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Asian Decor And Feng Shui

By Damien Pfirsch

Feng Shui and interior spaces

Feng Shui theories stem from the Taoist vision of nature, especially that our environment is animated by various energies. The Taoists categorize natural elements as Yin (the female elements) or Yang (the male elements) and Feng Shui theories advocate to create the right balance between Yin and Yang elements.

The applications of Feng Shui in Asian decor are numerous. In this first part, we will illustrate some Feng Shui rules applying to Asian decor interiors.

1. To enhance the flow of positive energy, corridors and stairways should be wide, sufficiently lighted and uncluttered. This theory is one of the reasons why Asian decor interiors are usually bright and not overwhelmed with too many home decor accents and furniture.

2. Round and smooth features help the development and of positive energy. Wedge-like, knifelike, and arrow-like walls and furniture should also be avoided. This explains why Asian decor advocate circular and round free flowing shapes.

Feng Shui believes do no only influence Asian decor interiors, but also Asian architecture. According to Feng Shui theories, a building should have three main positive attributes: stability, balance and smoothness.

1. Stability: the building should not rest on pillars or be built on a slope. Furthermore, no level (except for the ground floors) should be larger than others.

2. Balance: a construction is considered well balanced if it has a symmetrical architecture. Smoothness: there should be no strong angular features.

These three attributes also apply to Asian decor interiors: smooth shapes, symmetrical arrangements and stable arrangements are the keys to create a soothing and harmonious Asian decor.

Feng Shui and colors

The word Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) which translates to “the wind and the water,” is the Chinese art of correct placement. The main goal of Feng Shui is to enhance the “Chi”, literally translated as energy, to create a harmonious and positive environment to live in.

Science has shown us that colors can affect mood, actions and emotional and biological responses. Feng Shui beliefs are no different. Here are some examples on how colors are used to maintain, calm or enhance a specific Chi energy in Asian decor.

Red is the most yang (male element color) color. It is linked with fire energy and associated with luck, probably the reason that Chinese brides wear scarlet red wedding dresses. It is therefore a considered as a very good dominant color for the entrance of a house, to invite good energy in a house. In Asian decor, this color is also represented through most of the house through vivid red home decor accents or furniture.

Another recurrent color in Asian decor is green. Green is yin energy and emblematic of the growing phase of energy. It is also considered to be a color of freshness and peace and therefore a very good color for a bedroom.

Another Feng Shui principle is: the stronger the color, the less is needed for it to be effective. This is why in most Asian decor interiors, backgrounds colors tend to be pale where as accent colors are livelier.

Feng Shui and materials

According to Feng Shui theories, the 5 elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) are the keys to create a well balanced and auspicious Asian decor. In this last part, we will consider how Asian decor designers make sure some of these elements are represented in each room.

The first element to consider in a decor is wood, because it is the creator of new life; the beginning of the five-element cycle. In Asian decor, the wood element is incorporated with the use of plants (like bamboo, bonsai or bushy potted trees). The color green is also a way to represent this element and is therefore a recurrent color in Asian decor.

Fire is the most “Yang” elements. Because fire is so strong, it has to be used sparingly in a decor. An ambiance lamp with a red shade or some candles will usually be enough to make sure this element is sufficiently represented in an Asian decor.

The metal element is represented under various forms in Asian decor: silver, gold, copper, and bronze are its main forms of expression. One can be creative when using this element; it could be bronze bowls, copper vases or silver trays. Asian decor designers always look at the shape of the accents and sharp points or angles are always avoided.

About the Author: Damien Pfirsch is the founder of http://www.asiannoouveau.com, an online showroom presenting the latest home decor accents and furniture created by Asian designers. Based in Bangkok, Thailand, the website promotes Asian decor exporters to international buyers looking for unique accents to complement their collections.

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How to Decorate Using Feng Shui

By Alycia Hartzell

These words in Chinese translate to ‘wind-water’. Feng shui or wind-water is a system of placement believed to use the laws of both heaven and earth to help improve life by receiving positive energy flow. Feng shui aka wind-water was widely used to orient buildings, spiritually significant structures like tombs, as well as dwellings. The goal of feng shui as practiced today is to situate the human built environment on spots with good qi. or “perfect spot”.

