Living Feng Shui

Issue

#01

Feng Shui Living

Inspiring ideas to enhance your ch’i

creating space

relationships work

Summer 2013

in this issue q Living well 07 q living connected 17 q Living spaces 33 q living together 47

Finding space in your home, your heart and your life to make real and lasting change!

Body Wisdom Roadblocks to Happiness The Space for Healing Your Love Language Creating an Intentional Home environment

Free

health

family spirituality

Premiere Issue! lifestyle

www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living Feng Shui magazine

Living Feng shui magazine Summer 2013

from the editor

contents

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Happiness Awaits! 31 An Intentional Home 35 Soul Space 37 Perfectly Uncomfortable Space 39 Roadblocks to Happiness 41 Healing the Earth 45 Making Love, the Feng Shui Way 49 Your Love Language 51 A Powerful Pause 53 Books to Inspire 55 Resources 57 The Final Word 61

Inspiring ideas to enhance your ch’i

Are you living spaciously?

features 05 From the I Ching 09 Discover Qi 11 Space for Healing 13 A Little Mind Space 15 Create Reality with Breath 19 Listen Up! 23 Let Perfect Go 25 Draw a New Map 27 Live Large with Less 29 Fire on the Mountain

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elcome! I am so glad you have joined me in launching the inaugural issue of Living Feng Shui Magazine. It is a blessing to me that you are here and I am grateful. Why Living Feng Shui? I am an interior designer and Feng Shui consultant. While I have a special place in my heart for home design and the way that we interact with our environments, I ultimately believe that Feng Shui is not just about our home and work environments. Feng Shui is part of an ancient system of living with and honouring the natural flow and cyclical nature of the Universe. It is about chi, our life force energy, and how it is affected by both our surroundings and by our inner workings; our thoughts, feelings, beliefs and emotions. Feng Shui touches everything. For me, “Living Feng Shui”means living in the flow, in tune with our souls, tapped in to the Creative Universe, balanced, whole. In the Universal way, we are often not all of these things all at one time. We can get out of alignment with our aspiration, out of touch with our inner longings, out of balance in our bodies and out of the flow. This is frustrating and painful and sometimes we all need a little reminder, some inspiration, to get us through these

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spots and guide us back to our heart centre. It is my intention that Living Feng Shui will be a guide. When envisioning this digital magazine I pictured a creative, nurturing, and soulful virtual space. A space that you could come to for inspiration. A space that would remind you of home, the home in your soul where truth and beauty reside. It seemed appropriate then that the first issue would be devoted to the idea of creating space. Space is a requirement for growth. If a container is too small for a plant it dies, if we have too little space in our environment we are stifled, when we think we have the answers there is no room for new possibilities. Our contributors in this issue all have a different take on creating space, from making space in your schedule for a small business to opening the energy channels in the body. It is my most sincere desire that their stories will remind you to make a little space for your own expansion. Enjoy! Mia Staysko Publisher and Editor, Living Feng Shui Magazine

Publisher and EDitor Mia Staysko CONTRIBUTORS Gemma Stone Nicolette Vajtay Munira Jiwa Eileen Head Fawna Bews Kim Page Gluckie Michelena Bamford Hali McQuillan Janelle Harris Borm Tracy Makarenko Jackie Dumaine Tanya Biltz Jahnke Mia Staysko Dan Brule Dana da Ponte Joyce Schafers James Jay Katherine Metz Diana Ceres ADVERTISING Media kit is available upon request Get your copy www.livingfengshui.ca PHOTOGRAPHY Cover and all photos unless noted shared generously via the creative commons by AlicePopkorn Submission guideLines Want to play? Contact me for contributor guidelines [email protected] GENERAL ENQUIRIES Box 22, Site 5, RR 2 Okotoks, Alberta Canada T1S1A2 Phone: 403-938-3359 Email: [email protected] www.livingfengshui.ca ENVIRONMENTAL Living Feng Shui Magazine is offered as a digital publication because we care about the environment. COPYRIGHT All material appearing in this publication is copyright Living Feng Shui Magazine 2013 unless otherwise stated. Copyright may additionally rest with the provider of the supplied material. Living Feng Shui Magazine takes care to ensure information is correct at time of printing, but the publisher accepts no responsibility or liability for the accuracy of any information contained in the text or advertisements. Views and advice expressed in this publication are not necessarily endorsed by the publisher.


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Living contemporary guidance magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary Feng shui magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

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Nourishment From the I Ching

Question for the I Ching:

What steps can Living Feng Shui readers take to create the most space for personal growth?

For thousands of years the I Ching has been used to provide guidance to seekers, Diana Ceres consulted the Oracle for our readers and shares her interpretation.

Answer:

Gua 27, line 2, Mountain over Thunder,

Providing Nourishment

Interpretation:

Gosh. This is such a big question. And it seems befitting, given the theme of our launch issue, Creating Space. Whenever I consult the I Ching, it is always an illuminating experience, and today was no exception. For me, the oracle is like a lotus. Its beauty and mystery seem to run deeper than its resident lake. Today’s question focuses on creating more space for our personal growth and evolution, and we are counselled to nourish ourselves and others properly. Browne Walker states, “The image of this hexagram is that of an open mouth. It comes to remind us that the nourishment of our bodies and spirits is important and merits our conscious attention.” Given that we are in spring, the second season of the year, it seems appropriate that the change line is also budding with

us. As we are just beginning to take these words into consideration, many of us have already begun to shed the excess of winter with juice cleanses and outdoor activities. Perhaps we have begun or resumed meditating. Maybe we have decided to go vegan or to start eating meat. Maybe a relationship has ended, so a new one can begin. Suddenly we are inspired to practice yoga, take up rock climbing, or widen our circle by giving back to the community. The thunder at the bottom of the gua is our impetus for change. This desire creates movement, flow, which enables us to reach a greater state as we aspire to the stillness and wisdom of mountain’s peak.

inner obstacles are no more.” In closing, I leave you with a few questions to encourage the cultivation of more space in your lives: What steps can you take today to affect your personal growth? How will you nourish yourselves and others as you journey? And what will you leave behind, to free yourself to climb higher still?

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iana Ceres is a happy blogger and impromptu philosopher. She currently resides in Austin, Texas, and does her best work fully caffeinated. She has studied Black Sect Feng Shui with Katherine Metz and has decided that the I Ching is definitely her thing. Diana welcomes your comments and is available for private readings. She can be reached at [email protected]. You can also visit her online at: www.iching365. wordpress.com and www. bluedragonconsulting.com

At the second spot on this journey, we are encouraged to study our actions closely and to choose our alliances wisely to avoid any setbacks or proverbial bumps along the way. The Toltec I Ching states, “You are entering a time of profound transformation. In order to advance, give up something from the past that has been holding you back. In order to give up something from the past, see yourself in the future. Consider what you will be like when your www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary Well magazine month 20XX

Living FEng Shui Magazine Summer 2013

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Living Well

You are a being of light, energy expressing in form. You are made of the same cosmic stuff as the stars, the moon, the Universe itself. When your mind, body and spirit are in alignment with the wholeness of all that you are, you are in balance.


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Living contemporary qi magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary FEng Shui Magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

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Discover

your Body’s Qi By Munira jiwa

www.coreenergywellness.com

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o you suffer from the effects of clutter? Overstuffed closets? Too many “junk” drawers?

