“A house is very much like a portrait, it gives an indication of the character at the heart of it.”
–Anonymous
“Your House Is Talking!” is an metaphor I use to explain the impact architectural details have on our health, family, career, happiness and degree of success. It never occurred to me that I might have the pleasure of hearing that a client’s house actually talked, let alone getting the last word. Dee called me last November and explained her home was a Feng Shui nightmare. She said, “Don’t get me wrong. I love my house. It sits on a quiet street, has a lot of light and the yard is a bird sanctuary but I cannot make out the Feng Shui. I need help!” I came over and saw straight from the curb the issues she was facing. Missing street numbers, missing front door from the street and the master bedroom three feet from the front door entry to the house. She admitted she was feeling vulnerable with this last arrangement and was losing sleep.“Could we make it work?” She really detested the idea of moving her bedroom upstairs. She also confided that she didn’t feel welcomed in the neighborhood. I could see in her eyes this was her dream home and the relationship wasn’t off to a good start. She had found my Chinese New Year segment on KATU AMNW and felt confident I could guide her out of her Feng Shui mess. She believed in Feng Shui and knew she needed my assistance but also yearned for reassurance that Feng Shui would be the answer. I assured her the changes would be reasonable, efficient and help her feel at peace. She nodded, took notes and as we moved through each room became more and more confident how Feng Shui would help her. When we finished she was beaming.
Whether it was her excitement to see the magic of Feng Shui work or the consultation inspired her to be her most creative, or both, Dee was zealous. She was proud of her accomplishments. She shared stories that were funny and amazing like after painting the bedroom and bathroom (her wealth gua) she received a lucrative contract for her business.
Dee worked tirelessly too, to make her home “Feng Shui” ready for the holidays. In celebration she invited her daughter, son-in-law and grandchildren over for a little party. During the festivities, Matt, a big, husky guy, was standing in the kitchen and noticed the wind chime over her stove. As she told it, he screwed up his face, mimicking a comic he had seen on T.V. and said, “Oh, Feng Shui is stupid!” As quickly as he said it, a thunderous clap shook the entire house. He ducked, looked about frantically as if the walls would come down over him and said, “I promise, I won’t say that again.” Dee is a petite, demure woman with a wry sense of humor. And though she knew the house sent a message to Matt, she added with a shake of her finger, “Don’t you go saying bad about my Feng Shui.”
Since this episode and my January follow up, Dee’s neighbors have cleaned up the jungle in their back yard and she became treasurer of the neighborhood association. She planned to refinance her house to a lower rate which meant having her home appraised. She completed all the rituals at 11 p.m. which corresponded to Chinese New Year ceremonies as well. As she described it, “Orange peels were everywhere. I was given a target and hit it out of the ball park which I owe much to you, so thank you again!” Her next agenda item is to triplicate the success and I will consult for her on her new office which is the realization of her goal to work in the city in which she lives. Dee’s story is anyone’s story and a great story: she moved into a home with Feng Shui design challenges but with perseverance, enthusiasm, TLC and Feng Shui cures, she’s feeling happy and right at home.
Epilogue:
H. H. Lin Yun would teach that every object, utensil, appliance, every furnishing in our homes are animate. “Every thing in the house and every part of the house has its own spirituality. This is true of every piece of furniture, and every system in the house.” So here is a ritual to perform in your home. “Touch the stove and visualize that the God of the Stove has become aware of you and raises its head to look at you. The God is “energized.” Then request the God of the Stove to bestow blessings upon your family, that everything you require will be made available and your resources will be abundant. You can do the same for the God of the Desk and ask for blessings for your career and that your dedication to your work will yield fruitful results. Go to the God of the Bed, touch it and visualize it listens to your request. You can ask for more restful nights or good health. If you have clutter, you can tell the object you are sending it on and thank it for serving you well. This precept gives you access to communicating with the Gods wherever you may travel, albeit your home town or a far away land. When you energize these Gods, in turn they will offer you abundant good energy.
If you feel you have benefitted from this teaching, please support the tradition of receiving transcendental cures with a red envelope. Email me bette@shenmenfengshui.com for details.
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.
