 |
Feng Shui to the Rescue Ezine
|
|
From My Feng Shui Window
The Madness of March
Have you been saying to yourself, "I hate to be a gnashnab, but where is the March issue of Carol's Feng Shui ezine?" Well, take heart, it's finally here - with an explanation.
March has already been a chaotic swirl for me. I've been going through a major downsizing that involves opening every closet, cabinet, and drawer and making tough decisions about what to keep and what to toss. At the same time, in light of the upcoming Mercury Retrograde when we're supposed to finish things and avoid starting new one, I've been spending most of my time working on my next book. I'm happy to say that while I can't yet give you a publication date, Feng Shui to the Rescue is almost a reality. This book is all about the questions you've been asking me, and the resulting success stories you've been sharing. I've been going through 20 years worth of questions that you - my clients, students, and readers - have asked, and organizing them by topic.
I have also been putting together a fun workshop and retreat with my colleague, clinical mental health counselor Nancy Olson. It's called Modern Coping Skills for Women: Using art, personal energy, and Feng Shui to find inner calm in a chaotic world. Seems I have an anti-chaos theme going on here. Save June 30, 2018 on your calendar and watch for your invitation to join us.
With that in mind, this issue is un-apologetically filled with some recycled topics that relate to what I've been doing this month. For new readers, this might be your first introduction to these topics, while for long-time readers, I hope this will serve as a useful refresher. The major Spring holidays are approaching, but instead of including that material here, you can find Feng Shui tips for assuring harmony around your holiday table in the article Passover and Easter Feng Shui on my blog.
Oh, and about that word gnashnab... I like to use the Beyond Feng Shui section in this ezine to share useful and fun info that's just outside of the scope of my Feng Shui practice, but that I think you'll enjoy. So, be sure to take a look at this month's selection, You Called Me What? At the risk of being a gobermouch, try substituting a few of these historical words when you're in a stressful situation, and let me know what happens.
Happy Spring! May your only March Madness involve busted brackets!
Feng Shui Master Practitioner
|
Feng Shui For All Seasons
Feng Shui Tip for the Month: 9 Ways to Conquer March Madness
For some people, the month of March means great college basketball, St. Patrick's Day, and dealing with windy weather. This year, we're facing a different kind of March Madness - a major solar storm and a Mercury Retrograde - that can result in Internet snafus, overheating laptops, and airline schedule mishaps. A Retrograde occurs several times during the year when the planet Mercury turns in an apparent backward motion, which some people believe has a negative effect on communications. While these happenings are primarily astrological, the Feng Shui advice for dealing with these disruptions includes practical things like finishing old projects rather than starting new ones, allowing extra time when traveling, and being extra vigilant about computer back-ups (which I'm doing right after I finish writing this ezine). These nine Feng Shui activities can help you welcome March, while keeping grounded against any madness:
- Clean Your Front Door. A dirty or faded door repels positive energy, but a clean door attracts it.
- Replace Burned-Out Light Bulbs. If your rooms are dark, so is your future. Replace burned-out bulbs and brighten your possibilities.
- Clean Your Windows. Windows are the eyes of your home. Dirty windows cloud vision, but clean windows represent a clear view of your opportunities.
- Remove Dead Plants. Dead plants symbolize dead energy. Replace them with healthy living plants to grow your wealth.
- Clean Your Desk Chair. If you sit on a chair that is stained, broken, or torn, it represents disregard for your work. Clean your desk chair or get a new one to improve your career outlook.
- Replace Cracked Mirrors. If you have a cracked mirror, you can't see things smoothly. Remove or replace it to reflect a smooth road ahead.
- Clear the Cobwebs. Cobwebs symbolize being wrapped up and stuck. Clear them away so you can move forward.
- Tighten Loose Door Knobs and Handles. When handles are loose, you can't get a grip on things. Tighten everything that's loose, and your goals will be within your grasp.
- Clean Your Stove. The burners on your stove represent your ability to feed people, and consequently represent wealth. Clean your stove, and fix any nonworking burners.
|
|
Clutter Clinic
Spring Clearing Question: Why Are Your Keeping That?
|
|
I'm in the midst of a major downsizing that's forcing me to make decisions about whether to keep or get rid of objects I've had for years. That's why I was struck by this post from Jacki Hollywood Brown for the Unclutterer blog, that asks us to consider why we keep certain things. Whether or not you're downsizing or moving, it's a good reference to use when doing your annual spring clearing and cleaning out.
- Emotional connections. We keep some things because we have an emotional attachment to them, such as Grandma's teapot or the toy cars from our youth. But, do we really need them to retain the memories?
- A need to be prepared. It's great to be prepared, but is there a need to keep something you use once every two or three years? For example, the huge roasting pan you use only at Thanksgiving could be shared among family members, and whoever hosts next year's family dinner, gets to store the pan for the year.
- No one wants to be caught off-guard. Ask yourself what you need for urgent situations, and what else you're keeping only for non-urgent, just-in-case scenarios.
- It's for a special occasion. Many people have items they use only on infrequent, special occasions. Do you still need the "good dishes" that can't go in the dishwasher? If you don't, get rid of them; if you do, keep them, but be sure to use them.
