Archive for the Feng Shui Articles Category

Crossing the Threshold of Opportunities: Feng Shui for Your Career

On March 4, 2014 / Feng Shui Articles / 2 Comments

Tags: Career, Clutter, Color, Feng Shui, Front Door, Plants, Storage, Work

By Lisa Janusz

When people find out I’m a Feng Shui consultant, I’ll often hear, “I know you are supposed to paint your front door red.” And it’s true. Or not. Depending.

Confused? Don’t be. The origins of this statement come from the belief that your front door is your “calling card” to the world. Red became associated with it because it is said to be an auspicious color. So, if you love that color, then yes, paint your door red! If red’s not your thing, then don’t. Pick a color that you love and that makes you happy.

In Feng Shui we associate front doors with new opportunities. Front doors are the “mouths of chi” where energy enters your home. Because they are about opportunities, the front door is related to careers as well.

If you are looking for a new career opportunity or to ramp up your career, this is the place to start. What is happening at your front door? (Inside and outside!) What is your message to the world?

Make sure:

It’s welcoming. Paint your front door a color you love that stands out from the rest of the house. Check your house numbers. Add flowers.
It’s clear of clutter to allow new opportunities to come in.
Everything around there is alive. Remove any dead plants that were left out over the winter if they won’t re-bloom in the spring. It’s better to have an empty pot (at least there’s potential there).
You have a place for your “things.” You may not want all the shoes to pile there, but if they do, have a place for them. Figure out a system so it doesn’t look like chaos.
You use your front door at least weekly. (Yes, even if you have an attached garage!) You will see your house in a whole new perspective.

Whether your front door is red, yellow or blue (or any other color for that matter), have it send the message that you invite opportunities. At the very least, if it’s a color you love, it will put a smile on your face. And that is good energy.

Year of the Horse – 2014

On January 28, 2014 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Chinese New Year, intention, New Year, Year of the Horse

By Carole Hyder

The format of the Chinese calendar is comprised of two components: an animal and an element from the 5 Chinese Element system. Each year there’s a new animal and every other year a new Element.The year 2014 is symbolized by the Horse and by Wood. The Horse itself has its own Element which is that of Fire so, in theory, this year is represented by Fire and Wood. These two Elements are related in a constructive way since Wood feeds Fire so typically the expectations could be that this would be a harmonious year.

However, this year, the Wood is strong, stubborn and opinionated; the Horse is powerful, charismatic and quick. This is going to be one of those years when you will need to hang onto the reins. Some of this high energy will be exhilarating and some of it will be explosive.

According to Feng Shui Master Raymond Lo, the Wood Horse year is a symbol of optimism and enthusiasm for new innovations and progress. This is definitely a recipe for rebirth and growth—-a time when you won’t want to hesitate with your plans and decisions because everything is going to happen very quickly. That said, this kind of energy can be a set-up for international conflicts, squelching any idea that we might be moving into a time of peace.

For some this Wood Horse energy can be a welcome change after the wishy-washy, vacillating energy of the Snake in 2013. Debra Duneier, in her article published in the Huffington Post, says that the Horse “will bring you fast successes, exciting journeys and unexpected passion and romance. This is a lucky year when hard work and determination bring triumph”. I say, just don’t get swept away by the mesmerizing gallop of this magical Horse. It’s a good time to welcome in transformation and move in a new direction, but it always pays to proceed with caution.

When the lunar New Year arrives on January 31 (solar on February 4), it will be a good time to release the old and welcome the new. To enhance the energy of the Wood Horse, make sure your intentions for 2014 are clear and focused. Place a healthy green plant on your desk to be a reminder to you of all that you want to accomplish.

New Year Intention

On December 19, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Bagua, Feng Shui, goals, intention, New Year, New Years Resolutions

By Lisa Janusz

Who will you be in 2014? I love the quote by George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” What a wonderful quote – both empowering and full of possibilities.

Now with the New Year upon us, many people are thinking about the past year. We review the opportunities, challenges, successes and regrets. We think about where we’ve been and where we want to go. Hopefully we’re taking that a step further and thinking about the direction involved.

Intention is a key component of Feng Shui work. If you’ve done adjustments at home, you know it’s not just about moving something or placing something that is the most important. It is the reasoning and process behind it; the “why?” That’s when it becomes powerful.

