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SPRING 2004
IN THIS ISSUE
Presidents Letter
Feng Shui in the Garden
Introduction to Pyramid Feng Shui
Feng Shui Tips for Losing Weight
Members Only
New Zealand – Lessons Learned About Sacred Spaces
Why Feng Shui in North America (Written in English and French)
How-To Put Some Spring Back Into Your Office:
Seven Steps to Creating a Clean and Organized Home Office
Events - Global Love Day
Practitioners Page
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Spring 2004 FSII 155 West Lakeshore Drive, Rockaway,
NJ 07866
email: info@fengshui-ii.org
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Presidents Letter
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The pansies and daffodils are popping their heads out of
the ground, showing their sunny funny faces. Many of the trees in
Maryland, where I live, are starting to bud and show new growth. Yes,
spring is in the air and you'll find many articles related to Feng Shui
and spring in this first issue for 2004 of WindWater.
Everything is starting to 'spring' back to life and grow
again, just as FSII is doing and I'm delighted to be a part of this new
growth. Our membership drive was very successful and still on going as
others find their way back to us, discovering all the fabulous new
benefits we've planted, watered, tended over, and are now blossoming into
real life usable benefits to help you in your business. After you read
the newsletter I encourage you to look around our web site as I'm sure
you'll discover something new in 'bloom' that you can use.
Harmony and Balance to All,
Janet L. Hall, FSII President
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Feng Shui in the Garden
by Sylvia Watson, FSII and Connie Spruill, FSII, MA
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Feng Shui is an ancient practice that is used to arrange the spaces in which we live, work, relax, and play so that the
surroundings are harmonious with the activities occurring in those spaces. The Chinese have always believed that when a
harmonious interaction of people connecting with space occurs, then we experience abundance in all areas of life. Sound a little
hokey? If you can understand how difficult it would be to relax and unwind in a bright red room or to be alert and cheery in a
dark gray room, then you already understand the basic tenets of Feng Shui - that the environment you inhabit influences you.
Feng Shui’s underlying theme is that of nature – the laws of nature are the laws of life. So it is in the garden that we begin to
understand the wisdom and practicality of Feng Shui. Ancient Chinese people had a close connection to the land because their
survival depended upon it. By studying nature, they were able to
find the best location for their dwellings that offered protection from the elements and threatening terrain. And when they
designed their gardens, the Chinese incorporated the existing landscape such as rocks, vegetation and other natural forms in
nature. In other words, the Chinese “built” their gardens starting
with what already existed in the space.
Our western culture has for centuries, focused more on “planting” a garden than in building one. This concept no doubt
is the result of our history in staking out new territories and claiming them as our own, tearing down vegetation and then
moving rocks or whatever else was in our way to make room for
our growing population. We then spent many years after that re-planting around our new dwellings to bring back the beauty of
nature that once existed before us.
While westerners incorporate color in their landscape for the beauty of it, in Feng
Shui, colors are chosen for very specific reasons. Color can be added to correspond and complement an
element in nature. For instance the color yellow represents the earth element in the Chinese culture and would be incorporated
in the garden through variegated leaves in hostas, grasses and flowers. Color can also used to bring about an emotional
response. The color blue, for example, is known for its affect in lowering the blood pressure and would be an excellent choice to
create a sense of calm in a healing garden. This can be achieved
by using blue flowers, grasses and leafy plants with a blue hue to them. Color in a
Feng Shui garden can also support the theme of a
“garden room.” Where blue might be used in a soothing, healing garden, a “lover’s garden” would be sprinkled with shades of
red and pink to set the mood.
Living in accordance with nature is at the heart of Feng Shui. With this in mind, here are some tips that will help gardeners benefit
from Feng Shui concepts.
1. Work to preserve what naturally thrives in your specific geographic region; take cues from nature herself by planting
indigenous trees and vegetation while incorporating existing rocks and other forms to build a natural landscape.
2. Yard art can be added however in Feng Shui, the items used are purposely chosen and placed, each having significant
meaning.
3. To build on nature’s theme, vegetation that attracts butterflies, birds and other friendly critters serves to add life or “chi” of the
garden. Chi is a term synonymous with vitality or energy and is considered one of the most important components of Feng
Shui.