Did you know that your external environment is reflected and a direct mirror of what is going on in your inner world? When you create more space within, you will find that this will cause a positive shift that leads to more space in your outer world. I’d like to share with you my journey of how Qigong has helped me create inner space and thus, has had a ripple effect on my external environment. Space is created in our internal environment, you energetic self, through the meditative practice of Qigong ( chee - gong ). Through this self-healing tool, you learn how to enhance your quality of life by practicing the ways of opening your energy channels and maintaining your energy balance. Qigong enables us to tap into our body’s inner wisdom and activate our ability to help ourselves heal physically, emotionally , and spiritually. Everything in the Universe is energy or “Qi”. This fact has been recognized

by scientists since the work of Albert Einstein. Everything that we can see, as well as everything we can not see, is composed of dynamic relationships of energy. Einstein proved that while energy cannot be created nor destroyed, it can be transformed. In Qigong healing we learn to transform energy, in that we can transform the energy blockages leading to illness or sickness into wellness. Energy flows through our body similarly to how water flows in a river system. It is meant to flow smoothly and harmoniously. When we experience symptoms such as a cold, headache, depression, these are symptoms that manifest due to the imbalance of energy flow in your body. When we remove energy blockages and restore energy flow, the symptoms will dissipate or completely go away. As a Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) instructor and practitioner, I’ve mastered the art of creating space within. This is done through removing energy blockages and allowing your energy to flow smoothly and harmoniously . You experience your optimal health, peak performance, and inner peace and serenity when your energy is balanced and flowing .In SFQ practice, we use the components of breathing, visualization, simple body

movements, and sound to help remove energy blockages and balance our energy. I’d like to share with you one of the SFQ exercises to help you experience and create space within: “ Moving of Yin and Yang” This exercise heals internal organs and through the guidance of your mind and the movement of your hands, the Heart and Kidney energy join. Blockages open. How to perform this exercise: Start by standing with feet set a little more than shoulder width apart, knees slightly bent and toes pointed forward. Put a gentle smile on your face. Draw your chin back to straighten the spine, relax and drop your shoulders. Open your fingers to receive this beautiful universal energy. With your right hand a few inches in front of your upper chest and your left hand a few inches in front of your lower stomach. Your palms face your body. Slowly your right hand moves out and down to the bottom of the torso while your left hand moves in and up your body to your face. Then your left hand moves out and down while your right hand moves in and up. Your hands continue slowly moving in

See a video clip of this exercise at www.coreenergywellness.com this quiet, gentle circular pattern. Use your elbows to guide the movements and use your hands to feel the energy. Your hands move at a rate of 3 to 5 circles per minute. Imagine a transparent energy column of beautiful colors running from the top of your head to the bottom of the torso. While moving your hands, visualize the energy moving up and down the energy column. Visualize the channels in the torso opening up. Try to keep your spine straight while doing this meditation. You can practice this simple “moving meditation” exercise for a few minutes daily and gradually increase the time.

Move the hands slowly in a gentle circular pattern in front of the body

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The benefits of removing energy blockages and balancing my energy have been quite profound in my life. My chronic neck and back pain are completely gone, I have renewed energy and vitality to live my life with more joy, I experience more authentic relationships and have surges of creative ideas!

unira Jiwa is a Spreader of Qi-Joy! Munira discovered the practice of Spring Forest Qigong (SFQ) in 2006 and experienced a complete transformation from her chronic neck and back pain and the quality of her life. With renewed energy and sense of purpose she now devotes her time to sharing SFQ with everyone she meets.

The space that is created as I continue to work on my inner clearing has positively affected my external environment. As a result, my closets and junk drawers have also benefitted from experiencing some space as well!

Munira is currently the only Certified Spring Forest Qigong instructor in Canada. She graduated as a Physical Therapist in 1995 and completed her Feng Shui certification in 2009.

Spring Forest Qigong was developed by International Qigong Master Chunyi Lin. To learn more please visit www.springforestqigong.com

She is actively educating others through teaching SFQ workshops, practice groups, speaking at wellness conferences, writing, and facilitating energy balancing/coaching sessions.


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Living receptive

Living FEng Shui Magazine Summer 2013

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The Space for Healing By Fawna Bews

www.fawnabews.com

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ealing need not be time of suffering. With a few adjustments you can find that the time needed to recover from anything from a broken heart to a broken back can be used for growth and leave you even stronger than when you started. By adjustments I mean conscious choices in your internal space. This sets the stage for deep listening. There is a piece of us that knows exactly what we need, in becoming present and receptive you will find yourself guided and less susceptible to the confusion and chaos that can surround illness, trauma or disease. Let’s begin creating a place inside of you that is rich and fertile for becoming well. We usually look to outside influences to heal us. Whether this is Western, or Eastern medicine, healers or any of the astonishing array of choices available, we can work in concert with whatever we choose and enhance the effects. I am going to suggest that you consider two states of mind that not only feel better, but encourage healing. They are; presence and still, open and receptive.

Once you are present and still, invite openness and receptivity. You may think in your mind “I am open to receiving”. Notice how this feels, is there resistance?

When we face a physical, mental, emotional or spiritual injury our first reaction is likely fear. Fear offers us the options of fight, flight or freeze. The most effective way to face this is to stop, breathe and become aware of where you are in the moment. Notice everything, from the physical, checking in with all 5 senses, to the subtle which would include sensations like tension, the space around you and what you are feeling and thinking. Inner presence and stillness allow the body to relax and relaxation promotes healing. If the stillness seems to bring the fear to the surface, stay with it. In sharing the burden in prayer, in meditation or with a friend and resisting the urge to jump out of it, you will find that the fear dissipates and you are able to sink into the calm just below it.

Does this sound familiar? You feel terrible and want to go to bed, but you feel like you have things to do so you keep doing them, or you finally collapse into bed and yet feel bad that you are not up! In this way we split our awareness, our body is in bed and our mind is up cleaning or vice versa. This is stressful. Presence means that the body, mind and spirit are all in the same place at the same time. You can counter the part of the mind that feels guilty by prioritizing healing for this portion of time, assuring yourself that the time for work and busyness will come again.

The next part, although it sounds easy, can be challenging in western culture and yet when encouraged can open up a powerful strength. We live in a society that is focussed on independence. As a woman this may show up as being the helper. Our comfort and usefulness seems tied up in being on the giving end of things. Illness or trauma presents an opportunity to put the shoe on the other foot and become the receiver. We can be offered things, treatments, compliments- anything really, and if we are not open and receptive it will not have an impact. The tricky part is that we may not even notice that we are doing it.

Once you are present and still, invite openness and receptivity. You may think in your mind “I am open to receiving”. Notice how this feels, is there resistance? Rather than fighting any resistance just allow it, give it a little listen and just as you did with the guilt, choose to make healing a priority and know that the time for giving and being independent will come again. These states of mind reinforce the belief that healing is possible, and our beliefs are incredibly powerful. All healing begins on the inside, by setting the stage at your core you will find that it radiates out into your perceptions and surroundings and the

world around you will also become more still, more open and more conducive to recovery.

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awna Bews is an author, healer, mom, wife and a co-Director of a ranch for traumatized boys (www.stampederanchforkids.com). She is also a two time survivor of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma and a firm believer in Miracles. Her new ebook “Finding Fawna: Using Cancer for Awakening” is available on Amazon. Find Fawna’s workshops, writings and personal sessions at www.fawnabews.com or connect on Facebook at Fawna Bews Connects. www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary quietly magazine month 20XX


A Little Mind Space By Jackie dumaine

www.jackiedumaine.com

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t’s happening again.

Your list of to-do’s and life responsibilities are beginning to quickly pile up and the chatter in your head seems to be getting increasingly louder. Your life is overflowing with activity and the most used word in your vocabulary is “busy”. You feel anxiety when you wake up in the morning not knowing how you can possibly get it all done. You’re exhausted, feel like you’re going crazy and all you want is for the madness to just stop. Sound familiar? Unfortunately, this is a state many of us live in on a daily basis, which is producing a world of full of chaos and disorganization. We are constantly bombarded with thousands of advertising

messages, pressure to do more and do it faster, and an endless supply of distractions (hello, Facebook). Your mind is not like a filing cabinet. You cannot store and categorize thoughts in a perfectly packaged colour coded system. They are simply jumbled together in a massive heap leaving us

‘‘Yoga and meditation are like hiring a professional organizer for the mind’’ to sort through them as we try to make sense of it all. You keep adding and adding to this pile every single day without taking a moment to sift through it and toss out the stuff that you no longer need. You have in essence become, a thought hoarder. What’s the solution? You simply need to stop once in a while and use ancient tools such as yoga and meditation to help bring a little peace to

“Silence is a source of great strength” ~ Lao Tzu

our minds. Take a moment to think of an area in your home that is full of clutter. This could be a spare room, closet, junk drawer, garage or office. Close your eyes and imagine being in this space – perhaps you’re already there. Listen to your body and notice what you feel when you bring this clutter to your mind. It is most likely a sense of contraction. You may feel your chest get heavier and your breathing begins to quicken. Now, begin to visualize this cluttered space being completely organized. Loads of blank space, empty shelves, bright light. Everything in its place, a clean slate. Notice what happens to your body now. Can you feel an expansion? A lightness and instant sense of calm? Yoga and meditation are like hiring a professional organizer for the mind. By slowing down your body and making time for stillness, you create space between the many thoughts that occupy your head. You create more space for

joy, for creativity and space for inner peace. This doesn’t mean you need to run to the nearest yoga studio and sign up for daily classes. You don’t need to run to a cave in India to sit for hours in silence. Even just 15 minutes a day of focused “nothingness” can dramatically decrease stress and provide an increase in your overall wellbeing. Turn off all technology. Find a comfortable space in your home and simply breathe. The world isn’t going to stop. In fact, it will only get faster. It’s up to you to activate the pause button so that you can reduce all the mind clutter and reconnect with your soul.

