Feng Shui Living Spaces

Our living spaces can become nurturing homes for us when we make sure that our surroundings accurately reflect who we are as individuals and who we aspire to become. No matter how positive and creative you may be in your inner world, if your home or work surroundings are contradictory or present energetic barriers, you are likely to find it difficult to manifest all that you desire. By paying attention to the flow of energy around you, you can align your inner intentions with your outer realities to make your life a conscious act of creation.

In Feng Shui the words “feng” and “shui” mean “wind” and “water. Walk through your home and imagine the way these elements would flow through your space. You can evaluate whether or not your home is a balanced ecosystem that would allow a plant to flourish. A straight path between doorways would make nourishing elements rush right through, while a pleasantly meandering stream would instead create a flow that nurtures life. Look for signs of debris that might obstruct the flow of such a river. Clutter acts like hurdles placed in your path, blocking you from creating what you want in your life. Once the obstacles are recognized, however, they can be removed to let energy flow freely throughout your home and your life so that you can thrive.

Your home can be thought of as a symbolic metaphor for your life. Using the Feng Shui Bagua you can see if a neglected space may correspond to a lack of growth in your career or personal relationships. By shifting your perception, you shift the way you direct your energy and attention, which can enable you to make the changes you need to actively create the life of your dreams. If you need some assistance, please contact me. I would love to  help you create  a living space which would bring you harmony and allow you to achieve your goals.

Feng Shui and Kindness Go Hand in Hand

Feng Shui is all about balance and positive energy.  The universe is in a constant state of Yin and Yang. What we put out there (yang) comes back to us (yin) in a non judgmental and perfectly balanced way. When we make Feng Shui enhancements in our home, and expect results, we must remember that these adjustments are only 1/3 of the equation. Our destiny and our actions make up the other 2/3 of the formula. We may have little control over our destiny but our actions are completely within our reach. Feng Shui master professor Lin Yun stated that the key to prosperity is kindness.  To change your situation begins by doing a good deed each day. This will change the course of energy. A simple act of kindness can make an impact. When one does something good, solely for the benefit of another, the reality is that they both benefit.

Begin doing an act of kindness a day and watch your Feng Shui energy change for the good!

Join Me in Some Feng Shui Fun

Join me in some Feng Shui fun! Here are two easy ways to join me in learning the powerful art of Feng Shui.

The first is through a relaxed, instructive and fun home consult. An initial home consult takes about two hours. At this time you receive a packet with an introduction to Feng Shui, the principles, focus and Bagua map. We discuss your needs and then map out your house using the Bagua, recommending enhancements for each area. For booking the consultation, you receive  a complimentary copy of “The Western Guide to Feng Shui” by Terah Collins, and a written report. I will then be available to you via phone and email.

The second fun way to learn about Feng Shui is by taking my series of classes. The next series on Essential Feng Shui for beginners begins on June 2 through Acalanes Adult Education in Walnut Creek. To Register contact Acalanes Adult Ed. (925) 280-3981    www.acalanes.k12.ca.us/adulted

You can view my latest class flyer on http://fengshuibymaria.com/events-classes.html

Whatever venue you choose, you will not be disappointed. Your new learning will lead to life changing enhancements, and a lot of fun!

Practicing Intuitive Feng Shui

Do you practice Intuitive Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is all about a feeling. Do you feel calmed and nurtured by your home, as if its your own personal paradise; or does your home stress you out? If you feel calmed and nurtured by your home, it’s because it probably has good energy and you’re experiencing intuitive Feng Shui.

Are good things happening to you, opportunities opening up, and problems easily solving themselves; or do you feel that it’s just one thing after another, you’re stuck and can’t seem to get ahead?  If good things are happening to you, and life even with its challenges is flowing smoothly,  then you’re experiencing intuitive Feng Shui.

Do you find that you sleep better in one room over another, or enjoy sitting in one area of your home better than the rest? If so, take a close look at those rooms because they exhibit intuitive Feng Shui.
Without you even thinking too much about it, you’re intuitively arranging areas in your home to be  balanced and allow the energy to flow in a positive way.

Feng Shui is based on three guiding principles:

1)    Everything is alive.  Everything in your home is talking at you either positively or negatively. If you listen to the chatter and quickly do something about it (discarding, clearing, replacing, repairing or redecorating) then you’re allowing your energy to be transformed and are practicing intuitive Feng Shui. If on the other hand you live with clutter and broken items your energy will be drained.

2)    Everything is Connected. When you allow changes to be made, a chain reaction in energy flow occurs. You may feel you have more energy, smile more, feel healthier, want to do nice things for others; this in turn will lead to positive opportunities. Just by clearing a closet and bringing clothes to a consignment store I have made new friends and business opportunities. By observing and celebrating the connections your positive energy creates you are practicing intuitive Feng Shui.

3)    Everything is Constantly Changing. Life has a way of being in a constant flow; nothing remains the same. The art of Feng Shui is to steer the flow in positive directions. One opportunity can lead to another. If you allow the energy in your home to help move you forward you are practicing intuitive Feng Shui.

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.