Presently, and mostly in US – western practices, we use feng shui as formula in which we design our interior spaces. Meaning, the placement of our furnishings in a space is based on what will create the best energy flow for the room. Why would one want to create this? Well is it not obvious? Even if you do not welcome eastern or Asian traditions, isn’t peaceful energy flow in your home or office space better than negative energy flow?

Here are some ideas on how to feng shui your home or office:

1 – Begin with clearing out the clutter. Remove or dispose of any unnecessary objects that are taking up space. If you have things out that you are not needing to access on a daily basis, put them in a different place. It is a good idea to start with your storage units; closets, cabinets, shelving – dispose all things you do not need and then organize these areas, creating room for things you do actually need. The idea is that a room should be a room – even if we are talking about a kitchen or office, all things should have a place and there should be minimal visible clutter upon entering the room or space.

2 – Good air quality and light are also key for good energy or chi – universal energy (energy inside your body and the energy around you externally). To achieve this, you must open up the windows as much as possible to let fresh air in. In colder climates, an air purifier and/or air purifying plants are great for this. Allow as much natural light as possible into your home. Purchasing full-spectrum lights is good too.

3 – Decorate in colors that support good energy and mood. Choose colors that represent the kind of energy you are trying to achieve in your space. Examples of energy/mood are; calm, energetic, minimalistic, or clean. Color plays a huge part in the energy one feels upon entering a space. Balance light and dark colors along with smooth and rough textures.

4 – Furniture placement is a large part of practicing feng shui in your home or office. It is important not to block or interfere with the chi aka energy flow of the room. Never force furniture or accessories into a tight space. Less is always more when it comes to feng shui-ing a space. Keep it minimal and keep it simple. Position the furniture so it has a good view of the entryways. For example, in a bedroom, always have a wall at the head of your bed. This supports your mind. Make sure that when laying in your bed, your body (feet) are facing the entryway and that it is visible. A good view of the entry way is also key for couches, desks, sinks, chairs, and stoves. If this is not possible, hang a mirror so that you are able to see the entryway. There should be at least 3 feet of space between the furniture in a room. Pay special attention the space between night stands, couches and tables. Always keep in mind, coziness, comfort, and good conversation, these are all things you definitely want to have in a room. Also arranging furniture toward the main focal point of the room or space is a good idea too. Example, in a living room, the focal point could be a fireplace or hearth. Regarding decorative accessories, place them at eye level and if there is a large piece of furniture along side a wall, place the accessory for example, a painting, above the large furniture. Always aim to create harmony in a room.

Feng Shui is a way to maximize our living and working environments. It creates positive energy flow, giving us the best possible comfort in the spaces we spend a majority of our time in.

About the Author: Alycia Hartzell is a seasoned design professional with experience in both residential and commercial interior design. She writes for ContemporaryRugMall.com – a leading retailer of contemporary rugs. Learn more at: http://www.contemporaryrugmall.com

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A Feng Shui Consultation Could Help You

By James Brickman

A feng shui consultation can help you learn how to organize your home, office and other premises in the traditions of this wise ancient notion.

There are easy available methods that can help you improve your premises, balance the five feng shui elements and get their energy to circulate the proper way. This could bring numerous benefits, including improved health, increased wealth, better relationships with your loved ones, and more.

Some of the tips that you could receive from a good feng shui consultation are affordable and easy to follow. Let’s discuss two such examples: increasing wealth and improving health the easy way with feng shui.

Wealth: One of the most sought after life improvements is financial stability. Our world is a highly competitive place to live in, where everyone seems to struggle for their slice of bread with some butter.

Feng shui has some truly fascinating suggestions to offer, which work similarly to those of the popular law of attraction (which, in fact, may be based on this Chinese science to a certain extent).

If you want to gain wealth, you need to create a “piece” of it in your own home. For this purpose, you may consider creating the so-called “wealth vessel”. This can be any vase (preferably made of metal or ceramics) that needs to be filled with specific “ingredients”. The ingredients include: Chinese coins, regular currency, semi-precious gems, and a gold ring. The vase needs to be placed in your bedroom, or any other place where it would not be seen by guests.

