How to Design a Peaceful Space Teaching Tortoise School of Feng Shui Feng Shui Mini – Series Program Director: Mary Jane Kasliner, AAS, BS, ACFSI, CP, E-RYT 200 The materials of wealth are in the earth, in the TOC seas, & in their natural and unaided productions. ~ Daniel Webster Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 2 TOC Seeking Balance FROM THE OUTSIDE IN Environment –Support Health Architecture Materials Designs Cleanliness – Order – Clearing Objects in Your Space Sheng Sounds – Sights – Smells EMF’s 5 Element Compatibility Personal Directions Sacred Space Zen Gardens Healthy & Peaceful Living About Mary Jane Blogs Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 3 Environment – Support Health TOC The most important aspect when it comes to creating a peaceful space is the land. It is the foundation to health. I am sure you are familiar with the phrase: Location, Location, Location when it comes to real estate. The same emphasis is enforced when it comes to feng shui principles. The land is the supporting mechanism for all else that follows. Without strong land support health is unattainable. With that being said, let’s take a look at the parameters that constitutes healthy land. •Location: When choosing a location to live it is important it is balanced in the polarities of yin and yang. In other words, land that is wide open with little vegetation or positioned in close radius to heavily traveled roadways or business districts is overly yang. There is an imbalance in the land that will impact the health of its occupants. Albeit city dwellers fall into this scenario, they do not get away unscathed. As a result, they tend to be overly yang or frequently exhausted. Compensation for this occurs by infusing yin qualities into the landscape and internal structure. •Surroundings: Take a look around and note what surrounds the land. Are there man-made structures that are an affront to the land? Are there sha sounds such a nearby train, airport, hospital or fire department? What about the scent. Is there a nearby garbage dump or reclamation center? All of these factors should be taken into consideration. Obviously avoiding these scenarios is recommended for peaceful living. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 4 Environment – Support Health TOC •Land Topography: A property should be protected from all sides and open in the front. This is a feng shui principle that is thousands of years old. The basic premise is security. Living on land that is unprotected leaves the human body feeling vulnerable. As a result the ancient brain activates the fight or flight mechanism for protection. Operating under this system on a continual basis is problematic for health as it increases respiration and blood pressure. •Healthy Vegetation: This is very obvious and clear cut. We all can tell if vegetation looks healthy or not. It behooves us to choose land where the vegetation is lush. This suggests the land is healthy, not overused, and sustainable for life. •Soil Quality & PH: The best soil is alkaline. When soil is overly acidic viable nutrients are depleted and this impacts health. Clay soil tends to be the most problematic. It emits a secondary radiation because it is unable to absorb the suns radiation sufficiently. This directly impacts the oscillatory rate of human cells. When clay soil is encountered it is best to plant deep rooted vegetation. This breaks up the upper layers of clay exposing the healthy soil beneath. •Earth & Man-made Energies: This planet is encased with grids and underground water. These grids can overlap crossing the earth’s natural telluric frequency (7.83 HZ cycle/sec.) and increases it to 250 HZ cycle/sec. This is highly problematic for human cells. Furthermore, when underground streams are polluted they too interrupt the normal telluric earth energy. Man-made electro-stress (i.e. cell towers, high tension wires, etc.), also impact the surrounding land energy in a similar way to the geo-pathologic scenarios mentioned. The key is to choose land that is far from man-made electro-stress and has been tested through dowsing techniques to avert any surrounding infractions to the earth’s natural telluric energy. May times this is unavoidable but can be corrected through land acupuncture techniques. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 5 TOC Architecture THE SHAPE OF IT ALL… Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 6 TOC The Architecture Says it All! The architectural shape determines how energy flows through the structure. When there is a dramatic shape in the architecture, energy will also move dramatically and create challenges for the occupants. Harmonious proportions with clear floor plan layouts results in smooth energy flow. This in turn is experienced as a peaceful environment for the occupants. The odd shaped floor plan below cuts energy abruptly to the lower left quadrant. Depending on the direction of this quadrant will dictate what the occupants may experience. For example, in this scenario the area missing is the northwest portent. From the feng shui template, the northwest corresponds to the patriarch, the head and neck region of the body, lungs and large intestines. It also relates to travel, heavenly guidance, helpful mentors and networking for potential wealth. Occupants, especially the patriarch, can incur challenges in any or all the aforementioned aspects. Unfortunately, many floor plan layouts have odd flows, the remedy is to reinstate energy to Northwest Direction the area that is missing. This can be done several ways: •Enclosing the area with an addition or landscaping. •Lighting or bird feeder positioned where the 2 extending lines would meet if you were to enclosed the shape.. •Build energy internally with proper elements and images for that direction using the feng shui template. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 7 TOC Materials FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 8 Building & Design Materials The quality of building and design materials plays an important role when it comes to health. Using synthetic materials allows for higher volatile organic compounds or chemicals continually released in the structure. The WHO – World Health Organization, states indoor air quality is 50 – 100% more polluted than outdoor air. The reason for this is due to out-gassing of chemicals from products used in the building, design and furnishing process. Since most people spend 80% of their time indoors, this presents as an issue when it comes to health. There are alternative solutions to improve the quality of indoor air. Here are just a few: Alternative Design Options: •Natural & Recycled Materials: Think about incorporating natural materials such as glass, rubber, stone, 100% (FSC) wood, sea grass, bamboo, sisal, cork, 100% wool, mosaics, organic cotton, silk, linen, clay, plaster, limestone, and using no VOC paints and stains. These are wonderful looking design features and very healthy when creating a peaceful space to live or work in. •Passive Ventilation: Proper ventilation systems are paramount when it comes to indoor air quality. Using shutters, airbricks, roof ventilators, salt lamps, or opening windows goes a long way to purify the air. •Plants: Here are just a few plants that can absorb chemicals effectively: Spider, Golden Pathos, Philodendron, Peace Lily, and Boston Ferns. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 9 TOC Designs FLOW OF ENERGY Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 10 Flowing Designs – Follow Qi Flow TOC All energy moves in a sinus wave pattern as seen on the electromagnetic spectrum. This is also represented in the tai chi symbol as the dividing point between the yin and yang poles. The human body accepts this type of movement with harmony as does mother nature. If you notice, the human body and nature is only made up of curves. There are no right angles in either. Therefore, it is best if our structures take on the essence of the body and nature by infusing as many curves into the design. Here are a few ideas of how to do just that. •Incorporate curves in the building design. •Use round pillars instead of square. •Arch walls openings to other rooms. •Cascade drapery. •Place furnishings in a circular position rather than L-shapes. •Soften edges with decorative throws or soft leaf plants. •Incorporate rounded edges in furniture. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 11 TOC Cleanliness KEEPING IT ORGANIZED Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 12 Cleanliness ~ Order ~ Clearing TOC Removal of clutter is essential to healthy and peaceful living. When a space is clean and organized energy can flow freely and imbue the meridians of the structure fully. As a result, the mind, body and spirit is unfettered and our attention becomes focused on what we are doing. This in turn allows energy to pour out of us and make things happen. There are simple ways to take charge of your space and clear it. Following my program “Clear Your Space and Transform Your Life,” will put you on the right track. If you haven’t already purchased this mini-series simply click the link and scroll to the bottom of the Feng Shui training CD page: http://www.fengshuiyoganj.com./index.php/fengshui-school/school-store Once your space is organized it is also a good idea to space clear it. Space clearing transforms unseen detrimental predecessor energy and re-balances it. You can clear your space with sound, holy water, essential oils, flowers, sea salt or incense. For a full space clearing process refer to my program “Space Clear Your Way To Health & Prosperity,” also found on the link above. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 13 TOC Objects in Your Space DO YOU LOVE EVERYTHING IN YOUR SPACE? Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 14 Objects In Your Space TOC Depending on the environment we are exposed to determines the level of energy we experience. This energy level can vary from very low and depleted to very high and vital. Our homes and personal possessions lock onto energetic vibrations contained within them. If the objects are made from synthetic materials or are simply offensive, the result is a loss of energy for YOU. Why? The Laws of Attraction, Vibration and Frequency are all the same or “Like Attracts Like.” If the objects in the structure are vibrating low then so shall you. This is based on the Law of Resonance whereby the vibration frequency of one object will automatically cause a nearby object to vibrate at that same frequency. With that being said, it is important to take an assessment of the objects in your home. Simply walk through the main rooms of your house and note your reaction physically, mentally, and intuitively to the items in your space. Anything that takes your energy away through negative emotions is indicative of a blockage you may be experiencing. Go ahead and remove that object and replace it with something you love. This is a powerful way to reprogram the energy in your structure and in YOU! Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 15 TOC Sheng Sounds – Images – Scents DO YOU THINK OF NATURE WHEN YOU ARE IN YOUR SPACE? Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 16 Sheng Sounds – Sights – Smells TOC The most ancient part of our brain known as the limbic system is associated with how we perceive things. It receives information constantly from our surrounding environment through our sensory system. Therefore, the images, sounds, smells, textures and the food we eat trigger a reaction as to whether an environment feels good or not. Nature is the best format to follow when it comes to awakening our senses in positive way. Incorporating nature’s essence within the structure activates the limbic system in a positive way. Below are some ideas to guide you in the process. Pleasant Sounds: Natural Images: •Flowing water fountain •Fish tank •Soothing music of nature sounds • Wind chimes •Chiming clock Landscape scenes Beach scenes Mountain landscapes Animals Natural Scents: Natural Textures: •Pure essential oils •Plant base scented candles •Citrus natural cleaning products •Natural incense sticks •Baked goods Cotton Wool Stone Silk Wood Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 17 TOC Electro-magnetic Awareness IS TECHNOLOGY CAUSING YOU TO FEEL ILL? Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 18 Electromagnetic Awareness And Health TOC In creating a healthy home, it is important to be aware of the energy emanating from the appliances and electrical system. Man-made electro-stress releases magnetic frequencies that act similar to geopathic stress. Appliances such as cell phones, TV’s, lighting, microwave ovens, computers, hot water heaters, and the list goes on pulsate at a frequency too high for the human cell to process. Appliances also work from an alternating current system meaning energy changes direction 60 times a second. Again, something foreign to human cells. In addition, increased electro-magnetics in a space infusing the air with positive ions that retain bacteria and funguses. Being exposed to EMF’s for long periods of time can cause a plethora of health complaints such as eye irritation, headaches, allergies, tremors, and various other health complaints. Below are a few things you can do to minimize the impact of these frequencies. •Install demand switch that will control the electrical frequency for the floor that bedrooms are located on. This switch converts alternating current with direct current making the bedrooms a very healthy environment for sleep. I am sure we can all agree that healthy sleep mean we feel great! •Leave the electronics out of bedrooms. •Using natural sources such as plants and salt lamps or salt candles to emit negative ions back into the environment for fresh air quality. Plants such as Peace Lilies, Goosefoot, Dwarf Banana and Golden Pathos are fantastic when it comes to battling EMF’s. •Stick with incandescent or full spectrum bulbs as they emit the lease amount of EMF’s. •Use EMF protector tabs on appliances you use frequently. These tabs can be purchased at the link below: http://www.fengshuiyoganj.com./index.php/publications/emf-protective-products Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 19 TOC The 5 Elements WORKING WITH THE 5 ELEMENTS IN FENG SHUI IS VERY POWERFUL. KNOWING WHAT THEY ARE AND WHERE THEY BODE BEST IS EVEN MORE POWERFUL WHEN IT COMES TO CREATING A PEACEFUL SPACE. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 20 The 5 Elements TOC The five elements are a refinement of yin and yang energy and consist of water, wood, fire, earth and metal. These elements in their pure form are found in nature. Below is a basic description of these elements. 