The song by Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young, “Love The One You’re With”, is one of my  favorites.  It makes so much sense.  If you don’t have a lover, romantic partner, mate,  you always have you.  Actually you are the starting point.  Loving ourselves draws healthy love to us.  Listen to the song if you like.  Turn up the volume. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_5IVuN1N6-Y

Here are some key Feng Shui tips for attracting a love partner or enhancing the relationship you have.

1)Set the stage.  Make your bedroom as nurturing and romantic looking and feeling as possible.

Read our tips for a feng shui bedroom at : http://www.designforenergy.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=35&Itemid=33

2) Act as If.  Act as if you already have all the love you want.  How do you do this?  Be loving, do loving things.  If Valentine’s Day and you don’t have a mate, buy yourself your favorite flowers and write on the card, ” to someone special who I truly love”.   Treat yourself the way you would want to be treated.  Pamper yourself.  Now, some of you might read this and think that is pitiful.  The other alternative is to mope, not go out, and feel bad. Do whatever makes you feel beautiful, sexy, handsome, etc.  Have fun, laugh by going to a romantic comedy movie.  If you feel that all the couples will be out and sitting next to you while you are alone, go during the day.  Treat yourself!  Its about being happy.  This is what attracts abundance and love.

3)Wear pink.  Pink is the color for love.  Wearing a pink beaded bracelet will remind you of love.  Pink lipstick will make you feel feminine.  Use pink sheets on your bed to enhance love in your relationship. Hang a pink crystal in your bedroom to attract love.  It is the earth element and represents relationships in feng shui.

4)Add Red for Passion.  Red is a high energy fire color.  It ignites passion and romance.  Add some red to your bedroom.  Wear a red shirt to attract a passionate partner.  Light red candles in the bedroom.  Wear red underwear to feel sexy and energetic.  Place two red roses on your dresser in your bedroom to signify a passionate partnership.

5)Create a love altar or area in your bedroom or entry into bedroom to attract love.  See some samples of our love boxes.  You can create a loving space with key feng shui elements like candles, plants, pairs of mandarin ducks and love birds.  see our FB page. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#!/media/set/?set=a.259135357430986.75063.119473198063870&type=1.  We can design one especially for you to attract love into your life.

May you have much more love and passion in your life starting today.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Belinda Mendoza

Design For Energy

www.designforenergy.com

Contact us for a consultation to feng shui your bedroom for romance!

In feng shui, the art of harmonious object placement, we seek to bring nature into our environments.  As practitioners, we arrange spaces to mimic nature. We might bring in plants, water features, candles, etc. to represent the five elements  so we feel connected to nature.

In nature there is an order, a flow.  It is called, “The Way” or The Tao in chinese philosophy.  Ancient China was an agrarian society.  People farmed, fished, and grew crops for food and sustenance.  The ancients observed nature for everything.  They did not have books or philosophers to tell them how to think or what to believe.

Many ancient cultures like the Mayans, Indians, Native Americans and Egyptians, did the same thing.  Observance of the four seasons, the sun and moon cycles gave key information into nature’s order.

As practitioners today we enter into homes or offices to arrange spaces for harmony. What we are really doing is moving things around  to enhance flow so you can achieve your goals much more easily.   If we can get out of the way and allow nature to flow, things work more smoothly, easily, and with less effort. Sometimes we are not even aware we are blocking ourselves.  Your space will reveal that to a trained practitioner.  Move something around and your life changes.  Move something to a specific area and your life changes in that area.  Move something with Intention and your desires will be met.  It is quantum physics in action.  Einstein said,” Nothing happens until something moves.”

Anytime you are pushing a result or an outcome, you are going against the flow (The Tao).  You might get what you desired but it either will not last or the consequences will not be good for you.

I spent over 18 yrs. getting up at 4am in the morning either driving or flying somewhere fast.  I worked my way up the corporate ladder the hard way.  I worked myself to death.  I achieved accolades, money, perks but in the end, I was tired and frustrated.  I now live a simpler life doing what I love, creating something new each day.  I have no desire to push that hard anymore.  It is not that I lack passion, but that I desire to have a meaningful and happy life.  I have passion for what I do and it drives me to want to do more of it.  The drive now comes from an inner place of desire and joy.

I resigned from my corporate career to follow my dream of owning my own business and the next day, I rearranged my office.  I got rid of all the things I had collected over the years and placed new things on my wall to reflect my new vision.  My feng shui practice began immediately.  I had new clients my first week in business.  I have been in business now over 12 yrs.

In feng shui we help to align you with your desires by asking to write Intentions for what you really want and then let go of the outcome.  Surrender to whatever comes your way as being the best for you.  You allow yourself to receive so much more this way.

Live in uncertainty and be at peace with it.  No knowing what will happen tomorrow leaves you open to so much more.  Be in expectant mode at all times for good things to flow in your life.