By locking the representation of wealth this way, you may see an actual improvement in your financial situation in the near future. Note that a professional feng shui consultation could give you more details on this matter.

Health: It’s obvious that a serious health issue will require anyone to visit their doctor and get the proper treatment. However, you can improve your health the natural way as well. Improving health with feng shui involves improving the energy circulation in your home, and especially certain parts thereof.

One of the most important areas to take care of is the kitchen. Improving the energy flows in the kitchen is easy – all you need to do is remove any clutter and clean it well. Clutter, unused items, and dirty cupboards may not allow for the uninhibited flow of the subtle energies. What you need to do is clean everything you can clean in your kitchen. It may take a day, but the effects can be impressive. Clean your refrigerator and dispose of any old foodstuffs that may be inside. Clean the oven and the pots/pans that are inside. Clean the tables and cupboards. Finish by wiping the external surfaces in the kitchen and washing the floors with soap and water. You can get more tips and advice for this matter through a professional feng shui consultation.

The second important suggestion to consider for improving your health is introducing several special plants into your home, which are: Areca Palm, Lady Palm, Bamboo Palm, Rubber Plant, Dracaena Janet Craig, English Ivy, Dwarf Date Palm, Peace Lily, and Boston fern.

About the Author: James Brickman runs http://www.fengshuicrazy.com which teaches the ancient art of feng shui. Please visit his website to learn more about feng shui consultations.

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What You Need to Know About the Feng Shui of Your Bathroom

By Candace Czarny, CFM, ASID, LEED AP, Feng Shui Expert

Your bathroom is a place that you will use everyday, no matter what. And while this room tends to be forgotten when it comes to Feng Shui, it’s often one of the more energetically challenged rooms of a home. As it already has water energy which can not be removed, this becomes a place where energy can drop or be deflected in the wrong ways. Ignoring this most important room can be the root of many Feng Shui problems. If you feel that you can’t get ahead financially, there are always emotional issues in the home and life or you physically feel drained it’s take to take a good look at your bathrooms. Here’s what you need to know about using Feng Shui in your bathroom.

No Good Place for a Bathroom

Unless you’ve built your home with Feng Shui ideas in mind, it’s likely that your bathroom is in a bad place, energetically speaking. If it’s adjacent to or above your kitchen, it’s going to take away the fire energy of that room with the water energy and create a lot of steam in your life.

If the bathroom is adjacent to a bedroom, that drains life force energy from that area. And if the bathroom is above the front door, that can drain energy away. A bathroom in the center of a home? That’s even worse as this causes the health area to be impacted every day by all that occurs in a bathroom.

Cleanliness Adds Good Energy

But there are always Feng Shui fixes you can use to help your bathroom energy be more stable and attractive. First of all, you always want to keep your bathroom clean. Any dirt or clutter is going to further hinder the flow of energy in the space and affect the other spaces the bathroom might touch. Make sure to give the bathroom a good cleaning once a week, but more often if you have children or make a mess. Cleaning every surface will not only promote health, but it will also ensure that you are keeping the energy moving.

Add Warmth to the Space

Since the bathroom tends to be a cold place, you need to add warmth to it and thus add warmth to the energy of the space. Begin by adding warm colors to the room so as to counteract the water energy. You will want to avoid an all white bathroom, for example, and focus more on pastel colors that promote a soothing energy, while still adding brightness. Make sure the bathroom is always well lit when you are using it.

It can also help to keep the door closed in order to keep the water energy of the bathroom from upsetting the rest of the home. While you might not be able to do much with the placement of this room, the bathroom can become a positive energy with these simple adjustments.

Above all make sure that you keep the toilet seat down when not in use and keep the bathroom door closed at ALL times!

About the Author: Candace Czarny, ASID, CFM, LEED AP, “Award Winning” Interior Designer, Feng Shui Expert & Author of 20 Minute Feng Shui is continually ranked “Top 10” in Google and Yahoo. Clients testify of dramatic results!

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Facts on Feng Shui Everyone Should Know

By Lynn Lee

There are some facts on Feng Shui that everyone should know. Feng Shui is the study of the positioning of objects so that harmony with the environment can be achieved. It is believed that everything contains some sort of energy.

