Feng Shui to the Rescue Newsletter

Helping you attract wealth, harmony, love,
and much more.

Late Spring 2022

Here Comes Summer
I recently gave a webinar where I included several interactive exercises. Long-time readers won't be surprised that I asked participants to do the "Feng Shui Fling": Grab a large trash bag, set a timer for 10 minutes, then run through your home and toss 27 things into the bagthings you don't want, don't need, don't like, and don't know why you ever brought them home. At the end of 10 minutes, tie up the bag and take it to the trash. Then sit back and watch what flows into the new space you have created.

The Fling lets you "just say throw" to 27 things, but of course, that's only the beginning. We can all do with some major clutter-clearing whenever we enter a new season. I've been thinking a lot about reducing our collections of "stuff" as I read about the current New Mexico wildfire, which is the largest in the state's history. I lived in Santa Fe for 16 years, so I understand the devastation that wildfires can bring, and the need to be prepared to evacuate. One time, as I was getting ready for a trip back East to work with clients, wildfires were raging in the mountains behind us and in those in front of us. I packed two bags: one to take with me, and another for my husband to take with him if he had to evacuate. Fortunately, those fires never came anywhere close to our home, but it felt good to know what to toss in the car for a quick escape. I've included an article to help you think through in advance how to thin out your accumulated collections.

And speaking of escaping in your car, let's move on to the positive side of hitting the open road. My main article this month includes Feng Shui tips for your car. Yes, you can also apply Feng Shui advice to all your vehicles to keep you moving safely. A clean car, inside and out, represents moving forward with clear vision.

Next, to help you get ready for a sizzling summer of fun, my featured Feng Shui Fixer this issue is "Fireworks at Midnight." This design will help keep the Fire Element energy of fireworks working for you all year long.

And finally, as a counterbalance to the heat of summer, I'm sharing a tip from the Tip-a-Day Calendar in my Feng Shui Quick Guide for Home and Office: "To balance the yang festivities of fireworks, noise, and sun on the Fourth of July, schedule some yin activities that are quiet, sheltered, and intimate to avoid sensory overload."

Happy summer! May your trip be safe wherever your travels take you.

Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA
Feng Shui Master Practitioner
www.FengShuiForRealLife.com
TIP OF THE MONTH
Feng Shui Your Ride
"Are we there yet?" June is the unofficial start of summer vacation season for many families in the U.S., and more people are planning road trips after being confined to home for so long. In Feng Shui terms, a car that's out of symbolic balance can make the driver and passengers feel out of balance, too, especially on a vacation trip when you expect to feel relaxed. A few Feng Shui adjustments for your car can make the time you spend in it more enjoyable and safer. And that's important whether you're traveling on vacation, running errands, or commuting. This summer, instead of threatening to "turn this car around," try a few of these Feng Shui tips to assure harmony for your next car trip:
  • Clear the clutter. Treat your vehicle like you treat the rooms in your home rather than like a "moving trash can" and it will move your vacation forward. Get rid of the fast-food bags, empty cups, plastic bags, and all the other stuff you've been hauling around. Remember to check the glove compartment, the storage spaces, the cup holders, and the trunk for junk. Vacuum the carpet and the seats.
  • Take care of the windows. Windows represent eyes in Feng Shui, and that means if you're driving with filmy, cracked, or broken windows your vision toward your destination is cloudy as well. Take time each week to ride around with the windows down, or try to park in the driveway with the windows down for a short while to allow fresh air to replace stale chi and odors.
  • Drink water. The Water Element represents a smooth and flowing experience, so sipping water frequently while you drive can help you smoothly cope with traffic and avoid road rage. The water will also help flush out any negative chi resulting from electromagnetic energy generated by your cell phone.
  • Listen to the right music. Turn the music on as soon as you get in the car to chase out any negative chi and to bring in new, positive energy. As you drive, choose the genre of music that matches the mood of your trip. Try something soothing when you're stuck in traffic, something more up tempo when you're "rockin’ down the highway" on the open road, and skip the all-news stations unless you need to check the traffic reports.
  • Wash your car. Keep both the inside and outside of your car clean as a symbol that your path will be clear and easy. Consider a full detailing before your vacation.
  • Assure your safety. Print out the words "SAFE TRAVEL" in a large font on a sheet of white paper and place it in your car to set your intention to drive carefully and return home safely. And of course, only use your cell phone in hands-free mode and don't text!