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fter a leaving a six-figure income as a marketing and advertising executive, Jackie travelled to India where she lived in an ashram studying yoga & meditation. This sparked her journey as a spiritual entrepreneur, which soon led to promotional partnerships with Wayne Dyer and Deepak Chopra. She is the founder of The Yoga Code™, a ten-step system based on ancient wisdom designed to help reduce the drama and increase the joy in our lives. Jackie leads a full life as a Mother, Yoga Teacher, Workshop & Retreat Facilitator, Speaker, Writer, Yoga Inspired Life Coach and Conscious Business Coach.


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Living contemporary FEng Shui magazine magazinesummer month 20XX 2013

Living breath

By Dan Brulé

www.breathmastery.com

Creating Reality, One Breath at a Time

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ave you noticed that whatever appears to exist in reality actually also exists in a space we call consciousness? Look around at everything in your home or office. Could any of it exist in the physical world without first existing in someone’s consciousness? This space called consciousness is the source of everything in reality. In fact, consciousness is primary, it is the very ground of our being. Everything begins with consciousness. What do you hold in your consciousness? What do you believe is real? What do you think is possible? I’ll bet you will find evidence of it in your personal reality. What do you experience in your personal reality? I’ll bet you can find the seeds of it—the source of it—in your own consciousness. When we form an idea or a belief or an intention, we set into motion the process of creating our personal reality. When we make a conscious decision or choice, when we aspire to accomplish or experience something, when we visualize or imagine something, we lay the foundation for our experience in reality. Thoughts

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‘‘When we form an idea or a belief or an intention, we set into motion the process of creating our personal reality.’’

become things! Think about this: we decorate our home; we choose the fixtures and the furniture in order to make it a comfortable and pleasurable place to live. Our mind is no different: the thoughts and beliefs we hold are like fixtures and furniture. We have a choice about what to keep and what to clear. It takes energy to create things, to clear things, to change things, or to make things happen. Where do we get this energy (also called life force, ki, chi, prana, spirit)? We get it from food, water, sunlight, from nature, and other people. But, the most immediate and direct source of energy is the breath! Whenever consciousness and energy come together something is created. In fact that is the creative process: bringing together consciousness and energy. What is your highest thought? What wonderful and amazing aspiration can you form? What wondrous reality can you envision? What heartfelt intention can you set? Once you identify that, the only thing left is to breathe energy into it. We are 100% responsible for what happens in us. If we are angry, it is because we have created a space for anger and we are generating the energy of anger. If we feel peaceful, it is because we are creating a space for—and generating the energy of—peace. It is the same for fear, freedom, joy, confusion, and every other experience in reality. We can use our breathing to create a sense of spaciousness within us, and we can use it to generate energy. We can use our breathing to relax and let

go into a space of freedom and safety, of peace and power, of love and peace and joy. We can use our breathing to radiate these energies and to create the same bright loving space around us. Do it now! Breathing in, feel yourself expand from side to side, front to back, top to bottom. You are creating a space and you are generating energy within you. Breathing out, allow that energy and that space to expand and that energy to radiate out like rays of the sun. Breathing in, feel the actual physical sensations of expansion in your body. Breathing out, imagine yourself continuing to expand beyond your body. Infuse each breath with a conscious intention, and breathe life into your intention.

What a simple thing: using our breath to create a space within and to fill that space with the energy of love and joy and peace! It’s a good to focus on your heart space while you breathe, because the heart naturally and automatically radiates the energy we generate out into the world around us. Good luck in your practice. May you always live in a space of freedom and safety! May you always be filled with and surrounded by love and peace and joy!

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an Brulé is a modern day teacher and healer, a world-renown pioneer in the field of Breathwork, one of the originators of Breath Therapy, and leader of the worldwide Spiritual Breathing movement. He is a master of Prana Yoga (the Hindu Science of Breath), and of Chi Kung/Qigong (Chinese Medical Breathing Exercises). More than 70,000 people in over 40 countries now apply Dan’s breathing exercises and techniques in their work and in their lives. www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary connected magazine month 20XX

Living FEng Shui magazine Summer 2013

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Living Connected “Within you there is a stillness and sanctuary to which you can retreat at any time and be yourself” ~ Herman Hesse Inner guidance is available to all of us. We simply need to hold the space, remain still and quiet, and allow our selves to be heard.


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Living contemporary your passion magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary FEng shui magazine magazinesummer month 20XX 2013

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Listen Up!

Hearing your Heart’s Desire By Nicolette VaJtay

www.inspiredlivinginc.com

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’m a mediocre meditator; perhaps even an emotional meditator. I only sit down to still my crazy monkey mind when things aren’t going so well. Why does it take illness and frustration, poverty and depression to get me to be still? Rev. Michael Beckwith from Agape Spiritual Center once said that, “you will come to meditation either willingly or totally exhausted.” I am totally exhausted by always choosing the latter.

I decided at seven years old I was going to be an actor but this nonsensical dream was utterly rejected by my parents. The “no” messages screamed in my ear, even as I ascended to theatrical milestones including graduate school at Harvard University and soaring straight to Off-Broadway! Unfortunately when I was a teen my father died and financial stability died with him, and my mother was incapable of empowering any of her six children. So even though I KNEW deep in my heart the theatre was my unique way of sharing my gifts with the world, and no matter how much I persisted, insisted and endured, no matter my successes and accomplishments, the “no” messaging eventually won and I slipped into a coma of doubt. Thus the inevitable search for “my purpose” began, taking me down every rabbit hole further and further away from my true knowing. Every few years I would dabble in something new asking, “Is this my life path?” One year I learned of the beautiful practice of Homeopathy and on the very same day I signed on the dotted line and paid a hefty tuition, one of the plays I had written was acknowledged in a competition. “A Magical Midnight” was the fifth place winner with a grand prize of $50. I instantly experienced superhero skills of dancing on the ceiling, leaping over tall buildings and radiating the superpower of pure bliss! If I had only been conscious enough to truly see and feel that moment, perhaps I wouldn’t have spent the next year studying Homeopathy and suffering from vertigo. It only took me another seven years, when the vertigo returned, spinning me right into my bed, to finally “be still.” Along the journey, another amazing field of study was Feng Shui and I was preparing to sign up for yet another Feng Shui training. At this point in my life, inspired by a teacher’s suggestion, I was meditating somewhat regularly. I set the clock 15 minutes earlier and worked out later in the day, making space for time with my inner knower. When early one morning a question rose from deep within, “what is this vertigo about?” the answer came swiftly and confidently. “If I sign up for this training, I am moving further away from my dream.” Lights flashed, bells clanged, whistles, well, whistled, the angels cheered and the sun broke through a gray Colorado winter sky. Okay none of that actually happened, but it did indeed feel like the epiphany of a lifetime. My dream had finally claimed me! My dream was tired of being ignored and was demanding to be seen, heard, experienced, and expressed!