- It was a gift. Is there is an emotional connection to the gift? It's OK to keep something if it was a gift - but you don't have to keep it because it was a gift.
- The price. Even a freebie is only a good deal if you need, want, and use the item. In most cases, thanks to mass-produced market goods and depreciation, the longer you own an item, the lower its value. That means saving something just to cash-in later may only backfire.
- Dreams. Sometimes it's a dream of changing your life that attracts clutter. There's nothing wrong with trying out something new, but make sure it's an achievable goal before you accumulate all the paraphernalia for a new hobby or sport.
- It's not my clutter. There are times when we store items for other people, such for children before they get settled in their own homes. When these items accumulate over time, it's best to get permission from the other person so you can return or get rid of these things if the person no longer wants them.
Read more.
|
|
Success Story
Danna Calms Her Mind Clutter
When I arrived for Danna's home office consultation, the first thing she told me was that she needed to quiet her mind. She wasn't sleeping, and she was finding it harder to concentrate on the real estate business she ran from her home. My primary recommendation was to relocate her office from the loft area just outside her bedroom door, to the infrequently-used guest room on the first floor.
Here's what Danna wrote:
I moved my office like you suggested, and have made a lot of other changes, some major and some small. The sense of peace is wonderful.
The biggest change for me is that I am sleeping much better and my relationship is going well. I removed almost all of the books and clutter from my bedroom, and added a sculpture of a couple entwined and a photo of the two of us together. To complete my missing Harmony area, I planted a little pine tree and put a Buddha under it. I am certainly more peaceful in my mind chatter, and calmer in general. After I corrected my missing Helpful People corner with plants and a black metal lantern on a large heart shaped rock, I received calls from friends with recommendations and leads, so that seems to be improving. After organizing my office in the new location, I got three calls for listings and they are all working out. In general, with a few more improvements, I know I can get all of the results I want.
|
Ask the Feng Shui Maven
|
|
Q: I read somewhere that I should get rid of roses growing in my garden because of the thorns. Is that necessary?
A: I
t's best to grow roses around the edges of your property rather than right at your front door, where thorns or spiky plants are not recommended because they symbolically repel visitors. Thorns on roses are triangular, and therefore activate the Fire Element, so you can plant them in the Fame/Future area of your garden to bring the attributes of this element into your life. However, I recommend avoiding them in the Love/Marriage and Family/Health areas, since in this case they can represent a
thorn-in-your-side in these aspects of your life. Download the bagua from my website to locate these areas of your garden.
Q: I have a refrigerator in my love corner and a washer and dryer in my prosperity area. I am in a panic that I am freezing out my love and drowning my wealth.
A:
If your relationship seems chilly, you do need to balance the energy created by the refrigerator in your Love Area. Remove some of the cold by adding heat to the area around your refrigerator in the form of the Fire Element. For example, hang artwork in the kitchen near the fridge that has red or orange images or triangular shapes. If you are drowning in bills, it could be caused by the overabundance of water in the Wealth area. Add a healthy plant with rounded leaves, or a picture of trees, and a touch of the Fire Element to dry up some water and melt some of the Metal Element created by the washer and dryer.
|
|
Feng Shui Consulting
Home, Office & Business Consulting
Find out how my Feng Shui consultations can help you rearrange your space, shift energy, an
d
transform your life. I offer on-site consulting for home or office and business. My off-site consulting options include phone and Skype consultations, floor plan analysis, and the popular Room Rescue, designed for one room of you
r
home or a single office.
All sessions include 30 days of free Feng Shui coaching by phone and email to help you continue to make changes and move forward.
People Are Talking About Carol's Feng Shui Consultations:
I followed your suggestions and cleared out everything that didn't remind me of success. Thank you for helping me to enjoy going to work again and for helping me to triple my income. --JP
Yesterday, a person came who worked for me a couple of years ago. When she walked in, she said, "Your house feels so good. It always was lovely, but it feels even better now." How about that? I have only started to make the Feng Shui changes you recommended during the consultation and already everything feels so much better!
--SD
Just wanted you to know the open house at my store was a huge success with the help of the changes you suggested at our consultation. Thanks again for all of your help.
--JW
|
|
Feng Shui Workshops
Custom Feng Shui Training
Bring one of my Feng Shui
classes and workshops to your city. I will create a custom presentation for your group to help you make simple changes to attract wealth, harmony, love, and much more. From keynote speeches, to "munch and learn" workshops, to half-day or full-day seminars, my interactive sessions are full of practical advice, tips, and fun. Feng Shui workshops make great fundraisers and marketing events because they always sell out.
People Are Talking About Carol's Workshop
s:
My three sisters and I attended your workshop, and I wanted to tell you how much we enjoyed it. It was packed full with such great information and the fact that you helped each individual at the workshop was incredible! The three hours went by so fast that everyone in the workshop thought you were just taking a break and we were all shocked to realize the workshop was over. We all purchased your book and got several copies for family members who couldn't attend, because we love it.