If you're buying a new car this summer, consider your color options from a Feng Shui perspective. In Feng Shui, each color has specific attributes, so choose the color that matches your personality or fills a need in your life:
  • Red or orange (Fire Element) represents wealth and power.
  • Brown, beige, or yellow (Earth Element) represents grounding and balance.
  • White or metallic (Metal Element) represents strength and focus.
  • Blue or black (Water Element) represents relaxation and comfort.
  • Green or teal (Wood Element) represents growth and expansion.
CLUTTER CLINIC
Clutter Clearing for a Natural Disaster
The continuing pattern of unusual weather and violent events like hurricanes, earthquakes, and wildfires reminds us that because of climate change, no area is safe from natural disasters. Extreme weather underscores the need for an “in case of" file of information, and also asks us whether it’s really worth adding another item to our collection. Now is the time to ask yourself these questions, rather than waiting for when a disaster threatens and you need to move too quickly to think clearly.

Ask yourself these questions to help determine which items to keep and which items to toss:
  • Do I have something else like this that fulfills the same purpose?
  • If this is a duplicate item, which of these items is in the best condition, of the best quality, and will last me the longest?
  • Is this item in disrepair and need to be replaced or fixed?
  • Does this item make my life easier/save me time/save me money/fulfill an essential need?
  • Why does this object live in our house and is this the best place for this object?
  • Do I need to do more research to know if this is the best object to fulfill its essential need?
  • If this is a perishable item, has its expiration date passed?
  • Will this item be easy for someone else to deal with in case I am not capable of doing so?
  • Does this item help me to develop the remarkable life that I want to live?
Q&A
Ask the Feng Shui Maven
Q: Thanks so much for all your great advice! I have your book and follow your newsletters. I know the best position for an office desk is with one’s back against the wall facing the door, but the inevitable wires and cords from computers, etc., are really unsightly. I suspect this is a situation many have to deal with. Any suggestions or comments?
A: I love hearing from readers, and I’m glad you are finding my advice useful. You are so right that you are not alone in dealing with the issue of those ugly cords, cables, and wires. It results from trying to merge the wisdom of ancient practice with the reality of modern devices. I recommend placing floor plants in front of your desk to hide the cords or using a basket or box to contain them. Some desks have holes drilled for cords so the wires can go down that slot and at least be contained underneath your desk. Depending on how much you need to preserve the integrity of the desk you use, you could consider drilling your own holes. For my own glass-topped desk, I ran the cords over the side of my desk instead of the back, which hides them between the desk and the file cabinet. Then, I contained the surge protector in a wooden box specifically designed for this purpose because I like the idea of the Wood Element to represent growth—plus I can use it as a footrest! You can search online for “cable management box” to see some options.

Q: We are house hunting and notice that most master bedrooms are located over a two-car garage. I know it's not the best placement, but should this be a deal-breaker? We have a wonderfully loving relationship (our bedroom now is in the marriage area) that I wouldn't want to jeopardize. If we did find our dream home and the master bedroom is over the garage, how can we manage that so we have the most auspicious Feng Shui?
A: The Feng Shui issue with a bedroom over a garage is that your relationship is unsupported because there is a void underneath that generates "in and out" energy movement. Plus, the fumes from the cars below aren't conducive to good health. It's not necessarily true that most homes have a master bedroom in this location, but it might be the particular style of home you have been looking at or a popular regional design. The Feng Shui recommendation is to look for a home with the master bedroom in the Love/Relationship Area, like your current home. But, if you do choose a house with a garage under the master bedroom (or any bedroom), the primary Feng Shui correction is to place a thick rug on the floor to stabilize the room. You can also place a small mirror facing down under the bed to deflect any negative energy. Make sure your bed is positioned with the head against a solid wall, preferably with a wooden headboard. If you must store paints, pesticides, or toxic chemicals in the garage, place them in a metal cabinet.
SUCCESS STORY
SuccessStory
Finding the Silver Lining
I always love hearing my clients' stories about the positive power of Feng Shui, but I was especially blown away by this one. For almost 23 years, I have been advising clients to surround themselves with only what they need and love—although I suggest a gentler clearing method than what this couple had to experience.

