Our Next Art of Prosperity Class

Fall Shifts and Changes with Energy

You will learn how to bring in that shift with ease in your home and office.

Simple, easy to understand tools to make your home and office shine!

Bring a first time visitor for FREE

When: Thursday, October 6th

Time: 6:00 PM
Where: Shady Side Academy

423 Fox Chapel Road
(McCune Dining Hall)
Pittsburgh, PA 15238

Cost: $25.00 Gourmet meal included

FENG SHUI FOR THE VIRTUAL INBOX: How to write emails that generate desired feedback and flow in your personal and professional life

How to write emails that generate desired feedback and flow in your personal and professional life

Feng Shui is about feeling good. These positive vibrations are generated through the strategic placement of items, colors and shapes within space. What we call “positive flow” and “energizing” also created. Positive vibrations of color, shape and symbolic images or items are placed in areas that represent as well as actually hold the energies associated with different aspects of our lives, i.e. wealth, career, reputation, knowledge, partnerships, family, health, and offspring. There always are ways by which we can enhance or detract from these areas of our lives in a conscious or unconscious way. FS supports the enhancement of flow, and thereby, the enhancement of the positive.

FS is meant to simplify your life, so say what needs to be said to get your point across without cluttering the topic or the reader’s mind and leave it at that. Use bullets or indentations to streamline items or points, thinking about tone, but never overlooking the overall look of the email. Congestion and crowding is never good in FS and certainly an obstacle in any written material: think negative space. Allow for flow of thought and meaning by creating white space between lines, in margins and surrounding important details and thoughts. Consider the effectiveness and power in a well-placed pause; a moment to land and rest or punctuate a particularly important point. This dramatic effect also can be achieved through well-placed white space within an electronic communication.

Break up the monotony of a dense email or imbue an otherwise uninspired message with an interesting image easily found in online clip art or a search engine such as Google Images. When including a link or email address and phone number, double check for accuracy.

Make your subject header reflect the content of your message without being wordy or negative. Directive and warnings, although in rare circumstances of emergency necessary, are inappropriate in written correspondence headers. They can be interpreted as unnecessarily brash or commanding, which is out of place in an increasingly lateral workplace which no longer aligns with blatantly hierarchical approaches to management or information dissemination.

It’s important to be impactful without sounding dictatorial or one-sided. After all, the essence of FS is simplicity and positive flow; effective communication is never one-directional and neither is effective FS. It’s ebb and flow, to and fro’, that enlivens a message as well as a space. This approach engages the reader shift focus and tempo, thereby stimulating greater attention toward subject matter, temporarily relieving and refreshing the eye and mind-- important facets of FS-- freshness and focal points.

In FS we discipline ourselves to the items necessary and those that offer symbolic value in areas we wish represented and energized. The same goes for writing. Less is always more and being concise without being terse or blunt is the goal for good writing. Hold in mind your goal, both in content as well as audience. Although you may be separated by miles or dramatically differ in perspective, you must remember your intention as well as your reader. For any communication, despite the theme, your fundamental goal is to share an idea, request, requirement or support. Ask yourself once you have read aloud your message-- and always read aloud your messages before sending-- have I

• communicated clearly

• communicated respectfully

• communicated positively

• underscored the most important aspect(s) with effective language, symbols or, yes, an underscore

• invited a confirmation of understanding; an opportunity for questions; and further communication

• thanked the reader for his or her time, consideration and involvement

• “de-cluttered” my message to offer simplicity and conciseness while not sacrificing communicative tone

• created a message that will inspire the response required in the time frame necessary

• considered the bigger, long-term picture and allowed opportunity for future discourse

• truly represented yourself and your intentions through word choice, tone and appearance of message?

This last bullet is just as important as those which preceded it because it indicates the necessity of authenticity, and FS is about representing self in the clearest ways possible, creating goals and consciously shifting energies in a direction that supports who you really are and what you most want to enhance and offset to ensure your personal vision for your life is optimally achieved. In your communication, be authentic as well as appropriate, and watch how alignment to your truth serves not only your impact in written communications, but your entire life. Nothing on earth vibrates as perfectly as truth.

Feng Shui for the Spouse or Partner in a Military Family

The constant worry, separation anxiety and practical challenges of running a home that may be moved several times during the deployment of a military spouse is a chronic and cumbersome circumstance that befalls many of the millions of US armed service families. Transience, separation and loneliness compound the daily rigors of running a household in unstable economic times and fulfilling the overwhelming role of both mother and father to children who often worry about the safety of their parent serving and contend with the complexities of adjusting to multiple schools and living environments. All of these factors contribute to much of what cannot be controlled, yet influenced through optimization of environment and focusing awareness to space and the flow, or lack thereof, created within the home.

