Take note if you feel at home in your body, and how often are you really there, truly present?
How does your body (yin) feel or respond to the movement of your breath (yang)? The magic of the universe resides in this simple exhange :-) ☯


www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com

Protecting the kidney energy

In Chinese medicine, each organ energy is associated with both an element and a season.  The winter is the time of the kidney and the element of water.  The kidney energy is said to be the root of all yin and yang, or in other words, our foundation or reservoir. A metaphor that comes to mind is that of a water wheel, where one bucket dumps into the next, filling it up until it spills over, and so it goes as the buckets fill, the wheel turns and continually propels the cycle. If not enough water, not enough force to keep the wheel moving and an imbalance is created. 
A person who is balanced in kidney energy can be both active and productive, yet calm and reflective. Action with proper intention.  A balance of yin and yang.

So what damages or depletes kidney energy?  This energy is associated with the adrenals, and so probably the number one consideration would be stress and the emotional component of fear!  Other choices such as sugar, alcohol, drugs or coffee can also deplete.  The climactic factor is cold. Because this energy is more vulnerable in the winter, we want to take extra care to warm the inside to compensate.

Every person has a unique constitution and therefore a lack of kidney energy may show up differently, but here are some common physical markers.

* Any joint pain, commonly the knees, ankles.
* Sore lower back
* Consistent cold hands and feet
* Reproductive issues
* Premature aging, such as early hair loss
* Urinary problems
* Weakness in the legs, pale complexion, feeling lethargic
* Frequent ear infections, ringing in the ears

An imbalance can also manifest on the emotional level.  If we look back to the 5 elements, there is a particular relationship between the water and the fire.  This can also be seen as north and south, heaven and earth, and the emotional opposition of joy (love) and fear.  If the kidney energy is weak, and the cycle is not moving, we can see either an excess of water or a lack of water, which is unable to control the fire. (This dynamic can also play a role in addictions)

An excess of water can present as extreme yin. The water douses the flame where love resides and we can see a melancholic or depressed state. A lack of will.
A deficiency of water can present as extreme yang. The fire is raging out of control. Here we can see manic behaviors, anxiety, racing thoughts or impulsive actions, difficulty sleeping.

We can restore balance through acupressure, but also with the help of diet and lifestyle choices.  To adjust to the season, slow cooked foods are best to warm the interior. Eating mindfully, making sure to chew foods well to facilitate digestion. Eating more simple combinations and reducing or eliminating raw and cold foods in the winter months can all be very supportive.  The following food choices can help keep the balance.
Black beans, Mung beans, Kidney beans, Black sesame seeds, Millet, Barley, Lentils, Bone broth soups (can add seaweeds), Oats, Quinoa, chicken and salmon. Think soups and stews!
If having fruits, you can always cook them lightly to make more of a compote. The berries are a great choice for the heart connection. Raspberries, blackberries, or blueberries. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger, cloves, onions, also have a warming effect.

And lastly...the very wise words from our moms...bundle up, it's getting cold out there!!!

www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com 

Simple steps to a good nights sleep!

                                                                 

As the winter rolls around, we naturally tend towards indoors and nesting.  It also becomes important to follow natures cue and ensure we are getting enough rest to maintain a strong immune system during the colder months.

One of the ways to support this is by addressing the Feng Shui of the bedroom!  These principles apply pretty much to all of us, but these simple tips will be geared towards the kids in your world.

1- The bed 
To ensure a good nights sleep, the bed should be in what is called the command position. What this basically means is that the child can easily see the door if someone was to enter the room, without being directly in line with it.
There are two basic reasons for this. One, subconsciously we feel safer when we can see what is coming towards us and secondly, in feng shui, the energy enters the room by the door, so to be directly in line with the inflow of energy is not ideal for sleeping.

The next thing to consider is the bedding. Every child or person has a different consideration for what might be comfortable. Some like warm and fuzzy sheets if they tend to chill easily, while others like the feeling of crisp cool sheets. What type of pillow? Do they like the feeling of a heavy blanket or always throwing the blanket off?  It is really important to get this right so that they LOVE climbing into bed at night, and are comfortable enough to sleep the night through.