So this year, instead of making several resolutions, how about creating one intention for your entire year? One resolution that speaks to the person you want to create. If that appeals, here are a few ideas to get you moving in that direction.

Write it out. Don’t just think about it. There’s something powerful about committing it to paper. This can also help you clarify your goal.

Be specific. Go farther than something broad like “get healthy.” Think about 2-3 actions that will make that happen (eat at least 2 healthy meals every day, exercise at least 4 times a week, avoid sugary drinks, etc.).

Honor it. Take your intention and place it somewhere special. If you are familiar with the bagua, place in the corresponding area. If you aren’t sure, you could pick one of these three areas: 1) by your front door (where opportunities “knock”), 2) your bedroom (especially if it supports a dream) or 3) in the center of your home (that area influences all others).

You could also take time to make a vision card and put it somewhere prominent that reminds you of your intention (and the possibilities!) daily.

Support it. Make yourself accountable to achieving steps in that direction. Celebrate your successes. If it’s engaging in a new hobby – buy a book, take a class, ask a friend for help.

Enjoy the journey. Most stories of success are not a straight line. That aligns well with Feng Shui; we like things to “flow.” Sometimes it’s that bend in the road that helps you see a better path.

As you think about 2014, I hope you’re excited. That’s great energy to take into the year ahead. It’s a year of potential for creating YOU. Whatever your goal is, I hope you take the time to plan a route. And I hope you use intention as a driving force.

Revving Up Your New Year’s Resolutions with Feng Shui

On December 3, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Career, Feng Shui, Health, intention, Money, New Year, New Years Resolutions, Relationships, Wealth

By Carole J. Hyder

Since Feng Shui is based on a direct relationship between your space and your life, you can enlist your space to help you with your New Year’s resolutions. By placing a symbol that represents your resolution, you will have a trigger that will remind you to stay on track. What you’re doing is making a change in your space to mirror a change you want in your life.

Here are some ideas for using your space to support your New Year’s resolutions:

If your resolution involves earning more money, then place a covered container near the front door, in which each day you will deposit all your change. This container may be a decorative box or a piggy bank. It’s important that it be covered so that your resolution remains confidential as well as to prevent you or anyone else from easily grabbing some of the money on the way out the door, thereby diminishing your savings.
If your resolution has to do with health, like working out more, or eating better, or losing weight, or getting to the bottom of a particular condition, then place a round bowl, ceramic or porcelain is best, in the kitchen. Fill it with fruit or nuts or leave it completely empty, symbolic of receiving a new perspective on health.
When aspiring to new goals around your career, place a plant on your desk to represent growth in this area. Keep the plant watered and fertilized; if that’s a problem, use a beautiful artificial one.
If your resolution is about improving your relationship, select a photo or memento from a happy time in that relationship, like a wedding picture, or a fun vacation taken together, or a photo taken on an anniversary. Place this photo somewhere in the bedroom where it will be obviously seen.

Keep in mind that if you let your outward symbol get kicked around, or pushed to the side, or left to die (like the plant), this will be an opportunity for you to look at how you really feel about making the change it represents. Your dedication to the care and upkeep of the object will tell you how sincere and serious you are about the upkeep of your resolution.

Creating Calm During the Holidays: A Feng Shui Guide

On November 6, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Decorating, Feng Shui, Holidays, Interior Design, Peace

By Lisa Janusz

It always throws me off to see holiday decorations out so early. I am one of those that longs for the days of yore when they didn’t come out until the day after Thanksgiving. Now stores are stocking them before Halloween! It seems to push the frantic-ness of the season forward – resulting in energy that impacts us longer.

Even if it’s your “favorite time of year,” the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. Luckily Feng Shui can help with that! You can use some basic principles to guide your décor this holiday season.