4. Mix shapes and sizes of plants in your garden so that no one tree or plant overwhelms the others.
5. Be careful not to plant trees that will block the front door as it obscures your view of those who approach your home.
6. Besides appearing friendly, the front entry should be clear and identifiable.
7. Nature prefers asymmetrical balance over symmetrical, a design feature that is often missing in western gardens.
8. Create paths that meander or curve; there are no straight lines found in nature.
9. Less is more in a Feng Shui garden. A densely planted garden will be less interesting to the eye than one with a few interesting
plants, yard art, rocks and other items you choose to use.
10. Feng Shui gardens are designed to look attractive in all four seasons, not just the warm weather months. For that reason, use
shrubs and trees that are green all year round e.g. bay, laurel, box and privet.
So, as you revisit your garden designs this year think of building rather than planting. And remember, all
Feng Shui gardens have a
specific purpose. When you know your purpose, design will follow. Ask yourself, “What would Mother Nature grow here?
How would she sculpt this space to harmonize with my purpose and help me form connections to nature and the universe that I
inhabit?”
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Sylvia Watson and Connie Spruill, co-owners of Healing Environments with Feng
Shui, Inc., are faculty members of the Feng Shui Institute of America. They are regularly featured
speakers at Home and Garden shows, business conferences and other professional events. Co-authors of Feng Shui With What
You Have, they also write a regular column for a holistic health publication,
Wellpointe, called “Feng Shui Today”. You can contact them at 614-258-3299 or at
healenvir@sbcglobal.net
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Introduction to Pyramid Feng Shui
by Jodi Price, O.D., FSII
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Feng Shui was developed by the Chinese thousands of years ago. It was based on the art of placement and use of symbols of the culture that would affect a person’s fate. Some schools of ancient
Feng Shui were using compass locations, landforms, and astrological planetary positioning as the tools for changing space.
Pyramid Feng Shui was developed by America’s foremost authority in the field, Nancilee Wydra. By definition pyramid
Feng Shui is a Western multidisciplinary approach of altering the environment to create a person-place connection that is more supportive and nurturing to the entity or individual.
Let us breakdown this definition into specific components. What is a multidisciplinary approach and what does this mean as
it relates to pyramid Feng Shui?
Pyramid Feng Shui takes already documented scientific research from many affiliated disciplines and uses this information as
building blocks as the basis for changing space.
For example:
Biology/Geology
Affects of landforms and vegetation on the individual
Psychology
Documented scientific research as to the emotional affects of space, color, texture, stimulation vs. absence of stimulation etc.
on the individual
Chemistry/Physics
The physiological effects of electrical and electromagnetic energies on the human body.
The effects of chemical “outgassing” of products in our environment on the human body.
Sociology
The documented cultural differences of space and requirement of spaces
Architecture
Space configurations and functionality of the space
And a plug for Optometry
Vision, color, light. Vision problems can create special needs that affect how an
individual reacts to the environment . Light vs. lack of light—Seasonal Affective Disorder
The second portion of the definition deals with creating a person/place connection that is supportive and nurturing to the entity or individual.
A. This could be:
1. person—does the space support what the person desires
2. business-efficiency concerns
3. public place-does the space satisfy it’s intended purpose and support those who use the space
B. How can one maximize the connection to purpose to achieve goals and desires
1. love/relationships
2. money/success
3. connection to purpose
PYRAMID FENG SHUI considers the individual’s purpose and goals and utilizes the place /space as the TOOL to satisfy
the desired result . Pyramid Feng Shui bases its recommendations on already documented scientific data from related fields of
study.
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Jodi Price, FSII is a doctor in Optometry. She has added the designation of
Feng Shui practitioner to her credentials when she
experienced for herself, the health benefits realized from her own personal consultation. She is a certified Pyramid Feng Shui
Practitioner through the Feng Shui Institute of America. Being a doctor in the field of eye care, she is researching the impact that
the sense of sight has on the overall healing process. Look for her published results in 2004. Ms. Price concentrates her
Feng Shui outreach to all of Ohio.
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Feng Shui Tips for Losing Weight
By Barbara Taylor, FSII
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Are you having a hard time sticking to a weight loss program? Challenged with your exercise regime? You are not alone!