Here is what my client wrote:
You will perhaps remember a consultation many years ago in our oddly-shaped home. We implemented every one of your suggestions and have lived happily there for almost 17 years! One very hot dry night, a mulch fire broke out near our back stoop, and within 10 minutes, flames were coming out the 4th-floor roof. Between flames, water, and smoke, the entire interior of our home is having to be rebuilt. We are so very grateful we were not asleep when the fire broke out. We felt it would help us to cope with the tremendous loss to look for "silver linings" every day, and there are many. We lost roughly 2/3 of our belongings. But miraculously, all of the family heirlooms and special furniture, sculptures, statues, and other items from Asia can be restored, as well as paintings from my husband's grandfather, who was a professional artist. We had scanned photographs, receipts, important documents, etc., so they were safely preserved in the cloud. We lost hundreds of items, many of which we will not miss (but would have probably struggled to get rid of). So now we will only have things we love and/or need.

Of course, the most important part of this story is that everyone survived this tragedy. The true miracle is that they have had the strength not only to survive this, but to continue to thrive. I often say that when you make Feng Shui changes you get what you need, even if it’s not what you initially thought you wanted. How amazing that this family’s heirlooms and treasures can be restored and the paintings could be saved. This is definitely a message worth sharing, as this couple said they probably would have struggled to get rid of most of the “stuff” that was lost.

Apparently, mulch is self-combustible, and even the smallest ember that you wouldn't notice can lie dormant buried under a bit of mulch, waiting for even a small breeze. Please be careful when you grill and check around the area.
FENG SHUI FIXERS
Enhance Your Space!
The Feng Shui Fixer series includes one-of-a-kind creations that are designed as simple, beautiful, and real-world Feng Shui "cures" and adjustments. These art pieces can be placed in a specific bagua area of a home or workplace to fix a Feng Shui issue, or to attract wealth, harmony, love, and so much more. Hang them on the wall, in a closet, near the washer, on the back of your computer monitor to block any negative energy, or anywhere!

Each unique Feng Shui Fixer starts with an imported vintage silk kimono textile. Then, it is embellished with embroidery floss, silk ribbon, vintage or new glass beads, natural stones, or charms. There are florals, geometrics, abstracts, and freestyle! Every Feng Shui Fixer comes ready to hang in a natural wood, hand-stained, or flexible frame. Or, you can display one or a collection of them on a table-top easel. Each design includes a small mirror on the back that symbolically pushes away any negative issues and helps attract positive energy. The collection also features a series of Feng Shui "Spirals" that are especially useful to cure or correct for the missing Career/Self/Work bagua area.

  • Use one Feng Shui Fixer to correct a problem.
  • Group several to enhance the energy in a specific bagua area.
  • Give one as a gift or gift yourself!


FEATURED FENG SHUI FIXER:
Start your summer with a bang! The reds and oranges of "Fireworks at Midnight" are perfect to power up your wealth area with the Fire Element, and the metallic accents add the "pow" and magic of the Metal Element!
Title: "Fireworks at Midnight"
Target Issue: Wealth, Passion
Feng Shui Element: Fire, Metal
Materials: Metallic and cotton floss and hand-dyed silk ribbon on imported vintage kimono silk textile
Size: 6" round
Framing: Hand-stained bamboo frame, ready to hang
Price: $65 including shipping and handling
FENG SHUI BOOK OF THE MONTH
FSQGCover
Feng Shui Quick Guide for Home and Office: Secrets for Attracting Wealth, Harmony, and Love
Own the award-winning Feng Shui book that is practical and easy to understand. The book includes easy-to-follow basics plus tips and secrets to make the practical magic of Feng Shui work for you. Sprinkled among the tips are success stories from real people who followed them with big results. The book includes a tip-a-day calendar so you can make small Feng Shui changes each day.
List price: $15.95
Special SALE Price: $10.00+S&H
CONSULTING
NEW SERVICES AVAILABLE!
Virtual Consulting
When you have Feng Shui questions about your home, office, business, or workspace that go beyond the basics you can find on my website, and you need to speak to a Feng Shui expert, this virtual consulting option is for you! I will customize advice for the way you want to live in your home or work in your workspace.