Use decorations you love. No matter what time of the year it is, the principle is the same: if you don’t love it or use it, release it. Every year I go through my decorations. In addition to veering away from red and green, I’ve also seen my tastes change over the years. Of course I still keep some sentimental decorations, but I’ve gotten pretty ruthless in letting things go.
Use decorations that align with the “feeling” that you want around you. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that people start adding fire-y décor (candles, lights, the color red) to their spaces, in addition to adding MORE stuff, and they start to feel overwhelmed. What surrounds us affects us. This year start by asking, “How do I want my home to feel?” To calm your space, think about paring down what you put on display. Also try adding a few unsaturated colors to balance the saturation of the reds, greens, and blues that typically dominate.
Lastly – and maybe most importantly – create a sacred space to support you. Keep one or more rooms (like your bedroom) free of seasonal decorations. Set up a place that is just for you to relax. This could be away from the décor, or it might within it. I like sitting in our living room with the only sources of light being the Christmas tree and a few candles. The active energy of those is nicely balanced by the darkness and quietness of the night. It becomes a time to reflect, relax, enjoy and be grateful.

The holidays can bring with them a range of emotions – uplifting and challenging. So…go forth, take charge and create a space to help you through what may (or may not) be your “favorite time of year.”

Looking for more holiday decorating tips? Listen to our recorded call from last year. Just register here to get access.

Winterizing with Feng Shui: What To Do When Winter Interferes with Your Flow

On September 26, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Feng Shui, water, winter, winterizing

By Carole Hyder

Living in northern climates requires a shift in mindset in terms of Feng Shui when the temperatures as well as the snow start to fall. Doorways get piled with boots and jackets. Mittens and scarves are strewn around. You can’t use your screened-in porch. Specifically selected and carefully positioned plants are buried by the white stuff. The pond freezes over; the sidewalks are buried.

What happens to your Feng Shui?

Those of us who live in the parts of the world where the seasons dramatically change have to learn to live with different considerations and patterns for a few months of every year.

Here are some things to think about for your winter-time Feng Shui:

Unless you’ve installed a heater, fountains, ponds and birdbaths will need to be disassembled and stored for the winter. All of these add the element of water to an area which implies flow or movement. To replicate that concept, placing a flag or a wind-sock or something that moves in the spot where the water fixture was can continue your intention for flow.
Flowers placed in planters for a specific Feng Shui purpose will need substitutes for the winter. Tree-tops in planters can replace flowers that were originally there; adding small lights will enhance them even more.
Keep the sidewalk shoveled to the front door regardless of whether you use the door regularly or not. The front door is where good luck enters so having it be accessible is important. Plus, you might be inclined to go in through that door more often.
Provide extra storage for the boots, mittens, hats, etc. that are part of winter fashion. An extra hall-tree or a basket for mittens and scarves could keep them from littering the entry.
Screened-in porches become dormant during the winter for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, keep them looking attractive and inviting, and refrain from using them as a storage space. Hang a wind-sock or chime in the porch to keep the energy flowing.

When spring arrives, you can return to your original adjustments knowing that your Feng Shui intentions were held in place throughout the cold winter months—never missing a beat.

Feng Shui state of mind

On September 25, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Carole Hyder, Feng Shui and depression, mindfulness

Staying mindful can be hard if you’re prone to depression. Many of us experience more depression as the days shorten as well. Here is an excerpt from an article Carole wrote for Essential Wellness a while back.

DEPRESSION ISN’T THE typical reason people want a Feng Shui appointment, but it can be a factor in the big picture. An appointment may be made for another more obvious reason only to discover that depression is playing a part. That said, sometimes depression is the only reason someone would inquire about the impact of Feng Shui. When I anticipate an appointment with someone who is depressed, whether clinically diagnosed or not, I can predict that one of the issues I’ll find in their space is clutter. Sometimes the clutter has occurred because their depression has caused them to be dysfunctional; however, I usually discover that the clutter was there pre-depression and has now exacerbated a tough situation.

Anybody will experience frustration, anxiety, and overwhelm from the amount of personal possessions that they have accumulated. These personal possessions can take the form of trinkets, photographs, books, newspapers, piles of mail, clothes, and remnants of projects yet to be completed. Nevertheless, every little memento, every photograph, every knick-knack requires energy. One by one, it’s an insignificant drain, but cumulatively, this drain becomes considerable and, if someone is susceptible to depression, it can fast forward them into a downward spiral.