A wooden bed frame tends to offer more stability or grounding energy than say a metal bed frame. We want the child to feel very stable and secure. Bunk beds are often seen as a great space savers, and if the child/children are sleeping well, then great!! If not, it could be a result of compressed energy while sleeping. Some kids will feel it's like a restful cocoon, while others may feel stifled.  Everyone is different!

2- Colors
Ideally the wall colors for a bedroom should be either softer palettes or very rich and nurturing.  There is often a temptation to make the room very vibrant, like a child's energy, but keep in mind the main objective of the room..which is rest.
Yin and Yang...??
These are words to represent opposing forces or energies and can relate to gender, color, shape, movement etc. An easy example is the sun and moon.
The sun is yang...daytime, bright, active, vibrant!!
The moon is yin...night, dim, soft textures, restful.
We want to consider the yin/yang balance for the room overall.  Bright colors are considered yang and soft or dark colors yin. Because it is a bedroom, we want to tend towards more yin.  To achieve the balance, bright accents can easily be added or changed as the child grows. This can be done with accent pillows, carpets, draperies etc.

Colors carry an energetic frequency. Some suggestions could be soft blues to encourage rest and intuition. Yellows for grounding and confidence. Greens for healing and encouraged growth. Pinks for self love.
The child's life gua/element, which is calculated according to their birth date can also be considered to see which colors would be most suitable for their nature.

3- Clutter
As adults we know how clutter can make us feel disorganized, stressed or overwhelmed. For kids, its the same principle. It's hard to rest when things feel chaotic around you. We want to encourage breathing space and free circulation of energy. That means nothing stuffed under the bed, piles of clothes or toys lying around or the desk overflowing with clutter.
Clutter creates stagnant energy and kids are always changing and growing, so we want to encourage that. It's also a subtle way to introduce the concept of simplicity and gratitude.
Creating spaces for storage, bulletin boards for notes or mementos, shelves for books is the idea. This can still be done in a way to allow for creativity and organized chaos depending on your child's style. Allow them to engage in the process!

4-The senses
 The senses are a big part of creating the space! Here are a few fun ways to stimulate and explore.

Sound: depending on the age, they may enjoy falling asleep or studying to the sound of ocean waves or rain forest etc. It could also be other styles of music. This is an important part of developing their creativity and sense of self.
Touch: Textures are so important, especially in a bedroom. You can have fun with adding fuzzy pillows, woven cottons, sparkly sequins, sleek surfaces. 
Sight: Ideally the room should be aesthetically pleasing but also filled with things/images/textures that your child loves.  The more they get involved with the design style, the better they will feel.  This is their domain and it should be a reflection of who they are as they see it...with room to grow!
Scent: Aromatherapy can be a great addition to a bedroom, particularly during the winter months when we are a little more sensory deprived!  Adding a vaporizer and experimenting with different essential oils can be very therapeutic on a sensory level, but also help reduce the dryness that winter brings. A commonly known choice is lavender to calm and soothe. Eucalyptus can also be used if your child tends towards congestion. This is a fun way to explore with your child to see which scents they enjoy.

5-Winding down
A common habit is to have a TV or some form of electronics in the bedroom.  If this is the case, ensure they are shut off well before bedtime and cellphones placed away from the bed or better still, turned off completely.  These do emit electromagnetic waves that can have harmful effects on the body over extended periods. 
It is also great to instill the habit of disconnecting and allowing for time to simmer down before sleep.  If your child has a busy mind, journal writing before bed, reading or breathing exercises can be excellent tools to calm and prepare for a restful sleep.

Sweet dreams!
Debbie

www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com

The spirit of the seasons

According to Taoist philosophy and Chinese medicine, there is an emphasis on living in harmony with the natural rhythms of the seasons. One of the reasons for this thinking is that every season pertains to an element and is also said to have a spirit. When looking at the seasons in this way, we can see they affect our external environment, but they also impact us on an internal level.  What is transforming around us is a larger reflection of our own internal processes.  