Daily news reports tell us that Americans are facing the biggest weight challenge in history. And while a sensible diet and
exercise are the foundation to any weight loss program, your environment also plays a big role and may be thwarting your
efforts! The principles of Feng Shui can help put you back on the road to success.
Pyramid Feng Shui is a contemporary, western approach to Feng Shui, and derives its name from its systematic approach of
getting to the core of an issue before identifying recommendations (just as you must sure up the base of a
pyramid for stability). For any single root cause, there are a myriad of environmental solutions involving color, scent, sound,
shapes, plants, and the like. Here are a few common examples:
1. Challenge: Getting motivated to begin your program. The element of Wood supports new beginnings and change (visualize
the upward reach of a tree inspiring momentum to surge forward). A plant is a life force, representative of Wood, and
will serve as a symbol of your commitment to “turning over a new leaf” with a fresh start on your health regime. As you begin
each day anew, water and nurture your new plant (perhaps a geranium), as you nurture yourself.
2. Challenge: Maintaining your energy during a workout. The element of Fire, like the flames themselves, represents action and
movement. Perhaps music with the quality of Fire is just what you need to spark up your exercise routine! Music has a
profound effect on mood, concentration and energy. When the brain receives sound information from the eardrums and likes
what it hears, it begins releasing endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers and mood lifters. Salsa, rumba, rock, or any music
with a lively rhythm and beat can get the heart racing, increase respiration, and get the body moving.
3. Challenge: Eating when you are stressed or
agitated. Many
people eat as a substitute for an emotional response. While it is important to confront and deal with the core issue, you can
support yourself by adding the Earth element to your environment. Earth has calming properties that help you feel
grounded, stable and secure. So before you reach for the cookies, try inhaling a scent such as patchouli or myrrh. When
you inhale, the fragrance is processed in the primitive brain, which is tied to emotion and instinctive behavior.
4. Challenge: Eating as a way to procrastinate completing work. How can you stay focused on the task at hand? The Metal
element has properties to support focus and concentration. Try placing a round, shiny object (a coin, marble, rounded
paperweight) on your desk. A round shape inhibits drifting away, helping the mind stay focused.
5. Challenge: Eating too quickly. The brain needs 20 minutes to register that the stomach is full. If you can slow the pace of
eating, you will eat less. Try incorporating the color of the Water element, by switching to blue plates. The color blue has been
scientifically proven to slow down the body by reducing blood
pressure and pulse rate. In fact, the term blue plate special was popularized during the Depression, when restaurateurs found that
diners were satisfied with smaller portions of food when it was served on a blue plate!
I hope you find these ideas helpful! But keep in mind that changing the color scheme and buying new CDs is only part of
the solution (and will not help an unsuspecting spouse to magically lose 30 pounds!). For long-term success, the most
important factor is your intention and commitment to stay the course. With that, Feng Shui is the perfect complement to your
diet and exercise program.
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Barbara Taylor is a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, Executive Director of FSII and owner of Inspired by Design. She teaches classes and consults with homeowners and businesses and can be reached at (973) 586-3744 or via her website
www.inspired-bydesign.com
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Feng Shui and Color Blindness
by Jodi Price, OD, FSII
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This article is for FSII Members Only.
FSII members can read this article by clicking HERE and
log into
the members
only site.
Sneak Peek:
>>Overview of color blind condition
>>Three forms of abnormal color vision
>>Consultant develop common language with which to communicate with
clients
>>How to deal with clients with color blind or color deficient
>>Testing for color confusion
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New Zealand – Lessons Learned About Sacred Spaces
By Susan Ediss, FSII
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On a recent trip to Australia and New Zealand, I went in search of the meaning of sacred spaces to the aboriginal peoples of the area, particularly the Maori. Although these natives of New Zealand suffered a fate similar to that of the Native Americans, they are now free to practice their elder's ways and customs and to preserve their unique identity. What I found is that the traditional Maori definition of sacred spaces is much more inclusive than that of a westerner's. Those of us who live in the western world seem to become too distracted to relate spiritually to our daily lives...to our gardens, our homes, perhaps to anything or anyone else. Our fast pace, our gadgets and technology, our workaday world, all serve to pull us from that inner peace and spirituality that we crave and that seems to come so easily to a people who
live more simply as the Maori do.