It is said that “Success is expansion of Happiness”.  Decide to be happy today.  Set up your environment for peace, joy, and success and allow the creative universe to bring you all you desire easily and effortlessly.  Allow the Tao (good chi) to flow in your life.

For help with setting up your space for happiness and success, give us a call anytime.

Feng Shui  Blessings,

Belinda Mendoza

Certified Feng Shui Consultant

www.designforenergy.com

Well we’re almost there.. We’ve cleaned our homes or offices, de-cluttered, space cleared, added 2012 feng shui cures,  so now as we approach the end of  Chinese New Year, it is important not to forget a very important cure.  The feng shui salt water cure is a popular feng shui cure used to neutralize the potentially negative effects of challenging feng shui annual stars in a home or office.

This feng shui cure is usually used for feng shui star # 2 and star # 5 (some feng shui practitioners also use it for star # 3). As each of these negative feng shui stars are of an element that is weaker than metal – # 2 and # 5 are earth, while # 3 is wood – a strong metal cure is used to weaken their energies, thus their negative effects.

Be sure to have some understanding of  the annual stars  feng shui info, as well as the basics of the flying star school of feng shui, as this will give you a better feel for the use of the salt water cure. 

Basically, if in any given year these “unlucky”  stars – # 2, #3, or #5 – are located in your bedroom, your kitchen, your living room or your front door (as well as any other areas you spend a lot of time in, such as the home office, for example), then you can use the salt water feng shui cure to negate the bad energy.

However, if these stars are located in an area with a closet,  a bathroom, a storage area, or just an empty, unused space in your home or office, then you might not need to apply the feng shui salt water cure.

• Check the Current Location of Challenging Feng Shui Annual Stars.  Check out our last blog article:   http://diyfengshuitoday.wordpress.com/2012/01/13/feng-shui-flying-star-cures-for-2012/

In order to avoid confusion, it is important to understand that this cure is used by the Flying Star school of feng shui which calculates the yearly movements of the beneficial and not so beneficial feng shui energies (stars). This cure is rarely used by other feng shui schools. 

However, as with any other popular cure, understanding its essence is a big part of achieving success with feng shui.  So, why is the salt water cure considered powerful?

Salt is an ancient mineral with precious properties, including strong cleansing properties, and it has been used in various cleansing rituals since very old times. Salt is also used in various body purification treatments and massages, as it has the ability to absorb the negative, dull, low energies, thus leaving the energy fresh and pure.

In simple terms, the salt water feng shui cure combines the strong purifying effects of salt and water combined with the chemical reaction between metal and salt (as you will see, the metal element is present in this cure with the use of Chinese coins.)

Salt that is used for purification is not to be consumed; and in feng shui this cure is discarded after a specific amount of time, usually after one lunar year. A new salt water cure is usually placed in a home or office before the Chinese New Year.

The look of this feng shui cure will change in time, especially if there is a lot of negative energy in the space. The container will have a build-up of salt crystals overflowing its edges, in some cases quite a thick build-up, so many people change this cure more than once a year.

If you are interested in the salt water feng shui cure, and feel that your home might benefit from it, here are the basic instructions for creating and using one.

ITEMS YOU NEED FOR THE SALT WATER CURE:

- Salt (ideally high quality rock salt)
- A Container (glass, porcelain or metal)
- 6 Chinese Coins (made from brass)
- Water (to fill 3/4 of your chosen container)
- A protective mat, or a stand.

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Fill your chosen container with salt up to 3/4 of its capacity.
2. Place the 6 Chinese coins on top of the salt; the coins should be placed with the Yang side up (the side with the four Chinese characters).  I have used nickels, pennies, quarters, dimes, before.
3. Add water to fill the container to the top.
4. Place the container on a protective mat, or stand in the home area where you need it.
5. The salt water cure container should be left open, do not cover it or place it in a covered space, such as a kitchen cupboard, for example.

PLACEMENT SUGGESTIONS:

• Place your salt water cure in an area where you know the container will be safe, i.e. not tipped over, moved or otherwise tampered with. Usually a room corner works well.

• If you do not like the look of the salt water cure (it will change even more in time); be sure to place it behind a decor object so that your feng shui cure is not visible. For example, you can have your salt water cure behind the sofa, a screen or a big lush plant.

• You should be able to have access to you salt water cure in order to add water as needed.

HOW TO DISPOSE YOUR SALT WATER CURE:

• Because the feng shui salt water cure will absorb and accumulate a lot of negative energy, care should be taken with its disposal. Do not cleanse the bowl and the coins, but rather properly discard the whole cure.

The feng shui salt water cure is usually used in tandem with other metal cures, because the ill effects of the flying stars # 2, # 3 and # 5 are destroyed by metal. So, feng shui cures such as a 6 hollow metal rod wind chime, a metal Wu Lou (Chinese gourd) or metal bowls are often used in addition to the salt water cure in order to achieve best results.