-GW
Thank you for the terrific workshop. I learned so much about Feng Shui, and I especially loved that you shared success stories from your clients. Your workshop attracted such a great group of people.
--MT
Wow, what a great teleseminar this afternoon! You came across as poised, extremely knowledgeable, down to earth, warm, and your sense of humor sparkled throughout, too! And thoughtful answers to some really interesting questions. Encore, encore!!!!
--LG
|
|
Feng Shui Media
Books, Videos, Classes, Podcasts
Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office: Secrets For Attracting Wealth, Harmony, and Love
Winner, "Best How-To Book"
People Are Talking About Carol's Book:
Thank you for writing such a brilliant book. I have just finished reading it and thoroughly enjoyed every page. I am very much looking forward to trying out your tips. Although I am also a Feng Shui practitioner, I love that there is always more to learn and tips that I haven't seen or learned before. I will definitely recommend your book to my clients!
--PG
It's the first time in years that I carry a book with me just in case I can read another page or two at a stoplight or wherever! When I read it at home, I read a bit and then start scouting for places in our little loft that I can declutter!
--SE
Your book is my bible! I finished your amazing book and constantly refer to it. Currently I am listening to your video class, which I find extremely informative.
--TN
|
|
|
Video Class - Grow Your Business with Feng Shui
My 90-minute, self-paced course includes tips for activating the Career/Work bagua area, along with simple changes you can make in your home that will advance your career or business. You'll learn six amazing tips that will help you create a space that supports you and your business. Watch as I use Feng Shui principles to conduct a hands-on transformation of a client's workplace and create a dynamic home office that opens the door to success.
Watch the class preview.
Peop
le Are Talking About Carol's Videos & Podcasts:
Carol, you're a rock star! I loved listening to the
podcast of your interview with
"Law of Attraction Talk Radio with Jewels," so I took your class. You continue to be an inspiration to me and have forever changed the way I arrange each home I've lived in since I first heard you speak in 2012. Keep up the good work!
--GO
I took your class and watched several of your
videos. Excellent! You have an absolute warm and welcoming approach. No wonder you are so successful.
--CW
This video class is nothing short of a delicious treat for your career. I loved it! Great practical pieces of advice. Well-taught in a fun, inspiring way. --RW
|
You Called Me What?
We're living in a chaotic world where we are often exposed to rude and insulting language. Instead of sinking to the level of these insults, Dictionary.com suggests we bring back these 22 historical insults as alternatives. That means the zounderkite who cuts you off in traffic isn't going to yell zooterkins or call you a muckspout when you point out such rude behavior. Try out a few of these "oldies but goodies:"
- Gobermouch is an old Irish term for someone who likes to meddle in other people's business.
- Gnashnab is someone who complains all the time.
- Snoutband is a person who always interrupts a conversation to correct or contradict the speaker.
- Stampcrab is someone who's clumsy and heavy of foot.
- Scobberlotcher is someone who avoids hard work.
- Whiffle-Whaffle is a person who wastes a lot of time.
- Zooterkins is an expression of surprise or indignation, and something you yell after someone insults you.
- Zounderkite is a Victorian word meaning idiot.
- Bedswerver was coined by Shakespeare to describe an adulterer.
- Fopdoodle is someone of little significance.
- Klazomaniac is a person WHO CAN ONLY SPEAK BY SHOUTING
- Cumberworld is a term used to denote a person who is totally useless.
- Raggabrash is someone who is absolutely, completely disorganized, or disgustingly grubby.
- Smellfungus is a person who always gripes and moans.
- Smell-Feast is an uninvited guest who expects to be fed.
- Flibbertigibbet is a nosy, gossipy sort of person.
- Foozle means an out-of-date person, especially a man.
- Mafflard is someone who is a total klutz.
- Shot-clog is the person who always tags along with a group, you really don't want them there, but they usually pick up the tab, so you let then stay.
- Rakefire is someone so uncool they usually outstay their welcome in someone's house.
- Mumblecrust is a toothless, haggard beggar.
- Muckspout is someone who simply curses too much.
|
|
|
|
F Y I
|
Share Articles from This Ezine.
Articles in the
Feng Shui To The Rescue newsletter are copyrighted, but I encourage you to share them. I ask only that you credit
Carol M. Olmstead as author and when you share the article, please link to
www.FengShuiForRealLife.com.
Schedule a Space Clearing or House Blessing.
Carol Olmstead is an Ordained Minister specializing in Feng Shui house blessing ceremonies and space clearing. Call 1.800.652.9038 or
e-mail Carol Olmstead for details.
Schedule a Consultation or Workshop.
If you would like to set up a home, office, or business consultation, or schedule a customized workshop, contact:
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui Master Practitioner
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA, was certified by the
Feng Shui Institute of America and earned Red Ribbon Professional Status from the
International Feng Shui Guild.
Feng Shui for Real Life, LLC, and the Feng Shui To The Rescue newsletter serve as a reference and guide for the principles of Feng Shui and as such bear no responsibility for results that a client or reader experiences. Individual results may vary based on the client's participation and intent.
©2018, Carol M. Olmstead
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui For Real Life, LLC
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
