HOW FENG SHUI CAN HELP US DEAL WITH LOSS.
Especially this year, as we move through Fall, many people are facing big changes or have suffered tremendous loses. Even if we haven’t been personally touched, most of us have experienced shifts in our feelings of personal safety and security since 9/11. Also, almost everyone is “in transition” these days. The falling leaves are a wonderful metaphor for Life’s natural cycle of change and letting go; and Autumn is a natural time for us to release and move on.
Changes can take many forms: the end of a relationship, the death of a friend or family member, economic losses, change of job, moving into a new residence, the loss of a tooth, or health challenges--even changing your hair style. In colder climates, there is a certain loss of freedom as we pile on more clothing and restrict our outdoor activities as we adjust both physically and psychologically to less sunshine.
It’s important to note that positive changes can also be perceived as loss by the subconscious mind. For instance, clutter clearing which I strongly advocate can bring on immense feelings of loss, along with the feelings of exhilaration and power applauding a job well done. People with long-standing clutter issues may be not only feeling the loss of certain possessions, but they may feel as if a core part of themselves has been taken away. Also, people who have had a significant role model (such as a deceased parent) with a clutter issue may feel that they are permanently breaking their only bond with that person as they clear out things that belonged to that person. This feeling can be especially strong, if the grief of losing that person has not been dealt with.
Any time we shift any habit that we are closely identified with, we may feel that a part of us has been taken away. With every change, there is always a death of sorts--something leaving in order for the new to manifest. We humans naturally resist this process and often do not notice or ignore the need to grieve.
From a Feng Shui perspective, one of the first things to do in dealing with change and/or loss is to examine the Knowledge area of your home which relates to self- cultivation and wisdom. Notice if this area supports the personal growth and insights needed to help you deal with the letting go process. If it doesn’t, find a way that’s related to your loss to enhance this area. For instance, if you have lost or left your job, you may simply write “(the job title & company) “I release you.” on a small paper and place it inconspicuously in a decorative box or container. The next step in this situation may be to place your current goals or a treasure map for what you’re want to create next in the Knowledge area. Then you could turn your attention to the Career area and add moving water or something relating to your specific field of work. Please note that it’s important to assess whether the items placed are still relevant once your loss is resolved.
In order to know your true feelings about any loss, it’s important to be clear. If you are experiencing even a little brain fog, placing a Sun/Moon mirror in your Knowledge area, under your pillow, or above your desk can help. You can contact me or any other Black Sect Feng Shui practitioner for the oral transmission of this useful cure, if you haven’t received it.
And finally, if after an appropriate grieving period, you still find yourself grieving the loss or if you’re depressed, please seek medical attention and/or speak to a therapist.
Blessings
and May Your Leaves Fall Gently!
Suzanne