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Peace, Joy, & Balance for the Holidays

12/23/2016

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Just one day before Christmas and Chanukah Eves....
If you celebrate either of these holidays, it can be quite a busy and chaotic time. If you celebrate another winter holiday, the frenzied feel of this time of year affects you, too, with traffic and long lines, etc. This holiday-time creates a lot of active “Chi” in a naturally quiet, still, and dark season. Because the holiday season is so busy and active, we need to make sure there’s a balance, just like the Yin/Yang symbol that represents all of life in balance.
We need to create a balance between the time for activity and time for quiet introspection, time to be alone and time to be with others. At the heart of Feng Shui is keeping one’s Chi in balance. From a place of balance we can live healthy, wealthy, connected, and content lives.
Our society, unfortunately, does not encourage balance. We are bombarded with the messages: “Go, Go, Go!” “Do, Do, Do!” “Spend, Spend, Spend!”
It’s up to us to set boundaries for ourselves to create the balance we need. One important thing to remember is that we’re each unique and find balance in different ways. Another equally important point to remember is that, you must listen to your body and your mind. Pay attention to the signals that tell you your energy is being depleted and that you need to “recharge” in the way that’s best for you. I think many family disagreements during the holidays could be avoided if we would each recognize and respect our unique energy limits, as well as those of family members. In order to understand and respect our energy limits, we need to really pay attention to how we feel (emotionally, physically, and mentally) as well as how we react to people and situations.
Our homes are supposed to be our sanctuaries...a place for quiet, for introspection, for joy, for fun, and for recharging....a retreat from society and the outside world that helps us stay balanced. I just moved, and it was very important for me to immediately create an area where I could meditate and to create a peaceful bedroom in the midst of unpacking, organizing, and many holiday commitments. Do you have a favorite space in your home that allows you to meditate or just sit and think with a cup of tea or coffee?  If not, consider creating that space for yourself. It can be very simple, a comfy chair with a pillow and warm throw, a few cushions on the floor, and maybe a nice view, either out a window, or of a beautiful piece of art. Perhaps you can enjoy that favorite space with some music that brings you peace and joy. Make a real effort to spend some time alone, recharging in whatever way suites you best, during these next few days.
Creating a daily plan is another way to stay in balance. Overcommitting quickly leads to an imbalance in one’s Chi.  As you plan your days and try to find time for the holiday “shoulds,” don’t forget to schedule at least a little time for yourself each day: time that allows you to focus completely on yourself, by yourself. For me it’s a daily walk, for others it might be time for reading, meditating, cooking healthy meals, hot baths with calming essential oils, time with a pet, or personal care services like a manicure, pedicure, acupuncture treatment, or massage. The point is to not overlook your needs in the midst of the busy holiday season.
Attending spiritually-related services and events can also support your Chi balance. The moments spent focusing on spirit, in whatever way that calls to you, in the company of others sharing the same focus, can offer a powerful “recharge” and a peace to calm anxiety and frustration. Something else I try to do regularly is to write in a gratitude journal first thing in the morning or last thing in the evening. It helps me stay grounded and focused on the good in my life. It’s especially meaningful to take a few moments to write in a gratitude journal on the holiday itself, or just before or after gathering with loved ones and friends in celebration.
I’m looking forward to celebrating in my new home, but before that, I’ll be going to New York City for a holiday party at the United Nations. Being in the city during the holidays always brings me joy. I love to visit the tree at Rockefeller Center, walk down Fifth Avenue for some window shopping, and just enjoy the beautiful lights, sights, and sounds of the city for an evening. I know I’ll also be thankful for the bus ride back home which will give me time to think about my day or read, instead of concentrating on traffic. Most of all, I’ll love returning to my peaceful home....my personal retreat.

May you all experience joy, peace, and balance this holiday weekend!

Namaste,
Carol



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Presence Not Presents

12/9/2016

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Many people are thinking about presents at this time of the year....what they want, what they want to get for others, who they feel obligated to buy for, etc. Commercialization of the season, a naturally quiet and introspective time of year, runs rampant and turns a “still season” into something frenetic and chaotic.

When you think about the holidays do you think of “presents” as in STUFF or “presence” as in EXPERIENCE and RELATIONSHIP?