Basically, there are 2 types of energy, one being the positive energy (Qi) and another one being the negative energy (Sha Qi). Therefore, the flow of Qi is one important aspect of Feng Shui.

Another essential aspect of Feng Shui is the balancing of the 5 key elements of fire, earth, metal, water and wood. Some of these elements go well with each other while some of these elements clash with each other. For that reason, it is important to know the nature of the elements to avoid clashes and to reap benefits from it.

The flow of Qi

Basically, the flow of Qi in an area is determined by geomagnetism, astronomy, space and weather. Common examples such as placing an object outside your door, having a dirty kitchen sink or even the colors of the objects around you can affect the Feng Shui.

Practitioners of Feng Shui believe that in order to strike a balance and harmony with the environment, the flow of Qi must be smooth in that area. If there is some sort of blockage of the flow of Qi, it represents a bad omen and it is recommended to clear this blockage of Qi as soon as possible.

If you encounter any problems with the flow of Qi, do not worry, as we will be sharing with you a few methods to improve the flow of Qi in an area. Water symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Having a waterfall crystal will help you to ventilate the flow of Qi in your area. It is also believed to bring you wealth.

Another way to improve the flow of Qi is to hang a bamboo wind chime near the window. If it happens that negative energy (Sha Qi) is flowing in from the window, the wind chime will help to deflect the Sha Qi away.

Now that we know how Qi works, let us now look at how the 5 elements work.

The 5 key elements

The 5 key elements consist of the earth, wind, water, wood and metal. Colors and shapes in the surrounding can also represent the 5 elements. Different colors are believed to emit different emotions while different shapes of object could affect the flow of Qi in an area in many different ways. Some of the elements clash with each other. Examples will be water clashing with fire and fire clashing with wood.

Knowing how these elements work, here are some tips for you to avoid the clashes of the elements. The kitchen is the place where clashes between elements will most likely occur. For example, your fire stove should not be facing the water basin or refrigerator directly as a clash between the fire and water elements will occur.

Also, do not put any machine near the door of the house. When the machine operates, it will cause the Qi around it to become hot. As it gets hotter, the Qi will escape away from the house much faster than desired, causing an irregular flow of Qi in the house.

The basic of the flow of Qi and the 5 key elements are the facts on Feng Shui everyone should know. Now that you’ve discovered these facts on Feng Shui, you can now avoid ignorant mistakes you made in the past and enjoy better luck from now on.

About the Author: Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui Decorating. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on Feng Shui providing valuable advice at http://www.whatisfengshui.net.

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What is a Feng Shui Bagua is Used For?

By Lynn Lee

A Feng Shui Bagua is one of the essential tools for practitioners to determine the Feng Shui of a place. The Bagua is divided into 8 directions, similar to that of a compass. After the division is made, you can see that there are 9 areas on the Bagua map, in which each area represents a different aspect of life.

Knowing the fact that each of the 9 areas represents an aspect of your life, you can use the Bagua map to determine what went wrong in the Feng Shui of your home. As such, you can also make the necessary amendments to enhance the quality of your life.

Below is a list of the 9 areas of the Bagua map and how each area affects an aspect of your life.

Wealth and Prosperity

The area of hsun gua on the Bagua map represents wealth and prosperity. Pay special attention to your kitchen sink as it symbolizes the flow of your wealth. If you encounter any financial problems recently, you should do a clean up of your kitchen sink as a dirty kitchen sink might block the flow of your wealth. Call for a plumping service, as clogged water pipes will affect your wealth flow as well.

Fame and Reputation

Fame and reputation occupies the Li gua of the Bagua map. If you find that someone is gossiping about you or passing bad remarks about you, it is time for you to take some action.

You will need more “fire” energy to improve your relationship with others. One simple thing that you can do is to wear some accessories that are yellow in color. Yellow color emits cheerfulness and friendliness, which will help to improve your relationship with others.

Relationships

Relationships lie on the kun gua of the Bagua map. If you encounter any relationship problems, it is time for you to make some adjustment to your bedroom, especially your bed. Adding a bamboo wind chime to improve the flow of positive energy (Qi) should be good enough.

Families

The jen gua of the Bagua map represent families. To maintain harmony in the family, the living and dining room should be well decorated. It should be spacious enough for family gatherings. There should also be products such as crystals to enable a smooth flow of Qi in these gathering areas.

