Spring: Time to Awaken, Recenter, & Refocus!
In March,
our dear Mother Earth begins her process of rebirth--signaling life to
renew itself quickly, spontaneously, and energetically. Feng Shui teaches
us that the Wood element, which is strongest in the Spring and is indicative
of new beginnings, is at its peak from early March to early June. This
is the natural time for new growth--whether it be in planting your garden,
completing projects around the house, revitalizing your family relationships,
or increasing your wealth.
Since many of us are beginning to feel the urge to get out of the house
and play in the garden, here are some Feng Shui ideas to help bring balance
to your yard:
Draw a rough map of your lot. Then tour your property with map in hand.
Stop frequently and notice how you feel. You may feel exhilarated in one
spot and just a few feet away you may experience a subtle feeling of sadness.
You may want to linger in some areas while others cause you to speed up.
Some areas may be neutral and not evoke any feelings. Just note your various
feelings on your map. There’s no right or wrong. It’s just
your observation of what’s so. Be sure not to neglect those hard
to reach areas--such as drop offs near the back or sides of your lot or
any areas guarded by weeds or clutter. Remember they are part of your
land and also say something about your life. Some folks may not feel anything
extraordinary as they move around their property. That’s o.k. Just
notice whatever you can before moving on to the next section.
Next, list anything that you perceive to be out of balance. For instance,
note any areas where safety or maintenance may be a problem or any areas
which may be attractive, but for some unknown reason just don’t
appeal to you. Also mark down any places where clutter has accumulated
and places where there are plantings that may be considered a problem--such
as plants that attract bees or wasps and are located near a narrow walkway--or
prickly plants that can reach out and scratch an unsuspecting visitor.
IF YOU WONDER IF SOMETHING IS OUT OF BALANCE, IT PROBABLY IS; SO MAKE
A NOTE OF IT.
Now put your list away and scan your yard as a whole. Does each area flow
into the the next? If not, that may indicate miscommunication in the home.
This can manifest externally between various members of the household
or for individual members as their internal self-talk. It could also mean
that different roles in your life don’t work together easily.
It’s time now for the big question: What area of your life would
benefit the most if it was in some way changed? This could mean you have
a problem in this part of your life or simply that you would like to enhance
this area and experience increased results. Do you need to work on your
marriage or another relationship? Is money tight? Do your children or
pets need help? Perhaps there are health issues. If you have several pressing
problems, keep asking yourself which is the most important to work on
right now. Don’t attempt to change everything at once.
If you understand the bagua, relate your issue to the area of the bagua
that is the best fit. Notice how your yard is maintained in that area.
Are the plantings appropriate for that area. For instance, having harsh
plantings or inert materials, such as rock and wood chips in the Children’s
area may be affecting your relationship with your children or pets. They
may treat you coldly or you may come across as unloving to them. If this
is true, see if there’s a way to soften that area with gentle plantings
and inviting pastel colors. If the area affected is landscaped with rocks
and lacks irrigation, consider adding colorful potted plants during the
growing season and interesting life-affirming statuary during the Winter
months.
Most important: be sure to take care of those safety or maintenance issues
as soon as possible. Whether you’re aware of it or not, they are
draining your energy and possibly keeping you from attaining your heart’s
desire.
Spring Blessings!
Suzanne