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Living contemporary your passion magazine month 20XX

Oh sh*t! Now what? Knowing your dream doesn’t make the first step easy! I was almost paralysed with fear, pushing me to crawl again to the couch. When I finally “shut up” I am so purely guided that I cry with gratitude. Instead of filling the emptiness and defaulting into another training program, I stopped and allowed the epiphanies to wash over me: No one was going to rescue me … no one could do this for me… if I wanted a career in the theatre I had to choose it … and then “move my feet” as Mother Theresa would say. Even irregular meditation has helped me find my way back to the theatre. Can you imagine what a regular practice would help me create? So often I impulsively leap instead of taking a baby step; leaping feels like I am making headway even if straight into a brick wall. A baby step in the other direction usually gracefully manifests what’s in my heart. Rev. Michael has often said, “Don’t just do something, sit there!” A paradigm changer for sure! Meditation shows up in many ways for me. Last night I went for a long roller blade in Washington Park, just me and the wind as dusk wrapped itself around me. I had a good long think as I rolled around for 40 minutes. Swimming has become a great source of meditation because truth be told, swimming is so boring! Yoga, hiking, taking my cat out for a walk… yes, I’m the cat lady and my Lincoln loves to be outside. Without any claws I can’t let him off on his own, so we share a good long stroll together, he sniffing the world, me going into my inner world. As I continue to say yes to my true heart’s desire, more prizes for writing have been awarded and a new business idea has emerged almost effortlessly. Along with directing more theatre here in Denver, I also use all of my skills as a writer, director and performer and inspire entrepreneurs in their creative marketing! I am now sharing what I feel I never received: support, encouragement and a million yes’s for following your passion!

contemporary magazinesummer month 20XX Living FEng shui magazine 2013

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t seems that all of us have an inner critic. That little voice that says “you can’t do that because...” But that little voice is just serving to limit your experience. If you are ready to be free from its influence, you can choose to release it, and silence that critic once and for all. This easy 7 step process can move you quickly from self limiting to self affirming.

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7 Steps to Hush Your Inner Critic

Try it!

1 Sit For some of us, movement is an avoidance technique. In order to get present with our thoughts and feelings, be still. If you really must move, then move very slowly and to nowhere in particular.

2 Breathe fter receiving a BFA in the Performing Arts, Nicolette Vajtay, went on to complete her graduate studies in Acting and Directing at Harvard University and a conservatory program with one of the top professional theatres in the US, The American Repertory Theatre Company. She then “pounded the pavement” from New York City to Los Angeles for 20+ years and is now a multiple award wining playwright, a professional director, has performed in over 100 stage plays and may be seen in several commercials, TV shows and independent films. Along the way, Nicolette also studied self empowerment, Feng Shui, and spirituality. After listening to her inner guidance, she is combining her knowledge to help others express their passions through speaking and video.

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Tuning in to the breath slows the mind, giving you something to focus on. Pay attention to how you breathe. Do you breathe deeply from the belly, or shallowly from the chest. Feel the air as it moves through the body cavity, and in and out through the nose. Do not try to change the breath, simply watch it.

3 Tune in

4 Bring your thought to mind Gently, bring your self-limiting belief to mind. For example, if the critical belief is that you cannot do something because ______ bring that thought gently to mind.

5 Feel where that belief resides Now, check back into the body and see where that thought resides. Where do you feel tension now? Allow the feeling to reside their for a time. Hold it in your attention. Does it bring up emotion? Allow any emotion to be released. Do not judge it, simply observe it and allow it to dissipate.

6 Ask yourself... Ask yourself if this thought is really true? Can you be sure? No thought is absolutely true. Ask yourself if this thought needs to continue to influence you. If so, thank it for being a part of your experience. If not -

7 Replace or reframe the thought Replace your self limiting thought with one that is more helpful, more self nourishing and true to your current life. Some examples:

“Thank you for bringing me many opportunities to embrace my true gifts and passions” “I now move toward my desires without fear” “I am here to express my true self and do so without reservation”

Now begin to notice your body. Slowly scan the body, noticing and releasing any areas of tension.


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Living contemporary Balanced magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary Feng Shui magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

The Courage to Let Perfect Go! By Kim Page Gluckie

www.mpoweredmarketing.com

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eing a joyful, successful human, as it turns out, is not rooted in the pursuit of perfect.

I used to live the “perfect” single-gal life with a super-cool marketing career where I strived to be perfect all the time. When I lost the joy and it became an ill-fit career, I took a five-year journey to find the courage to let my “perfect life” go.

It is not easy to parent and grow a business, but it is extremely joyful when perfectionism is replaced with some realistic “I can have it all but not all at once” truths and guidelines.

10 Truths to Imperfectly Grow a Great Business & Raise Kids ’

1. Actions over ideas. Act strategically one step or one leap at I became a mom 10 years ago and a time (either pace is fine). But know I began to understand that seeking success always comes from actions perfect was a roadblock to joy. I on good thoughts, not thoughts realized the key to excellence and happiness was, in part, in letting the “I themselves. 2. Strive for flow around a am flawed” flag fly. well-planned family and business calendar. Your work time MUST be in I began to co-exist joyfully as a fullthat calendar. That calendar is a very time mom to three daughters while also growing my successful marketing important guideline, but it will never business about five years ago. People rule because someone always gets sick and needs you. Always. often ask me how I do it. 3. Know balance is a myth. You are not a princess (or prince). You are I won’t say it is easy. I believe the court jester and juggler. You are a that challenge is rooted in how businessperson with kids. There is no we interpreted our mothers’ and balance in going with the flow. grandmothers’ fight for us to have it 4. Don’t hide the kids. all. Hello!!! We interpreted that as we Pretending you don’t have kids to your should do it all? Stop the madness. That makes no sense and fuels perfect clients or customers is exhausting. Be professional, but don’t hide the truth. misery.

5. Know your values. Know what really matters most and write it down. All decisions are good decisions when you use your values as the litmus test for what to do. 6. While fireworks and grand slam successes are appealing, slow down the bus a bit. Businesses that grow slow and steady with healthy doses of sizzle every once in awhile can be businesses with a solid foundation for future growth. 7. Choose wisely with whom you want to work. Every person you have in your life deserves your focus. The more people you try to help, the less of you there is to share (with your kids). Choose higher quality relationships over quantity so you can be fully present to those in your life.

8. Create one clear focus for what you stand for and what you sell, then grow a few revenue streams from a central, solid footing that appeals most to your fans. 9. Embrace mistakes. Take calculated risks and know mistakes are golden nuggets of insight for faster and better decisions next time. 10. Know what you actually have as resources. Know you can grow with anything if used wisely. Use the 7 Essential Resources™ -- time, money, energy, passion, technical skill, knowledge and network – to honestly assess what you can invest in your business. Success and joy grow in truth. Let go of perfect parenting so your children know amazing happens even when sloppy, late, angry, sad, hormonal, “too busy”. Model being joyfully normal. Crave Joy. Let Perfect Go Let go of perfect in business so you can act faster with creativity, innovation and the insight that mistakes are magical and flaws are endearing.

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im Page Gluckie is a marketing consultant, workshop creator, public speaker and business catalyst with a quirky skill to rapidly filter the fluff, fuel the fireworks and stimulate the light bulb moments that help small business owners get on with their growth. Kim helps entrepreneurs quickly connect the dots between their dreams and their success with practical, modern strategies that make sense. With a tenacious focus on making every moment matter, Kim passionately shares what she has learned growing her own business, MPowered Marketing, while also raising 3 young daughters in the past 5 years.

“Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” ~ Anais Nin Have the courage to let go of perfect so you can create space for a joyful, successful life that flows around the realities of raising great kids while growing a meaningful business. It is worth the journey.


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Living on Purpose

Living FEng shui magazine Summer 2013

Cartography for the Soul

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“All you need is the plan, the road map, and the courage to press on to your destination.” ~ Earl Nightingale

By Gemma Stone

www.gemmastone.org

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e all have maps {beliefs, values, defences, issues, preferences, patterns, thoughts} that originate from our parents, teachers, coaches, priests, culture, and history. Do this. Value that. Like these things. Think like this. Avoid him. Pursue her. Eat this. Wear that. Feel this. Say that. Sometimes our maps serve us well. Often they do not. In the beginning, our lives are supported by the maps of others – it’s how we navigate the strange new world around us and survive. At some point a little further into the journey, it’s necessary for us to create space to craft our own maps, to draft our own path. The dominant map is to go to school, get a job, find love, buy a house, have kids -- we’re all conscious of that basic life plan that our culture tries to siphon us into. The unconscious maps are less obvious, and they are different for each of us. Here are a few that I commonly see in the people I work with : • It’s not safe to be my true self because I might be rejected. • I don’t deserve to have {love, success, abundance, attention, respect}.