The Maori are a spiritually-centered culture who lives in harmony with nature (at least traditionally). They didn't fight nature or change it drastically to suit their own purposes as we so voraciously do, but rather they lived in rhythm with it.
They used the land to meet their basic needs, but the land brought to them much more than that. It was their spiritual connection to themselves and their culture. We visited a reconstructed sacred Maori village near Auckland which gave us a glimpse of how that spirituality permeates the lives of the Maori. The center building of the village was the worship area where quiet reigned. My fellow travelers and I experienced the same feeling in that spot that we do when we enter our own buildings of worship. I was
enveloped with overwhelmingly warm feelings there. As we proceeded through the village to the village kitchen, I imagined a host of family and friends sharing in each other's company and preparing together for a feast. A sense of community, oneness and spirituality was evident. So, while the Maori allow spirituality to permeate their everyday lives, and probably most of us find that solace and peace perhaps primarily in a house of worship, we seem to share similar feelings and needs with the Maori. We need to incorporate these feelings and needs into our own daily lives.
Most people, whether here or there, desire a place where one can reconnect with one's inner self, and feel one with one's
environment and with those around us. For me, my back porch is my personal sacred space. It's where I love to be. Wherever
they are, sacred spaces help us find ourselves and to experience
a quiet that is so deep it is hard to record. Such spaces help us to connect with ourselves and others, and, while each person's
vision of a sacred space is uniquely his own, the feelings of peace and well-being that such an environment evokes are universal.
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Susan Edis, FSII is a Certified Pyramid Feng Shui Practitioner in Marco
Island, FL. You can email Susan at edisssuzan@aol.com
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Why Feng Shui in North America (English)
By Marie-Claude Joron, FSII
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Marie-Claude Joron explains: “Why Feng Shui” People often ask me why I chose
Feng Shui. I believe with great
conviction that our environment has a significant impact on our lives, our perceptions and our well-being. Taking care of our
environment is as necessary to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, as taking care of our self with exercise, good
eating habits, etc. Moreover, consciousness of what surrounds us and of the relevance of our environment requires
consciousness of self. Hence, taking care of our outer world, nurtures our inner world. This is comparable to a wheel in
motion, a dynamic and continuous process of balancing and of search for harmony. Winston Churchill said: “We shape our
buildings, thereafter they shape us”. Is this not so deeply true!
Today, most people have heard of Feng Shui. Unfortunately, many false perceptions surround this mysterious “wind water”,
which is often associated with Chinese practices that are either misunderstood or even made fun of. I explain to those who are
interested, that is my clients, colleagues, students and others, that Feng
Shui is indeed of ancient origins and of a culture that is far
from our day-to-day practices. I add however that placed in a contemporary North-American context,
Feng Shui can be applied
in a creative and intuitive way, but also in a way that is practical, pragmatic, ergonomic, etc. and conscious… most importantly
conscious. Conscious of the people who will live and/or work in the environment in question. In other words, if
Feng Shui is
practiced correctly, with consciousness of our Western reality
and of the specificities of each individual, it becomes a form of design for the purpose of well-being, while still incorporating
aesthetics. Thanks to a non-generic approach, the Feng Shui consultant becomes complementary to the architect and to
building & interior designers.
When speaking of my work, I often refer to: “Energy Enhancing Design”, since in my opinion, this is the premise of
Feng Shui,
regardless of the school of thought. This premise’s quest is to find the ideal level of energy, which is offered by an environment.
However, it is important to emphasize that the ideal level of
energy is different for each individual. For instance, a young salesperson should not have the same type of office as an
established accountant. This is not only for reasons of projected image or of aesthetics, but also for their potential to reach
different career goals.
Since I choose an approach that is conscious of the individual, one that is non generic and on the contrary very personalized,
this “contemporary” Feng Shui, which I practice, becomes more pertinent and tangible according to our beliefs and our more
concrete way of doing things. Hence, “a comprehension and
manipulation of dynamic energy, between external and internal environments, in order to support those who live or work there”,
well describes the reason-for-being of my work.
Feng Shui is not magic and certainly does not consist of an external solution to an inner lacking or to unconsciousness. It is
not a linear or causal solution, but rather a dynamic, multidimensional process, constantly in movement, in space and
time.