Thinking back to past holidays, what have been the most valuable presents? The cozy robe and slippers are surely appreciated, video games and electronics illicit shouts of excitement, and jewelry bring gasps of surprise and tears of joy; but what have been the most truly valuable presents in your life? Almost always they are the gifts of time, experience, and relationship.
Presents are typically forgotten over time, but sharing experiences and being truly present with those we love are times rarely forgotten. For many people, the exchange of presents is a part of the holiday traditions in families and with friends. There’s something comforting about honoring traditions and perhaps traditions even make it easier on those who organize and host holiday events. An aunt brings her famous pie; a cousin brings his special homemade pickles; a sibling brings the board games...perhaps everyone draws a name from a hat so that each person only has one gift to buy, but everyone gets to open a present. Each family and culture has its own traditions and people follow them year after year, generation after generation.
I’ve long been a bit of a maverick when it comes to tradition. I truly enjoy trying out things new and different because I love new experiences, people, cultures and visiting countries new to me.
  I’m the member of the family that never learned to cook a turkey, but I don’t let that hold me back. My father went on an annual trek to the mountains on Thanksgiving, so as an adult, I enjoyed taking my Mom out for holiday brunches. We always managed to find a wonderful buffet that usually had a cottage-style gift shop, and that was a part of our shared holiday experience. Many of my friends are of the Jewish faith and don’t celebrate Christmas; I enjoy seeing the latest movies with them on Christmas Day. I was married to a Jewish man, so for a number of years, we celebrated both Hanukah and Christmas with a cross cultural feast and our blended family.
Another tradition for many is putting up a Christmas tree. If we choose to have a tree and look at this tradition with a Feng Shui perspective, we can carefully consider what area of the bagua to place it.  This year, my nontraditional recycled wrought iron ‘tree’ with South American gourd ornaments, will be located in the FAME area, where lights are welcomed as they represent the FIRE element. A more traditional green Christmas tree would be right at home in the FAMILY area where the element is WOOD and the color is green.  If you are concerned about spending too much money over the holidays, consider putting it in the WEALTH area, where WOOD (green) nourishes and RED stabilizes.  
Perhaps the Christmas tree tradition can be used to add more mindfulness to the holiday and also focus more on the shared experience. Any time we can make choices that support the environment; we’re doing a good thing for ourselves and society. Why not consider getting a tree from a sustainable tree farm that plants two or three trees for every tree that’s cut? Ask family members to join you in choosing and cutting the tree. Perhaps a potted Norfolk Pine is a better choice for you. You can enjoy it year round and decorate it for other holidays, in addition to Christmas. Maybe something unique like my recycled wrought iron ‘tree” is more your style. Whatever you do, please don’t buy fake trees. There’s no healthy purpose for them. Another way to make the Christmas tree tradition a shared experience instead of a chore is to ask family members and friends to help you put up the tree and make decorations for it, or go through the old ornaments and talk about the memories they bring up. This can turn in to a wonderful event and a new tradition that everyone looks forward to.
The point is to make this season about PRESENCE not PRESENTS. When you think about presents, consider shared experiences and time spent together rather than “stuff.” Everyone likes to have a gift to open during the holidays, but remember it doesn’t have to be big and it doesn’t have to be expensive. Simple gifts like a handwritten letter or an invitation to dinner and a movie; gifts of time like “an afternoon to clean out the attic” can mean the world to people...so much more than another electronic device or shirt they won’t really wear.
What can you do to simplify the holiday season for yourself and your family? Who would you like to spend more time with and how can you be more present for them? How can you honor the family traditions you love and still be mindful? How can you turn the chaotic, frenetic time into a true time of calmness, peace, and joy? I’ve offered a few suggestions today and will offer more each week. Remember as you plan your holiday season to take a deep breath and take care of yourself because inner peace is the most important ‘peace’ of all.