The use of number 6 – as in the number of Chinese coins for the salt water cure, as well as the number of metal rods in the wind chime – is based on the fact that in feng shui, 6 is considered to be a number with strong metal essence. (See the I Ching trigrams of the Bagua with 6 in the Chi’en trigram, a metal element trigram).

This is about all you need to know to create a feng shui salt water cure!

If you have a question about the salt water cure, or any other feng shui applications, ask your question on our blog or contact us via e-mail at www.designforenergy.com.  We are offering in person or phone feng shui updates which include assistance with placing 2012 cures. 

Have a Successful and Powerful 2012!

Belinda

Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Reiki Master/Teacher

Design For Energy, Austin, Texas

Consultations for homes, businesses, and real estate needs

Space Clearings, Blessing Ceremonies

Sales/Marketing Coaching

Life Guidance Readings

Feng Shui Cure Packet

 Feng Shui Cures/Enhancers for 2012 according to Flying Star/Compass Feng Shui

 

Follow these tips for a  happier, healthier, and more prosperous 2012 year!

The yearly and monthly flying stars are believed to be some of the most powerful elements of Feng Shui. Each year the yearly star stays in one sector for that whole year and then moves to another sector in the following year. Monthly stars move on a monthly basis and these stars influence different circumstances in a person’s life. Some stars bring forth favorable circumstances while others are unfavorable. If a certain sector is made up of only good stars, it is believed that lots of luck is on its way to the occupant of that sector. When bad stars control the energies it spells the coming of misfortunes and its occupant should install Feng Shui cures and remedies to avoid them causing havoc in one’s life.

To assist you in creating and keeping balance in your life and avoid misfortune, it is important to understand which stars are good and which are bad and to activate the lucky stars and counter the ones bringing bad luck in 2012.  This process goes along with your de-cluttering, organizing, space clearing, and house cleaning,  you would do to prepare yourself for the new year’s energies. * Be sure to take down old cures from last year.  If they are not broken, damaged, or faded in any way, you can reuse them.  Do smudge or wash before reusing especially cures likes crystals.  Crystals can also be placed in the sun for 24 hrs.  to be cleared and to recharge.

#1 White Star – SOUTH - brings triumph and success

The white Victory Star flies to the South and represents superlative mentor and career luck. Mentor luck brings influential and wise people into your life to help you to achieve your life’s aspirations. Look out for helpful people crossing your path. The #1 White star is a lucky star that is likely to assist you in attracting triumphant moments and overcoming obstacles in the work place or victory over your competitors. Those ambitious young men engaged in competitive pursuits will highly benefit from this Star. Keep this sector energized by yang (active) energy. It is the water element bringing victory and you can activate this lucky star by placing a horse figurine which brings Yang energy, courage and endurance, a victory banner for triumphant luck or a brass Dragon for career success to your home or office in this sector.

#2 Illness Star –NORTH - brings sickness and illness

This star is an earth element and brings disease, sickness, health problems and even death. Houses facing or sitting in the North or with the main door located in the North sector will find that the occupants are more vulnerable to falling sick. It will mostly affect Rat-born people and the middle son. Avoid staying in this sector or room. Move to another bedroom. If that’s not possible, use a Feng Shui cure to repress the negative energy flowing from this star. Suppress the illness energy of this star with the 8 Immortals figurines or a Metal Gourd tied with a red ribbon. A six rod wind chime will also work. Also make sure you wear a spiritual symbol on a metal chain this year. The pendant can also be metal.

#3 Hostile Star – SOUTHWEST - brings hostility and lawsuits

The Hostile star is situated in the Southwest and brings about verbal accusations and assaults, quarrels and law suits between family members, friends and colleagues. It is the wood element. It will affect mostly those born in the year of the Monkey or Sheep or the Mother.  Those sleeping in this sector will find themselves easily stressed and agitated, impatient and short-fused. Productivity will drop. Relationships between spouses will be affected with argument energies. Harmony of families and safety of marriages will be affected. Watch out for trouble with the authorities or you will be slapped with court case and litigation. Keep this part of the house quiet. Feng Shui cures for this star includes anything in red, lighting, candles. Place them in the Southwest sector. Carry a small red dragon in your purse or briefcase or a red amulet for added protection, especially at work where you can’t display the cures. Remove water or wood energy from this sector.

#4 Romance Star – EAST - brings love and scholastic luck

The romance and literary star #4 is also a wood element flies into the East sector of your home. It is also often called the Peach Blossom Star. This star brings forth good luck on the romantic side of your life, as well as education and academic luck. The first son, Rabbit, Tiger or Dragon-born, and those single or unmarried residing in this corner will benefit greatly from this combination. Students residing in this sector will have better examination luck and better luck in their applications for admission into reputable schools or colleges. Sadly, the power of this auspicious star is dwindled by the Star of Reducing Energy brought by the 24 Mountain stars. Therefore, it’s a good idea that you enhance its energy. Display love symbols (pair of mandarin ducks, symbol for double happiness or two fish) to solidify marriage luck and crystal (crystal points, crystal balls) to enhance academic luck. Strengthen its wood energy with water element. A water fountain with a dragon in it is advisable too. You can always place a small dragon in the water feature. It should not be too big or too small. Do not use a water feature that’s too big or it can turn the #4 ugly, bringing infidelity and cheating spouse.