I believe that Feng Shui must not disappear. I believe that it does not simply consist of a fad to quickly “gobble up”, as we often
do with the many “news”, which our North-American world of abundance offers us. I believe, on the contrary, that it should
become an integral part of our dynamic lives, in evolution,
constantly growing, on a path, which exists to feed our souls.
Hence, I profoundly believe that Feng Shui is necessary. I would even say that that it is crucial, given the uncertain environment
that we live in today.
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You can reach Marie-Claude Joron, Certified Feng Shui Designer-Artiste, at 514.762.5428 or via her email address:
mcjoron@aol.com . Her website: www.mcjfengshui.com
is always available for your information needs.
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Pourquoi le Feng Shui en Amérique du Nord (French)
By Marie-Claude Joron, FSII
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Marie-Claude Joron explique : « Pourquoi le Feng Shui » On me demande souvent pourquoi j’ai choisi le
Feng Shui. Je
crois avec grande conviction, que notre environnement a un impact significatif sur notre vie, nos perceptions et notre
bien-être. Prendre soin de son environnement est aussi nécessaire à notre santé physique, mentale, émotionnelle et
spirituelle, que de prendre soin de soi-même, à l’aide d’exercice,
d’une alimentation saine, etc. Qui plus est, une conscience de ce qui nous entoure et ainsi de la pertinence de notre
environnement, demande une conscience de soi-même. Bref, soigner notre extérieur, nourrit notre intérieur. On observe une
roue qui tourne, un processus dynamique de ré-équilibre et de
recherche d’harmonie continue. Winston Churchill a dit: « We shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us ». N’est-ce pas
profondément vrai!
Aujourd’hui le terme feng shui est connu par la plupart des gens. Malheureusement, plusieurs fausses perceptions tournent autour
de ce « vent eau » mystérieux, qui est souvent associé à des
pratiques Chinoises par moment incomprises et par d’autres même ridiculisées. J’explique aux intéressés, soit mes clients,
collègues, étudiants et autres, que le feng shui est effectivement de source ancienne et de culture loin de nos pratiques courantes.
J’ajoute par contre, que placé dans un contexte contemporain
Nord-Américain, le feng shui peut être appliqué de façon créative et intuitive, mais aussi d’une manière pratique,
pragmatique, ergonomique, etc. et consciente… surtout consciente. Consciente des gens qui habiteront et/ou oeuvreront
au sein de l’environnement en question. Bref, le feng shui, pratiqué correctement, avec conscience de notre réalité
occidentale et des spécificités de chaque individu, devient un mode de design pour des fins de bien-être, même s’il intègre
toujours une dimension d’esthétique. Grâce à une approche non générique, le consultant feng shui devient complémentaire à
l’architecte et aux designers d’immeubles et d’intérieur.
Dans mon travail, je parle souvent de « Design en Énergie Éveillée », puisque selon moi, cela consiste en la prémisse du
feng shui, peu importe l’école de pensée. Cette prémisse est à la quête d’un niveau d’énergie idéal, offert par un environnement.
Par contre, il est important de souligner que le niveau d’énergie idéal est différent pour chaque individu. À titre d’exemple, un
jeune représentant des ventes ne devrait pas avoir le même type de bureau qu’un comptable arrivé. Ceci n’est pas seulement une
question d’image projetée ou d’esthétique, mais aussi de potentiel de réalisation d’objectifs de carrière.
Puisque j’opte pour une approche avec conscience de l’individu, non générique et au contraire plutôt personnalisée, ce feng shui «contemporain » que je pratique, devient plus pertinent et tangible
selon nos croyances et manières concrètes de faire les choses. Bref, « une compréhension et manipulation de l’énergie
dynamique, entre l’environnement externe et interne, dans le but d’appuyer les gens qui y habitent et y oeuvrent », décrit bien la
raison d’être de mon travail.
Le feng shui n’est pas formule magique et ne consiste surtout pas en la solution externe à un manque ou une inconscience interne.
Ce n’est pas une réponse linéaire ou causale, mais plutôt un processus dynamique, multidimensionnel, constamment en
mouvement dans l’espace et le temps.