There are five elements. One for each season, plus a fifth that represents the rest periods in between. The cycle goes something like this:

At the height of summer we have fire, these fires produce the ashes that become the earth. In late summer the earth begins to rest to prepare for Autumn and the element of metal. All metals are harvested from the earth.  Winter brings us into the depths of the water element. The water prepares us for the rebirth of spring and supplies nourishment to the roots of the wood element.  The wood then feeds the fire. Each element supports the one that comes after, creating harmony.  This is referred to as the productive cycle.  When this cycle is disrupted, there is a disharmony which can present itself as a physical, emotional or spiritual imbalance.  This same five elements theory is used in Feng Shui to evaluate the balance of elements within the home.

Now onto the spirit of each element! 

Fire houses the Shen*. Another word to describe this would be simply the spirit. If you think about the essence of fire, ascending or rising, it makes sense that this element pertains to the Shen* I like to think of it as our inner light. That sparkle in the eyes. Unwavering positivity and compassion.  We are all born with this, but shen* can also be cultivated through practices such as meditation, tai chi, yoga etc. Activities that reconnect you to your true essence. The fire element also pertains to the heart.

The spirit of the earth element is what is called Yi, or intention.  Proper thought. This is our center and pertains to the abdomen or in Chinese medicine the stomach and spleen. The polarity of proper thought is worry and most of us have experienced the physical pit in the stomach that comes with worry! With excessive worry, we can begin to experience digestive upsets or problems. The equinoxes and solstice periods are ruled by the earth element and it’s not uncommon to experience digestive upsets during those transitions.

The metal element is ruled by the Po or the corporeal soul.  That little voice inside you that offers guidance for the physical body. When you get feedback to rest, to eat, to exercise, that is the Po! It also represents the relationship between our physical being and our spiritual being.  Our physical being is the yin aspect, and our spiritual self the yang.  In balance, we are continually having exchanges between these two aspects of self and hear the wise words of the Po!

The lungs and the large intestine are ruled by the metal and we can see this function of communication in a more physical way. With the breath, we have that exchange with our environment. In that moment of stillness in between breaths, all possibilities are present, beginnings and endings.  The large intestine is responsible for assimilation and releasing that which is no longer needed. On an emotional level, both allow for acceptance and letting go.  

The water element houses the Zhi or willpower. I look at this as our inner water well or reserve. If our well is deep then we have plenty of resources, power to put behind our purpose.  If the well begins to run dry, it’s much harder for us to muster up the desire to manifest or do much of anything! In traditional Chinese medicine, the water element also pertains to the kidneys or the adrenals.  We live in a society where it’s very common to overwork, overstress, overtax our systems, which can also lead to complete fatigue or burnout.  The water is the what feeds the roots so it is important to nurture your reserves!

Finally we have the wood element which houses the Hun or our ancestral spirit. This pertains to the energy of our family lineage, and also gives us the capacity to plan and find a sense of purpose, develop our intuition and regulate our emotions. The liver/gallbladder are also associated with the wood element. When there is an imbalance here we can experience outbursts of anger or strong emotions, resentments or feeling stuck.

We are now at the time of the equinox and moving into the metal element.  In a way it is that space between inhale and exhale. A time to release the thrills of summer and begin to prepare for a quieter more introspective period.  Listen to the whispers of the Po! Allow yourself this time to release and renew.  Let your reserves restore in preparation for the water element that winter brings! 

Happy Equinox! 

www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com  

What is Acupressure anyway?

Acupressure is a healing art that predates acupuncture, going back some 5,000 years which was developed in China. Both Acupuncture and Acupressure work with what is called the meridian system. These are intricate pathways that travel through the body and can be considered a distribution network for what is said to be the vital substances according to traditional Chinese medicine. These include the blood, Qi or life force, and body fluids. An acupoint is a spot along these channels where the activity of the channel can be more easily influenced or accessed to help restore balance within the system by applying gentle pressure.