#5 Yellow Misfortune Star – SOUTHEAST - brings misfortune and bad luck

This year, the yellow star plagues the Southeast. It is a malicious star feared by all as it brings bad luck of all kinds. It is an earth element bringing with it financial loss, obstacles, tragedies, accidents, mishaps and anything else that is negative, depressing and bad. In 2012, this star blocks success and affects the first daughter in the family or those born in the year of Dragon or Snake. It is always a good idea to vacate the afflicted room and avoid any loud sounds in this sector coming from the TV or radio. Do not hold a party in this sector. Those affected will find themselves finding faults all the time and become really difficult to handle. You will feel down most of the time. The yellow #5 star can be cured by a six rod wind chime, pagoda, or Asian fan. These are all effective Feng  Shui cures. Keep doors and windows closed and avoid any construction or renovation in this area. A five element pendant or one according to your spiritual affiliation is also a good protection amulet for this vicious star.

#6 Heavenly Star – CENTER - brings good fortune

This star brings celestial blessings and good luck from cosmic forces, especially when it gets activated. Cosmic winds are very powerful this year and the best way to maximize your luck would be to rely on the cosmic guardians. Displaying, carrying or wearing amulets with mantras, syllables or gods/deities in 2012 can mean the difference between an awesome year or an awful year for you.

Create more noise and switch on the lights in this sector. Spend more time here. It’s extremely beneficial to place some coins in the center of your home or living area to enhance the metallic energy of the number 6 white star, which in turn will manifest in unexpected good fortune. Earth is the element for the center of the home and this year it signifies prosperity, so crystal items in the center of the home will further help boost wealth luck in 2012! So you have no excuse not to display crystals if you want wealth luck to manifest.

The Heavenly white star is a very favorable star of good luck straight from heaven. Be prepared for plenty of blessings if you spend a lot of time in this part of your house. People who gamble be it in lottery, horse racing, football betting or casino games will benefit from this auspicious star that brings cosmic chi that manifests into good fortune and windfall luck. Bring life to this star with sound and activity in this corner and figurines of dragons or horses. This star also attracts power and authority luck. Carry a dragon or jeweled key chain.

#7 Violent Star – NORTHWEST - brings theft, burglary and violence

This unfavorable star hits the Northwest of your home/office and brings with it bad luck and tidings. It wreaked havoc the center location in 2011, bringing violence, bloodshed and death in the middle east. It is a metal element associated with financial loss, robbery, theft, violence and injuries. Its negative chi gets strengthened further by the big metal energy of the NW sector so make absolute sure you suppress it. Watch your back during this period and be careful not to trust everyone. It especially affects the patriarch of the family or the leaders of a company especially if your main door or room is located in Northwest, as well as those born in the year of Dog and Boar. Remedy this star with a pair of blue rhinoceros figurines on both sides of the doors to this sector. You could use blue elephant figurines but make sure tusks are up! These feng shui cures are strong protective symbols with water element that will weaken the metal energy of this Burglary Star. You may also hang a blue rhino or elephant on your key chain or onto your handbag to protect against snatch thieves. If blue is a problem, place your figurines on a blue cloth. You can also print out a picture off the Internet of blue rhinoceros figurines and place on each side of door and add chinese foo dogs for protection. I have blue chinese foo dogs I will use.

#8 Wealth Star – WEST - brings wealth luck and prosperity

The all-powerful Prosperity star for 2012 falls into West – which means the youngest daughter of the family will benefit from it. It is the star of fortune and good luck and brings with it lots of wealth luck and abundance. Those with Chinese Horoscope of Monkey, Rooster and Dog will benefit from it too. In the Dragon year 2012, its potency is magnified. It is an earth element and can be activated with Feng Shui crystals. If your home has a living or family area in this sector, everyone in your home will be able to gain from this star especially the father figure. Display Feng Shui crystals everywhere to attract the best this star has to offer. Some suggestions are crystal key chains, crystal knot tassels, crystal balls, crystal trees. A feng shui mystical knot/tassel here will serve to enhance career strength and authority luck. You can also just use a bold red tassel. Try to leave the door opened as much as possible.

#9 Future Prosperity Star – NORTHEAST

This Purple star is a fire element. It attracts wealth luck (especially through investment ) and good fortune especially to the youngest daughter. This Star also brings fame and recognition luck – the luck that propels you to be acknowledged and rewarded for your achievement and hard work. To enhance this Star, display nine glitter lamps or nine money frogs in this sector and keep this part of the house brightly lit. Use lots of red upholstery and decor here.