Je crois que le feng shui ne doit pas disparaître. Je crois qu’il ne consiste pas en une simple mode à consommer rapidement,
comme nous le faisons souvent avec les nombreux « new », qui
nous sont offerts dans notre monde d’abondance Nord-Américain. Je crois au contraire, qu’il doit faire partie intégrale
de notre vie dynamique, en évolution, en croissance, sur un chemin qui existe afin de nourrir notre âme.
Bref, je crois profondément que le feng shui est nécessaire. Je dirais même, qu’il est aujourd’hui primordial, étant donné
l’environnement incertain dans lequel nous vivons.
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Vous pouvez contacter Marie-Claude Joron, Designer-Artiste feng shui certifiée, au 514.762.5428 ou à son adresse de
courriel: mcjoron@aol.com. Son site Internet: mcjfengshui.com est toujours disponible pour vos besoins
d’information.
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How-To Put Some Spring Back Into Your Office:
Seven Steps to Creating a Clean and Organized Home Office
by: Janet L. Hall
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Step 1: Make an Appointment With Yourself
Decide what day, evening and time you will do your clean and organize AND how long you will work on your office.
I decided to clean and organize my office until it was completed. It took me about 2-3 hours. Your might not have a full 2-3 hours
at one time, or yours might take longer then mine, so work one area or wall a day until completed.
I highly recommend that you make the time to do as much as you can in one day. If you don't you will probably never finish....until
next time.
Step 2: Prepare and Gather Your Tools
Gather up your cleaning tools: broom (good for reaching cobwebs), feather duster, polish and polish rag, window cleaner
and paper towels, vacuum cleaner or mop and pail, garbage, recycling, and donate containers.
Step 3: Set the Mood
Select music to play while you're cleaning and organizing. I like to play different types of music and sometimes will select music
that I haven't listened to in awhile.
Select some incense or a scented candle to burn while you are working.
=>Two great scents to evoke a clean feeling is orange or lemon.
=>Some scents to help reduce any stress or overwhelm you might feel while doing these tasks are mint, lavender, marjoram,
melissa, rosemary, and eucalyptus.
=>Lime will help elevate your mood and basil will help cheer you.
Try different ones, find the one that suits you and enjoy.
Step 4: Where and How to Start Cleaning
Stand at the threshold of your room and start on the left hand wall. You'll be working your away around the room in a
'productive' clockwise motion.
==>Cobwebs, Bugs and Dust
I believe cobwebs can represent your thoughts being so wrapped up in different tasks, like the spider wrapping it's prey,
that you become disfoucsed on what's important and unable to move toward your goals. You're stuck like the spider's prey.
For myself I generally will not kill bugs. I will either take them outside, usually a lady bug or spider unless they become real
annoying, like a fly. If I can't manage to shoo them out the door then I use my friend Paula's saying, "Fly, if you haven't met Jesus
yet you're about to." Swat.
Dust can hold the chaos of your yesterdays and serve as a reminder that you haven't dusted in awhile. Some look at having
dust as a sign of laziness and uncaring. Some, like myself, have more important things to do <LOL>. I always tell people they
can drop in and visit me anytime; however if they want to visit
my house make an appointment because I'm not a duster. I do dust; however not daily or weekly.
Okay. Ready? Let's get rid of all the cobwebs, bugs, and dust!
=>Sweep your broom against the ceiling from corner to corner and don't forget to sweep down the corners, real good, because
fuzzy little cobwebs like to live in those dark corners.
=>If you have a closet in your office don't forget to sweep inside that ceiling space and corners.
=>Sweep or feather dust the walls, around all your window casements and sills, under your furniture, especially your desk
and chair, and all four baseboards.
=>If you have ceiling beams don't forget to sweep on each side of them and in their corners.
=>If you have a ceiling fan don't forget to sweep/dust the fan blades.
=>Remove window screens and wash to remove cobwebs, bugs, dust, or nicotine, if you are a smoker.
=>Take all window coverings, cushions, pillows, and throw carpets outside. Shake out or beat them with your hands or
broom (make sure you have gotten all the cobwebs and bugs off your broom before you do this). Set them out in the sun to bring
some Yang energy back into your office. If any of the above
items need to be washed (have they ever been washed?) throw them in your washer now.