Namaste,
Carol

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Gratitude & Inner Work

11/4/2016

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Last month, our focus was on recognizing our true essence and allowing our inner being to take the reins of our life. As I mentioned in my weekly October blogs, directing our focus inward and doing the inner work necessary to let our true essence shine isn’t always easy...the journey is unique to each person. Honestly,  I really love doing inner work. In addition to keeping up with my own Feng Shui, and helping my clients with Feng Shui for their homes and businesses,  I have been deeply immersed in personal, inner work for most of my adult life. It amazes me that, even after all this time, I can continue to go deeper and reveal more and more insight and hidden gifts. I’m grateful for each and every discovery.
With many celebrating Thanksgiving later this month, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude. I’ve been thinking about the inner work I’ve done for so many years, and am so grateful for the many tools, teachers, and changes that that study and work has brought into my life. One of the modalities that I currently use, and have used for about 25 years, is Jungian Dream Analysis. Initially, it was a bit frightening because I didn’t quite understand the figurative meanings behind the symbols. But, over the years, I’ve learned a lot, and even to this day, I find that my dreams provide amazing insight and true gifts to help me lead a more ‘right-actioned’ life. I’m very fortunate to have dream analysis experts as members of my inner circle, and I appreciate each and every one of them. I’ve noticed that in doing this personal work with a group, we often realize that another group member’s dream is personal to us, too! There is such great value in community.
As I’ve mentioned, each and every person has a divine inner presence. The sad part is, most people don’t recognize this inner being, or, even believe it’s possible. It’s true that we can’t just flip a switch and ‘become’ our true essence. The journey to recognizing that divine inner presence is unique for each of us and in many cases, it means experiencing pain. Ultimately, that pain is most often replaced with joy. It means separation from our old, comfortable lives and venturing into unknown territory. While fear of the unknown might keep us from taking our first steps on the path or allow us to stall along the path, it ultimately leads us to a much more comfortable place. It leads us “home.”  This work takes commitment...a personal longing to be the best that we can be, and be our most authentic selves, during our short time here on planet earth.
Feng Shui is another tool that we can use to help us start on the path, or move us further on the path,  to reveaI our true essence. I remember returning home after participating in my first Feng Shui weekend class almost 25 years ago. Suddenly, I was able to “see” SO many things in my home environment that were red flags pointing  to the issues that I’d been living with!  After that first Feng Shui class opened my eyes, I began placing cures and making changes, one-by-one. Slowly and surely, life began to shift for me. I used to call my house a “Feng Shui Nightmare” because it shined a light on each of the problems I’d been dealing with and the uncomfortable, unsettled feeling I had, but didn’t understand. Feng Shui brought me the clarity I needed to truly see what was going on in my life and to understand the source of my unease.  What a gift, that “Feng Shui Nightmare” was! It allowed me to identify the issues and take steps to change them...it allowed me to begin the process of creating a better life for myself; to further reveal my true essence.
I’m grateful for each home that I’ve lived in. Grateful for the lessons that each one has taught me. Grateful for the new directions that I discovered every time I found and put a Feng Shui cure into place to deal with a problem. Grateful for the many friends around the world that I’ve met as a result of Feng Shui and my inner work.  Before I learned about Feng Shui, the state of my life seemed overwhelming. I’m so grateful that I found Feng Shui when I did. It offered me the way to resolve that overwhelming situation...movement along my path to revealing my true essence and letting my inner being take the lead.
This gratitude is why I continue to share the gift of Feng Shui with all of you: my friends, my chosen family, my clients. When I can help someone identify the source of their unease...when I use Feng Shui to help someone “cure” an issue that causing problems in their lives...when I help someone find clarity in the midst of the heavy feeling of being overwhelmed; then my true essence shines. I’m truly grateful for each person reading this blog, attending my classes, watching my videos, liking my facebook page, and following me on social media. Your trust and support allow my inner being to thrive.

Namaste,
Carol

PS - If you’d like an introduction to Feng Shui right in the comfort of your own home, you’ll be pleased to know that I’m offering a webinar series, Introduction to Feng Shui: The Ancient Art of Placement with Carol Cannon, that begins on November 9th. I’m honored that this webinar series is being hosted by The Theosophical Society in America. We’ll cover history, the evolution of various forms of Feng Shui, and how and why your land and buildings have an influence upon your life. I’ll go over the Five Element Theory and how it works in Feng Shui, as well as discuss the importance of furniture placement. Each week participants will learn practical applications that can be used in their homes and offices immediately.
The webinar series will be held on four Wednesdays, November 9 through December 7 (no class on November 23) 7:00 - 8:00 pm Central Time.
The cost of the series is $50 or $40 for Theosophical Society in America members.
To register, click here.



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Let Your True Essence Take The Reins:  Be the Real You