Tip! Remember these important sectors.

• Sickness Star this year is at North  
• Misfortune/Sickness Star this year is at South-East  
• Disputes/Quarrel Star this year is at South-West  
• Education/Romance Star this year is at East
  
• Grand Duke (most difficult) this year is East-South-East, 120 Degree.
  - Avoid sitting facing the grand duke or disturbing him by having renovations.  
• Location in Conflict is South.
  - Avoid having renovations done opposite the location in conflict.

Implement these cures whether you are interested in feng shui or not. Try it as an experiment and see if you don’t have a better year than your friends who have not tried it. Have fun with the process. You don’t have to use all the cures mentioned for each sector. A few are listed for options. Don’t worry if you don’t have the exact item, its is the element you want in place.  For ex:, if it says 9 frogs, you can use 9 fish or a picture of nine water animals.

Wishing you many Prosperous Blessings in 2012!

Belinda Mendoza

Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Design For Energy

www.designforenergy.com

512/740-1251

I love Chinese New Year because it is an opportunity to start anew after the holidays and new year’s celebrations.  Yes, we usually set goals for the new year by Jan, 1st, but its nice to have some extra time.  The Chinese celebrate with the Lunar calendar.  This year it begins on January 23rd, 2012.

Here are 9 key tips to get you prepared to enter the new year with  lots of good energy and abundance!

1)Get rid of clutter.  Shred old documents.  Burn old photos that no longer have positive memories for you.  Getting rid of as much of the past will allow you to receive more good.  Clutter holds things back and causes stagnation.

2)Organize to Energize.  Organize your office or bedroom if wanting more career success or a new relationship.  Having things in organized areas or containers helps to focus energy.

3) Clean Your House.  A clean home, free of dirt allows for smooth flow of chi.  Open doors and windows to allow the house to breathe while cleaning.

4)Clean out your Fridge for better Health.   Dispose of condiments that have been around for a while and replenish.  Add fresh fruits and veggies in nice ceramic or glass bowls for vibrant color.  This will help you lose weight and stay healthy.  Keep pictures of the way you want to see yourself on your fridge.  Choose photos of people doing healthy things and having fun.

5)Smudge Your Space.   Get rid of any negative or stuck feelings in your space by using a native american smudge stick.  Light it,  it will smoke.  Wave the smoke all over you space. This smoke was used by Indians to ward of evil spirits.  It is a powerful purifier.  Be sure to open doors and windows while doing this.  It will help to release the past year’s disappointments and freshen the space to invite harmony and success! Visualize new beginnings.

6)Speak Kindly to Yourself on Chinese New Year.  It is said that whatever is said on Chinese New Year, sets the tone for the year.  So, no arguing with your loved ones or co-workers on that day.

7)Do Not Wash Your Hair or Sweep Floors on Chinese New Year.   In old folklore, hair had strength.  Remember the parable of  Samson and Delilah.  Samson was strong enough to fight off the giant but was deceived by Delilah when she cut off his hair.  He lost all his strength.  Hair represents vitality and abundance in feng shui.  Clean your house and do all your sweeping before Chinese New Year, otherwise, you sweep away your wealth.

8) Have Dinner with Friends and Family.  On Chinese New Year, celebrate by cooking a meal at your home for friends and family or by going out for a chinese meal.  Many foods like fish, chicken, oranges, noodles, and rice have good luck.  More on these prosperity foods on our next blog.  I celebrate Chinese New Year each year by dining out with friends and discussing the New Year’s forecast.  More on the forecast for the year of the Dragon coming soon.

9)Write Intentions for what you REALLY want.   Chinese New Year is the best time to write new Intentions for the year.  We begin on Jan. 23rd with the  new energy of the Dragon.  Dragon brings lots of opportunities for making more money and starting new and exciting ventures.  Place these Intentions in a pretty red envelope.  You can find these at Chinese food stores or just make one.  Place in your office in SE corner for wealth or in bedroom on bedside table where you manifest your dreams.  Visualize and really allow all you desire to flow to you this year.

Best Feng Shui wishes for the Happiest and Most Abundant Year Ever!

Fortunate Blessings,

Belinda

Working in the feng shui field for over 14 rs. now,  I have learned a lot from the people I work with and about my own life.

I noticed that some people with a few feng shui suggestions, have great results.  Some with many remedies, have few, or many combinations in between.  One of my feng shui teachers, Master Lin Yun, taught us about the power of Intention.

It is considered one of the key components to having good feng shui.

He said if you want a better career and you move your desk to a more prosperous position (one that allows for good chi to flow to you), you will have 100%  improvement.  If you write Intentions for what you want, then you give gratitude for the things you have and will be getting, you will have over 150% positive effect.  It is not enough to move things around and want a change, you must INTEND it.  I have personally known this to be true.  I did exactly this in my corporate career.  I had more pay raises and promotions and constant growth  in a 2 yr. period than I had in the previous ten.  I tripeled my salary at the time.  It led me to do more work with Intentions and take a leap of fatih to  leave my corporate six figure salary to follow my passion.  While I had major growth in my career, I longed for more fulfilling work which I am doing today.