1. Water – In nature this element defines our waterways from large to small. In décor water represents any image of water, glass objects, mirrors, water fountains, wavy patterns, and the colors blue and black. 2. Wood – In nature wood is seen as trees, bushes, plants and greenery. In décor wood is define as actual wood furnishings, plants, flowers, green colors, and anything in a columnar shape. 3. Fire – In nature fire represents the sun and of course fire itself. In décor fire represents people, animals, images of the sun, pointed shapes, and fire color hues. 4. Earth – In nature earth represents rocks and of course our planet. In décor earth represents stones, square and rectangular shapes, plaid patterns, and earthy color hues. 5. Metal – In nature metal represents the ores deep within the earth. In décor metal represents oval or circular shapes, metal materials, and metal color hues. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 21 The 5 Elements TOC The five elements are associated with the eight directions and influence different traits necessary for prosperous living. The water element is associated with the direction of north. Therefore, any room located in the north direction of your home will benefit with water characteristics. There are two exceptions however, if your bedroom or kitchen resides in this direction you do not want to place a real water feature in these spaces or use the water colors. The wood element is associated with the directions of east and southeast. Therefore, it is best if rooms located in those directions take on the elemental qualities of wood. The fire element is associated with the direction of south. Therefore, any rooms located in the south direction would bode well with fire qualities. Just note that if your kitchen falls within the south direction you do not want to overdue with fire, as you can actually cause a fire. The earth element is associated with the directions of northeast, southwest and also the center point of the home. These areas do best with earth qualities. Finally, the metal element is associated with the directions of west and northwest. Therefore, any rooms in these directions will bode best with metal qualities. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 22 The 5 Elements TOC The five elements also have their own cycle of energy. The most auspicious cycle is known as the birthing cycle. This is when wood fuels fire, fire fuels earth, earth fuels metal, metal fuels water, and water fuels wood. Therefore, in design you can use the birthing element qualities in a room. For example, a room located in the east or southeast can take the elements of water and wood and the result is perfect harmony. Rooms located in the southwest or northeast can take the elements of earth and fire, while rooms located in the west or northwest can take earth and metal elements. Finally, rooms located in the north can take the elements of metal and water. This is really important when it comes to creating a peaceful space. Elements can also antagonize on another. This occurs when an element is missing in the cycle. For example, fire will melt metal if the element of earth is not there to act as a buffer. This plays out in design when a south room has metal colors or lots of other metal characteristics. The result is challenges in that particular area of your life. Something I will tap into next! The remaining fighting energies are: Metal cuts wood Wood uproots earth Water puts out fire Earth dams water Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 23 TOC Personal Directions FINE TUNING THE SPACE FOR YOU! Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 24 Personal Beneficial Directions TOC Every person has compass directions that are beneficial for specific activities. Certain directions make us feel at ease. This is a basic compass feng shui formula that is based on the year you were born. There are 8 compass directions and therefore 8 possible directions associated with your birth year. Four of the eight directions are very beneficial while the other four have challenging tendencies. The key is to spend time in those directions that bode well for you personally so you feel peaceful. A structure can also be classified based on its sitting direction. Just as there are four beneficial directions for an individual based on birth year, there are also four beneficial house directions configured by the sitting direction of the house. Once you have determined what your personal energy trigram is, you can choose a home in that same category and create a compatible living space. The next page outlines a simple formula so you can discover your personal beneficial directions based on your birth year. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 25 Personal Energy Calculations TOC This calculation is also known as the ming gua method and widely used in feng shui practice. Below is a simple formula to follow for both male and females. When configuring this calculation, if the birth year is between January 1st through February 3rd, use the previous year as the birth year. This system is based on the solar calendar with the year changing according to the mid-point between the winter solstice and vernal equinox that runs around February 4th. Once you determine your ming gua number, refer to the chart on the next page for your beneficial directions. Male Calculations: These are found using a process of “Theosophical Reduction” – or adding all numbers together in birth year and repeating the process until you have a single digit. •Example: 4/15/1980 (1+9+8+0) = 18 •When you have a number greater than 10, you add numbers together again: 18 = 1+8= 9 •Next- subtract this figure from 11 to yield the Ming Gua #: 11- 9 = 2-Kun (Note: Males are yang with a yin essence or spirit – this is why subtraction is utilized: (when yang reaches peak yin is born). •When calculating the answer if you get a “5” – there is no trigram associated with this number. It is an earth element and shares that element with 2 other trigrams (2-Kun & 8 Gen). Kun is yin and Gen is yang; therefore, the male ming gua # 5 becomes 8 or yang earth. Female Calculation: Theosophical Reduction is utilized in the calculation •Example: 8/6/1961 (1+9+6+1) = 17 •Females have a yin body and yang spirit therefore instead of subtracting we add 4: 17 + 4=21 •If number is greater than 10, add again until single digit to yield Ming Gua: 21= 2+1= 3 •If the number is a “5” use 2 Kun – yin earth. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 26 Personal Energy Chart TOC To use this chart simply locate your trigram number calculated on previous page. The numbers are linked to their trigram Chinese name. For example #1 is the trigram kan, etc. Then note the first 4 directions with the acronyms (SQ, TY, YN & FW). These are your best directions. The remaining 4 directions with the acronyms (JM, LS, WG, HH) are problematic directions and should be avoided when possible. SQ: The SQ is an overall fantastic direction to spend time in especially when it comes to doing any type of business. TY: The TY is a very healing and beneficial to eat or sleep in this direction. YN: The YN is wonderful for family and relationship harmony. FW: The FW is fantastic for clear thinking or making important decisions. JM: The JM is very problematic and can lead to poor health and a multitude of challenges. LS: The LS can point to financial loss and illness. Trigra m SQ * TY * YN * FW * JM * LS* WG * HH * 1 Kan SE E S N SW N W NE W 3 Zhen S N SE E W NE NW SW 4 Xun N S E SE NE W SW NW 9 Li E SE N S NW SW W NE 2 Kun NE W NW SW N S SE E 6 Qian W NE SW NW S N E SE 7 Dui NW SW NE W E SE S N 8 Gen SW N W W NE SE E N S WG: The WG can bring about discord and legal issues. HH: The HH can bring about accidents and mishaps. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 27 Compatible House Chart TOC The chart below can be used to choose a home that is compatible for you personally. If your trigram number is either a 1, 3, 4 or 9, any home that is highlighted in green is compatible for you. If your calculated trigram number is a 2, 6, 7 or an 8, the homes highlighted in gold are compatible for you. House Trigram Compass reading Facing direction Sitting direction Kan-1-East Group-Water 157.5 - 202.5 South North Gen-8-West-Earth 202.5 - 247.5 South-west North-east Zhen-3-East-Wood 247.5 - 292.5 West East Xun-4-East-Wood 292.5 - 337.5 North-west South-east Li-9-East-Fire 337.5 - 22.5 North South Kun-2-West-Earth 22.5 - 67.5 North -east South- west Dui-7-West-Metal 67.5 - 112.5 East West Qian-6-West-Metal 112.5 - 157.5 South-east North-west •Homes that fall into the green highlighted areas or numbers: 1,3,4,9 are inclined towards water, wood and fire elements. These are great elements to infuse in the home. •Home that fall into the gold highlighted areas or numbers: 2,6,7,8 are inclined towards earth and metal elements. These are great elements to infuse in the home. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 28 TOC Sacred Space DESIGNING WITH SACRED GEOMETRY FEEDS THE SOUL AND EASES THE MIND AND BODY. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 29 Creating A Sacred Room TOC To keep a peaceful state of mind and body it is important to have an area where you can go for renewal. The best direction to support meditation is the northeast sector. Start out by removing any clutter from this area. Choose an earth or fire color hue for the walls and add plenty of earthy elements such as stones, ceramic or clay decorative items. Also add fire elements such as candles or incense. Incorporate images that reflect higher self, sages, heavenly objects, or images that represent wisdom. If you practice yoga go ahead and set up your yoga mat and meditation cushion here. This should be a space where you will not be interrupted by electronic devices. The whole idea is to create a Zen –like room that you can retreat to anytime. If space constraints are an issue you can create a small Zen area within another room and simply screen it off. Place some pillows on the floor with low lighting, candles and any other items that have deep meaning to you. Make a point of spending time in this space every day. You’ll feel the difference immediately. . Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 30 7 Components To A Sacred Space TOC There are 7 key components when it comes to creating a peaceful space using sacred form. Below is a list of simple things you can do to automatically imbue your home with peace and harmony. 1. Comfortable Seating and Lighting: Incorporate fabric that is natural and use yin lighting source. Relaxation is the key here when it comes to lighting. 2. Special Objects: Incorporate objects that have spiritual meaning such as religious icons, self-help books or CD’s, meditation material, etc. 3. Place Incense or Candles: Scent represents a spiritual offering and candles represent the souls illumination. Both very powerful dynamics when it comes to renewal. 4. Incorporate Nature’s Elements: When infusing nature into your home it augments a connection to the earth and awakens the senses immediately in a positive way. 5. Life Force: Adding fish, fresh flowers or a healthy plant reminds us that energy never dies but simply changes form. 6. Color: Is the most powerful way to stimulate the subtle sensory systems of the body known as the aura and chakras. Purple activates the highest chakra center that resonates with our spirit. Purple is also considered a fire color working perfectly for the northeast direction. 7. Sacred Geometry: Sacred shapes can be found in nature and allows the soul to shine while imbuing the room with divine harmony. The following page gives simple examples of how to infuse your space with sacred form. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 31 Sacred Shapes TOC Below are some really simple ways to infuse your home with high vibrating energy for peaceful and balanced living. •Labyrinths: These ease the mind into a meditative state with divine source. • Ammonite Fossil or Nautilus Shell: Displaying these forms in a room conforms to the Golden Mean Ratio exuding divine harmony. They are simple to find and look fabulous. •Mandala: This is a Sanskrit term that means circle. It signifies transformation, healing and unity with the divine. •Plants: Live plants represent the geometric aspect in nature known as fractals. The veining in the leaves represents these fractals and keeps us connected to Mother Nature. •Spirals: Any spiral design creates a swirling movement and is considered a sacred shape. The spirals obviously are curves that follow the shape of energy movement or what is seen as sine waves. •Geometrics: Seashells, crystals, circles, triangles, pyramids, cubes and hexagons all follow sacred geometric shapes and therefore infuse an high vibrating energy into any space. •Artwork: Art that depicts landscape scenes, flowers or seashells follow sacred geometric form and therefore imbue the space with harmony. •Kaleidoscope: Sacred geometric shapes are created by the movement of the kaleidoscope. The small color chips are the best type to display. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 32 TOC Healthy Gardens CREATING AN OASIS OUTSIDE KEEPS US CONNECTED TO NATURE AND HEALTHY ON THE INSIDE. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 33 Outdoor Zen Space TOC There is nothing like spending time in nature to cultivate peace and quietude. Whether you have a large piece of property or simply a window box, the simplicity of nature turns our focus inward connecting to spirit. Below are some ideas of how to create a Zen garden space. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Plants: Select evergreens, bonsai or potted succulants when configuring your garden. Try not to overcrowd the space but rather allow energy to flow freely between vegetation. Gravel or Sand: Create a pathway for peaceful meditation walks. These elements represent virtual water; an element that corresponds to introspection. Open Space: Select an area and keep it open to allow energy to flow. Water: Can be created by ripples in sand or actual pond with fish, waterfall or rocks. Actual water has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. Statuary: Add statues as anchoring pieces and place them by plants. Pots: Use a variety of pots in clusters and plant a small tree in one and draping plant in another. A place to Sit: Incorporate a wooden bench or large sitting stone to relax, read or meditate. Sound: Add an element of sound be it a bird feeder, chime, or waterfall. Space Constraint: If you have space constraints work with window boxes, different decorative pots with herbs or flowers in them, small stones and a chime for sound. