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Feng Shui To The Rescue Ezine
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From My Feng Shui Window
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It's a new year and I have a new design for this ezine. I can't say I was looking for a new look, but the service that sends out my ezine told me that most of you are opening it on a mobile device and the old template wasn't compatible. So I guess it's "out with the old to make room for the new" for 2017 as I change to this rather vanilla-looking template.
If you're a long-time ezine reader, you know I recommend starting off the new year by changing something on New Year's Day or soon after. Specifically, I challenge you to do the
"The Feng Shui Fling." For new subscribers, and for those of us who always need to be reminded of the power of change, here it is:
Get a big trash bag, then quickly run through your home and fling 27 things you no longer need into it. Open drawers and cabinets. Dig down under the sink. Head for the garage or basement. Don't think, don't analyze, don't hesitate - just fling.
The Fling is similar to my recommendation to Move 27 Things (see this month's Success Story), but the focus of The Fling is to get rid of things rather than relocate them.
And whenever I write about flinging and moving things, I naturally feel the need to include the fable of the "Magic Red Geranium" from the Clutter Clinic chapter in the
Feng Shui Quick Guide For Home and Office:
"Have you heard the fable of the Magic Red Geranium? A woman living in a shabby, cluttered house was given an enchanted red geranium by a wise person who told her to take it home, where it would transform her life. She took the geranium home and set it on her wobbly kitchen table covered by a stained tablecloth. Im
mediately, she saw how the beautiful form and color of the geranium made the wobbly table seem in disrepair and the table linen look shabby. So, she fixed the table leg and washed the tablecloth. Then she noticed how her newly washed tablecloth made her floor seem dull, so she scrubbed it. This made her kitchen walls look drab, so she repainted the room in a fresh color and replaced missing cabinets knobs. Eventually her entire home was sparkling, and she had indeed transformed her life."
I doubt that my new one-size-fits-all-browsers template has quite the sparkle that t
he red geranium brought to the woman in the fable. But then again, who knows? Chan
ge has to start somewhere, and if this one change makes it easier for more of you to access my ezine, it's as good a place to begin as any.
Happy
Flinging and Happy New Year 2017!
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui Master Practitioner
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Feng Shui For All Seasons
January Tip - Feng Shui For Your Foyer
The front door is considered the "mouth of chi" where positive energy enters your home, and the foyer is the first room this positive energy gets to visit. It's the most up-front room in your home, but it's either ignored or made the dumping place for shoes, backpacks, purses, and shopping bags. That's why it's important to pay attention to how you arrange your foyer, the paint color you choose, and the artwork you hang on the walls.
If your home doesn't have a natural foyer, create one by placing plants or furniture at right angles to the door, as shown in the photo. And even if you don't enter your home through the front door on a daily basis, it's still important to treat this area with respect.
Here are some start-of-the-new-year tips for the "first" room in your home:
- Avoid placing a mirror directly across from the front door because it reflects the good energy right back out. Instead, hang a mirror on a side wall to reflect in more light.
- Hang art that makes you feel positive when you leave each morning and welcomed back home each night. Images of gently flowing water are good, but make sure the water is flowing in toward your home not out toward the door. Avoid images of snow or ice because they represent frozen wealth. The foyer is also an excellent place for a fountain.
- Avoid keeping suitcases in the foyer because this represents constantly being on the move, or storing shoes in your foyer, which symbolizes walking away from a peaceful life at home. Instead, keep shoes and travel gear in the closet or in a closed cabinet.
- Choose an oval or round rug and avoid a long runner, especially if your front door lines up with the back door. Doors that line up pull the energy out of your house, and a long runner will accentuate the problem.
- Paint your walls a neutral color to brighten up the space and make it welcoming. Avoid colors like red and dark purple in the foyer. These are Fire Element colors that don't belong in the front of a home because they "extinguish" the flow of wealth.