You may have heard about an actor carrying around  a ten million dollar check in his wallet and then later noticing he had achieved those millions.  It was to anchor an intention that he believed he would achieve, even if it was not a conscious daily thought.  This does not work for everyone because all our thoughts are not conscious. 

If we have a history of negative beliefs about money or prosperity, it carries over into everything we do.  If you are not achieving something in your life today, you must ask yourself if somehow you are blocking it?  Do you have a fear of getting what you say you want?  If you win the lottery, will you have everyone you know asking you for money?  Will you not have any privacy?  We may say we want to win big but deep down inside there may also be a fear of what it will bring.

Intentions do help you break those barriers especially if they are followed with daily affirmations.  “I am abundant in every way.  I have opportunities for money coming to me easily”.  Write your own and post these where you can read them daily.

Keep a gratitude journal.  This tells the universe you appreciate what you have and can handle more.  If you do good deeds with your money, more will flow.  It is a key to prosperity. 

I was asked recently by a client,” Can I ask for too much?”  Great question.  No.  The universe knows what you want and need more than you do.  The problem is in limiting ourselves.  It is our lack or poverty mentality that gets us into trouble.  We are all meant to be prosperous so we can do good things in the world to help ourselves and our communities.  What a great world if we had one class of wealth where we all had money and contributed in making our world a better place.  Now this may sound pollyanna-ish, but its meant to say that we often limit ourselves with our belief systems.  Now you can ask for the wrong things in that they are not good for anyone, in the case of a criminal.  But, I sincerely doubt a criminal would be sitting down writing intentions anyway.  So, don’t be afraid to ask.  Your higher self, creator, great spirit, universe, God, are awaiting your requests.

We will be conducting a powerful Vision Class for 2012 where we will set powerful intentions to help you have the most successful and prosperous year.   Sunday, Jan. 22nd from noon to 4pm.  $99.00

Check our website for details soon.  www.designforenergy.com

Happy Holiday to you and yours.

Belinda Mendoza

Certified Feng Shui Consultant and Personal/Business Coach

Feng Shui Austin, Tx.

While addictions are a disease and a complicated process to heal, feng shui, along with other alternative modalities are an excellent compliment to successful recovery.

Feng Shui is about energy and restoring balance and harmony where needed.  Addictions to alcohol, drugs, gambling, sex, work, etc. are an imbalance in the person’s chi (energy).  This can be from many factors.  A person’s makeup may be a contributing factor so we take a look at a person’s birthdate to reveal energetic tendencies towards addictions.   In chinese astrology a  person with too much water can be prone to depression leading to alcohol abuse.  A good rehab program that one is committed to is a necessary part of recovery and is the first step to treating a severe addiction.

Many of the successful recovery programs now include meditation, chi gong, visualization, tai chi, yoga, and journaling to help aid the process.

What happens after one has completed a successful program and goes home?  The real work begins.  If your environment has the same chi or energy before you went to rehab, it will still be there.  In feng shui your environment should reflect where you are and want to go or be, not where you have been.

Some Key Feng Shui Tips to Aid in Addiction Recovery:

1) Space Clear.  Remove all stagnant energy from the past by smudging with native american sage.  Keep doors and windows open while doing this.  Visualize your past leaving the space.

2)Thoroughly clean your space by dusting and vaccuming after the clearing.   A fresh new space has new energy.

3)Declutter.  Get rid of anything from the past you do not need or want, esp. anything reminding you of your addiction like bongs, empty alcohol bottles, sex magazines, etc.

3) Paint your space a soothing color.  Earth tones are grounding and greens are healing.

4) Add calming artwork.

5) Replace old reading materials with new books on healing, joy, laughter.

6)Remove water features as it stimulates alcohol use.

7) Keep your space simple with furniture arranged harmoniously.  You’ve been through a lot with rehab and you need a space that is unencumbered, peaceful, and nuturing to your soul.  It should not be work to maintain.

8)Activate Helpful People corner which is the Northwest part of your home.  This will help to keep your sponsors, sober friends, healers, guides, always at your disposal.  It will also help you to want them in your life.

9) Place a lucky bamboo plant in the East for good health and longevity.

Many physicians in rehab facilities approach feng shui with an “all’s fair” attitude, acknowledging that release from rehab is scary and it’s impossible to know what will help a person stay on the wagon. “It all has to do with energy and the way we perceive things,” said Chris Prentiss, co-founder and co-director of the Malibu treatment center Passages. “How we feel is largely a product of the conditions in which we live. And feng shui has the ability to change that in quite a dramatic way.”

When Prentiss bought the Passages property in 2001, he used feng shui principles to determine where the furniture should go — and did the same on the six houses he subsequently added to the enclave.

