Happiness and Feng Shui Go Hand in Hand

The song said, “Don’t Worry Be Happy,” I say “Don’t Worry Feng Shui.” Feng Shui is all about creating an environment that will make you happy. As I was reading Getchen Rubin’s book “The Happiness Project” I was amazed to see how the recommendations paralleled Feng Shui principles.

•    Boost Your Energy (In Feng Shui enhance your Friend, Family and Health Area)
•    Remember Love (In Feng Shui enhance your Love and Marriage Area)
•    Aim Higher (In Feng Shui enhance your Career and Fame Area)
•    Lighten Up (In Feng Shui declutter and organize)
•    Be Serious About Play (In Feng Shui enhance your Child and Creativity Area)
•    Make Time for Friends (In Feng Shui enhance your Friend, Family and Health Area)
•    Buy Some Happiness (In Feng Shui enhance your Helpful People Area)
•    Contemplate the Heavens (In Feng Shui enhance your Knowledge and Self Cultivation and   
       Helpful People Area)
•    Pursue a Passion (In Feng Shui enhance your Knowledge and Self Cultivation as well as
      Creativity Areas)
•    Pay Attention (In Feng Shui enhance your Knowledge and Self Cultivation Area)

But most of all “Keep a Contented Heart”

I recommend this book to my Feng Shui followers. As Gretchen states “Time is passing…focus on the things that really matter.”

Happy reading and happy Feng Shui!

Gratitude and its Positive Effects on Feng Shui

 Cherish Your Journey!

Feng Shui is all about the journey, positive affirmations and expressing gratitude.

“Gratitude is important to happiness. Studies show that consistently grateful people are happier and more satisfied with their lives; they even feel more physically healthy and spend more time exercising. Gratitude makes it easier to live within your means, brings freedom from envy and connects you to the natural world.” Gretchen Rubin

In her book, “The Happiness Project” Ms. Rubin gives gratitude such importance that she keeps a daily Gratitude Notebook, each day writing what she is grateful for. This has made her aware of her many blessings.

UC Davis professor Robert Emmons studied the effect the effects of gratitude on physical health, physiological well being, and on our relationship with others.  In his studies he also advocated for a Gratitude Journal.  In studies of thousands of people from ages 8-80 he found that people who practice gratitude consistently report the following benefits:

Physical:
•    Stronger immune systems
•    Less bothered by aches and pains
•    Lower blood pressure
•    Exercise more and take better care of themselves
•    Sleep longer and feel more refreshed upon waking
Psychological:
•    Higher level of positive emotions
•    More alert, alive and awake
•    More joy and pleasure
•    More optimism and happiness
Social:
•    More helpful, generous, and compassionate
•    More forgiving
•    More outgoing
•    Feel  less lonely and isolated

I feel grateful for my family and readers who are on this lovely journey with me!

The  dragonfly plaque was given to me by a dear friend and is used to enhance the  Children and Creativity area in our home. It is a constant reminder of gratefulness for the journey with my loved ones!

The Feng Shui of Family Rooms

Many homes have Family Rooms or Great Rooms which serve numerous purposes. They tend to be multipurpose rooms and need to be balanced and structured to meet the needs of all family members.

A small child needs a place to play with toys. This toddler is given his own space, a creative activity center, for him to express himself in the Children and Creativity area of the Family Room.

Older children need places to do homework and work on the computer. Adults as well as children need a place to relax, socialize, watch TV, and listen to music.

When designing your ideal Family Room take some Feng Shui recommendations for better harmony and family happiness:

 Include adequate storage such as chests, trunks, drawers and cabinets for family members to stay organized. (Notice the organized shelves for the toddler's toys.)

• If possible put electrical equipment behind closed doors for a calm room when not viewing.
• Choose tables with rounded corners that are made of easy care materials. 
• Use easy care floor coverings.
• Choose bright, happy colors.
• Include very comfy casual sofas and chairs.

The toddler we viewed above has his special center in the children's area behind this comfy couch. The table also acts as a tray and a place where the children can play. It's easy care and spills wipe right up.

Have fun with it and enjoy the positive bonding energy that Family Rooms bring to your household.