• I’m not {good, beautiful, smart, pretty, thin, strong} enough. • I must sacrifice what matters to me to make others happy and to be approved of. • In order to be successful I must be {more educated, younger, older, smarter}. • I’ll be happy when {my kids listen to me, I get divorced, my boss respects me, I get the promotion, I lose the weight}.

“As adults, our minds are filled with maps composed of dead ideas and lifeless beliefs that do not belong to us.” The maps you carry at the conscious, subconscious, and unconscious levels of your mind are based on your history. As children, we inherit our maps from our mothers and fathers, our teachers and coaches, and any other influential role models in our young lives. As adults, our minds are filled with maps composed dead ideas and lifeless beliefs that do not belong to us. They are burdensome, yet still we cling to them. We walk through our lives according to the maps that were created by others.

By becoming conscious of the maps that were given to us long ago, we can learn to create a more truthful map – one that guides us in the direction of a well lived life. Creating space for consciousness allows for a soulful awakening.

Here’s how you can create a new map :

When a part of your soul wakes up to the truth that your map does not accurately represent the life you want to live, then creating space to redesign a more modern, more authentic map becomes a requirement.

3. Reflect & dive into the meaning of your wildest dreams.

I became conscious of one of my outdated maps recently and it totally shattered my world. But in the shards of my life, a new map – more accurate, more meaningful – emerged.

1. Pay attention to your intuition & listen to it. 2. Notice your instincts & follow them.

4. Let your soul take the lead. 5. Follow what pulls you rather than pushing yourself into the “right” choice. 6. Be open to redefining everything you thought you knew.

This discomfort of this calling can be extreme.

The truth is, as you begin to develop your maps based on what your soul wants – not your culture, your family, or your ego – you step more fully into your best life.

The confusion of redefining your existence can be profound.

Your soul knows the way to a fulfilling life of meaning. Trust it.

The uncertainty of what’s truthful can be paralysing. The ache to return to the comfortable & familiar is an enticing pull, but following it will only prolong suffering. As painful as it is, bursting into your new world complete with new maps is the most soulfully satisfying action that can be taken.

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emma Stone is a Psychologist, Coach, Speaker and Guide. She loves working with women who are ready to heal the past, love the present, and light up the future. “I fight for your happiness, health, and success by combining the science of psychology with the power of spirituality to create a personalized concoction of transformative tools.”


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Living contemporary free magazine month 20XX


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Live Large... With Less www.realevolutionyoga.com

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reams really can come true. If you nurture the space for them.

It was October 2, 2010. My husband and my one and half year old daughter and I were moving from Canada to Costa Rica! We packed what was left of our personal belongings into 10 hockey bags and off we went. Throughout the 9 month process in deciding to move to Costa Rica, we heard all kinds of things from our friends and family, such as, “You guys are crazy, you don’t even know spanish...what about school?...what about health care?...what about work?...how can you leave your “perfect” lives in Canada?”. I can see the perception of us having perfect lives; we had a healthy and beautiful daughter, we had built our dream house months prior on a beautiful piece of land, we had 3 successful yoga studios, a successful landscaping company and a rental property. We spent hours searching for amazing pieces of art and furniture. Then one day, I had a light bulb moment. I thought; “Why am I doing what I love to fill my enormous house

with possessions?” At this time, I was really into Yoga History and Philosophy and it was very important to me to live what I teach. I felt teaching yoga and hoarding all of my material possessions was in direct conflict with what I was teaching - to be

“Create an intention that aligns with your heart and express it!” authentic, and to live free from attachment. So how did we make the leap? Well, it was easy! I had the idea to leave that life behind and move to Costa Rica to open a retreat centre focussing on yoga, healing and transformation. Luckily, my husband was on board with my crazy idea! The day he agreed was the day I started selling our belongings. It felt so free to unload countless items of furniture, nick-nacks, clothes, shoes, paintings...

long walks on the beach. We have definitely had our challenges, but we stayed true to our intention and it is working. We are living our dream. We (all three of us) are so happy in our now 500 square foot house (down-sizing from our Canadian house of 6000 square feet). Our furniture consists of 2 hammock chairs, a large hammock and a wood table. We love it! We spend our time here at Peace Retreat Costa Rica facilitating our own Real Evolution Yoga Teacher Trainings, Personal Retreats, Yoga, Surf, Personal Healing & Cleansing, Meditation and Weight Loss Retreats. So, I will close with this: Listen to your heart. Create an intention that aligns with your heart and express it! Keep expressing and sharing it until it comes true. Add a drop of perseverance and there you have it - your dream will come true too.

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ali is a Yoga Teacher, Ayurvedic Consultant and Holistic Lifestyle Coach. In 2007, Hali founded three yoga studios in Canada, launched the Inspirational Yoga Teacher Training, and began co-teaching workshops and teacher trainings with her husband, Kevin, in Canada, the U.S., and Costa Rica. In 2010, Hali, Billie and Kevin left Canada and moved to Costa Rica to open the Peace Retreat Centre. Hali is co-founder of Real Evolution Yoga, a unique blend of yoga, transformation and somatic methodologies and a powerful vehicle for generating new possibilities and achieving profound results.

Image: www.innerspiritphoto.com

By Hali McQuillan

Much love and many blessings. Hali McQuillan

Here we sit, 3 years later at our Retreat Centre: Peace Retreat Costa Rica. We are doing it! It hasn’t all been sunny days and www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary knowledge magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary FEng shui magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

Fire on the Mountain By James JAy

www.fengshuidesigns.com

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hroughout Chinese history there have always been people who preferred to live lives of solitude in the mountains. These socalled “hermits” were highly regarded and honored as people who have devoted their lives to self cultivation and meditation. It’s no wonder why the Gen (pronounced gun) gua has been associated with knowledge and self cultivation in the Feng Shui Bagua. In fact if we look at the Gen trigram we see that it is represented by one yang line above two yin lines. That is one solid line above two broken lines. It’s characteristic or image is that of a Mountain. If we look a bit closer at the Gun trigram we see that the top yang line represents the top of the mountain and the two yin lines represent a cave within the mountain. So we correlate this trigram with knowledge because in ancient times if one wanted to develop him or herself and achieve enlightenment, one needed to go to the mountain to achieve perfection. The concept of the mountain cave and stillness is also an important part of the Yi Jing (I Ching) or the “Book of Changes.” Hexagram

52 is comprised of two trigrams; Gen over Gen or Mountain over Mountain and symbolizes keeping still and meditation. Without stillness we cannot have advancement. So being still and centered actually gives us a strong foundation for growth. In “The Book of Changes and the Unchanging Truth” author Hua Ching Ni writes “The virtue of a Mountain is its stillness. Growth is generated and maintained without strain. Unlike a Mountain, human life is not permanently established unless people know the virtue of stillness. Since they do not know when to stop unnecessary activity, they continue to follow overly active desires and thus their organs and senses eventually become exhausted.” In today’s world we are constantly bombarded with information, stimulation, distractions and entertainment. It’s unavoidable as it comes from everywhere; television, the internet, social sharing and social

interaction. It is impossible to escape therefore many of us are left feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. This is where enhancing the Gen gua can help to bring stillness, calm and satisfaction to our lives. So this begs the question “How can one enhance the Gen gua to increase inner development and intuition?” First it is important to locate the area represented by the Gen gua. In some schools of Feng Shui the Gen gua is located in the NE corner of a building. In other approaches it is located in the lefthand corner of the wall containing

the main entrance. Whichever approach you choose, one way you can enhance the area is by utilizing the Five Element theory. In Feng Shui there are Five important Elements; Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. How they interact with one another determines whether an area is enhanced or diminished. The Gen gua or “Knowledge Corner” is represented by the Element Earth. So we can enhance it by using items, colors or shapes that would be enhancing to Earth. Earth is most enhanced by Fire. When Fire burns it creates ash which becomes Earth. So, in practical terms, one can simply bring the Fire Element into the Knowledge Corner to support and create Earth and in turn, contribute to one’s inner development. Enhancing Knowledge can be as simple as bringing in the color red (color of Fire) or something that represents Fire. For example, bringing in a red rug or artwork with the color red will evoke the Fire Element. Even if one is not spiritual, enhancing the Gen gua will increase one’s sense of calm and stability. Since many of us are primarily concerned with our finances, our relationships and family, the Knowledge area is often overlooked. But by enhancing the Gen gua we can support all other aspects of our lives and help us achieve the things we all want; health, abundance and a good life.