The head of the household will want to bring harmony and positive flow to the dining area where family members gather for mealtimes. Place a mirror on a wall above the table, being careful not cut off the heads of those seated there, in order to reflect togetherness and connection. Enhance the table with green accents, such as a tablecloth to inspire a sense of family as well as community. Use a circular mat, round bowl, or circular mirror holding candles in the middle to trigger health chi. The circle is a most auspicious form in Feng Shui and can be used in the center of a room in the form of a rug beneath the table.

For a calming retreat from stress, both the bath and bedroom are sanctuaries for escape and relaxation. Avoid blue tile or paint in the bathroom, as water can “drown” positive chi flow in a room that already contains an abundance of this element. Close the lid of the commode, add bamboo or framed images of such, or purchase some very inexpensive bamboo rods to offset the water element. Light some pink candles to energize relationships that may be challenged by distance or the strain of tours of duty and relax in a warm tub of bubbles.

In the bedroom, avoid all water elements, including fountains. De-clutter frequently and compensate for any sharp corners on dressers or tables with plants. Remove photos of children and family to another space in the home, pair similar objects, such as candlesticks and knick knacks together on dressing tables and night stands to reinforce partnerships and balance. See other ideas at www.creativecolordesign.com to lift energies and encourage flow and calm in the home.

Feng Shui for the Children in a Military Family

In the year of the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks on the United States, the loved ones of all victims are brought to mind, as well as the military and their families, for whom sacrifice is a way of life.

According to the National Military Family Association, “There are nearly 1.8 million children of active duty, National Guard, and Reserve parents. Deployments are not new to military families, but since 9/11 many parents have been deploying, sometimes on multiple tours, to combat zones for months or more than a year at a time. Service members also frequently go on Temporary Duty (TDY), which can range from a few days to six months. Separation has become a way of life for these families.”

Feng Shui’s healing and supportive impacts create an atmosphere of calm and positive feeling regardless of whether the living space represents a familiar place or an entirely new living environment. Enhance grounding for young people who initially may struggle with a sense of belonging by considering the Earth element by using colors such as tan, brown, green or yellow. To activate stability, such items as rocks, nature art, sand and crystals add a dash of interest and texture.

Cultivating a helpful relationships at school and within the community and household by using the bagua map which can be found at www.creativecolordesign.com to find the right front corner of a room or house and using black, white or silver accents in that area to ignite supportive bonds and integrated experiences. Find the back middle of your space and add splashes of red to enhance reputation in the outer worlds of school and community, employing the critical fire element of Feng Shui practice. A lamp and items representing achievement, such as certificates and photos will further enhance positive flow in the areas of public profile and reputation.

Children of military families shoulder greater responsibilities, often sacrificing activities and study time to assist in the duties of running a household. They possess a unique life perspective of great breadth and depth. Creating a space for them that feels like their own while offering comfort, calm and stability can be accomplished through simple intention and the easy and accessible help of Feng Shui.

Our next Art of Prosperity Class

Where is MY piece of the puzzle?

This class will inspire you to move forward with thoughtful insight to make your way through your piece of the puzzle.

You will learn: How to use your sub-conscious mind efficiently to guide you through the day. You will see by practicing the ancient art of Feng Shui, you will get the inspiration to move your goals quicker and easier.
You will learn how to Upload new thought patterns to inspire you.

A Gourmet meal will be served.

When: Thursday, September 8th
Time: 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Where: Shady Side Academy, 423 Fox Chapel Rd. Pittsburgh PA 15238
Cost: $25.00

Click the Buy Now Button to Reserve Your Seat today!

Feng Shui for the Military Family

It is said that the only things that stay the same for military families are family and furniture.

Those serving in the nation’s armed forces, their families and loved ones make sacrifices beyond the conceivable concerns of the average person, enduring many shifts and changes which bring to bear stressors that can take a toll on the most resilient of family members, both young and grown.

The template offered by a simple-to-do Feng Shui practice gives those acclimating to a new environment while coping with separation anxieties of a spouse or parent on duty the opportunity of following an easy blueprint for enhancing calm, reinforcing supportive relationships, and enhancing positive feelings and prosperity.

Home furniture is not only of obvious practical importance for military families, it is an all-important anchor of familiarity and consistency for a lifestyle requiring uprooting and regular adjustments to new communities, schools, and friendships. Using a bagua, as found at www.creativecolordesigninc.com, find the upper Northeast corner of your living room and place a table with a lamp to generate energy and add a vibrant red potted plant or framed art. If seating is used in that corner, place a red throw over the back, use red pillows or a red rug beneath it. These steps will assist in attracting supportive relationships within the neighborhood, community, your work, and your children’s school.

To anchor each room and attract good health and wellbeing, display a round bowl of oranges, capitalizing on both the enlivening component of fresh citrus and the powerful shape of the circle. This is an easy and affordable way to refresh a kitchen, dining or living area, and it will draw good luck and prosperity (not to mention, tempt the kids toward a very healthy snack). To that same end, mind the central areas of rooms, particularly tables and beds, are free of clutter and extraneous items. The fewer the items, the smoother and better the flow of energy. You will be pleased with how quickly this positively impacts the state of your mind and that of your household.

