[zen living]
break

The art of zen living
Sometimes we have to just take a deep breath and face the fact that juggling kids, work, and home isn't getting any easier. We recently came across a local Feng Shui master who teaches and practices the art of bringing serenity and simplicity in our homes and life. The perfect antidote to stress and unbalanced. Below are a few tips to bringing calmness to your environment which in turn will affect your overall mood. A refreshing approach to entering the new spring season.

Balance Elements: wood, water, fire, metal
Springtime brings with it the energy of the wood element.  You can nourish this wood element by adding the element of water.  Water fountains, fish bowls, aquariums, waterfalls, art that depicts water moving water can be quite beneficial during this time of year.  Things that are of an irregular shape can be representative of water.  The color black and glass objects also symbolize water.  If you have excess wood, using the metal element may be of great benefit.  Metal prepares the wood for the fire.  Fire is another element that will make good use of your excess wood.  Metal decorative and functional objects can be placed throughout your home or where the wood is in over supply. The shape of metal is round and the color is white.  The fire element is representative of all natural fire objects, such as candles, fireplaces, fire pits, cooking objects and so on.  The color for fire is red and the shape is triangle.  Choose object that fit your purpose and sense of style and décor.  Feng Shui design is always beautiful and functional.

Enhance Home Entrances
Since spring is a time of new growth, new beginnings be mindful of how energy first meets your home.  The approach from road and of course the front door are two typical places.  Freshen these areas.  Place new plants, flowering or fruit bearing if possible.  As you spring forward, add new energies of positive influence in areas in the Bagua that you wish to move forward in your life.  Place adjustments and cures with very special and specific meaning to your intended outcome.  Make the placement special by using the Three Secrets Reinforcements on an Auspicious day to ensure to best possible outcome.

Balance Nature
Flowers in the springtime can be most beneficial.  Strategic placement can be enhancing and enjoyable.  Place a bouquet in your bedroom in the Bagua area that you need the most energy from. The color or vase of the bouquet can be the color of that Bagua area. Flowers placed strategically in key areas of your home can bring extra special spring blessings.  Accuracy and fine tuned placement can make all the difference in the world.  

Contributing writer, Kathy Mann, is the founder and owner of the successful Abundant Feng Shui Creations. Kathy built this enlightened company with her more than 12 years of experience in delivering powerful professional and personalized Feng Shui consulting and education, www.fengshui108.com