Adding Feng Shui enhancements to the area of our homes that represent inner knowledge, can create spaces that nurture our own self-knowledge. One easy way is to add the fire element to your home

Fire Elements The fire element can be added to any environment using pyramidal shapes, actual fire, like candles or fireplaces, or the color red.

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or over 20 years James Jay along with his wife Helen has been training Feng Shui Professionals through the CFSP - Certified Feng Shui Professional Training Program developed exclusively by the Jays. Hundreds of Feng Shui consultants around the globe have begun their successful Feng Shui careers with the Jay’s programs which they have taught throughout the United States, Belgium, Spain, Mexico and China since 1993. See a complete catalog of their programs at www.fengshuidesigns.com. As founders of ChinaStudies “Adventure in Education”, the Jays have sponsored a variety of educational training programs in China since 1997 on topics such as; Traditional & B.T.B. Feng Shui, Acupressure / Tui Na Massage, Cuisine of China, and Acupuncture & Herbal Medicine. They have led groups to all of the Sacred Mountains throughout China since 1997 and are considered among the top world experts on China travel.


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Living contemporary happy magazine month 20XX

Living FEng shui magazine Summer 2013

Happiness Awaits! By tracy makarenko

www.healingpossiibilities.com

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veryone can make more space in their life, but conscious thought followed by action is necessary. What is conscious thought? “The quality or state of being aware of an external object or something within oneself.”

Once we add action we move forward. Now the problem with this is many of us are afraid of change. We question what it will look like, that it might take too much effort, and in the end, it probably won’t make a much of a difference anyway. Have any of these questions taken up space in your mind? They plagued me for years! Stopping me from really living my dream, actually from finding out what my dream even was! My life was an overwhelming mess. It felt like I hadn’t stopped to breath in years. Space needed to happen so I could ground and centre again. I can now reflect back and recognize that mess was my own creation. But getting out of something when you are so overwhelmed can be a difficult process. I found relief though alternative healing modalities like Breathwork, Reiki, and CranioSacral Therapy. The first step was to make time for myself. My body craved physical activity so I started cycling early in the

morning before my family woke up – I didn’t want to interrupt their schedule. One morning I slept a little later than usual, but decided to go anyway. When I returned home everyone was awake and no one had noticed I was missing. First there was anger – how could they not notice I was missing, I am their world! Reality was my husband and children had become my number one priority. It was only my belief system that had me thinking they solely relied on me to get through their day. Wow was my ego full of itself! What a discovery, I didn’t need to be responsible for everyone’s well-being! This awareness was larger than life. Within an instance space opened up in my mind, I now had additional time to think about what I wanted. With this new found freedom I decided that my family could survive without me for an entire weekend and registered for a workshop. Guilt lingered in my mind, this wasn’t an hour, but two days. I had lied to myself about my family needing so much of me, so I convinced myself that more selfawareness would only enhance me and my family would benefit from this change. The guilt slowly dissipated, then released completely! It was a magical weekend! My emotional state was set free while doing Breathwork! I had inundated myself with so much emotional baggage it was a wonder that I wasn’t insane. “How had I coped,” was the

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thought I now considered after the weekend was complete. My mind started to dream, my emotions were at a completely manageable state, and I now had… time. By opening space in my life I could now truly live. It was a new experience. I had been following my “to-do list” for so long, now there were no rules. I still had responsibilities, but with the holistic healing treatments my life was now enjoyable. I’d entered a higher level of conscious awareness that continued to make me want more, made me be more, action was no longer feared and change became a natural part of my being. Conscious thought followed with action saved my life. For me I was attracted to Holistic Healthcare, for you, well only you know where your conscious thought will take you. This will only happen if you take a chance and allow change to occur. Positive life changing events will happen when you are true to yourself. I found my purpose and many benefits followed. I’ve hosted my own radio show and will soon become a published author. I have experienced change and it has benefited me. Take action today and find your true purpose – your passion!

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racy Makarenko is an Intuitive Healer with over twenty-five courses supporting her practice. She has written many articles on the subject and hosted a weekly radio show delivering the same message. She created the workshop, Healing from the Outside, In, which compliments her book Moving from the Outside, In - in bookstores soon. Tracy believes that whole body wellness is an intimate and complex connection between spirit, mind and body and she strives to help others attain it. She lives in Okotoks, Canada with her husband, where they raised their two daughters. www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary spaces magazine month 20XX

Living feng shui magazine Summer 2013

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The Universe holds you in it’s loving embrace, cradles you, supports you. The spaces where you spend the most time should be just as divine. They should reflect your desires, reinforce your aspirations and embrace your very soul. They should allow you to live stress free, offer the room to grow, and nurture your creativity.

Living Spaces www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary Intentionally magazine month 20XX

Living contemporary feng shui magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

Creating Intentional Spaces By Mia Staysko

“Our environment, the world in which we live and work, is a mirror of our attitudes and expectations.” ~ Earl Nightingale

www.whitelotusinteriors.ca

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our home is a mirror of your life, a reflection of you. Sit with that for just a second. Consider the implications. Then ask yourself some questions. What about my life is being

reflected back to me? Do I like what I see? Am I seeing beauty, calm and love, or am I seeing chaos, disorder and neglect? Are my living spaces telling the Universe about the things that are most important to me? Or are they telling the

Universe that my dreams, goals and priorities come last? There are lots of different types of Feng Shui. Some traditions use complicated formulas and birth charts while some are more

intuitive. All are intended to place you, the human, in the most beneficial environment, a place where you are positioned to take advantage of the forces of both Heaven and Earth. So how can you do that right now, without the advice of a trained professional? You can start by simply making sure that what you see is what you really desire out of life. You can create an intentional space, one that more accurately reflects your dreams and aspirations. Your mind believes what it sees. Your heart believes what it feels. Consider your home as a giant three-dimensional vision board. Choose to surround yourself with colors, items and images that reflect your highest aspirations for your life. Find ways to make it look as though you are already living the life that you envision for yourself. Want to travel? Decorate with items from far away places. Surround yourself with visual clues and reminders of your dream destinations. Make it seem as though you’ve been there, feel into the dream. Be sure that any item beyond the useful and necessary evokes positive emotion. You must

love your home for it to love you back. By creating an intentional home, you are reversing the mirror. You are asking your life to reflect your home, rather than the other way around. Is it a parlor trick? It may seem that way, at first. But the reason that magic can fool us is because our minds cannot easily distinguish between reality and illusion. While this is a simplified way to use Feng Shui, it is a powerful way to engage the Law of Attraction. When you arrange your environment to help you to believe that your life looks a certain way, you are activating the law of attraction in your physical spaces. You are using things that remind you of your goals to induce positive feelings. When you feel good, when your vibration or chi is raised, good things happen. You are more easily able to tap into the forces of Heaven and Earth.

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M

ia Staysko is a Professional Feng Shui Consultant and Interior Designer. Through her company, White Lotus Interiors, she helps people to create spaces that support their bodies, and their souls. Providing professional and comprehensive Feng Shui and Design Consultations for individuals and for businesses, Mia helps clients to transform their lives and their spaces through conscious design. Mia is the founding Director of the Sacred Lotus School of Feng Shui. She is Secretary, Education Director and a Red Ribbon Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild.


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Living contemporary Creatively magazine month 20XX


environment. The kitchen table surface may not be revealed for years under all the finger- paint and play dough. Family heirlooms are swapped out for tins of markers and bins of Lego in the living room credenza. And you only have to peek in any kindergarten classroom to know that art centres are intrinsic to any child’s educational space. We know that providing areas for children to play and create is essential for their souls. So why do we make it so unessential for our own?

Image: Michelena Bamford©

Eventually the easels are moved out to make way for rows of desks, and art becomes just an option or something you may have to sign up for on weekends at a recreation centre. “Real life” starts to take over and we begin to judge and perceive our making as unworthy. We meticulously organize our homes and often make space for everything but those crayons and blank sheets of paper.