Health and Balance

The center of the bagua map represents health and balance. To maintain good health, there should be a smooth flow of Qi throughout your house. The flow of Ying and Yang energy should be well balanced to ensure good health.

Creativity or Children

Creativity or children lies on the Dui gua of the Bagua map. Brightening up your workspace with more Yang energy sources will inspire you with new ideas. If you want to have a child, you must first improve the flow of Qi in your bedroom. Having better lightings and putting a few crystal balls beside your bed should do the trick.

Self-understanding

Self-understanding is represented by the Ken gua. An object that affects this area of your life will be the window. The window affects your self-perception. Therefore, it is vital that you clean your window regularly because a dirty window might mean that you may not be able to see things clearly.

Career

The kan gua symbolizes your career. The front door and pathway of your house will affect your career. Most of the time, people will hang auspicious Feng Shui products on the door to ward off the negative energies (Sha Qi).

Helpful Friends

Helpful friends will lie on the area of chien gua. To become acquainted with more helpful friends, you should try to get rid of any Sha Qi that is circulating around you. This Sha Qi prevents you know knowing new people. You can wear a crystal accessory such as a crystal bracelet to get rid of the Sha Qi around you.

By understanding what a Feng Shui Bagua is used for, you can take action to prevent bad things from happening If encounter any problem in your life, you can use the Bagua map to figure what area of your person or your house you need to change to improve the situation.

About the Author: Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui Decorating. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on Feng Shui providing valuable advice at http://www.whatisfengshui.net.

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The Concept Of Feng Shui

By Mr.Andrew Caxton

The Feng Shui concept is one of positive energy. Believers feel it can help them become rich and successful. Feng Shui has the ability to b9ring harmony between all living things in the environment.

When Spring arrives, it’s a prefect time to think about doing some face work to your home in order to generate a flow of positive energy through it. When you successfully change the surrounding energy, you will also change your life.

Origin of Feng Shui

Feng Shui originated in China, and its beliefs are based upon the idea that both animate and inanimate objects generate energy. The belief is this is caused by placement with the intent to achieve some kind of balance as well as harmony between people, places, and things and the environment.

The five earth elements that comprise Feng Shui and play an integral part in the creation of the flawless environment.

What Is Feng Shui?

When the majority of people think of Feng Shui, they think of moving their furniture or of using Feng Shui interior decorating style, but it definitely extends beyond either of those. The Feng Shui concept is one of balance in addition to harmony, which is a positive energy force. Followers believe it will allow each person to minimize the negative as well as any dangers in your life in order to increase your chances of achieving good health and being successful.

Another concept of Feng Shui is its ability to govern how lucky you are in love, happiness within the family, and romance. Its use has been incorporated into children’s education for centuries, and by following the Feng Shui tips, your study habits and concentration will improve.

The concept also says that if you work extremely hard and are in possession of the proper Feng Shui, you may actually enjoy an opportunity of wealth. You cannot lie back until your chance arrives; only hard work will help you obtain the success you ought to have. Many millionaires exist because of Feng Shui, but it is not a free ride to success. They got there because they worked hard to achieve their goals, using Feng Shui as a guide.

Many people who begin learning about Feng Shui have no idea of its depth of knowledge, but they confess later that it causes positive changes in your life by generating positive energy that is known as CHI.

If you make use of any of the Feng Shui cures or enhancements, you must be able to identify the items that are a part of the environment of the individual whether it’s a home or a commercial building. After all, the Feng Shui concept is to improve all aspects as well as areas within both our daily lives as well as environment to form a more balanced world.

About the Author: Andrew Caxton enjoys writing about home decor for http://www.home-decorating-reviews.com . Find more publications about feng shui interior decorating at his website.

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What Is A Feng Shui Life?

By Charles Chang

Many people have heard of Feng Shui, and have wondered what having a Feng Shui life consists of. Some believe it is but silly superstition or ancient fairy tales. In fact, Feng Shui is the knowledge that comes from studying and understanding how the environment around you impacts you and your daily life.

