Feng Shui

A friend of mine gave me a book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui to read. My first thought was that it is such a nice gesture. My second thought was that I know a lot about Feng Shui already. So, what could I possibly learn from this book?

I had a private Feng Shui consultation several years ago. I also own the book Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life is technical. It speaks of the baguas, the nine energy centers of your home, and what you can do to improve the energy in those areas. It is a "how to" book. The book is a great resource and easy to read. I keep it in my library, for reference.

Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui is more conceptual and provides great advice that I must share. I found myself writing down thoughts from the book that are important reminders.

Here are some thoughts to consider:

1. The more that you can learn to trust that life will take care of you, the more life will take care of you.

2. If a material possession is taken or missing, it leaves space for another to come into your life.

3. The whole function of money is not to have it, its function is to use it. The main reason for generating money is to buy experiences. You want to end your life with zilch in the bank and a lifetime of experiences.

4. When it is time, let it go.

5. Making a point to always look good is one of the best ways you can raise your energy and to attract yourself better prosperity.

6. What you resist persists. When you stop resisting, it stops persisting.

7. If you don't like it get rid of it. It gives off energetic gloom.

8. Don't put up with giving yourself second best. When you nourish yourself by giving yourself the best you can, that signal goes out and will attract the best in other areas of your life, too.

9. Things that need fixing are an energy drain. Your subconscious mind keeps track of it. When you see it or are reminded of it, your energy drops.

10. When you care for your home by looking after it, you are loving and respecting yourself.

11. If an item does not serve you, but you keep it for sentimental reasons, take a picture of it and get rid of it!

12. If you don't like a gift, get rid of it. You can still appreciate the sentiment.

13. I freely and easily release the old and joyously welcome the new!

14.  When you are sorting your possessions/clothes, does the item lift your energy when you think about it or look at it?  Do you absolutely love it?  Is it genuinely useful?  If no, get rid of it.

15.  Anything you are keeping "just in case," you are keeping out of fear.

16.  Focus on what you want to happen rather than what you are worried will happen.  Dwell on what is wonderful in your life, so more wonderful stuff will come your way.

17.  Everything you criticize and judge about others is some thing you don't like about yourself.

18.  Just be.  It quiets the chatter and allows you to be open to higher wisdom and guidance, and greater creativity.

19.  Live in the moment.

20.  Everything our lower emotion gets upset about is a situation that our Higher Self has set up to get our attention, because some thing needs to change.

21.  Let go of your grievances and get on with your life.

22.  The higher purpose of cleaning clutter is therefore to clear the debris that prevents us from connecting with our Higher Self and with our Higher Power.

I know this is a lot to think about.  I wrote this post, so I can look back and reflect on these lessons. 

I recommend both books, because they really compliment each other.

Thanks, Anne, for lending the book to me! I didn't realize how much I had to learn. It was meant to be.

Would You Talk to a Child That Way?

Over the years, I have enjoyed reading the advice of Kris Carr of Crazy Sexy Cancer and Crazy Sexy Life. Kris's journey through cancer has been very inspiring to me. No, I am not a cancer survivor, but I think there is so much to learn from Kris, her journey and the "blog posse."

When I was living in Washington, DC, I had the opportunity to watch Kris's documentary called Crazy Sexy Cancer and attend her book tour. I met many people that are cancer survivors or undergoing treatment. I learned great lifestyle advice from them. I was even inspired to make some big changes in my diet. (More on that another time.) I have kept connected with her messages over the years via the websites and continue to learn valuable lessons.

Like most people, I often engage in negative self-talk. I'm not thin enough. I see time marching across my face. My skin is so pale, I could be an extra in the Twilight movies. There is too much wiggle in my walk. I should make more money. I need to read more and turn off the crap on tv. I need to eat less. The house isn't clean enough. etc. etc. etc. Sound familiar?

Kris has started a vlog series (video blog). All off the vlogs are great, but one really hit home. Check it out:



In the event that you don't have 5 minutes to watch, here is the summary:

Would you talk to a child the way you talk to yourself? If you have children, would you talk to your own child the way that you talk to yourself? Would you tell a child that she is fat? Or she isn't smart? Or she can't be what she wants to be? Then, why do you talk to yourself that way?

Consider keeping a photo of yourself as a child on your desk, next to your bed or even on your cell phone and think about yourself as a child when you talk negatively to yourself. (Yes, the photo above is of me.)

Remind yourself that the negative talk is not self-serving. Treat yourself like the child you once were (and the child you may have). A part of us will always be that child, right? Talk to yourself with the compassion and encouragement that you deserve and that you give a child. Self-love, not self-sabotage, right?

Think about it! It makes sense!

Look at What I Found!

Carbs are not evil. You need starch to fuel your strenuous workouts. Find whole grain, whole wheat carbs that are high in fiber and protein. Fiber keeps you full. It is also important to find proteins from sources other than animals. Read the labels of all baked items and pay attention to calories, fat, protein, carbs and fiber.

I was skimming a magazine and found an advertisement for Oroweat 100% Whole Wheat Sandwich Thins. Each sandwich thin is 100 calories, 1g fat, 21g carb, 5g fiber, 2g sugar and 5g protein. For 100 cals, I am amazed that each thin has 5g fiber and 5g protein. Wow!

While I was looking for the thin in the grocery store, the person stocking the bread aisle also recommended Thomas 100% Whole Wheat Bagel Thins. These bagel thins are 110 cal, 1g fat, 24g carb, 5g fiber, 3g sugar and 6g protein. Again, great fiber and protein for the calories.

I don't know about you, but I avoid bagels and most sandwiches. These thins are a great compromise. For a great breakfast, you can spread some nut butter on the toasted sandwich or bagel thin and add banana or berries. For lunch, you can spread some hummus and add veggies and lean protein. For dinner, I can't wait to grill a veggie or turkey burger!