Creating an Environment of Action with Feng Shui

What does procrastination have to do with Feng Shui?
Actually, everything! Feng Shui is about the free flow of energy in your environment and in yourself. Its also about creating environments that support your success and pull you forward.

Whats the biggest thing that prevents that flow of energy? Clutter. And what creates clutter? You've got it - procrastination! You can procrastinate about anything - things that seem difficult, and things you enjoy, such as writing or taking that time to nurture yourself.

Do you have people to call, letters to answer, things youve been putting off? Maybe you think they will be difficult, or take a long time. Maybe you wonder if your voice will make a difference if you don't like something your politicians are doing. How about your business? Most people have at least one idea they havent got around to that if put into action would make a difference to their bottom line.

Procrastination puts you out of integrity with yourself. In Feng Shui the Fame and Reputation area is about integrity. It's how you are seen in the community - and that comes right back to whether you walk your talk. Do you do what you say you'll do? Are you being true to yourself and your values?

When you dont follow through on your ideas and intentions energy blocks are created. It takes energy to avoid taking action, and it takes energy to deal with the consequences.

Clutter is delayed decisions. It's procrastination. Its stress. It's the same thing as putting a piece of paper in that pile on your desk, telling yourself you'll deal with it later. As the piles grow, your energy becomes clogged. Next thing you know youre spending time looking through your piles for information you've lost because you didn't file your papers where they belonged - in files or in your
recycling bin.

There's a fine line between procrastination, and letting the dust settle while you give yourself space to take inspired action. And if you listen to that small voice within you, you'll know which you are choosing.

Committing to action is a very different energy from procrastination.

Tips for Creating an Environment of Action and Abundance

1. Get real about your procrastination habit. Can you take a step back and even laugh at it?

2. Are you telling yourself you don't have time for that project? Is it something you really want to do? How much television do you watch? Is there something you need to remove from your environment to have your life reflect your priorities?

3. Make a commitment to others. Commitments have power. By stating your intention to important people in your life you will be making yourself accountable and creating an environment of support.

4. Become a person who keeps their word. The Fame & Reputation area is directly opposite the Career & Life Purpose area on the Bagua, which means passion, authenticity, flow, integrity and visibility are all
connected. Where is your energy blocked? What are you not following through on with others, or in a promise to yourself?

5. Are you waiting for the eleventh hour somewhere in your life? This could be a project due on a certain date, a commitment made to someone, or a dream you are assuming you have forever to live. Make a start now. Starting is often the hardest part and you will be setting something in motion.

6. Schedule time for planning. Instead of wondering where to start on a project you will know exactly what to do next. Break it down into small pieces, put them in your schedule, and give each a time limit so it doesn't expand out forever.

7. Create a physical environment that reflects who you are. Live with colors, items, clothes you love, and of course clear the clutter. A clear desk and office space will support your creativity and prosperity.

8. Hang out with successful and positive people who uplift you. You become like the people you are with, so it's important to create an environment of people who will support your success.

9. Take a renewal day each week to make space for nourishment and inspiration. This is a day for you, with no work, emails, or errands. You're making space for inklings and synchronicity to emerge and for you to hear them.

10. Work with a Coach who will support you in bridging the gap between where you are now and where you want to be. Having a Coach in your corner enables you to be, do and have so much more.

To discover where different aspects of your life are represented in your home or office,
See http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/BaguaMap.html

2003, Vicky White. All rights reserved. May be duplicated with attribution and copyright notice intact.
http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

Vicky White is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Life Coach who works with clients both locally and internationally. Get your FREE 7-part e-course Your Secret Weapon: Powerful Feng Shui Tips To Give Your Business The Competitive Edge at http://www.LifeDesignStrategies.com/

Feng Shui and Wind Chimes

Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of creating a harmonious environment, is becoming more and more popular in the United States. Pronounced "fung shway," it translates to "wind and water" and its roots in Chinese history date back more than 5,000 years. Originally kept as a secret to assist the Imperial Dynasties, Feng Shui is now helping to create a more pleasant home and work environment for people around the globe.

Wind chimes are popular in the art of Feng Shui; not only pleasing to look at and pleasant to listen to, it is believed that they not only stimulate the imagination and creativity, but that wind chimes also give one a burst of 'chi,' or good energy, whenever they ring. Hanging wind chimes both at the entrance and exits of buildings is said to assist, not only those inside the building, but to help those who are entering, chasing away the negative energies that often cling to us.

Feng Shui wind chimes are beautiful to look at; commonly crafted of bamboo and brass, many are specially tuned to promote good energy and stimulate the imagination. In Feng Shui, it is believed that both the bamboo and the metal of these chimes help heal negative energies that can cause illness or accident. Some wind chimes are made to hang in certain areas, while others are made to sit upon a table or desk, where they can be manually rang, providing an 'instant chi boost'. Feng Shui wind chimes are designed to remind us to be playful and lighthearted, helping us to overcome obstacles that we are faced with, preventing stagnation and attracting opportunity into our lives.

Whether you are a follower of geomancy (earth magic) or just have a love of music, the Feng Shui wind chimes are beautiful to listen to and fill listeners with a sense of tranquility. Few can resist the warm earthy tones and soft sounds that emanate from these wonderful chimes. Whether you wish to create a Feng Shui harmonious environment or not, everyone always enjoys the smiles that these chimes are known to create.