Taking the first step toward de-cluttering is the hardest, especially if someone is already suffering from depression. However, knowing that the client can experience some relief once they get going, I encourage them to give it a try by helping them break it down into small segments. Since the number “9″ (or its increment) is considered lucky in Feng Shui, I suggest spending nine minutes a day de-cluttering. The cumulative effect of taking these small steps can add up after two weeks, three weeks, or a month. If the task appears overwhelming, the de-cluttering will never happen. Thinking about cleaning out the basement may seem overwhelming, but thinking about cleaning a shelf under the steps isn’t so bad. The next day another shelf, and the next day another one, etc. Start small.

Suggestions to address de-cluttering

Make sure there’s appropriate and adequate storage for the items that need to be kept—like holiday decorations, out of season clothes, etc.
Any “just in case” items take up precious space and zap energy
Remove everything from the front and sides of the refrigerator to calm down the kitchen.
Take nine items of clothing out of the closet that are no longer being worn to make room for new possibilities.
Remove the clutter from under the bed so dreams can be clear and focused.
Eliminate clutter near the front door to invite in more opportunities.
Remove everything from the top of the dresser to give your vision a broader scope.
Thank the items before you release them.
Did I mention to start small?

Although clutter is a big issue for someone who is depressed, there are other Feng Shui actions a person can take to lift these feelings. The bedroom is a critical room for those who are experiencing depression. The location of the bedroom is important as it should not be in the basement or over a garage. If at all possible, move to another bedroom, even if temporarily. Having a bedroom in the basement by its very nature brings about feelings of oppression and heaviness, while being over a garage leaves a person feeling unsupported and alone.

A headboard on the bed is crucial in order to signify support at a time when a person may be feeling like they have none. The head board should be solid, sturdy, and reliable in order to resonate those same principles back to the person who sleeps in the bed. Hanging inspirational, creative, and soothing artwork in the bedroom will give a sense of purpose during dream-time and upon awakening each morning.

Finally, Read more →

Mindfulness and Feng Shui

On September 20, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / 1 Comment

Tags: mindfulness feng shui, present moment feng shui

In case you missed it, Carole Hyder blogged about mindfulness and Feng Shui this past spring. Here’s an excerpt and a link for your convenience!

According to the dictionary, the word mindfulmeans “watchful, attentive, conscious, thoughtful.” Although mindfulness isn’t specifically a Feng Shui principle, it’s an implied attribute because of the inherent need for being clear and focused when applying Feng Shui adjustments. Although changes in the environment can be made without much thought, their effectiveness will be marginal. The point of making those changes relies on a person’s thoughtful and mindful consideration of how they’d like to see their life unfold.

We all fall into routines where we do things without thinking about them. Driving a familiar route can enable us to let go of our attention. Cleaning the house, washing dishes, making the bed can feel like mindless activities. If by “mindless” we mean they’re all things we can do without thinking, then, yes, they’re mindless. Grant you, sometimes it feels like a relief to be able to do something without having to add brain power behind it.

But what if we were to add our thoughtful mind to the experience? What if we were to engage with the routine and make it rich with meaning? How would we feel if something that’s same-old same-old became brand-new brand-new?

Whether you’re talking about a tangible object or a specific action, you can progress it from being mindless to being mindful with some simple considerations.

Narrate the details. Although you may do something automatically and, in fact, feel that the action is so mundane that it doesn’t deserve your full attention, I suggest you try running a silent narrative describing your actions. It will bring your focus to each step as you fold those clothes or put the clean dishes away.
Bring in aesthetics. By infusing elegance and grace into the action, it becomes more of a dance than a drudgery. Using this filter may automatically slow you down so you can relish the interplay of magnificence with the mundane.
Breathe. This will by its very nature cause you to slow down to pay attention to your breath. In doing so, you bring your focus to the present moment where you can turn a mindless activity or object into a meaningful and mindful one.

So think about your day and where you might not be very thoughtful. Where do you go on automatic? What if it were no longer an option to be “automatic?” What if you had to take that shower or pack your kids’ lunches with full-on attention? How would that change your experience? On another note, what if you did something you don’t like to do but did it mindfully? Just what if vacuuming became an aesthetic activity, calibrated to your breath, as you detailed in your mind each of the sweeps of the vacuum?

For the rest of Carole’s blog post, visit her website here.

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