Still, he agrees that feng shui should be used only as part of a full complement of proven therapies.

“Feng shui by itself isn’t going to do it,” he said.

As a feng shui practitioner and a member of a family  where  alcohol and drug abuse prevail, I agree, we need all the tools that are available.  No one modality will do it all but feng shui is quite powerful in affecting positive change. 

If you or someone you know is suffering from an addiction and you would like more information on how feng shui can help,  contact us via e-mail at:

www.designforenergy.com.

Feng Shui Wishes for Healthy and Happy Recovery,

Belinda
Feng Shui Austin, TX.

Feng Shui is about harmony.  Harmony with others  including our community.  Holidays can be stressful, sad, and disappointing for many.  There is often pressure to provide better gifts than the year before.  We can miss out on the meaning of the holiday spirit with all the commercialization. 

Fun, joy, and giving are all good feng shui.  It’s time to think outside the box. Who says a gift needs to fit in a shirt box, wrapped in foreign produced wrapping paper?

Here are some great ideas someone sent me I wanted to share with you with some feng shui tips that can send good feng shui into the world and your life:

1) Everyone — yes EVERYONE gets their hair cut. How about gift certificates from your local American hair salon or barber?

2) Gym membership?  It’s appropriate for all ages who are thinking about some health improvement.  Good karma for your own health.

3) Who wouldn’t appreciate getting their car detailed?  Small, American owned detail shops and car washes would love to sell you a gift certificate or a book of gift certificates.  Cars are our vehicles through life so you are helping that person’s success.

4) Are you one of those extravagant givers who think nothing of plonking down the Benjamines on a foreign made flat-screen? Perhaps that grateful gift receiver would like his/her driveway sealed, or lawn mowed for the summer, or driveway plowed all winter, or games at the local golf course.

5) There are a bazillion owner-run restaurants — all offering gift
certificates.  And, if your intended isn’t the fancy eatery sort, what about a half dozen breakfasts at the local breakfast joint.  Remember, folks this isn’t about big National chains — this is about supporting your home town merchants with their financial lives on the line to keep their doors open.

6) How many people couldn’t use an oil change for their car, truck or
motorcycle, done at a shop run by the local working guy?

7) Thinking about a heartfelt gift for mom ?  Mom would LOVE the services of a local cleaning lady for a day.

8) My computer could use a tune-up, and I KNOW I can find some young guy who is struggling to get his repair business up and running.

9) OK, you were looking for something more personal. Local crafts people spin their own wool and knit them into scarves. They make jewelry, and pottery and beautiful wooden boxes.

10) Plan your holiday outings at local, owner operated restaurants and leave your server a nice tip.  And, how about going out to see a play or ballet at your hometown theatre.

11)  Musicians need love too, so find a venue showcasing local bands.

12) Food is always a hit.  Try delicious preserves and homeade food gifts from local farmer’s market.

13)  Local artists need money and their work are some of the most unique gifts.

The best solution to any depression is to give.  It gets us out of ourselves.  It is better to give than to receive is good feng shui.  Blessings flow your way naturally as a result of good deeds.

Enjoy your holiday season with family and loved ones.

Warmly,

Belinda

www.designforenergy.com for feng shui holiday gift certificates.

Did you know your business card can either bring you business or take it away?  How does that 3- inch marketing tool have so much power?

While the art of feng shui which I practice and teach is about the environment in which we live, it is also about energy.  Its basic concept which you will see me referencing in all my blog posts, is chi (chinese word for energy).  The card is one of the first pieces of information you hand out about your business.  It is a lost opportunity if it feels cheap, looks tacky,  unprofessional, or is offensive in any way.  As it is said, the first few seconds of someone meeting you an impression is made, so is true of the business card.

In one of my favorite books of all time, The Greatest Salesman In The World, Og Mandingo, says he gives his card out to everyone he meets without fail.  Today, we may not do it so much feeling we are being pushy.  “Wait until someone asks for  your card before you give it out”, I have heard.  I would rather have someone’s card so I can contact them in the future if only for a question or a social reason.  The worst is to go to a networking meeting for the purpose of meeting potential customers and not have any cards on you.  Now, I  would not just walk up to someone I didn’t know and give my card out but how often do we do that anyway?  I am talking about a normal day where we are  usually in some sort of conversation with several people.  Whenever someone asks for my phone number not business related, I give them my card.  My number is  there and it is an opportunity for them to think about me for my business in the future.

So, now that we have decided to give our card out more, let’s make sure it’s inviting enough for people to want to keep and read.

Here are some basic tips to Feng Shui Your Business Card for Success:

1) LOVE your card.  If it is okay or you don’t like it in any way, it will lose effectiveness .  The lack of interest will be reflected in the card which then passes on to the receiver.  It is an extension of you and your business’s energy.

2) Company name must be clear in that it is easy for people to know what you do?  If you teach yoga and your card says, “The Red Door”,  you are losing energy.   Logo or name with your service in it is the most powerful. 