10/28/2016

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October has been a month of facing reality...the reality that we may be hiding our inner being behind a mask of expectations. We’ve been focusing on removing the mask to reveal our true selves, and that can be scary. It almost seems absurd; that we would even consider masquerading as someone that we’re not. But, the truth is, many of us hide behind a mask that we don’t even realize is there until we begin to consciously examine our lives and our desires. If we’ve been raised in a family and/or community that has certain expectations and offers “rewards” for fitting in, it’s possible to truly not realize that we’ve been leading a life that is not personally authentic. As the eastern mystic G.I. Gurdjieff noted, we are in a self-imposed prison, and most don’t even realize they’re in jail!
As my previous October Chaos to Calm blog posts have mentioned, this Yin time of year is the perfect time for introspection...to spend this natural time of retreat contemplating and questioning our purpose and lives. Are we truly happy with our professions, or is there a void that’s never quite filled? Are our relationships honest and joyful, or are we resentful and unsettled? Are we happy with the way we spend our time, or do we long to do other things? Are we feeding our souls and letting our inner beings shine, or are we begrudgingly living up to the expectations of others? Once we begin to tug at the mask, and lift it even a little, the sense of freedom we feel may be enough to urge us back for more “unveiling.”
Our true essence is always with us, even if it’s hidden by all the “shoulds” of our lives. Like an old, faithful friend, our inner being waits as long as necessary for us to do the questioning and lift the mask. For some of us, the mask has been in place for many years, so how do we get the courage to question our lives, remove the mask, and let our true essence take the reins?  It can certainly be scary, but the first step is pushing through the fear. What is more frightening: asking the questions and finding the true answers now or discovering near the end of life on this planet that you haven’t participated in your own life honestly and authentically?
Move through the fear and start asking questions of yourself to get in tune with your feelings. Do you really want to attend a certain event? Do you want to celebrate the holidays with extended family as has been the tradition? Is working towards that promotion going to bring you happiness? As I mentioned in early October, we often just “know” something is right or wrong for us. We may notice there’s a feeling deep inside that may contradict everything we thought we wanted. That’s our true essence providing direction to get us on the unique path that’s right for each of us. We may not always understand that inner voice or feeling, but we need to give ourselves time and opportunity to listen for it, acknowledge, and begin to trust it.
Quiet time and meditation are essential for “tuning in” to our inner voices. We spend so much time multi-tasking and rushing from activity to activity that we don’t allow ourselves time to really feel what we’re feeling. Give yourself the gift of just 10 or 15 truly quiet and still minutes each day. You’ll be amazed at the clarity and focus it offers.
Mindfulness will grow out of your quiet time. You’ll begin to think more about your choices and the outcomes. For instance, you’ll give more thought to what sort of food you eat (processed or fresh) and how it affects your body and mood. You’ll consider how your choices affect the circle of life whether it’s a matter of compassion for another living being or recycling and care for our planet. Just a momentary pause for consideration as you make decisions can make positive changes in your life.
Feng Shui will also help you remove the mask and reveal your true essence. Our homes are templates of deep understanding into our own personal psyche. We are attracted to our homes and furnishings for a reason and the flow of life energy through our homes can assist us as we question and seek guidance for living an authentic life. We simply have to stop, notice, and own that we have deep growth that is waiting to emerge.
Positive energy creates more positive energy. If you surround yourself with positive people you’ll feel the difference. Positive energy creates a positive environment for possibility. It supports you as you question and learn to listen to your inner voice.
Removing the mask and giving our true essence its voice is a journey along a path unique to each person. There’s no one “right way” to get to the destination where our inner being shines and we live a true, authentic life full of “I AM.” There’s no switch to flip to put things in motion and we can’t expect the change to happen over night. What we can do is invite the awareness and change into our lives. We can ask the questions and sit with the answers and our true, honest feelings. We can take care of ourselves and support our effort and intention with meditation, Feng Shui, mindfulness, etc. These small steps towards authenticity will serve you well. It’s not always an easy path because sometimes the truth is hard to feel and act upon. Sometimes others in your family or inner circle of friends will be dismayed by your efforts and change. Their fear may overcome the strength of your relationship and they may fall away. Sometimes the path is challenging, but you can do it one small step at a time. Listen to your inner voice, your “I AM” and let your true essence take the reins....only you can decide what is right for you.

Namaste,
Carol


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Face the Fear: Take the First Small Step to Finding Your "I Am"

10/21/2016

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Halloween is almost here. I know people who absolutely love Halloween and start decorating their homes and yards as soon as they flip their planners to  “October 1.”  
I have a secret – I’ve never really liked this holiday! Maybe,  when I was a kid I found it fun to get dressed-up and go trick-or-treating in my neighborhood. It was safe. It was fun, but I suspect our true identities were given away during the annual candy hunt because were always accompanied by our moms. As I got older, I outgrew the dressing-up part. I found the few Halloween parties that I did attend unsettling - I wanted to know who was really behind those masks. Even then, I didn’t like the idea of hiding, or not being myself. But, I probably never really was able to express that feeling clearly and out loud back then.
My focus this month is on removing the mask and nurturing our true essence to allow our inner being to shine. I’m not talking about the mask or costume some might choose to put on to celebrate Halloween, but rather the masks that many wear every day out of obligation rather than desire. As I’ve mentioned in my the last two blogs (October 7 and 14) there have been times in my life when I’ve realized that I was living according to false expectations for myself: the expectations of my family, my community, the world...and even the false expectations I put on myself because I was listening more to my mind rather than to my heart, soul, and true essence. Thankfully, I was able to recognize the source of my unhappiness...the source of the void I felt inside, even though, from outward appearances, I had it all. I was able to take off the masks and begin to nurture my true essence and allow my inner being to shine. 
Last April, I was in Salem, Massachusetts, for a conference entitled The All and Everything Conference. This annual conference brings together many people from around the world for the purpose of learning and sharing information on how to be who we truly are. It felt odd to be in Salem for this conference. Salem - the town where years ago women were burned at the stake after being labeled “witches”, because they were different and/or misunderstood. They didn’t fit the current culture norm of what a colonial woman should be or do. They didn’t wear the mask expected of them by their geographic or religious community. They weren’t allowed to throw off the mask and let their inner being shine without serious repercussions. Thankfully, that’s not usually the case in today’s world. We have the freedom to be who we truly are. Don’t get me wrong, I know there can be repercussions for discarding the masks we’re expected to wear, but they’re not typically deadly. In modern society, we carry so many expectations, not only from our own mind, but also from many people, communities, and institutions outside of ourselves. Society doesn’t make it easy for anyone to just be who they are...to let their true inner being shine in the world. 
Have you ever thought to yourself, “why can’t I just be Who I AM?” I think, deep down inside each, we each long to find that “I AM-ness” and nurture it and allow it to take the reins. If we’re honest with ourselves, we all long to remove the masks we believe we must wear to fit into our society, but we let fear keep us trapped behind those masks. Halloween is the year when many people find fear fun and with Halloween ten days away,  we’re in the thick of it. We go to haunted houses. We put up spooky decorations. We watch scary movies. Those things can be creative and fun, but this year, why don’t we really make an effort to Face the Fear that’s holding us back?  Take some time to consider what masks do you feel obligated to wear? How do those masks and expectations hold you back from who you are? How do those masks prevent you from living the life you want and need to live?
What if, during this increasingly Yin time of year, we take the time to listen to our true essence? You can learn more about the Yin time of year in my September blogs, but basically, it’s a time of quiet, reflection, retreat, and preparation for the new year.
Let’s take time to face the fear that’s holding us back and consider how we can be who we truly are and show our inner being to the world every day.

