“Promise me you’ll remember, you’re braver then you believe, stronger then you seem and smarter then you think.” 
– Christopher Robin to Winnie the Pooh.

Have you made a commitment to your heart? I recently did. I spent two glorious sun-filled days at the Oregon Coast but the journey didn’t begin that way. A dark sky, the crack of thunder, gale force winds and pelting rain flashed intermittently, contrasting against gentle grazing Holstein and Jersey cows that dotted rolling coastal pastures. This little storm made navigation tricky, yet it was the perfect insular hum for ruminating, if you will excuse the pun.

Weather and Life are mirrors. Sudden theatrics, torrents of expression whether rain or anger, will derail most plans. A  “perfect summer” bubble is a prime target for a dark cloud. I thought if this start is any indication of the next two days I might as well head back home. But there was no time for misgivings, I was halfway there and I was determined to feed an ache in my heart. This trip was not only about Big Blue and leisure walks, but drawing and paper and pencils and dusty doubts from years on the shelf. I blew them off and I blew off my fears. The next day my ache was mended. Like the moon that follows the sun, the jolly red ball came to play again. I indulged in a relaxed morning then tentatively made my way to a place that carries sweet but poignant memories. The same creek was making its timeless rendezvous with the ocean. A wild bunny was sunning itself on a rock, I tiptoed passed and walked to the water’s edge, set up my camp chair and inhaled the marine air. I reveled in the trees, the rocks, moss and pounding surf. I tuned out the distractions of folks searching for pebbles and shells and applied my attention on capturing the wild scene set before me. I let my heart flow and my hand followed. Grace under fire, I danced with Spirit once again.

There are no coincidences. When I settled back in to Portland I found the “Heart Mender”, a gift I received some years ago. Its message reminded me of the polarity I had witnessed on the coast, Nature’s storm and then the calm, my stress and then surrender, the words floated like a beautiful refrain: “this Heart-Mender has been specially designed to fit your hand and lighten your heart. The natural exotic wood will become more beautiful as you hold it and rub it. Allowing your worries and stress to melt away.” 

We tell stories to ourselves. Some are true, some are not. But what holds veracity for both is that life is complicated and compacted with details and we become constricted from lack of mental space. Peace and joy become smothered under dust and responsibilities. If you worry and work long hours may I suggest that before summer fades, feed your soul, embrace your inner child and balance work with play. Wondering where to start? Your home can also be your Heart Mender. Beauty is an integral part of our human experience. Feng Shui cures create beauty. They support you, lighten your heart and melt your worries away. l am delighted to share with you these four Feng Shui cures that, I believe, will help you tap into your happy space.

• The sound of a bell ease the afflictions in the heart. Hang a wind chime on the front left eave (as you face the street from the front door) of your home. Visualize a steady stream of benefactors coming to your aide to support you. Say a prayer to complete this cure and honor this sacred object.
• When you have little money and you need a big change, purchase a Pre-Heaven Ba-gua mirror. It will get things moving. Turn it upside down; placing Earth at the top, and Heaven at the bottom. Place it over your front door. This arrangement turns heaven and earth upside down, bringing heaven to earth. Visualize and invite paradise into your life. Say a prayer to complete this cure and honor this sacred object.
• Your esteem has a great deal of influence on how well you do in life. This is also true, even though someone may be doing well, they might express low self esteem. If you are constantly in a bad mood change this by wearing a solid color of green. When you first dress yourself in this color, say a prayer to honor this sacred message.
• Bamboo’s symbolism means longevity. It’s durable and resilient through all the seasons. It is hollow inside so it is humble. It has been carved into a flute, its tune brings peace. It has been used as a sword, it protects. If you want to attract peaceful financial transactions hang a bamboo curtain in your wealth gua. Say a prayer to complete this cure and honor this sacred object

Whatever feeds your soul this summer, may the experience be abundant. There is nothing like the pleasure of barbecues with friends, jumping off a diving board or simply sipping cold lemonade on the front step and soaking up Vitamin D.

If you see results from these cures, a red envelope is appreciated. And when you share with friends, please acknowledge the source, Bette Steflik, Shen Men Feng Shui.

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.