In the Chinese language, Feng (fung) means “wind” and Shui (schway) means “water”. These two basic elements are considered to be the fundamental elements for life to exist. Feng Shui dates back over 3,000 years, and continues to evaluate how ch’i, Chinese for “energy,” flows in one’s environment and the impact that this flow has on one’s life.

At it’s inception, the art and science of Feng Shui focused on the arrangement of the home for optimum safety, comfort, and security. One’s bedroom would be positioned properly for the deepest and most restful sleep. Doors would be placed in such a way as to provide security from negative energies. Every detail was accounted for, including the stove’s proper placement to ensure that the rice would be cooked properly, each and every time.

As the years have passed, Feng Shui masters have developed more sophisticated ways of evaluating the impact of our increasingly complex environments on ch’i. These methods include the measurement of magnetic flow based on compass direction, and the natural real world effects of color, shape, and the conglomeration of elements in a person’s living space.

The common misconception many people have is that a Feng Shui life brings with it wealth and almost magical tidings. For better or for worse, this could not be further from the truth. A Feng Shui life is really about creating an environment for opportunities. It allows you to make good use of the understanding of nature and life together. This understanding can effectively help you make the most of the opportunities that come before you, and hopefully open you to more of those opportunities.

The modern Feng Shui life must continue to evolve in order to address contemporary problems. Environmental factors such as the effect of electromagnetic radiation, indoor plumbing, and other innovations have the potential to clutter the environment and can have a hand in obstructing ch’i flow and disturbing the delicate balance of life.

Many people who work to live a Feng Shui life stress the importance of embracing other life-enhancing factors as well. Since Feng Shui is a holistic lifestyle, it is reasonable that consideration must also be given to the quality of food that we eat, the quality of cosmetics or personal hygiene products that we put into our bodies, and the choices we make concerning products that may or may not use toxic elements so that we may continue to support the environment.

With our world constantly moving and changing, you can never have the best of circumstances all the time. With day there must be night, and times of good luck must come with times of bad, this is one of the primary principles of Yin and Yang. A Feng Shui life can help to manipulate the influences in your life and make it easier for you to be able to meet and handle these changes. It can allow you to make wise and effective decisions which, in turn, can help you achieve wealth and success.

A Feng Shui Life is certainly not some fairy tale or superstition. In fact, Feng Shui is a profound life tool that can be used by anyone to make life better and more harmonious.

About the Author: Charles Chang has been working with Feng Shui for many years. He enjoys helping others achieve positive energy flow through his website at http://www.feng-shui-pro.com .

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Strengthening the Connection With Reiki and Meditation

By Ryan J Bell

People who are just beginning to learn how to use Reiki to heal themselves and others can gain practical momentum through meditation. Regardless of whether you’re earning your first degree or have already become a Master after graduating from a third degree course, meditating pushes you to the next plateau. In fact, many practitioners who have faithfully adhered to the practice’s underlying principles claim they began to see a new level of progress only after meditating regularly.

Below, we’ll explore the ways in which finding quiet and solitude on a regular basis can strengthen the connection you feel with the Reiki energy. I’ll explain the fundamentals of meditation and how you train yourself to schedule time for it. I’ll also describe a 3-week program that you can use to contemplate your goals and seek answers.

What Does It Mean To Meditate?

Many people confuse prayer with meditation. It’s worth clarifying the difference. Prayer is speaking with God. To meditate is to embark on something entirely different. It is the act of quieting your mind and listening to what God has to tell you. Many Reiki practitioners prefer to begin each day by meditating on how they should use the universal energy into which they tap.

But, it’s a mistake to think that meditating must be done according to a schedule. In truth, many of the most revelatory moments are experienced during spontaneous meditation. A lot of Reiki devotees find themselves tapping into hidden stores of spirituality even while doing mundane things like driving, washing the dishes, or exercising. The key is to appreciate the meaning behind meditation and how it fortifies your connection with the Reiki energy.

Finding The Time

There will always be reasons to procrastinate meditating. Our lives are busier than ever and time is a valuable commodity. It’s too easy to keep telling yourself that you’ll meditate later in the day after you’ve accomplished everything on your “to do” list. But, that seldom happens. Other things will continue getting in the way.