=>Dust and polish all your furniture. Clean all your surface areas, lamps and lighting, and under the furniture. Don't forget to
dust the light bulbs and while you're at it add a drop or two of the scent you are using. For awhile, each time you have the light
on, the heat from the light bulb will act as a diffuser, causing the scent to be dispelled throughout your office.
=>Clean your computer. Don't forget to dust off your keyboard, monitor, and CPU. You can purchase special little
dust blowers or vacuums for around the keys and fans.
==>Plants and Fountains
=>If you have plants in your home office, trim and prune, making sure you remove all dead leaves, flowers, and limbs. Give your
plants a healthy drink of water with a growth enhancer mixed in.
=>If you have a fountain, empty all the water and give the fountain, stones, and pump a good soaking in hot soapy water. If
you have hard water build up place these items in the sink. Sprinkle baking powder all over and then pour on white vinegar.
The solution will start to bubble, yet it's safe, no fumes. Rinse
completely before using again. Don't forget to clean that little filter inside your pump.
==>Vacuum, sweep, and/or mop your office floor.
Tip: I highly recommend you do all the above tasks at least every other week so you and your space don't become stuck and
stagnant.
Step 5: Where and How to Start Organizing
==>Desk and Drawers
=>I recommend that you start with my desk top. Take everything off your desk top and only put back what you use
daily. Don't forget to dust if you haven't already.
=>Empty a drawer at a time. Only put back what you use or refer to on a daily or weekly basis, storing like items with like
items. Make sure you wipe the inside of your desk drawers to remove any dust or grime.
==>Cords and Wires
Bundle up and organize your computer cords or wires, phone lines, and any other electrical wires. You can either use a
wire tie or a tube to keep your wires neat, safe, and organized. Check out
http://www.overhall.com/organize_living_space.htm
for the one I recommend.
==>Computer CD and Disks
For all your computer disks or CD's I recommend making a computer notebook to store them in. Toss out all the boxes you
might have saved from your software programs. Get a three-ringed notebook and purchase three ringed CD or Disk Sheets.
Don't forget to store any key codes or pass codes with the CD or Disk. You can also store instructions and manuals in this
notebook. Your local office supply store should carry CD and disk sheets that hold 2 to four to a sheet.
==>Bookcases
If you have bookcases remove all the books and dust off the shelves. Place like books with like books back on the
shelves. This way you can easily and effortlessly find what you need when needed. Only put books back that you use, refer to,
or are reading. Donate the rest to your local library or a shelter.
Step 6: Look Outside
This task I decided to do when the weather warmed up; however I wanted to mention it now. After all it might be nice
and warm where you are...wish I was there!
=>Look out your windows. What do you see? Can you even see clearly out your windows. Wash your windows inside and
out.
=>Do you see any overgrowth? Cut it back or down.
=>Do you see garbage, garbage can or recycling? Pick it up, remove it, or move to a different location where it's not visible to
you.
=>Do you see cobwebs or dead bugs? I have an extension off my back windows so I have an overhang where I can see all the
cobwebs and spider sacs plus some old bees nests, which I'll save and give to my grand children. Let's water spray or knock
them down with your broom on the outside of the house.
Don't neglect what you can see and don't like looking at. Take care of those items as soon as possible.
Step 7: Organizing Your Papers and Files
The one thing I didn't touch on yet is your paper files. If you would like help with your office paper, files, and other office
related organizing then please check out my 3 set audio tape, How to OverHall Your Office so You Can Make More Money
and workbook at: http://www.overhall.com/Overhall_Your_Office.htm
This normally sells for $34.95; however until April 15th you can
get $10 off so I can help you get your office more organized for spring.
I'm also in the process of putting together an e-mail course for sorting and organizing your home papers and files. If you would
like to be notified or would like more information about this upcoming e-mail course, please e-mail me and let me know at
janet@overhall.com
=====================
Janet L. Hall, FSII, The Organizing and Feng Shui Wizard,
offers a free report on how to sort your clutter when you sign up
for her free newsletter, OverHall IT! at
http://www.overhall.com/newsletter.htm
=====================
Events
=====================
The Feng Shui community is invited
to assist in a powerful feng shui cure for our beautiful planet!
