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World Responsibility

World Responsibility Starts at Home with Feng Shui

It is hard to focus on mundane things when our planet earth is in such dire need of immediate attention. Moving furniture around the house to create harmony and balance seems at the bottom of my list this week when Japan is suffering such upheaval. I was a child during World War II and have lived the sorrow of that time. We have come so far in understanding that what happens to us happens to everyone on every level.

We are one.

Envelopes_and_CoinsI no longer try to convince people about the validity of Feng Shui. I would be wasting my time and energy. It is best for me to give Feng Shui advice for those who truly want to help themselves create ways to save their homes, jobs and families. Using the ancient 5-Element theory of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water in the proper order can help heal bodies, homes, businesses, nations, the planet and the world! This statement has nothing to do with religion, although there are some who say it does. I invite these people to please educate themselves to mathematics, science, nature, and humans’ relationship to wind, weather and all the elements necessary for the planet to sustain life. The natural phases of birth and death. The Feng Shui or rhythm of interaction of human life and the cosmos must be understood to heal the current situation in the world.

The night before the quake, I was on the phone with a dear friend who was turning 78 years old the next day. She said, “I was born during a big earthquake. I hope we don’t have one tomorrow.” We joked a little, but I felt uneasiness deep within my body during the conversation as we talked about where she was born, etc. A few hours later a quake did shake not just Japan, but the world. My friend is not happy with her age. She can’t move around as quickly as she use to. She forgets things. Car keys hide. Grocery lists are lost before going to the store. Appointments cause anxiety, and depression comes and goes, but she is one of the wisest people I know. She uses Feng Shui in many ways and always has wisdom to share. Her bed is in what is called the “commanding position,” which is very beneficial. Her desk is not big enough, but she loves it, and her stove is too close to the front door. Adjustments have been done to adjust the stove and desk and so life goes on. My friend stays current on politics, metaphysics and is an artist. Her belief in using Feng Shui has nothing to do with her faith, but is a system to create balance in her surroundings. My friend’s daughter was a four-year mentoring student of mine who is able to help her mother and bring relief to clients.

If you feel helpless about helping other countries, start with yourself at home. Implement the processes and cures I have taught in workshops to many of my readers, clients and students. Lift your personal Chi with the ancient methods passed on to me.

Master teacher Thomas Lin Yun.

Grandmaster’s mother was Japanese and he spoke fluently in Japanese and other languages. Professor’s father was a very renowned Chinese Scholar. His mother and father were separated by war early in his life, and he learned to love all countries and all people through this experience. Help one person and you help yourself, help others and you help the world. Personal Chi is elevated to the highest level by performing good deeds. I challenge every person who reads this column to do a good deed. Let me know what happens!

I met a lovely woman the other day at a festival. There was a sparkle in her eyes, but her health was very bad and her financial situation had taken a drastic downward turn that very morning. She needed help. Her large beautiful desk was facing away from the front entry door which caused her to loose opportunities. Being a realtor, this is not a good thing. Family pictures filled the wall across the room. At least 25 photos reminded her of all the heartache she was feeling each time she glanced up from the computer. Her grown son who lost his house that morning on which she had co-signed. Her two grandchildren, who he had lost custody of, and many other relatives who had passed on, and precious pets. There were several things that needed Feng Shui attention, but her desk position was vital to her business, and she had none. Once a top seller, she had sold her cozy home that was very Feng Shui friendly and bought a more beautiful one near the harbor in a closed, protected community which had many negative detail designs. I will continue to help her with the adjustments. She has also recently had cancer surgery and the center of the house which is related to Health was in need of “cures.”

Each year I give back by donating a few consultations to those who will learn quickly and use their skills to help others. I choose these people because they will make a difference in a big way by helping others. This woman was once very happy and cheerful, and hopefully will be back on target soon. She is humble and has a pure heart to teach others.

Please join me and use your knowledge to help just one person. Light up the world with each good deed.

Good Morning Caroline,

Yes, I will be happy to send your flyer out. When is your Koi Fish show?

I don’t remember what I was referring to about the money cure.

I have this Dragon Print I got in Chinatown. (Attached is a picture of the print.) What do you think of it for the wall behind my desk?

You are right the Dragon does make me feel more powerful. I thought I would frame the print. I don’t remember the name of the two birds.

The bottom line, what do you think of the print?

You are the “Best” Feng Shui Consultant.

Have a Great Day!!
A Client

Good afternoon to you,

Hope you have time to go over the suggestions I wrote up for your consultation. If you decide to keep your desk in the current position, drape the picture (fabric?) temporarily of the dragons and the Phoenix birds over the family pictures. This is one way to test the visual impact of the animal verses family pictures of everyone who needs help!