This is one of the reasons why many Reiki Masters devote time during the early morning to their meditation. They realize that spending time alone and communing with God is critical to being able to focus on their spiritual growth. In doing so, they gain a better understanding about the healing nature of Reiki and the relationship they share with the universe.

A 3-Week Program To Strengthen The Connection

To be sure, there are many approaches to developing the habit of meditation. The program that follows is used by many practitioners because it helps them build the habit while strengthening their focus and spiritual empowerment. It is a 3-week process through which you can open your mind to your connection with the universe’s healing energy.

Week 1 – During the first week, you’ll concentrate on the Usui symbol of power. Each day will start with a specific question. Find a quiet, secluded place and meditate on the symbol for 20 minutes. Keep a small legal pad nearby to write down any notes that form in your mind during your session. They can include words or symbols. It is not important that you understand your notes; rather, it is important that you record them.

Week 2 – The second week will focus on the mental and emotional symbols of Usui. Each day will begin with another question. As before, meditate on the symbols for 20 minutes in a secluded area where you will not be disturbed. Keep your legal pad nearby and record any thoughts or images that appear in your mind.

Week 3 – The last week focuses on the distant healing symbol of Usui. You’ll spend the entire week meditating on this symbol for 20 minutes each day. Write down any notes on your legal pad.

Ideally, the above program should be used by students and practitioners who have passed the second degree of training. Those who have become Reiki Masters can add to the program by including additional symbols. Remember, the first step is building the habit. Only then can you truly connect with the universe and explore that connection with the Reiki energy.

About the Author: This article was provided by Programs of Light, a provider of reiki training courses and animal reiki programs. Check them out online at http://www.ProgramsOfLight.com

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Feng Shui Beginners: How to Use Feng Shui to Enhance Your Luck

By Lynn Lee

Feng Shui is not a dish best served warm with some oyster sauce. It is the art of tuning you in with Mother Nature, so that she may notice you, stroke your head gently and impart upon you all of nature’s secret energies of wisdom, love, power, luck and wealth. People all over the world, including Chinese people have turned into the more antiquated recesses of history and have been using feng shui to enhance their prosperity and ensure their longevity. This is some literature for those not in the know, a feng shui for beginners so to speak – instructing all on how to use feng shui to enhance your luck.

Feng shui is using the power of colours, arrangement and design structures to make any living or working space sort of a tuning fork or sponge that can absorb as much good energy as it can to give you prosperity, luck and wisdom. Adversely, you could be stuck in a situation where the reverse is true, bad colours and odious arrangements make for the ‘scarecrow’ effect – driving away ‘Chi’ or good energy.

What we are concentrating here is on luck and I will explain a bit on that as well. Ancient masters of old China, well schooled in the arts of feng shui have divided luck into three bite sized and packaged portions. ‘Tien’, also known as luck of the heavens, ‘Ti’, a luck spawned from earth and ‘Ren’, the best luck of all, created from the tools of humanity and the individual.

Now Tien is the preset luck, it all depends on time of birth, location and family history. Ti and Ren however are entirely up to you. Ti or Earth Luck is the one you have the most control over. This luck is resonant with the energies of nature and they flow within the world we live in at every turn. This is also where feng shui is most applicable because these are the very energies or ‘Chi’ that you must tune to enjoy a lifetime of good luck and prosperity. The totality of the approach is this, what colours you use and how your house is arranged will decide how much and how often these energies will call on you and make themselves comfortable in your abode.

What you put in your house is also very important. Dried flowers, fake plants or anything with thorns or sharp jagged edges may just cut a swathe into the good energies and chase them away. Feng Shui identifies eight segments of life – career, relationship, health, travel, children, family, education and fame. Each of them has a place in any living and working space and anyone can use what they have or Feng Shui specific objects like crystals and stones to augment and control the amount of ‘Chi’ travelling through the house as well as balance the yin (masculine) and the yang (feminine) energies of the house – maintaining a balance that is ideal for wealth, luck and prosperity to grow. So use this feng shui for beginners guide as your first step towards enhancing your luck today.

About the Author: Click Here to get Free Tips on how to improve your life with Feng Shui Decorating. Lynn Lee is a celebrated authority on Feng Shui providing valuable advice at http://www.whatisfengshui.net.

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