Clutter-free surfaces, fresh plants and fruits all work to enhance flow, generate positive chi and disperse negative chi energies within a space, allowing all those who enter it to acclimate quickly and smoothly.

Creating CALM… How Attention to Detail Improves Your Dog’s Life

Creating CALM…
Feng Shui expert Yvonne Phillips tells how attention to detail improves your dog’s life

For thousands of years, people have employed the principles of Feng Shui to ensure they live the happiest, healthiest lives possible. The ancient Chinese practice aims to generate positive chi—or energy flow—through the strategic placement of furniture and other objects in both homes and offices. But can Feng Shui improve the lives of pets, as well? Yvonne Phillips, one of America’s leading Feng Shui experts, says the answer is a resounding yes. Here, she explains. How, exactly, do dogs fit into a home’s Feng Shui ?

Pets bring an uplifting and loving life for force to the home environment. For an owner, simply having a pet is a Feng Shui cure in itself. It can significantly impact the quality of a person’s life and, as research has shown, improve health and happiness. Because pets can enhance the Feng Shui in any home, ensure you’re doing your part to provide an uplifting environment for them as treasured members of the family.

So you’re saying that just having a dog is a Feng Shui plus?

Caring for pets brings an increased sense of stability, grounding, and daily order. Along with the health benefits of taking dogs for walks or playing with them, they remind us to just be in a fast-paced world. The positive chi life force radiates off happy, well-cared-for pets, and their movement throughout the home helps to circulate that energy. Feng Shui recognizes the symbology of animals—the reason many Chinese restaurants have aquariums is that fish represent success. Similarly, dogs symbolize protective energy and teach us unconditional love.

Can I use Feng Shui to make my dog happier and healthier?

Feng Shui honors the interconnectedness of all things, so, much like a neglected plant or pile of clutter, a neglected pet affects the energy of the entire home. And just as your pet can uplift your home, you, in turn, can strengthen your pet by uplifting his surroundings. Animals are naturally drawn to the best energy in a room or a house, so you’ll see by watching them where the chi is already flowing. By replicating that energy throughout your space, you’ll enhance your pet’s overall health and happiness.

What is the first change to make?

The most important Feng Shui consideration is cleanliness. People need a clean home environment, and so do pets, which means their spaces should be fresh and sanitized. A pet should feel safe, secure, and comfortable in the areas where he eats or sleeps. Provide fresh water daily, and be sure soap residue is thoroughly washed from his bowls. For easy access, keep doorways and window sills clear of debris; you want to minimize the danger of your pet knocking anything over. Whenever possible, use eco-friendly products to ensure your pet’s safety and your own.

Do the colors we decorate with have any effect on our animals?

To create a sense of calm, choose a pet bed that blends with your color scheme, or one in a neutral shade, rather than something loud and busy. And try to select bowls and plates in yellows or reds. If you have a finicky eater, red can energize him, while yellow is known to evoke a happy mood.
 

Our animals are even more sensitive than we are to what’s around them.

What’s the best place to set up an eating or sleeping area?

Choosing a quiet eating area for your pet—one that’s removed from noise and activity—allows him to eat more calmly. Eating and sleeping areas should be out of the traffic path of humans.

Does air flow affect the flow of energy?

Clean air is vital for good Feng Shui; avoid staleness and pet odors by letting as much fresh air as possible circulate throughout the house.

What about the lighting in your house?

Pets are attracted to natural light and warmth and will always gravitate toward sunny spots near windows. On cloudy days, salt lamps—large salt crystals with light bulbs inside—or candles simulate natural light and they purify the air by releasing negative ions that counteract emissions from computers, TVs, and other electronic devices.

Can clutter actually increase a dog’s anxiety?

If you remember that our animals are even more sensitive than we are to what’s around them, it’s easier to understand their feelings. When your dog is eating and drinking, that’s his most vulnerable time, and he’s extremely aware of his surroundings. If you’ve located his food and water in an area beside a big stack of boxes that should have been in storage, he’ll feel as though someone is watching him, or even feel a little afraid: Is that pile of boxes coming after me?

How do you make sure your dog doesn’t upset the balance of energy in the house?

I’ve been in homes where young families are trying their best to handle to handle it all. Mom and Dad are working, they have small children, and they want to have the pleasure of an animal’s company. But here’s what I see when I enter their home: The parents are hollering at the dog to keep him from jumping on me, and that makes the children upset. The whole home’s vibe becomes negative, creating a ripple effect that isn’t good for anyone, including the dog. It’s only when the dog is conditioned to live in harmony with his human family that the home will emanate completely positive energy.