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The Rooster and the Pearl by Morgan C. Leshinsky |
Clutter Clinic
Prepare for the Year of the Fire Rooster
The Chinese New Year celebration starts on January 28 and lasts for 15 days, ushering in the Year of the Fire Rooster. Whether or not you celebrate Chinese New Year, here are a few of the Feng Shui changes you can make in early January that will clear out the old energy and usher in the new as we begin both the calendar and lunar new year:
- Refresh and Renew. Display a bowl of 5, 7, or 8 oranges on your kitchen counter, the lucky numbers for this year, as a symbol of prosperity. Clean out the refrigerator and freezer and get rid of the outdated, congealed, or fuzzy things you can't identify. Replace dried out spices. Buy a new plant as a symbol of a fresh start.
- De-clutter and Clean. Dust everything, vacuum your rugs, and sweep your floors in the direction of the doors so you are directing the old energy out instead of back inside. If you haven't used something in a year, it's time to move it out of your house. Wash your car.
- Pick Up and Put Away. Pick up all the dirty clothes and do several loads of wash before Chinese New Year, fold the clean clothes, and put them back in the drawers and closets. Empty all trashcans and the shredder to remove last year's stale energy.
- Clear Out and Make Space. Clear off your counters and desktop, and remove unneeded items from your shelves so there will be room for new things. Get rid of the expired prescriptions in your medicine chest as a symbol that you will be healthy in 2017.
- Change and Update. Treat yourself to new sheets, or at least put clean sheets on all the beds before Chinese New Year. Place fresh towels in the kitchen and bathroom, and get rid of any that have become worn or threadbare.
- Attract and Retain. Buy yourself a new wallet, purse, backpack, or tote - especially a red one - to represent new wealth and prosperity. Hide away the highest denomination bill you can afford in your new purchase as a symbol that you will have ample money throughout the year.
Special Year of the Rooster Offer!
The Rooster and the Pearl image above by Morgan C. Leshinsky is available from the art gallery on my website as a giclée print or note card set. In celebration of the Year of the Rooster, we have reduced the price for 2017.
Check out the Feng Shui For Real Life art gallery.
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Success Story
Pam's 27 Things
In a previous ezine, I wrote about moving 27 things, which is a classic Feng Shui practice for making room for new, positive energy to enter your life.
The number three is considered auspicious in Feng Shui (there are three sides to a triangle, the powerful symbol representing the Fire Element that helps activate passion, emotion, and wealth), so 27 is a powerful permutation of threes. Pam took this advice to heart.
Here's what Pam wrote:
I couldn't believe it when I opened up your email this morning and saw the article about moving 27 things. I did just that yesterday. I looked around my area and thought, "It's no wonder good things have not been happening." Last year was a struggle in all areas, and I was starting to feel a little hopeless. Instead, I decided I needed to make some changes in order to change the things around me, and so I did put new pictures of family in their frames, moved items to different locations and even moved some things out. I've been sick with a nasty cold for three days and felt this would be a good way to prepare for my new year. I still have a few things to do and am now more motivated than ever to get the job done. When I went to bed last night, I felt lighter and now understand why. I'm opening things up for a bright, new year. Thank you so much for giving us "Feng Shui to the Rescue."
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Ask the Feng Shui Maven
Q: Is there something else I can use instead of fu dogs near my front gate? I'm not having luck finding a pair that I like.
A: In contemporary Feng Shui, the recommendation is to place a "pair" of objects flanking the front door or front gate to create a threshold to protect the home and attract positive chi. Fu dogs are the sculptures used in classic Chinese Feng Shui, but you don't have to use them. Instead, I recommend a pair of cobalt blue or black planters, because these Water Element colors represent the flow of abundance to your door. In the warm months you can grow red flowers in the pots, and in the colder months fill them with pine cones, colored glass balls, or other objects. The beauty of the planters can also be enough. Another option is to choose two matching outdoor sculptures or garden ornaments. The goal is to frame the doorway and the choice of objects is yours.
Q: I love your newsletters. Several years ago we bought a photograph at a flea market that had an image of the ghost of a Civil War soldier superimposed over a view of a battlefield. We thought it was different. It was in our family room in our last house but that was before my interest in Feng Shui. Now, I'm not sure where to put it in our new house. I'm not sure if it should be in a prominent area. I'm not sure about that ghost. What do you think?