Traditional Chinese medicine takes a holistic approach and so the physical body, mind and spirit are treated as a whole.  Diet and lifestyle are also integral aspects to maintaining health and vitality. Some common ailments that can be supported or alleviated with acupressure are headaches, insomnia, anxiety, depression, addictions, digestion issues, frequent colds, chronic or acute pain (back, neck, shoulders), muscle tension, menstrual irregularities and more.

Please feel free to contact me at www.blossominspiritfengshui.com for more information or if you would like to participate in a free session for academic purposes.

Simple Feng Shui tips for selling

It's said that a buyer decides within the first few seconds whether they will be interested in a home or not. That could be partially due to the physical attributes of the home at first glance, but underneath that is the energetic signal the property is giving off.

Everything around us, including ourselves is composed of energy. Here’s another way to look at that. Most of us have had an experience where you enter a home or even restaurant and instinctively feel like you want to kick back and stay awhile....or not!  This is how we experience our environment. It's an internal cue that guides us towards or away from something.  How does this apply to selling your home?  Not only do we want the property to look good, but to feel good! Feng Shui address both, which inevitably leads to the successful sale of the home! 

Here are a few simple ways to apply Feng Shui in your pre sale home preparation.

   Curb appeal and the front door. 

First impressions! The property should look well kept and the front door should be easily visible and accessible.  Many Feng Shui practitioners will recommend a red door as it pertains to the fire element, prosperity and is a very stimulating color.  My feeling is to consider the property as a whole, and chose a color that is in harmony with the architecture and style, so long as the door is a prominent feature.  A welcome mat can also be added. This grounds the space at the front door and adds another layer of color, texture, and symbolically welcomes friends and opportunities.  Other ways to direct energy towards the door can be achieved by adding large flower urns on either side with vibrant colors, gardens along the walkway, and exterior lighting.  The idea is to have a smooth flow of energy towards the house.  Have a look at your trees and shrubs. Are they healthy or are they overgrown and blocking light from entering the home? Or perhaps the front is too barren which causes energy to rush at the door, or give a feeling of just that, lack. When evaluating the exterior, think about a gentle meandering stream guiding you to the door. It should not be too direct or have too many obstacles.

 Clutter!

Feng shui or not, this is a basic principle most of us are aware of when getting ready to sell. Eliminating the things you no longer need liberates the house from a spatial/visual perspective, allowing appreciation of the homes features, but also energetically. The more things there are to distract the buyer, the more overwhelmed or uneasy they are likely to feel in the space. Hanging on to things from the past that we are just dragging around weighs us down and can create a feeling of discomfort for the visitors. Set a fresh intention for yourself and the new owners by clearing out the old to bring in the new. This also pertains to your readiness to actually follow through. Check in with your intentions and if you are genuinely ready to move on, go through the process of editing so that you are more aligned with your goals.

Kitchens and baths

Most buyers put a large emphasis on these two areas. These areas pertain to our health and wellness so it’s important that they present well!  Number one thing is cleanliness!! Your kitchen or bath may not be renovated but it can still be spotless! In the kitchen, remove all excess items from the counter tops. If it’s not something you use daily, it can be stored neatly in a cabinet. The front and sides of the fridge should be clean and clear. Many of us have garbage cans visible in the kitchen. If you can, have a smaller garbage that goes under the sink or in a cabinet.  We are setting a tone of vitality after all!  Ensure the garbage is taken out regularly to avoid any odors. On to the stove. Some schools view the stove as a representation of our financial abundance as it is from the fire element.  Whether that is your belief or not, a clean and well functioning stove is imperative to creating a space that is welcoming and inspiring. Just think about when you see your own stove after a large gathering and you will know exactly what I mean! 