I wish someone would have handed me the answer to that question. I wish there was a road map to getting to the place where we nurture our true essence and our inner beings shine every single day without stress or fear. I wish I had those answers and plans for you, too. But, that one-size-fits-all road map doesn’t exist. That destination is a little different for everyone and the journey there is unique for each person.  I was told at a young age, “the answers are inside you.” I didn’t understand it then, but thankfully, I began to get clues to understanding early on when I got out on my own and discovered yoga and meditation. But, it wasn’t until recently that I truly understood what that meant.  We each must discover who we really are and no one can simply hand us that information or tell us how to reach that destination. The road to understanding and action is different for each of us. As I mentioned in my earlier October blogs, our inner being never abandons us. It’s always there waiting, like a loyal friend....waiting for your acknowledgement and your invitation for that true essence to step forward. The Universe gives us clues and a sense of knowing that, if we open ourselves to awareness, can lead us to the path we need to follow to remove the masks and nurture our inner being.
Many of us in the Feng Shui profession have a mission to guide people and help them see what the Universe is trying to share with us. I love helping clients uncover and understand those clues. Through Feng Shui and Himalayan Singing Bowl meditations, I can help you gather the information and begin to understand it. I can help you take action that will lead to more clues and information from the Universe and your true essence. I can lead you and help you find the beginning of your personal path, but you, my friend, must do your own work to remove the masks, just as those before you have had to do, too. You can do it. It won’t always be easy, but you can do it. If you take small steps, you’ll be well on your way before you know it.
 

Namaste,
Carol
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Our Inner Being

