the water every day and dispose of the flowers at the first sign of wilting (dying flowers bring negative energy).


Banish Toxic Materials “Healthy indoor air quality is an essential aspect of good feng shui,” attests Alisa Rose Seidlitz, an eco feng shui consul- tant/designer, certified green building and interiors professional and owner of Ambiance Eco, in Berkeley, California. “Materials used inside our homes, such as cleaning products and furnishings, can either contribute significantly to poor air quality or support positive feng shui.” Indoor air quality is significantly


impacted by furnishings and décor. When seeking out the cleanest, green- est options, pay special attention to: Cleaning products. Safely discard


toxic cleaning chemicals by taking them to hazardous waste pickup sites. Many household jobs can be done with vine- gar and baking soda. Paint. Revisions in wall, trim and furniture colors quickly freshen a room and bring new energy, especially when they align with Earth’s natural elements. Avoid conventional paint, which contains dangerous volatile organic compounds (VOC) that off-gas into the air. Look for widely available zero-VOC brands. Other options include displaying art or colorful wall hangings. Flooring. Many toxins lurk in


conventional carpeting and adhesives used to lay wood or tile floors. Look for natural wool rugs, reclaimed wood and zero-VOC floor adhesives. Preserve re- sources and alter the energy in a space by repurposing reclaimed materials for rehab projects. For good feng shui, smudging with dried sage cleanses any negative energy leftover from previous owners. Furnishings and fabrics. Mainstream furniture is typically treated with toxic flame retardant, so always ask how furni- ture has been treated before purchasing. Seek out nontoxic and natural materials like natural rubber mattresses and hemp or organic cotton shower curtains and window coverings.


Follow Your Joy Feng shui is multifaceted, but at its center is a search for balance and harmony. When making changes at home, it’s good to know we can follow our instincts and


add things that bring us joy. Feng shui ex- perts provide guidance in choosing colors and elements, but each of us is ultimately the best judge of what feels best for our own space.


“I often ask my clients: What kind of message are you sending yourself?”


says Duneier. “You can use your space to send yourself a message of a beauti- ful, abundant and healthy life.”


Sarah Tarver-Wahlquist, a writer from Tucson, Arizona, also freelances for GreenAmerica.org.


Top Feng Shui Tips by Amy Theisen The theory behind feng shui is that a life force energy flows through all things— buildings, hills, rivers, power lines and people… placement of these and other factors can enhance a person’s wealth and good fortune. The first rule of real estate may one day read: Location, Location… feng shui! ~ New York Times


I


n my practice, I use a combination of Western and true Classical feng shui because I have been trained in both. Sometimes, quick and easy tips can mean the difference between clicking with your life and missing the beat altogether.


While a professional consultation connects hidden energy forces at a deep


level, these simple tips can help you plug into your personal feng shui energy:  Learn your Personal Gua (energy) number (simply search gua number online). This is a personal feng shui number that provides you with your four auspicious and four inauspicious directions. Sleeping and sitting facing the auspicious directions provide an added boost to your life.  When sitting at your desk or in your office, be sure you can see the en- trance door to the room. If this is not possible, position a mirror to see the door from where you sit. This allows your subconscious to know it is safe from an unseen attack.  Use a high back chair when sitting at your desk. Think of yourself as an em- peror and your chair as the throne. A king does not sit in a low back chair!  A headboard that is solid will protect your head while you sleep. Be sure to sleep in your personal auspicious direction.  Avoid sleeping or sitting in direct line with a door. An easy remedy is to close the door whenever you are in that area.  Create a welcoming space inside and outside your main entrance door. Energy or qi (chee) collects in these areas. This is where cleaning up the clutter matters.


Tips for 2015, Year of the Wood Goat At noon, on February 4, 2015, the year of the Wood Goat enters our lives and the year of the Wood Horse makes an exit. This date marks the yearly Feng Shui shift. Here are tips to help maximize your year:  Avoid using the West of your home; 2015 brings the negative five yellow and the Three Killings to the west sector. The last time this happened was in 2008. If your bedroom or office is located in the west area of your home (not facing west but is the west location), consider sleeping/working elsewhere for the year, especially if you are a gua nine.  Use a water feature like an aquarium or small fountain to activate the North for cash flow; Southwest for opportunities which mean sales; East for helpful people and good employees.


For more 2015 tips, upcoming yearly talks, and to sign up for Theisen’s newsletter, visit InfinityLifeDesign.com. See ad page 19.


natural awakenings February 2015 21


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