We'll schedule a Zoom, FaceTime, or phone call to answer your questions and help you rearrange your space, shift your energy, and transform your life.

All sessions include:
  • Review of photos or videos of your space.
  • Consultation by Zoom, phone, or FaceTime.
  • Personalized Feng Shui advice and guidance.
  • Follow-up coaching check-in so you stay on track.

CHECK OUT THE OPTIONS:
If you're working in a hybrid situation where some days you work from home (WFH) and some days you work at your workplace, I created this package for you. We'll work on both of your office locations.
  • 45-minute consultation including analysis of floor plans

It's your choice—ask about any room, any situation, any clutter-clearing problem, or any issue that needs Feng Shui help.
  • 1-hour consultation including analysis of a floor plan

Perfect for any room in your home, condo, or apartment.
  • 30-minute consultation

Ideal for the room where you work, either at home or at the workplace.
  • 30-minute

Great for when you want to rev up your relationship, find a new love, move forward after a divorce or breakup, or improve your self-esteem.
  • 30-minute consultation

Virtual consulting services are effective and will transform your life!

Email for more information.
Or, click below if you are ready to purchase.
WEBINARS
NEW!
"Feng Shui for the New Hybrid Workplace"

The new way of working is here to stay. Employees are continuing to work at home, returning to the workplace, or experiencing a combination of both. This hybrid experience is different for each member of the team. The good news is that a few real-world Feng Shui tips can help you achieve balance between your personal and work lives.

For more than 23 years, I have inspired diverse groups ranging from 5 to 500 with my in-person workshops. Now, I'm offering customized versions of the same presentations via Zoom. I have taught thousands of clients, readers, and students the simple secrets of using Feng Shui to improve their lives and careers, and now I can teach them to you and your group virtually. The "Feng Shui for the New Hybrid Workplace" webinar is specially designed to meet the needs of the new hybrid workforce.

This 1-hour webinar will show each employee how to make Feng Shui “go to work” for them. They will learn how to rearrange their space, shift their energy, and achieve calm in this rapidly-changing world. In this fun and informative session, I share simple and often low-cost tips for using Feng Shui to transform both a home and workplace office. There will be plenty of time for questions.

I will customize the webinar for your group, but a typical session includes:
  • Overview
  • Group Icebreaker
  • Five Power Principles
  • Transformation Tools
  • Top 10 Tips
  • Resources
  • Q&A

All my webinars include customized training that I create to meet the specific needs of your organization, office, or group. I also offer this and other training on a one-to-one basis for individuals. Check out some examples on my website.


People are talking about Carol's Feng Shui Webinars for the New Workplace!
Thank you so much for hosting such a great presentation today. We’ve received really positive feedback from everyone, and I’m so happy to know there are small steps I can take to really feel more comfortable and positive every day.
– EG, Operations Manager, Washington, DC
 
Thank you again for the webinar yesterday. We got great feedback and tons of excitement around it. We hope to have you back sometime soon.
– AJH, Senior Manager, New York, NY

VIDEOS & CLASSES
NEW!
Feng Shui for Your Office
Take a look at the video I did for the "Interview with the Experts" series for Interior Motions, a custom office design firm in California. I share tips for bringing Feng Shui into any office. I also talk about the Five Power Principles of Feng Shui, how any office can implement these principles to increase productivity, and what you should avoid doing when arranging an office. And of course, I talk about avoiding clutter in the workplace.


Grow Your Business with Feng Shui
My 90-minute, self-paced video course includes tips for activating the Career/Work bagua area, along with simple changes you make at home to advance your career or business. You'll learn six amazing tips to 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.

People Are Talking About Carol's Classes: 

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
DID YOU KNOW?

Carol M. Olmstead, FSIA, is certified by the Feng Shui Institute of America and earned Red Ribbon Professional Status from the International Feng Shui Guild.

Articles in the Feng Shui To The Rescue Newsletter are copyrighted, but can be shared with credit to Carol M. Olmstead as author and link to www.FengShuiForRealLife.com.
FengShuiForRealLife.com 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.

©2022, Carol M. Olmstead