10/14/2016

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It has long been my belief that we, as humans, are born with a clean, pure slate. As we grow, we adapt. We’re like sponges and soak up what we’re exposed to. We take on beliefs and behaviors of our parents, family, extended family, community, school, and spiritual community, etc. As we grow, we slowly lose contact with that pure inner being, our essence. However, our inner being never abandons us. Like a faithful friend, our true essence waits for us to recognize and embrace it.
Have you ever had a strong feeling that you just “know” something is “good” or “bad?” Have you ever made plans for something that you’ve thought you wanted and then, when faced with taking immediate action, you’re unable to follow-through? Have you ever met someone and instantly felt positive vibrations or negative vibrations?  That “knowing” and intense feeling is your inner being showing you your path. It’s your true essence making itself felt and known.  This inner compass is always there, guiding us to follow a path that is in our best interest. Sometimes it makes itself known with just a strong, steady sense of “knowing.” Sometime, it’s a gnawing feeling that we should or shouldn’t do something we’ve planned.
Perhaps you’ve heard people say, “follow your gut” or “listen to the little voice inside?” I believe those are ways some people refer to the inner being and true essence in each of us. Many times, our outer world, and often our very own mind, attempts to lead us down a path that’s not in our best interest. This happens frequently when we get caught up in the expectations of the world and of others. Those times when we focus more on what others think and want, rather than taking time for quiet re-charging and focusing on what it is that feeds our soul. That’s when we are likely to forget about our inner being for awhile and push full-steam ahead, until the “little voice inside” makes itself heard through persistent whisper and “knowing” or an intense “gnawing” feeling that won’t let you ignore it.
How do we get in touch and stay in touch with this essence? How do we keep our hectic world responsibilities from making so much “noise” that we don’t hear our own inner being when it speaks up?  Meditation has long been a prime connection for me.  Feng Shui has also helped me maintain my connection and communication with my inner being.  Feng Shui is a tool that allows me to ‘see’ and ‘connect’ with what the Universe/my inner being is attempting to guide me towards. I believe that the inner being in each of us is a direct connection to the Universe. 
This inner being, our true essence, is a real force. But it’s up against a strong outer force. The outer force, the outer world we all must function in and be a part of, often overwhelms us with noise of expectations and “shoulds.” We live on “the fast track.” We go and go and go because we “have to.” At least that’s what we think is true. But, how many times have you recently talked with friends and heard at least a couple of people say, “I wish I had time for....” or “It feels like time is flying. I wish I could slow things down.” or “I just don’t have time for myself”?  Those all too frequent statements shine the light on the state of our world. The outer world mantra seems to be “Keep Moving!” “Don’t Slow Down!” “You’ll Never Get Ahead If You Rest!”  We have to make the decision to listen to our bodies and our inner voices.
When we feel like things are going too fast, we’re the only ones who can slow things down for us and for our families. We have to say this is “enough.” We have to make the time for ourselves, and model this behavior for our children. If we don’t teach them to make self-care a priority, who will? As humans, we have an opportunity to develop and be in touch with the inner being and true essence in each of us.
Tune in to the little voice, the gnawing feeling in your chest or stomach. Pay attention to what your body and heart are saying to you. Pay attention to unusual sensations. The forms of “communication” by the inner being can vary greatly from person to person. Have you ever walked into a place new to you (a friend’s home, a restaurant, a workplace, etc.) and immediately felt tingly or as some say ‘hairs on my neck and arms stood up’....that’s another example of the inner being trying to communicate. My communication usually manifests as tightness or a knot in my stomach. That feeling tells me I need to be paying close attention and stop before moving forward or taking action. Sometimes I get a feeling of intense knowing. I’ve learned to pay attention to all of those feelings, no matter what someone else might say or think of me. 
It’s easy to say “pay attention” but not so easy to do when we’ve been marching to the beat of the outer world’s drum for a long time. How do we tune in to the beat of our own drum? One way is to explore and look for tools to help you slow down, rest, and focus. As I mentioned, meditation has been very important to developing my connection with my true essence. If you want to try meditation, set up a location within your home for a quiet retreat. It doesn’t have to be big or fancy, just a quiet, comfortable space that is peaceful, calm, and conducive to meditation. Use an app like Insight Timer that helps you keep track of time, and offers guided meditations; if that’s something you want or need.  Some people find that a walking meditation is easier and more beneficial. You can walk in your yard or at the park....wherever you feel calm and comfortable. Other tools that help us slow down and focus are yoga, tai chi, and astrology.
At age 39, when life as I knew it changed drastically, I was introduced to the astrological concept of the planet Uranus being in opposition to where it was located at my birth. As thankful as I am at finding yoga and meditation when I was 19, I am eternally grateful to Amy Volkers, a south Florida astrologer, for guiding me to understanding this ‘mid-life’ crisis point. My interpretation of the Uranus opposition is that, if we are not living in accordance with our inner being’s wishes for us, then during the late 30’s/early 40’s, life as we know it will crumble. I was a living example of this, having been a VP for a major bank with great responsibilities, a marriage, and all the ‘finer’ things in life. But, I walked away from it all. You see, I had an inner longing.
On the outside, it looked like I had ‘made it,’ but inside there was a vast void. Some of the happiest times of my life have been when I have released possessions, lived minimally, studied and practiced yoga and meditation, and ultimately discovered Feng Shui. My inner being had led me to real estate early on and throughout my career – from sales, to appraising, to buying and selling, land development, building, design and renovating. I believe that was all preparation so that I could understand the art of placement – Feng Shui –from all perspectives. By understanding the physical, the next dimension was the spiritual or esoteric side of buildings.
I’ve also studied dowsing, a technique used to get in touch with the earth’s energies. Many ancient buildings were built with consideration for the earth energies running underneath the properties. That means that the buildings were created in ways that allowed and fostered connection with the earth’s inner being or true essence. In addition, I’ve studied Building Biology and it’s helped me understand how the materials we use in building a structure or creating our space can affect our emotional, mental, and physical health.  My study of Feng Shui, Dowsing, and Building Biology allow me to get in touch with the earth’s inner being, as well as helping my clients get in touch with their inner being or true essence. Bringing this knowledge and these tools together allows us to create buildings and spaces with natural materials, with respect for the earth’s energies, and the life flow, or Chi, of the space. All this is helpful so that we can connect with our true essence and nurture it as we live and work in that space. Using the tools like meditation, yoga, tai chi, and astrology helps us to slow down and focus on the little voice inside....the inner being, our true essence and what it’s trying to tell us.  Using Feng Shui, Building Biology, and Dowsing helps us create a physical space that supports our inner beings.
And then, it all comes together in unity and wholeness.
As I mentioned in the closing weeks of September and in last week’s blog, October is a month of transition from the Yang/hot active summer to the Yin/introspective connecting time of winter. As we begin our nesting and preparation for the winter, I suggest that you take a moment to pause, focus, and consider what your inner being is saying to you.
Does your outer life reflect what your true essence really wants? If it doesn’t, how will you make the changes you want/need to honor your inner being? How will you nourish your true self? With peace, calm, focus, and mindfulness? With books, and music, and like-minded friends who are supportive and also yearning to listen to and heed the call of their inner beings? The chill of fall and the cold of winter are natural times of darkness and stillness for a reason. Let’s put the wonderful and beautiful forces of nature to good use.

