The Goodness of Green

“Green is the prime color of the world and that from which its loveliness arises.”
– Pedro Calderón de la Barca
When someone inspires me, it’s a call to action. When a color inspires me it changes my life. I recall a sweet conversation with a darling stranger who shared, “Color is my medicine.” Selecting her attire was a conscious ritual that expressed her quirky personality yet protected her from a world that could often be unkind. Her words struck a chord with me: the colors we adorn our bodies and homes with are profound and meaningful. They affirm our sense of beauty and peace of mind, more so than choosing current color trends.

This brief conversation was especially timely and I could see it mirrored in my March walks along the Ridge. The landscape has been filled with an explosion of luscious greens – emerald, olive, pea, lime, pine and verdigris. Grasses, plants and trees are happily rioting in the warm, spring sun. Nature has indeed replenished the earth. This joy led me to ask, “what is the goodness of green” and “how do we use its goodness in Feng Shui?”

The goodness of green is that it refreshes the body and spirit. It is associated with springtime, a fresh start, vitality and hope. It is a common color in nature – grass, trees and vegetation reflect this color and can help you to feel grounded, creative and calm. Green is easy on the eyes and you can look at it for a long time and not experience eye strain. It lays its verdant, healing vibration upon our spirits in a manner that equalizes, relaxes and balances painful processes.

Will you be turning your attention to a remodel or refresh your house in the coming months? What about painting your bedroom? If you are dealing with depression, the goodness of apple green is that it supports new beginnings. It’s an invitation to take a different path; it inspires hope and encourages possibilities for a better future. Add this secret for the best results: visualize in detail your venture into the unknown while the vitality of green strengthens your resolve to follow through.

Does this economy have you worrying a lot and you can’t seem to shake the feeling? Cheek your front door. Open it, what do you see? Are there dead or unhealthy plants within view? Remove them and your worries may dissolve. Replace the old with new greenery (both inside and outside the door). The goodness of green is your decision making will improve, your next step will be clear and you will feel confident in moving forward.

Did you daydream when you were a child? Do you still want to step out of your body so you don’t have to dealt with adult matters? The goodness of green is that it can influence your inner state and give you hope that a fresh start is around the corner. Wearing the color green is grounding like a tall tree that draws the vital essence of the earth up through its roots into its branches and leaves. Its essence infuses your spirit with a sense of aliveness, abundance and focused energy.

Plants are all too happy to share their abundant life force. They thrive in groups. The goodness of green in the bedroom is they revitalize your Ch’i. If you place nine (representing longevity, completion and peak accomplishment) green plants in the master bedroom, this BTSB Feng Shui adjustment will lend ardor in your intimate moments with your beloved.

Green orchids bring extra blessings and luck to friends and family. Sending them is a powerful good deed as they are a symbol of good fortune, good health and longevity. The Japanese culture employs the goodness of green by displaying a green orchid in the home or office. It is believed to bring good fortune into one’s life and career.

Bamboo has a long and humble connection to the Chinese culture. The drooping bamboo leaves cross one another, as if they are composing the Chinese character “An” (tranquility). Being both hollow and soft inside, it symbolizes humility (the Chinese word for hollow means to be humble) which allows it to bow in the wind. The goodness of this green tree is that it provides peace and can drive away negative influences so it will protect you. If you wish to have money and work peacefully for it, hang a bamboo drape in the Wealth/Hsun gua (far left back corner) of your home.

Do you want to enhance what is already a good relationship with your home, family, your job or partner? I would be happy to help you with your place. I am available my signature offering, Your House Is Talking, full consultation service as well as the Feng Shui A La Carte. I look forward to talking to you soon! 503-232-2543 or bette@shenmenfengshui.com.

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.

Feather Your Nest With Feng Shui

“Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the word
And never stops at all.”
Emily Dickinson

Dedicated master builders, birds weave delicate straw and sprigs, coupled with found yarn and twigs into a durable foundation that provides a safe, hidden shelter for their soon to be born young. The final touch that feathers their nest is from their own soft, downy coat. These make the baby chamber warm and snug, protecting the fragile eggs so they can incubate in the safest environment.

Like the robin you can do the same – take the twigs of your desires, weave them with your intention and secure the warmth from your passion to incubate the best of who you are when you utilize the awakening power of “Wood” (from the Five Elements). Its upright energy, flexibility and expansiveness will empower not only your home to withstand outside forces, but build your vitality and strengthen your self understanding. Here are five best ever adjustments to show you how.

  • When you want your calling to be your profession, make an adjustment in the Wealth gua (Wood element) of your home. Paint the walls green. It represents Spring, vitality and uprising force. You will regenerate your wealth when you add red (Fire element). Red is associated with happiness, reason, enthusiasm, power and strength. Wood feeds Fire. Without the synergy of these two elements your finances would tap out and you may falsely believe you cannot realize your dream. 
  • When you want to incubate your best ever partner: plant a pear tree in the yard. The Chinese word, Li, “pear” sounds like partnership and symbolizes the act of sharing. You lay the ground for meaning, value and commitment. If you live in an apartment or a condo you can use a bonsai pear tree or hang a framed picture of a pear tree.
  • When you want to nurture a partnership that you have already created. Feather your bedroom with nine lush plants. The demands of work can deplete your energy. The plants’ vitality encourage  mental focusand stamina. Now you have desire fueled by strength to give to your partner. Nuance: if you desire, place a fruiting or flowering plants as they symbolize your efforts will bear fruit.
  • When you want to incubate your desire for more offspring: plant a pomegranate tree in your yard. It is an time honored Feng Shui symbol of fertility and fecundity. If you don’t have a garden, they also do well planted in a pot, provided they have adequate lighting, drainage and water.
  • When you want to cultivate the qualities of a charismatic teacher and create good teacher and student relationships: plant a plum tree in your yard. However be on the look out if the branches (apricot tree too) extend beyond the property line, one party in a marriage may break their vows.

What is your dream?

Have you decided this will be your year? “Boldness has genius”.. start with one hour of Feng Shui A La Carte. Think of it as a fairy godmother for your house.

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.