Nature doesn’t hurry yet everything is accomplished. -Lao Tzu

If your last two weeks were like mine you probably wish you could relive them. I wasn’t alone. I heard stories, intense stories, stories of disappointment and upset. So my question is,“While this was happening did you throw your arms up in the air and burst open with, “Enough!”? Did you? Good for you! No matter how disappointing and difficult a situation is, it contains a silver lining. It may not feel like there is one while it is happening but a challenge is a gift, a silver lining of insight, wisdom, growth, a new attitude and most importantly, learning to be better at handling challenges because you really do know they will happen again and again.

Survival of the flexible. Nature encompasses everything–humans, all of God’s creatures and natural disasters. There may always be the seed of drama in conflict but we carry inside our chromosomes the adaptable gene and we can choose to change. Often we forget that it gives us the advantage. A flexible attitude is energy efficient. It creates mental space for more brain power. Clarity to focus. So focus on what makes you happy. If it’s to spin the great American novel, do that; marvel over the Seine in a hot air balloon, find the time; run with the bulls in Pamplona, nothing is stopping you; triumphantly wave your flag at the summit of Mt. Hood, you’re nearly there. If your plan is to live long, prosper and accomplish everything on your bucket list, adaptability is survival of the fittest.

Don’t hurry be happy. Challenges are demanding. When you see one coming offer it your open-mindedness. It will give you leverage and that is half of the challenge. And don’t hesitate to chant, “don’t hurry, be happy”. Giving a volatile situation time will give you the space to formulate your thoughts and look at how you can accommodate all sides and create a win-win. Because life really is about “us”.

Polish the silver lining. Like the characters from the Silver Linings Playbook who run, argue and dance because it makes them feel alive in their heart, the lining shines bright when you live from your heart. Today is the Autumnal Equinox 2014. Day is balanced with night, dark with light. I have included five extraordinary practices that I believe will help you polish your silver lining, feel balanced and in tune with your heart when times are trying.

• Sound. Karma is the law that past actions create your current reality. You live in the residual of yesterday thoughts. You are not who you are now but what you thought and believed yesterday. When you feel anger or conflict, open to the sounds of the Universe. Empty your heart, chant the Calming Heart Mantra, Gate Gate Para Gate Para Sam Gate Bodhi Swoha nine times and discover peace.
• Smell. It’s hard to think with an unclear mind. During the day stress and clutter accumulate in your energy. If you have experienced a difficult scene with your partner, take an orange peel bath. Cut nine round circles from the skin of an orange and wash your entire body, even your head. Orange is auspicious. Its clarifying essence uplifts your Ch’i helping you seek your level of balance.
• Sight. The natural condition of Ch’i is fluid. Our visual surroundings impress upon our eyes and continually influence our Ch’i. Low energy or unhappy emotions breed in a sterile or stuck environment. Increase your vitality with the coloration and luminosity of green plants. Your bedroom is the most important room in the home. Placing nine healthy plants here will help you maintain a positive attitude.
• Taste. A bitter pill can ruin a good relationship. Before you say something you will regret, step back and “Swallow Your Saliva”, nine times. First create the saliva with the tip of your tongue on the upper palate of your mouth by moving your tongue back and forth 27 times. Then swish the saliva around your gums and teeth. While doing this think whether what you have to say will cause harm. Swallow then speak. It connects all the meridians in the body. Not only will this create positive relations between you and your friend, but strengthen your organs, in particular your stomach and spleen. Setting intention is the motivating factor to positive change. You will experience heart-felt results.
• Touch. Kindness opens the heart. Giving your friend or family member a twenty-two second hug releases the bonding hormone and neurotransmitter oxytocin, which is nature’s antidepressant and anti-anxiety drug. Acting from a kind heart and performing good deeds daily helps you dial into a benevolent universe that you created yourself. You will find your family, friends and even folks you don’t know will want to join you.
  

What I have discovered about our homes is that creating a heart healthy space leads to peace and contentment. The bedroom is where it begins. Start with my complimentary pdf: 27 Bedroom Concepts To Maximize Your Health, Happiness and Peace of Mind. Design your space to your best advantage. Subscribe to my blog and special offers. You’ll receive this valuable Feng Shui Guide as a thank you gift.