James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.wind-chimes-guide.info

Feng Shui careers

"Deal with things in their state of not-yet-being put them in order before they have got into confusion" The secret of Feng Shui Tao Te Ching, Ch 64

The craft of Feng Shui being multi-faceted affords great scope career-wise. But it also subjects one to the rigours associated with the Martial Arts, and the timeline of a medic. Ultimately, it should have 10 stages of progress, each increasingly more difficult, yet bestowing wider responsibility and wisdom with each accomplished step, paralleling the progress of the sorcerer's apprentice.

The Feng Shui training program: initially, some form of yoga, T'ai Chi and meditation to gain physical discipline, concentration, sensitization and insight. Next, a lifetime study of the I Ching, the quintessence of Chinese wisdom and Jin-Shu, the biographies of famous Feng Shui masters.

After which Kanya, the study of heaven and earth, the combined study of geography and astrology in relationship to man. Following which, mastering the Compass School -, the use of the Ba Gua diagram and the Lo P'an compass featuring the 'twenty-four directions' or 15 degree zones of the magnetic circle to help determine the Feng Shui of the situation, and the use of astrological charts and numerology to measure the auspiciousness of a dwelling.

Following this a study of the tenets of the Form school such as Dimai, the dynamics of mountain ridges, valleys, and rivers, and of the arteries of the earth - the 'Dragon Veins'. The examination of the Classics detailing the interrelationship between water, mountains, dwellings and agriculture such as the Water Dragon, which relates the optimum landscape-water interaction e.g. an ideal site, should nestle among watercourses, or the Shui Jing delineating the waterways of China, giving a wealth of information regarding harmony between buildings and landscapes. A general course in human and colour psychology, then perhaps specialization in the use of the I Ching for divination, or Chinese alchemy.

Thus equipped one should be able to offer one's services as follows.

Siting a home

Auspicious siting Banishing sha qi - negative energy Diverting water lines and neutralising other forms of geopathic energy Dowsing and harmonising the dragon veins Diverting 'spirits'

Harmonising the home

Apply the Ba Gua diagram for orientation purposes Interior d?cor and the optimum psychological colour combinations Choosing the best fabrics, and materials Advice on water devices, wind-chimes, crystals, aromatic oils and incenses Avoiding angles, enhancing the circular Placement of fish and plants etc.

Harmonising relationships

Individual and synastric (relational) astrological analysis Yin-yang profiling Taoist philosophy.

Individual destiny

Using western and Chinese astrology, its stems and branches, and numerology to delineate destiny and life paths. Finding the best burial place

General counselling

Using the I Ching and the Lo P'an compass for divination and advice.

One could pursue this occupation on a freelance basis, professionally or corporately. It would be advisable, at regular intervals, to take refresher courses, degree courses, or specialize in order to become a consultant, or councillor. Your level of remuneration would depend upon which one of the 3 employment tracks above you followed. Alternatively, if you were part of a Chinese medical consortia or astrological consultancy, your income would rise proportionally.

Removing Stress From Your Life: The Art Of Practicing Feng Shui

For over three centuries, the Chinese people have found in Feng Shui the source for of internal and external balance and harmony. We all are searching for a little harmony in our life. Today?s fast-paced life assails all our senses with demands and expectations. Stress, anxiety and tension accumulate as the ongoing demands of work and family, home and free time push us to the very brink. Pushed and pulled by the equally demanding expectations of boss and family. Driven to the end of our rope by the increasing demands of life, the bills and everyday battles we push our own hopes and dreams into the background. Everyday, another e-mail, phone call or traffic jam, pushes us to the limit. In this environment, energy is fast depleted and tension dramatically increased. How to escape this self-perpetuating treadmill? Turn your home into a peaceful sanctuary by utilizing the techniques of Feng Shui.

The concept behind Feng Shui is to harness positive energy. Using the guiding principles, you can identify the difficulties within your physical environment and remove them. While, this may appear to be another project, consider the short and long term benefits. Feng Shui, once learned and applied will provide you with relief from stress increase your personal energy levels and help you to improve your overall sense of well-being. Time learning the correct implementation of the principles of Feng Shui is time well spent.

A life in which energy is unfocused, prevented by the stress of the environment, a life in which all efforts seem wasted, is a life unbalanced, a life without Feng Shui. The accumulation of ongoing stress will, eventually, manifest itself in the physical body. Stress releases specific hormones ion the body. An overabundance of cortisol and adrenaline can contribute to heart disease and other chronic illnesses. The immune system, too, becomes affected, increasing the incidences of colds and flus.

To avoid such possible problems, rest is traditionally prescribed. The ability of sleep to improve your energy levels is magnified- truly heightened, when Feng Shui is employed. Feng Shui will show you how to correctly align your bedroom to obtain the maximum amount of good. It will guide you in the placement of your bed and council you on what accessories are required to reduce stress and increase energy.

The principles of Feng Shui are predicated on obtaining the maximum positive energy. It acts to counteract the negative impact of daily and repetitive stress and anxiety. These negative forces sap the life energy from you. Feng Shui operates to restore your energy, reduce your stress levels and create a positive environment by showing you how to arrange your physical environment to facilitate the flow of Chi energy. Learning how to place objects and arrange your spatial environment to manifest optimum positive energy flow, will help you in all aspects of your life. A Feng Shui designed home will ensure you are provided with the positive energy and harmonious balance you require to not merely live, but thrive in today?s world.

Candace Czarny,ASID,CFM,LEED AP, "Award Winning" Interior Designer, Feng Shui Expert & author. www.ArtOfPlacement.com is continually ranked "Top 10" in Google and Yahoo. Clients testify of dramatic results!