Soul Space

art! I am grateful to my Mom for saving it all those years and I love that it is now utilized in this more public domain. A lot of adults who come into the studio have similar recollections and I watch them get momentarily lost in those youthful memories of nestling into that small but special place that was just for them and just for creating.

ucked in the back corner of my very grown up art studio space is a very sweet, and very not so grown up, children’s desk-chair. You may know the kind? Circa 1950’s - little drawer with pull handle that slides under the seat. The solid wood desktop, slanted just so, complete with pencil groove and all of the carvings, stains, and chips of a long and well-served life.

More interesting to me however, is how the children that sometimes accompany those adults respond to it. They boldly march right over, wiggle themselves neatly into its little frame, instantly reach for the nearby purple or orange or blue crayon, and with sparkling eyes, implore, “Where’s the paper?” I have observed this enough times now to know that it is more than just the novelty of the old little desk that is igniting them. Kids simply get that it is a necessary, if not obligatory, birthright for them to have their very own place to just be and create, and they are thrilled for it!

For me it evokes hours of colouring, and playing ‘school’ with my sisters, and was the source of endless fridge

In attending to this desire for our children to express and create we significantly alter the spaces in our

By Michelena Bamford

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www.wolfwillowstudio.ca

But somewhere inside all of us there is an inner artist; an impassioned child; a craving to express our essential humanness. And this desire requires there to be a physical space to do so. Just search ‘‘artist studios’’ on Pinterest to get an idea! It could be a bed tray over your lap, a basement bedroom, or a warehouse in Soho, but the children that unabashedly take over my little desk in the corner know this to be true and will always seek out the space that is essential for our souls. Wouldn’t it be great to feel the joy of that little wooden seat beneath you again, to have a clean desktop with a groove to hold your favourite purple crayon? Would your eyes light up and would you feel lighter and happier to be making something just for you and the just for the joy of it? We all need a little vintage desk-chair space in our lives, maybe just a tiny bit bigger!

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Mic’s top tips for carving out some creative soul space in your home

1 Make it Sacred When we give something loving respect, and appreciation, it always returns to us tenfold. Your artist soul deserves to be honored as a special and important part of your life that needs its own space. Find one spot in your home, make it clear and beautiful for the time you set aside for yourself. For example, you could move your stuff off your bedside table, light a candle, play inspired music, lock your door, and write some beautiful poetry!

2 Keep it Together

3 Practice makes Perfect

How many times have you had the urge to do something creative, lets say paint, but by the time you found your canvas pad from the piles of office stationary, and dug your good paintbrush out from the pen drawer, and then found an old yogurt container for water in the recycling bin, and then reclaimed your cadmium red from the kids craft stuff.... its half an hour later and the inspiration has left or you got distracted by another pile of stuff! Make it easy for your creative soul by stowing your favorite supplies in their own special place and keep it accessible only to you. Try a mid sized rubbermaid bin or basket that can easily slide in and out under your bed.

Humans seem to thrive on ritual. Like everything else, you have to schedule and practice taking the time for things to become healthily habitual. Remember when you were learning to brush your teeth? Feels weird at first, you often had to be reminded, but after a while, it becomes this really good and necessary thing you can’t imagine living without. So you may not think of creating as hygienic, but your soul requires maintenance too! You can start slow, maybe its reasonable to take one hour every two weeks, but I promise, if you consistently make space for your soul art I guarantee you will soon have your own travel kit!

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ichelena Bambford’s entrepreneurial spirit led her to create businesses that enable her to share her love of nature and art. Her local, sustainable décor business, Rocky Mountain Wreaths, brings the beauty of our surroundings to peoples doorsteps and paved the way for her to open Wolf Willow Studio in 2013. This beautiful, vintage inspired space specializes in mosaic art and collaborative offerings all designed to feed our souls. Having this sacred creative space is a dream come true for a girl that lives with four boys and a menagerie of pets!


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Living contemporary wisdom magazine month 20XX


A Perfectly Uncomfortable Space By Katherine Metz

www.katherinemetz.com

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hat would you do if your grown daughter died suddenly in a headline-making car accident? Would your first instinct be to move your furniture? This was the seemingly unexplainable choice for one remarkable woman. Immediately after the funeral, she moved her beds, desks, and chairs to all places unimaginable—her reading chair to face a dark corner, her bed floating in front of her bedroom door, and the guest bed in a hallway. I had to step around a crusty old patio chair as I entered the front door. Instantly, I heard the whispers of my teacher, “If you are depressed, despairing, or simply out of luck, move your furniture.” Somehow, my client and I were already on the same page—and now science has an explanation. In the words of neurobiologist Fred Gage, “Changes in the environment change the brain, and therefore they change our behaviour.” After settling in for my overnight stay (in the hallway), the grieving mother

expressed relief. Having moved everything, and with everything now “in place,” she could relax. I was stunned, for, truly, everything was out of place, and I expected tears. It was a mystery waiting to be solved. For 28 years I have watched changes in our environments change our minds, thus our thoughts, language, and actions. If we get the change right, the texture of life changes. It is as if a veil has

ancient wisdom technique become a living experience, and I learned the secret of my teacher’s wise advice to “move the furniture.” It is the change that creates the healing, not the perfect placement. The shift is sometimes dramatic, often subtle, but always profound. We are beginning to understand why. Research is making it possible to analyze how the brain is affected and changed by our environments. Science has now shown that

This courageous woman, on this day, needed to be uncomfortable—to live with things out of place and feel the pain. been lifted—a burden removed— and we are suddenly allowed to do what we are meant to do as human beings. In this case, to grieve the loss of a daughter. This courageous woman, on this day, needed to be uncomfortable—to live with things out of place and feel the pain. She got the changes just right, and the healing began that evening. She was open and able to feel the richness of her life and loss. I had the privilege of watching an

if items in the environment are moved, removed, or added every few days, there can be a 15 percent increase in the birth of new neurons, especially in the hippocampus—the area of the brain that processes new information. In a stimulating environment, the capacity to add new memories and learn new skills is greatly enhanced.

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without knowing, and with my support, developed a rich and on-going interaction with her environment. When the final item was returned to its favorite place (two years later), she was ready and wide-awake to new possibilities. Moving beyond the limits of conventional thought and action, she healed from the heart of her knowing. Those of us who practice Feng Shui cross these boundaries often. We dare to stand with artists and scientists to explore and shape the reality that exists beyond the comprehension of human reason. Would it help you to move something today?

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stomp my feet, a bit playfully, when we miss an opportunity to step into the unknown to solve a problem. I have seen the scent of flowers save a life, and the repetition of a mantra break the spell of a debilitating fear. To my students around the world, I say “thank you.” Your devotion to looking deeply – beyond the rational mind – is a constant reminder to me that the future will blend disparate thoughts and ideas. We will create and sustain a new conversation—one that makes friends of science and the transcendental. Katherine Metz, The Art of Placement

Somehow my client knew this www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary uncluttered magazine month 20XX


Roadblocks to Happiness Do you have “stuff” or does your “stuff” have you? In Feng Shui, clutter is viewed as an invitation to clear and release issues on the emotional, mental and physical level. Fortunately (or not!), from a Feng Shui perspective there is nowhere to hide and EVERYTHING counts! Clutter takes many forms. By Tanya Biltz Jahnke www.fengshui4theom.com Physical clutter, the most widely recognized and mainstream version s a Feng Shui consultant, of clutter has become so widespread that there are whole TV shows I find myself addressing dedicated to the epidemic of too the issue of clutter on a daily basis, but not for the much “stuff” (Hoarders, Clean Sweep, Extreme Clutter, Enough Already!, reasons you may think. etc.). Physical clutter (stuffed closets, There is a long-standing myth that junk drawers, overloaded basements, insinuates Feng Shui is simply about garages with no room for cars) affects moving your furniture and eliminating our bodies on a chronic, subtle clutter to create a happy, balanced level and one study at UCLA found life. While it is true that Feng Shui requires the Chi (energy) to flow easily, that just looking at clutter elevated women’s stress hormones! Clutter is meandering like a river through our space, each item in the home, seen or extremely Yin and lowers our personal unseen, tells a story and holds a small Chi, causing our bodies and our piece of your personal energy hostage mental clarity to be out of balance. Physical clutter can also manifest in in the past. Clutter disrupts this the home’s inhabitants as symptoms harmonious flow, creating stumbling of depression, exhaustion, anxiety, blocks and stagnation on every congestion, digestive issues, tumors, level, but more importantly, clutter indecisiveness or stagnant energy-keeps our story anchored in the past, depleting us of infinite possibilities and you feel stuck, blocked, drained. paralysing our momentum to move I have had countless opportunities forward in life. to listen objectively as my clients explain or justify how the clutter has accumulated to a point of overwhelm or alternatively, they’ve stopped