2) Have a powerful tag line.  This gives you a chance to state the benefit of what you do and build your brand.   The Red Door Yoga Studio,  “creating healthy bodies and minds”.  This adds more clarity and impact.

3) Use Powerful color combinations.   Use five element color combinations.  Elements support each other.  Water, Metal, Earth, Fire, Wood.  Best colors for new business are  White, Black, Green.   White is Metal element and it produces Water (Black).   Water nourishes Wood.  Wood is growth like a tree which means growth in the business.  Water creates the flow and metal the money. Metallic golds add money energy.

4) Card needs a good feel to it.  Use  good card stock, nothing flimsy.  Its sort of like shaking someones’ hand that goes limp.  The energy is low.  You want each moment to count.  See  your card as an extension of  you and your hand and that you are  handing over an energy boost to the person, leaving them feeling  positive about  you.

5)Keep it clean and uncluttered.   Too much writing on a card does  not leave room for opportunities to enter.  Leave room for some note writing that may be needed.  When I meet someone I will write a word on it to make me remember their name in the future.

6)Make sure people can get hold of you.  Have your phone number and e-mail prominent.  It is like being invited to your house but I can’t find it because the house numbers are hidden.   It says the chi is blocked and prosperity will be slow in coming  to you.

7)Add some red for recognition and prosperity. Red is the fire element and it activates and energizes things.

8)Use wealth symbols as logos.  Ships are good luck in feng shui esp. if they are moving towards you like bringing you wealth.  Water and goldfish are symbols for money.  Make sure logos and images are moving forward not backwards.

9) Round shapes signify harmony.    Use rounded fonts instead of sharp, angled, or pointed fonts.  Avoid sharp points aiming at you in your logo.  These create arguments and disputes.

10) Use wavy borders, logos,  to signify water and flow.  This will mean good movement in your career.

11)Use more traditional card shapes rather than something unique or odd-shaped.  People often throw away the ones they cannot fit into their filing system.  The horizontal shape is considered “lucky in feng shui”.

And of course make sure there are no typos or outdated info. as this will lower the energy of the card and its appeal.

We offer feng shui consultations for your marketing needs.  18 yrs. of succesful sales/marketing experience .  Future posts will be on feng shui for your website.  Contact us anytime at www.designforenergy.com

Update your business cards today to stay ahead of the competition and give you the added edge in your business.

Happy Selling,

Belinda

Whether you are looking for a job, wanting a better one, a promotion, more money, applying some feng shui principles can really help. Feng shui lucky symbols can attract the right opportunities to you.

Some of these Tips can strenthen your Career or help you set up a Power Office to attract success.

1)Sit in a commanding position.                                        

Don’t sit with your back to the door.  Sit furthest from the door but not in line with it.  Have a solid wall behind you.  No windows behind you as it makes you vulnerable.  Solid wall acts as a mountain of support.

2)Face your best direction.                                                       

Google, Kua calculator to find this. http://www.circle-of-light.com/fengshui/fs-kua.html If your best direction is South, then face that when at your desk for optimum strength in your career.

3)Avoid poison arrows.                                                      

Sharp edges create disharmony.  Be sure your file cabinets, bookshelf corners are not pointing at you.

4)Diffuse EMF radiation                                              

Computers, electrical devices emit electromagnetic energy that is draining to your body and mind.  Add plants like peace lily, philadendron ivy, bamboo palms,  or jade.  Rock crystals on your desk or near computer wires help to ground the energy.  Take breaks from your computer.

5)Add Feng Shui Colors                                                        

They stimulate creativity and inspire ideas.  Avoid bare walls and boring artwork.  Color adds energy which creates movement.  For walls, use metal colors like grays which are good for wealth and greens for money growth. 

6)Have Clean Air                                                                     

Create good chi flow with fresh air flowing.  Use air filters.  Open up windows ocassionally to allow the natural chi to flow in. This keeps career opportunities flowing.

7) Use  Natural Lighting                                                                                         

Avoid fluorescent lighting.  Use desk lamps and natural light as much as possible.  Lights add the fire element which enhances promotions and recognition at work. 

8)Add Feng Shui Cures.

The map of the world in your office is a good feng shui cure if you feel confused on your career path.  Place a picture of your ideal career, job, position, on the wall opposite you while working at your desk as this will help attract it to you.  Choose artwork with open views, great possibilities, and high energy.  Finally, write down your desires as though they are already here.  See yourself as abundant, in the right career, being recognized for what you do.

 

View our beautiful Feng Shui Prosperity Boxes on our website or on our Design For Energy facebook page that help energize any space for optimum abundance.  The one on this page is our Career Box with special cures and talismans especially for energizing your career/aspirations. If interested, just contact us at 512/740-1251. They are for sale.

Career Blessings,

Belinda

www.designforenergy.com

http://www.facebook.com/FengShuiBelinda