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April 24, 2003 In
this issue: ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Q. Where can I get free ideas, tips,
and guidelines to help with my home decorating? A. Subscribe to one
of the best home decorating ezines on the web: subscribe@katiediddesign.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The
Time Factor I'm writing this issue of the newsletter on my laptop computer, which I haven't used in several months. One thing I noticed when I turned it on is that the clock is no longer accurate... the time at the bottom right corner of my screen says it is 2-1/2 hours later than the actual time. So I thought I'd reset it, but first I had go inside to look at the kitchen clock (I'm out on the lanai (porch), and not wearing a watch). Then I checked that against the office clock: 7 minutes difference. The bedroom clock: 4 minutes difference. So, what time is it, really? On the one hand, I don't much care. When you think about it "7:16 pm" is a rather artificial concept. Nature's clock says "It's twilight." I've turned the outside lights on and moths (and the geckos that eat them) are starting to congregate around the yellow orbs of our japanese paper lanters; the birds have settled down for the night and it's peaceful and quiet without the pleasant-but-incessant cheeping and chirping that starts before sun-up and continues til sun-down every day; I'm starting to think about dinner, but not hungry enough to go do anything about it yet. That's about as accurate a time sense as I need to have today: the bulk of the day is over, evening is settling in, and if I want to get this newsletter written tonight I'd better get to work on it. On the other hand, I have just become aware that I am surrounded by timepieces that all give a different time -- from the 4-7 minute difference on our several clocks, to the several hours on this little computer, to the completely-way-off time on the sound system in the office, which says something like 4:43 am. (We're quite technically competent here, but have not been able to figure out why a sound system has a clock on it in the first place, or how to either reset it or turn it off.) In feng shui terms, this sort of lack of cohesion is symbolic of a lack of alignment and focus -- the kind of energetic not-quite-rightness that can add to your stress level without you even being aware of it. When your home or office has lots of visible timekeepers all keeping different time, your energy will be subtly affected. Think for a moment about the ba gua: are the different time-keepers in the different areas of your life keeping different time? How is that affecting your ability to live in balance? When the office and bedroom clocks are out of synch, is there something not right about how those two aspects of your life fit into your day? As the number of timekeepers around us keeps multiplying (I bet there's a clock feature on your cell phone, and a digital readout somewhere on the dashboard of your car, and probably a few more you'll become aware of if you look for them), it becomes more likely that they will all be somewhat out-of-synch. Synchronize your time pieces, and your life will become more synchronized as well. You may find that you are better able to focus and get things done. You may feel a little less pulled in too many directions at once. You may not notice a significant change, but physiologically you will benefit from removing even minor causes of stress wherever you can. According to the helpful telephone service that I just called, at the tone the time was 7:41 pm exactly. I'm going to go reset all my clocks now (except for that one on the sound system; I guess I'll have to tape a piece of paper over that one). Wishing you joy in every moment (no matter how you measure them),
Clutter
Is Natural (This fourth installment of our series of clutter articles is now available on the FastFengShui.com articles page:) Nature loves clutter. Just think of all the stuff that drops from trees, washes in on the tide, or is blown by the wind into your backyard. Birds molt, animals shed, snakes slither out of their skin, and they all just leave it lying there to rot into the earth. Follow any two-year-old around for a day and you'll see that we're not much better. Living in clutter does not mean that you are a slob or an undisciplined failure. It means that you are human, and your origins are showing. Way, way back in the farthest branches of your family tree, your ancient ancestors lived a somewhat more hand-to-mouth existence than we do. Stocking up was a smart thing to do when the antelope might not roam your way again for a while, and surviving a cold winter depended on how big a stash of firewood and dried berries you had in the back of the cave. Click here to read the rest of the article
Feng
Shui Q+A (Most questions will have been edited for clarity and length, and any identifying details have been changed. Please note that due to the high volume of email I receive, it is no longer possible for me to respond to every question personally. I still welcome your questions, and if I cannot provide a personal response I will try to address your issue in a future Q+A column.) Q. My office is small and I am concerned that my clients may be affected by "secret arrows" from the corners of my desk and bookcase when they meet with me. There's very little room to rearrange the furniture. What can I do? A. If space allows, place a tall plant or potted tree between the corner of the bookcase and the client's chair. In a home, another possible solution would be to hang a decorative piece of fabric in front of the bookcase corner, although this may not be appropriate for your office setting. See if you can make even a slight change in the position of the client's chair, so it is not directly in line with the corner of the bookcase or desk. Even a few inches one way or the other could make a difference. Try sitting in the chair yourself, and find what spot within your limited options feels the most natural and comfortable. Your client will also feel more comfortable if they are not sitting with their back directly in line with the door (even if you close the door during meetings). Keep in mind the client is there to consult with you and gain your expert advice. Make sure that, in placing the client's chair to avoid secret arrows, it is also in a good position for conversation. If you have to choose one over the other, go with whichever position enables you both to talk and share documents comfortably. Take care of your own comfort, too. It is preferable for the client to be exposed to a sharp corner for a few minutes than for you to be in harm's way for the entire day. Remember, in most cases feng shui is less about creating an ideal arrangement that it is about finding the most workable solution in less-than-perfect conditions. Do the best you can given the small space you have to work with, then stop worrying about feng shui and focus your attention on meeting your clients' needs.
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For more details about this program--or if you are interested in becoming a Clutter-Free Forever Affiliate--please visit our dedicated website: http://www.clutterfreeforever.com ::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: Featured
Resource Occasionally, we come across resources that prove helpful to us and that we believe will also benefit others. The Spiritual Partnering site offers information and programs that we find will nicely complement your feng shui prosperity strategies. Make sure you sign up for the FREE Prosperity Game!
The Prosperity Partnership Program: A Powerful Intentional Community Experience of Aligning Body, Mind, Emotions and Spirit to Awaken Prosperity Consciousness in Every Area of Your Life!
Now offering - a free, no-risk, two week program evaluation. ** Hurry - next program begins April 27, 28 or 29, 2003 ** For more details, visit: The Prosperity Partnership Program
Featured
Charity One of the most enduring prosperity principles practiced and endorsed by wise men and women, past and present, is the principle that "it is in giving that we receive." In practicing feng shui we not only realize how connected we are with our everyday environment, but eventually we go beyond and realize we are connected with everything else in the world. What we give does come back. (Besides, it's a quick "feel good" fix. Sponsor a child and you'll be amazed!)
Miscellaneous Newsletter Archives This newsletter is published approximately twice a month. If you missed our previous issues, you can read them here. ••• (c)
2003 Stephanie Roberts. All rights reserved.
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