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 34 Key Factors For Outdoor Spaces TOC Whatever you choose as your outdoor living space, consider the following key factors listed below. You’ll be amazed how different you feel after spending just a short period of time outdoors. I can tell you first hand how connected I feel when I spend time outside. Weather permitting, I take my laptop computer out to my Zen space and do all my work. It’s always the most productive and focused work I produce. Key Factors: •Lighting: Landscape or lamppost is the perfect lighting source for the outdoors. Solar is a nice way to go and saves on resources. •Energy flow: Curving pathways allows energy to modulate just right. •Sounds: Chimes, bells, or water features will awaken your sense of hearing and relax the mind and body. •Scents: Flowering plants or herbs are wonderful mood relaxers or enhancers. •Color: Vegetation or varying species offers different accent colors to imbue the aura and chakras. •Balance of yin/yang: A mixture of shade and sunlight along with light and darker colored flowers balances these two polarities for harmony. •Stabilizers: Stones, statues or heavy boulders are great to ground the energy. •Movement: Water ponds, flags, bird baths or feeders are fantastic to energize the area. •Life force: Bird feeders, fish pond or butterfly garden refreshes the energy on a daily basis. •Materials: Gravel, brick, slate, grass, or wood chips mixes up the texture for a fabulous feel and look. •Direction: Incorporate the 5 elements in their harmony direction for a peaceful effect. •Boundaries: Add a trellis, pergola, or fence for a sense of security and privacy. •Functional devices: Composts, or a tool-shed brings function to your outdoor haven. •Seating: Always use natural materials for a healthy and organic space. •Sacred form: Create a labyrinth for walking meditations. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 35 TOC Healthy & Peaceful Living LET’S SUM IT UP! Now that you have all the tools to create your peaceful living space, here is a quick “got to” list! Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 36 Healthy & Peaceful Living Tips TOC Keep this list handy while creating your peaceful living space. 1. Choose the location and property wisely as it sets the tone for all else to follow. 2. Use natural materials in building and design for health to ensue. 3. Add curves to irregular architecture. 4. Incorporate color, sound, textures, scent, and choose a healthy diet to activate your senses. 5. Bring in nature’s elements and green design concepts. 6. Create a sacred space using nature’s geometric forms. 7. Incorporate the 5 elements properly. Avoid using just one element. 8. Spend time in personal beneficial directions. 9. Minimize electromagnetic frequencies with plants and EMF protective devices. 10. Clear clutter and space clear daily with pure essential oils. A simple spritz will do. 11. Love the objects in your space. Discard or give away those items you do not love. 12. Create a Zen outdoor garden. Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 37 About Mary Jane TOC Mary Jane Kasliner graduated from Skidmore College with a degree in Health Science and Union College with a degree in Applied Sciences. Several years afterwards she studied Western Feng Shui at the De Amicis School in Philadelphia and Classical feng shui at both the New York School of Feng Shui and Feng Shui Institute of London. In 2008 Mary Jane finished her 200 hour teacher training program in Hatha Yoga at the Center for Health and Healing and Personal Revolution Baron Baptiste program at Yoga Bliss. In 2005 she opened Body Space Alignment, a feng shui and yoga consulting company. Her clients include some of Manhattan’s elite. She later established the Teaching Tortoise School of Feng Shui that offers certifications in Classical feng shui and a feng shui mini-series. Mary Jane is the author of two books, a Feng Shui DIY Design CD, ten Feng Shui Training CD’s, and feng shui mini-series downloadable programs. She recently completed her Mastery of Meditation teacher training program under Master Anmol Mehta and is in the process of publishing her third book on conscious living. Contact: http://www.fengshuiyoganj.com *email:[email protected] Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 38 Blogs TOC Enjoy perusing my blogs where you will get some great information on feng shui, yoga, and inspired living from the sages! Blog: The Secret of Making Life Simple Like the Sages Did – Little known ways of the sages. http://bodyspacealignment.blogspot.com Blog: Who Else Wants More Money, Better Romance, And Radiant Health? http://fengshuihealthydesigns.blogspot.com Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 39 TOC You cannot always control what goes outside, but you can always control what goes on inside. Teaching Tortoise School of Feng Shui Feng Shui Mini-Series Director: Mary Jane Kasliner, AAS, BS, ACFSI, CP, E-RYT200 Copyright 2013 by Mary Jane Kasliner: All rights reserved. No Reproduction. 40
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