Namaste,
Carol



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Removing the Mask

10/7/2016

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For twenty-three years, I’ve used Feng Shui as a certified consultant to enhance the flow of Chi and create harmony in the external environments of homes and offices. That harmony and flow of life energy offers healing and support to the inhabitants of those spaces (my clients and myself).

That healing and support helps us to be who we really are internally and/or who we wish to be on the inside.  Typically without even realizing it, we are attracted to spaces that reflect our current inner state of being. When I see a client’s space, it’s as if I’ve been given a window to look deep inside, beyond the mask worn for the external world.
Often when I meet with clients, perhaps it’s a couple or business partners, they’ll smile and tell me “everything is wonderful...there are no problems in our lives.” But, when I look at their space or at the floor plans for their space, I can see that’s not the case. Occasionally, the layout of the space will show me signs of relationship issues. If that happens, I’ll smile in response to the couple and advise that we discuss making changes to ensure the relationship stays intact.  Not everyone is prepared to handle my response. I’ve literally had instances where one of the partners leaves in the middle of our appointment only for me to learn from the remaining partner that the relationship is in shreds!
Sometimes, it's not easy to be honest about who we really are. We live in a world filled with expectations and we get caught up in perpetuating those identities. They begin in childhood: “be a good girl”; and expand while we’re in elementary and high school: “make the honor roll” “be the star football player” “you must be first chair in band”. They continue throughout college and career: “finish in the top ten percent” “get promoted” “get that raise”; Expectations even find their way into our communities and families: “keep your lawn perfect”  “drive a new car” “be the strict parent” “be the cool parent.” The list goes on and on. We’re expected to wear many hats and be different people all at the same time. How can we be true to our inner being when we’re trying to live up to so many expectations? Who doesn't long to remove 'the mask' and be authentic? 
Of course, we all have responsibilities. Where would our society be if we didn’t each follow the rules and laws to keep some order? I’m not suggesting we throw all caution to the wind and ignore our responsibilities. I believe we can be a parent, a daughter/son, an employee, a homeowner, a spouse, etc. and meet our “external” responsibilities while still being true to ourselves and meeting our “internal” responsibilities.
George I. Gurdjieff, an Eastern mystic, noted that many of us lead our lives as if we were in jail! We get so caught up in doing the “right thing”, putting on the “right” face, and living up to others' expectations, that many of us may come to a point where we know we’re uncomfortable, unsettled, and unsatisfied, but truly don't know who we are or how to fix things! I was introduced to this concept 25 years ago, when I first hired a life coach. The coach had me draw a small circle inside a big circle, labeling the center "ME". I then was instructed to write roles I played in life, inside the circle, and even outside. Some examples included that I was: a child, a spouse, an employee, a yoga practitioner, a President of a non-profit business organization, a volunteer, a synagogue member,  an exercise enthusiast, a sibling, etc. I then drew circles around each, to see which 'took over' being just me. A light-bulb went off when I realized that "I" was very small, almost non-existent, outside of these self imposed personalities that "I" had become!
So, it was 25 years ago that I began to learn how to remove the masks of expectation...the masks that had become so ingrained, so a part of my every day life, that they had taken over my authentic self.  During a visit to another country, I met a mystic who said, upon meeting me, "You are not the one you think you are." I pondered that statement for a very long time, as truly, I wondered: Who am I really? It's not an easy road to take to peel away the layers of expectation. In fact, in many ways it's much easier to keep all the masks on, continue to meet expectations and play roles without giving any thought to how all of that busy-ness feeds our soul and allows our true essence to shine. We can ignore our authentic selves; ignore the  desire of our essence to be expressed; ignore our true being...but, when we do that we frequently become ill in the “jail” we’ve created for ourselves
Synchronicity played out in my life when I discovered yoga and meditation, and later, Feng Shui, (Bau) Building Biology, and the Himalayan Singing Bowls. Soon after I graduated high school, I discovered yoga and meditation. As I advanced in my career, the practice of yoga and mediation helped me survive the years as a VP at a major NYC bank when I frequently suffered from severe headaches and migraines. When I left the bank, I “fell” into my yoga and meditation practice! It was a saving grace of respite and a reminder that life is more than the fast pace that I’d been immersed in. Not long after I left the bank, I discovered Feng Shui and Building Biology and I learned how the built environment can negatively affect human health, especially if we’re not using healthy, organic materials. I learned that it was possible to “heal” my surroundings, which led to my own improved health. Later in life, I discovered the Himalayan Singing Bowls and learned that they, too, are a tool that enables me to go deeper in meditations and helps me and others feel a deeper sense of calm. That deep resonating calm is when I learn more about myself and nurture my true inner being. Each of these tools have helped me remove the masks, peel away the layers of expectation, and allow the true light of my being to be expressed.
As a Feng Shui Consultant, I have found that the Universe often speaks to me about me through my clients' surroundings! When there’s something that I need to take a look at in my own life, I might find that two or three clients in a row will have the same Feng Shui anomalies. For instance, I’ve experienced visiting two homes for Feng Shui consultations and finding a bathroom in the center of the home, which is the health area of the bagua. Then, I’ve gone on to my next consultation and found, once again, that there’s a bathroom in the center of the home. A bathroom in this area of the bagua indicates a drain on health because of the toilet in the room.  When I see a bathroom in this location, I advise adding cures to the area to support the health of the occupants. When I see specific issues in a repetitive pattern like this, I definitely go home and take a look at the health area of my own home. I also spend time considering where there might be an imbalance in my life. I’m human...sometimes the Universe has to provide insights several times for me to “get it” and this is something that my fellow Feng Shui consultants have also experienced. As I believe that we are all part of the greater One, it is not a surprise that I receive this type of feedback. It may be something to begin looking at in your own life. What are the repetitive patterns or synchronicities  that show up in numerous places? 
Take a moment to consider what masks you wear.  Are you really who you think you are? Are you allowing your true essence to be expressed? Just as I often advise people to remove the physical clutter from their lives, I am suggesting that we each have a plethora of “cluttering” personalities that we present to the world and there’s a good chance that at least some of those personalities don’t represent the true you. This month (the month that ends with Halloween and costume celebrations)  I'll share some ideas about removing the masks and allowing our true inner beings to shine.  Not everyone is attracted to this journey, but it can be quite liberating.  Removing some of those masks will lighten up your life! Our homes are perfect metaphors for us to find clues to changes lying in wait for us to put into action. Fasten your seatbelt - this month we'll be diving into some new territories!