GLOBAL LOVE DAY
MAY 1, 2004
"Love Begins With Me"
As feng shui practitioners, we can collectively utilize the most powerful energy that exists ….. Unconditional love!
This powerful intention will create an amazing shift in mankind's awareness resulting in a grand transformation of our Earth home and family. The "light of the soul" spoken about in the ancient Chinese proverb is this unconditional loving energy that we all possess.
Through the intention of self love and loving others, even those difficult to love,
the instant reward is peace! Through this "love intention," harmony and peace becomes the immediate result.
Another ancient Proverb states: "AS WE THINK, SO SHALL WE BE" …let us "think" (our intention) to "love one another as ourselves"!
Please feel free to visit the website, www.thelovefoundation.com
, click on the link and join people in over 24 countries in an effort to raise the energy of the world to the highest vibration of love! Become a "Love Ambassador" and add your beautiful spirit to this initiative.
The Love Foundation is honored that FSII supports GLOBAL LOVE DAY.
Namaste,
Lanis Chidel
Tampa, Florida
Allied FSII
The Vision
The Love Foundation is delighted to announce the first annual GLOBAL LOVE DAY on May 1, 2004 with this year's theme of Love Begins With Me. Join people from around the world as we acknowledge, celebrate and share the love we have within.
This is a special day of recalling that love is the link that binds us all. It is also the awesome power that heals and transforms everything it contacts. Each of us is a potent force of love when we allow this energy to express itself.
There is nothing we have to ultimately do, rather we need only allow ourselves to feel and be love. It is that simple.
Global Love Day is merely our way of saying let's remember love is ours to be and to share every moment of our lives. We understand this day is a symbol of what we can do every day of the year. Our intent is to join together in a conscious recognition that love is always present.
For so many, love is often hidden under layers of hurt, trauma, drama, pain and suffering. Emotional memories, unspoken doubt, fear, resentment and a multitude of old beliefs often keep us from realizing these thoughts and feelings have no real power over us. We give them power by living in the past and being afraid of the future. We ignore the love that is present every moment while embracing limitation. It is time to change that. It is time to release ourselves from our own self created bondage.
You and I have the opportunity to make a difference. Together we can embrace our unlimited self, the part of us that knows love and expresses it naturally and simply. It is when we accept ourselves just for who we are that we transform the moment into peace, security, joy and love. This process begins with releasing our limiting beliefs, past mistakes, lack of self worth, pride and ego through the conscious act of forgiveness.
It is up to us as individuals to undertake this journey. We begin the transformation when we turn within and accept our self. We change the world when we change our perspective.
As we come to know who we are and why we act and react the way we do, we start to see ourselves in the faces of humanity. The reflection of hurt is our hurt, their pain is our pain, another's anger is our anger. It is also seen in the face of nature. Her destruction is our destruction. These seemingly random expressions are our past thoughts seeking manifestation. It is our constant reminder that love is the answer.
We build a new reality in this current moment when we let go. When we choose love over fear, kindness over hate, integration over separation, and peace over war, we bring a new reflection to humanity ... our loving selves.
So, please accept our invitation to love. Join us hand-in-hand as we share our love on this planet once again.
Love, light, and peace,
Harold W. Becker
Founder/President
FSII Teleseminar Events:
We currently have 11 teleseminars planned through July.
Please click here for dates, details, and how
to register.
FSII offers educational teleseminars on a year round
basis. We invite you to attend our
upcoming sessions on a variety of feng
shui related subjects, as well as business and marketing topics. You can
learn from experts in the field, all from the comfort of your own home!
=====================
Practitioners Page
Getting to Know You
Because our membership is scattered throughout the world, it
is difficult to form relationships. Even so, we are all connected by common
threads,
the strongest being our passion for feng shui. However, without a
network,
fellowship, and association, we become disjointed and isolated. That
is why the Feng Shui Institute International, Inc. was formed. With that in mind, we started a regular column called "In the Spotlight" which
features at lest one FSII member - it is one more way we can get to know each other and establish a stronger bond. These are your peers! Any professional
member of FSII interested in being the topic of
"In the Spotlight"
can contact Sylvia Watson by EMAIL or
call 1-614-258-3299
Until Next Season...
If you would like to submit an article, event, or be
included in our newsletter, Please see our publishing schedule HERE
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