A:
Ghosts have several meanings in Feng Shui, so I would have to know more about the room where you are considering placing this print and its location on the bagua before I could give you any specific advice. But in general, the Feng Shui recommendation is that you should love all of the art you hang on your walls, so when you say repeatedly you're "not sure" that's sending a strong message that this art no longer feels good to you. It might be time to put the ghost print rest, at least for a while.
Q: I bought a bed with a bookcase headboard that has a mirror in the center. It's too late to return it but I'm feeling it's the reason why I don't sleep well since I got this bed. Please tell me what to do.
A:
Feng Shui principles suggest limiting the number of mirrors in a bedroom because they create active energy. A mirror in the headboard above your head could keep you from having a peaceful night's rest, which could ultimately affect your health. If you can't remove the mirror, cover it with a picture of something restful, or drape the mirror at night with a cloth or scarf.
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Feng Shui For Real Life Blog
More Musings From My Feng Shui Window
These days, it seems like there are as many approaches to Feng Shui as there are to interior design or architecture. And that made me want to write about why I call my Feng Shui approach "for real life." Read more in my post
"Real Life, Real Feng Shui."
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Feng Shui Consulting
Home, Office, & Business Consulting
Find out how my Feng Shui consultations can help you rearrange your space, shift energy, and transform your life. I offer both on-site consulting at your space and off-site options:
On-Site Consulting
I will visit your home, office, or business and help rearrange your space, shift energy, and transform your life. During the session I will teach you Feng Shui basics, then we'll go through your space and I'll make suggestions for changing the placement of furniture and objects and dealing with color, moving what we can at the time. All sessions include 30 days of free Feng Shui coaching by phone and email to help you continue to make changes and move forward.
Off-Site Consulting
When an on-site consultation isn't possible, I offer off-site and remote Feng Shui consulting by phone, Skype, and FaceTime for homes, offices, and businesses in the US and internationally. Off-site consulting packages include:
- Feng Shui Hotline
- 30-Minute Phone Consultation
- Room Rescue
- Floor Plan Analysis
- Whole House Consultation
- Better First Impressions Consultation
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
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Feng Shui Workshops
Custom Feng Shui Training
Bring one of my Feng Shui workshops, lectures, or seminars 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 Workshops:
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 that could not 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
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Feng Shui Media
Books, Videos, Classes, Podcasts
Books
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! Best I read it at home, however, as I read a bit and then start scouting for places in our little loft that I can declutter!
If it weren't for you, I would have more coasters on my coffee table than I actually need, to name just one of dozens of changes in our place! --SE
I loved your book. Thank you for making it a practical approach. My husband and are clearing clutter and it feels great! --SK
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
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Video Class
"Grow Your Business with Feng Shui" Video Class
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. It includes tips and advice for everything you need to succeed, from choosing a desk, to lighting, plants, and art. 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 gives more clarity, less clutter and distractions, and ultimately, more 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
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Beyond Feng Shui
Why You Wake at Certain Times at Night
Does it seem like you wake up almost every night at around the same time? Think it's your pillow, or late night cup of coffee, or sugary midnight treat that's upsetting your sleep cycle? According to Chinese medicinal, this cyclic waking happens when the energy meridians that correspond to certain parts of your body are weak or blocked. Here's an explanation of some of the organs involved in waking times, and suggestions for quickly getting back to sleep:
9:00PM To 11:00PM
: This is the bed time for most people. If you're not able to sleep in these hours, it's due to the stress and worries of the day. Meditate every day to calm your body and sleep better.
11:00PM To 1:00AM: This time frame is considered as the time when the energy meridian of the gall bladder is active. You're going through emotional disappointment at this time. Practice forgiveness and self-acceptance to sleep well.
1:00AM To 3:00AM: You stay awake at this time because of the energy meridian associated with the liver. It deals with anger and yang energy. Drink a glass of water to calm your mind and body to sooth yourself back to sleep.
3:00AM To 5:00AM
: This time is associated with the energy meridian that runs through the lungs and is related to sadness. Breath slowly and deeply to help you sleep well.
5:00AM To 7:00AM: This is the time when the energy flow is in the range of the large intestines. This is due to the emotional blockage in your body. Try to stretch your body to get back to sleep.
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F Y I
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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.
©2017, Carol M. Olmstead
Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui For Real Life, LLC
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