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“seeing” their clutter at all. Clutter can be defined as anything that lowers your energy, holds negative or toxic memories or anything that is broken, unused or unloved. In my experience, all clutter can be traced back to guilt trips, boundary issues or a mentality of lack. I have also found that the location of physical clutter in the home is very symbolic and reflects the life struggles of the client. Our energetic and physical bodies feel subconsciously uncomfortable as the clutter causes chaos on a cellular level. The negative health effects of clutter may seem like a far-fetched correlation, yet I have seen it time and again with my clients. A male client called for a healthy home and Feng Shui analysis to remedy or support his battle with Sarcoidosis, a condition that creates “clusters or collections of abnormal cells” in the lungs that can cause difficulty breathing, exhaustion and a multitude of other symptoms. By utilizing the Bagua (Feng Shui energy map) to assess his home, we found that his garage was unnavigable with dusty clutter stacked from floor to ceiling. The garage was cited in the Helpful People gua, which correlates to the Father and the Metal Element (which rules the lungs and respiratory problems). By eliminating the massive amounts of clutter and thoroughly cleaning the garage all symptoms were completely relieved and his health was greatly improved within a matter of weeks.

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where’s your clutter hiding out?

1 Closets Stifled issues, weight issues, hidden issues that need forgiveness

3 Desk Limiting beliefs related to success

4 Under the Bed A feeling of being “stuck” overall in life, insomnia, low energy

5 Basement Anchored to the past, basements represent our foundation & subconscious mind

Where you stuff your stuff may offer clues to your inner struggles and your personality!

6 Attic Issues with the head, clarity of thoughts, focus, spiritual connection, anxiety, worry about the future

7 Garage A feeling of isolation, disconnection and lack of support

In addition, I have found a direct www.livingfengshui.ca

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Living contemporary uncluttered magazine month 20XX


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ach of us express all 5 of the Chinese Elements within our personalities. At times of stress, one or two may become imbalanced or be more predominant. Looking closely at where your clutter resides can give you some clues about your own elemental balance.

Water Types Clutter dealing with subconscious emotions; storing clutter for family (boundary issues), loads of self-help books and basement clutter

Wood Types Clutter related to issues of control; excess books, stacks of paperwork, disorganized files

Fire Types Clutter related to issues of discernment; letters/mementoes from ex-flames and computer clutter

Earth Types Clutter related to connection; sentimental clutter and items kept out of guilt (kids’ art, unwanted gifts from family or friends), cluttered pantries

Metal Types Clutter caused by perfectionist tendencies; hidden clutter. Everything looks perfect in your space until you open closets and drawers

correlation between a client’s personal Element and their default type of clutter, which relates to their emotional state when stressed: The second, less acknowledged, type of clutter is emotional clutter. Our home is a mirror of our emotional and mental state and the chaos of clutter causes low vitality and fear based living that keeps us tethered to the past. As human beings we all carry some version of emotional clutter, which comfortably resides in our subconscious. While emotional clutter is unseen baggage, its effects are just as disempowering and draining as physical clutter to distract us from our true purpose of living an authentic life. Emotional clutter can be classified as clutter of the mind-belief systems that no longer serve you or limiting “stories” that distract you, define you and hold you back. There are countless types of emotional baggage: family of origin issues, poverty consciousness, worry, regret, unfinished business, grief, fear, low self esteem, fear, etc. Any outdated belief system, limiting selfperception, unresolved issue or buried emotion accumulates over time and takes its emotional toll on our lives. Both physical and emotional clutter are intrinsically linked to guilt or the relationships/heart connections in our lives. At a recent consultation, a woman hired me to find love after a divorce. As we toured her home, I noticed a whole room dedicated to honouring her deceased Mother, as well as several photos and portraits of her Mom alone, scattered throughout the

home a symbolic shrine of grief at every turn. As we were completing the initial tour of her home she redirected me away from the basement. “You don’t need to go down there,” she said. Rooms or areas in the home that a client wants to ignore usually offer the most profound revelations. The unfinished basement was overstuffed with furniture, boxes, keepsakes a lifetime of her Mother’s belongings. It felt like an energy vortex of grief, sadness and longing. Basements represent our foundation in life, as well as our subconscious, which scientists believe drives 90% of our choices in life. It was her “A-HA” moment. A heart mired in grief and stuck in the past is closed off to new love and fresh possibilities. At the follow up consultation a few months later, she was revelling in the transformation! Savouring the potential of love with the newfound man in her life, she proudly shared a few beautifully displayed and meaningful reminders of her Mom in the home, which she felt both adequately honoured her Mom and allowed her to move forward. Whether it’s the subtle emotional energy of a single item in our home or the heft of a room stuffed to the gills--the result is blocked energy and stagnation. The benefits of clearing clutter are palpable and overflow into every area of your life. increased energy and vitality, physical healing, family harmony, reduced stress, weight loss, improved clarity, new ideas, opportunities and freedom can all be expected. From a Feng Shui perspective, clearing clutter improves the Chi flow in the home, creating

“The more you have, the more you are occupied. The less you have, the more free you are.” ~ Mother Teresa

symbolic and literal space for fresh, vibrant energy. All of this translates to increased effectiveness of your Feng Shui adjustments and the realization that you need less to feel satisfied and fulfilled.

Where to Begin? Start by implementing some Yang cures in the home to counterbalance the Yin of the excess clutter: turn on lights, spray or diffuse uplifting essential oils like orange or lime, turn on your favorite music and invite a friend or two to inspire you and keep you focused. To avoid overwhelm, make de-cluttering a daily practice— even if it’s just 10 minutes to start. You can determine the priority area to de-clutter by 1) using the Bagua to transform life issues that are stuck, 2) using the Law of Proximity (that which is closest to you has the greatest effect- i.e.-bed, desk, garage) or 3) tackling the area that makes you crazy every time you see it!

Ideas to release clutter from your home & your life: • donate • clothing swap with friends • sell unwanted items • gift to someone who would love it You have to get out of your rational mind and be ruthless in deciphering your emotional attachments. Tune in to your body to see how each and every item makes you feel. Do you love it? Do you use it? Does it make you feel good/happy/inspired? Be wildly selfish in your de-cluttering efforts. Remember you are carving out space for possibilities, potential and growth. May your home be the truest reflection of YOU!

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s a Feng Shui Expert & Designer, Tanya has been helping to create positive, supportive and harmonious environments for her clients for the past 16 years. She is certified as an Advanced Feng Shui Consultant and has studied with countless Feng Shui Masters, including Katherine Metz, James Jay and Karen Rauch Carter. Tanya is currently the Membership Director and a Red Ribbon Professional member of the International Feng Shui Guild. Tanya is passionate about sharing her love of Feng Shui and her light hearted and fun approach takes the fear and superstition out of Feng Shui. It is Tanya’s intention to offer powerful and practical solutions that create tangible changes and unlimited blessings for each client.


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Living contemporary stress free magazine month 20XX

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Living contemporary Feng shui Magazine magazineSummer month 20XX 2013

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Janelle Harris Borm helps people relieve the pressure of everyday living with the age old practice of dowsing. We asked her about it here.

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Janelle, I happen to know that you are a practiced and highly sought after dowser. You help people every day to create spaces that are clear of negative energy. What exactly is dowsing and how do you use it in an interior environment?

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I have heard that dowsing can be used to clear bad energy from a home. Can you explain what dowsing a home involves ? Karen L., Calgary, AB

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friend Janelle Harris Borm to explain.

So if we remove these natural causes of stress from our environment, they no longer cause issues for us?

Mia Staysko, Editor

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