In the bath, tend to anything that may be leaking or in need of repair.  Keep the toilet seat down at all times. One of the functions of the toilet is to evacuate, so when not in use, keep it closed! Bathrooms have a strong water element so I like to balance this out with plants or greenery. The wood element absorbs or retains the water. Bamboo can be a clean and modern choice and embodies the symbolism of growth and vitality.  I also like to add plush white or neutral palette towels. Personal products and knick knacks can be distracting in a smaller space so best to keep those to a minimum. Think spa retreat!

Staging or room arrangement

Once you have cleared the clutter, furniture arrangement and purpose can be addressed.  Sometimes we have a room with too many purposes…or a room with no purpose.  Either way, it’s confusing for the buyer.  In a perfect world, choose one or two purposes for the room depending on what will best suit the space.  This will allow the buyer to better understand and appreciate the layout. In addition to that, we want to ensure the visitors can move freely throughout the spaces and not feel trapped or jammed up. The last step to this process is to ensure you are in your own best directions or power positions.  If you are familiar with the concepts of yin and yang, it could be said the house is the yin aspect, the material, and we, our personal energy and movement in the home is the yang aspect. We are what circulates the energy within the house.  Because of that, we want to place ourselves in our most supportive directions. To contribute to a more harmonious overall energy within the household and to promote the manifestation of your goals.  In the Western school of thought, we would also enhance certain areas of the home that pertain to abundance, prosperity and family as well as suggest certain symbolic rituals or setting of intention ceremonies. 

For a more detailed analysis of what you can do to prepare your home for sale, please contact me at www.blossomingspiritfengshui.com

Wishing you all the best with selling the feng shui way! 

Spring and the wood element

Whether you are familiar with feng shui or not, we all feel a natural sense of renewal as spring rolls around. A newness fills the air as we come out of the stillness and introspection of winter. The trees awaken and come to life again, the days become lighter, longer and Mother nature begins another cycle. According to the five elements, springtime is associated with the element of wood, expansion, vitality. The color green fills our senses and the direction is the east.  The archetype is one of initiation, leadership, creativity as well as a sense of family, ancestors and community.  

The cycles we see in nature also occur to some degree within ourselves. The liver/gallbladder are governed by wood energy and have a role in detoxification and the smooth movement of energy and emotion throughout the body. Suddenly we feel the initiative to eat lighter, have more greens, to cleanse, and lightening the spirit through practices, creative initiatives, or even entrepreneurial start ups! The liver/gallbladder are also associated with decision making and clarity when in balance.  Have you ever had the experience of thinking the house is quite clean and suddenly when you slow down long enough, you notice cobwebs everywhere? Sometimes things have been around for so long that they are no longer picked up in our vision. Allow yourself to slow down, take a clear look at any lingering emotions or grudges you may be carrying and let them go! This allows you to lighten your spirit and live more fully in the present.  According to the chakra system, green is related to the heart. Be compassionate with yourself and others.  

In our environment, we feel the drive to open up the windows to allow fresh air in, recycling or donating any clutter or items we no longer use or have long since forgotten about. This editing process allows us to find what we actually already have. Release and enjoy the feeling of abundance, clarity and balance that simplicity brings!

 To enhance the wood element in the home, first establish which area or room is situated in the east.  Keeping the purpose of the room in mind, you can then add the enhancements as you feel appropriate.  The actual element itself carries the purest energy, so plants, bamboo or wood furnishings could be added. Another way to achieve this is through color or visual representations. Tones of green or soft blues, either in the way of paint color or decorative touches can be explored or art pieces that depict this element. The number associated according to the trigram/bagua is 3. This represents harmony, expansion, union, enthusiasm and birth. Any collections in sets of 3 can be another way of representing this energy. As the east also pertains to family, it’s a great area to hang family photos, heirlooms or things that remind you of your history, tribe or community. A family room or great room would be a good consideration for this area.  

Wishing you a happy spring and enjoy the cycle of rebirth the season brings!

*This is a general overview of the wood element. If you would like an analysis specific to you and your home, please don’t hesitate to contact me.*