Namaste,
Carol




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Autumnal Equinox Ushers In the Yin Time of Year

9/23/2016

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“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face,”

~ John Donne, English poet

Last week’s blog focused on the beautiful harvest full moon which put a spotlight on our lives and offered some time of introspection.

Today, I’m focused on the Autumnal Equinox, which happened yesterday, September 22nd. The Autumnal Equinox signifies the point of transition from longer days toward longer nights. It’s the beginning of the Yin phase of the year an the leaves start to change colors and then drop. One reason I enjoy living in Pennsylvania is that I get to experience the five elements in the seasons. With the Autumnal Equinox, we shift from the Yang time of the year and into the fall season, or the Yin time. We are moving toward the metal phase where contraction and release occur.
Life follows the five elements and for many baby-boomers, this is the beginning of the Yin stage of life. Many people that had children have seen them move off into their own lives, and now the focus is on simplifying. Even those baby-boomers who didn’t have children are looking into downsizing and finding the appropriate surroundings to enter into the next phase of life. Many find their large, Yang-style homes are simply too big and too much work. They’d rather expend their energy on other pursuits. Because of this circle of life, we see an exodus of baby-boomer age people from suburban lifestyles to  more urban settings or planned communities, where most things are within easier reach.
Perhaps by understanding the Yin aspect of this stage of life,  and the withdrawing, contracting, and releasing that goes with it, we find the reason so many retirees relocate to warmer (Yang) climates. For the most part, the warmth of the Yang sun creates a greater sense of being alive, with the ability to be outdoors in all seasons. 
While there are benefits to the Yang sun and warmth year round, there is something to be said for following nature’s path of retreating and doing inner work at this Yin time of the year, for all of us, no matter our age. This introspective time of the year offers a wonderful opportunity to consider the choices we need to make. This Yin season is the perfect time to let go of all that is not needed, to separate from unnecessary attachments, and to prepare for the winter months. 
As I mentioned above, the element of this Yin time of year is metal. The shape for the metal element is curved. Metal, especially a curved metal, is able to cuts through things. and that’s why we often use metal wind chimes as Feng Shui cures.  Metal is part of the Five Element Cycle, appearing in the cycle after Earth. Metal emerges from the Earth or, as is sometimes said, Metal is fed by Earth, the element of the transitional time we just left.  The cutting and releasing aspect of Metal causes the leaves to fall back to the earth where they decay and become nourishment for the spring season.

Perhaps during this introspective, quieter, retreating time of the year, the cutting and releasing aspect of Metal helps us metaphorically cut through our “stuff” to get to the heart of the matter so that we can make decisions about what to release and what to carry with us into the new year. Let’s make use of the beautiful autumn season. Enjoy the color, the stillness, the quiet, and the crispness of the air to consider what we want to release from our lives and what we want to nourish for a spring rebirth.

Namaste,
Carol


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    Carol sends her peace filled thoughts out often, to interested parties!. Her 27 years of experience will benefit you in immeasurable ways!

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