But remember to be in a commanding position while seated at your desk, you will need to place a large swivel mirror or hang a large mirror in the window sill, similar to a rear view mirror in a car, so you can see the entrance to your driveway to accept opportunities as they arrive at your front door. This is the most important part of “this piece” of the correction. Now you will “see” who and what is coming from behind in your daily business. It would be interesting to see your office at work.

Try the picture behind your back and also where the family pictures are hung in front of you and then tell me what feels best.

I will be doing the Feng Shui presentation for the NW Koi people at one of their homes, so it is a private presentation.

You ask me about the print? I would bless it and put it on an altar for 27 days, before hanging completely. The Chi of any piece of art, furniture, a car, a building depends on the Chi of the person or people who create the object. Another important factor about energy.

This is why it is important to evaluate all of these things when buying and selling houses. What has happened in the house?

The money cure was given to me by my Master Teacher many years ago and takes some dedication to complete, but is worth doing, especially during these crazy economical ups and downs.

Thank you,
Caroline

Certified Red Ribbon Professional of the International Feng Shui Guild

Advice to Grown Children

During a magical trip to the Bay Area of California, I found Feng Shui and teachers who were teaching the relationship of humans, heaven and earth.

I had been searching for any information on the subject for several years. I first heard about geomancy in the 1980s while teaching art at South Eastern Arizona College, referred to as Cochise College. A friend from California sent me a newspaper column about the energy of land and the proper placement of dwellings on landforms. The information seemed mysteriously familiar and I was immediately hooked on the subject. This ancient science of arrangement gave reason to why, when and where on a deep personal level. It answered questions about all the aspects of my life, up to that point. I was able to test this information immediately by using the Bagua or template, used by Feng Shui Masters to locate the missing pieces of my life puzzle. All of the things I had done or studied up to this point in my life fell into place and were complemented. Art, herbal knowledge, alternative medicine, astrology, alchemy, interaction with family, shapes, forms, colors, seasons and cycles of time and space were reflected in all of the homes I had lived in.

Travel_SouthwestTime passed and soon the children were safely in college. I was free to explore other states, other teachers and other subjects. My former husband and I traveled with his job, which renewed the opportunity to explore the West Coast and all the possibilities it offered. (I now call this Phase II of my life.) We kept a home base in Prescott, Arizona for family gatherings, as family has always been a priority for us and still is. We traveled for the next fourteen years. I taught painting and medicine making, painted pet portraits, and moonlighted as a cosmetologist, cutting and perming hair to finance my endless addiction for knowledge. My husband’s company was in the Bay Area and we were often near San Francisco for periods of time. Where better to sooth this curiosity than Berkeley, California. The world’s famous city where all “new” ideas are born and sometimes tolerated. Looking back, it was no accident I came to this part of the world. I met one of the best Feng Shui teachers in the world, Grandmaster Lin Yun. Though I had had over twenty teachers on different subjects up to this point, Professor Lin, with his wisdom and knowledge on all subjects, opened my eyes to “seeing” the levels of mind, body and spirit and our connection with Heaven and Earth.

Now twenty years later (Phase III), I can say it has been quite a “ride.” Chances are the adventures you must take to find the other side of yourself. For some it might be as hard to make a phone call for a job as for others to travel across the world. But you will never know what is on the other side of that world if you don’t make the effort to find out. I could have stayed safe and sound as they say, in the Midwest, but Feng Shui would not have been part of my life.

angels2Though both of our children found success early on, now phase II is beginning. I rarely give advice, as I find no matter what you say, you can’t save anyone from the natural progression of life’s adventures. Mother’s Day is a perfect time to put your 2 cents worth in. Here is a reply to my daughter’s gift and card. She is living in the Midwest and my son and his family live in the Northwest.

Thought this book looked interesting, “What I want next,” 30 minutes to reveal your future…go to Amazon, I guess…Thank you both for your Mother’s Day cards, most of the time I’m on track about things, but there are times when I feel a bit lost…

Had a great Mother’s Day with the kids (two grandsons, son, daughter-in-law and ex-husband) and everyone was in happy spirits (at the island house). Your Father seems a lot happier with his new eyes. (He has had cataract surgery.) We had some good talks that should have been done 45 years ago, but things build up and no one wants to “upset the boat,” and all of a sudden 40 years go by and it was time to go over some past issues. I think the mercury-retro was in Pisces. Your Dad and I both have a Pisces Moon, so that’s why we always give in to family as the most important aspect and stay strong about those things. Pisces is the healer, taking care of everyone, and the Christ energy. It’s the other 10 or 11 aspects of our zodiac signs that seem to fray like an old pair of shoes. Dad and I had a marriage in Saturn/Pluto from the get go…Yikes…and finally Saturn will leave my chart in September. Don’t know how to act without struggle. But I’m looking forward to finding out!

Aries energy will come in kicking strong May 27th for everyone, so hang on. Things will go forward and you need to GO with all the changes that this fire Chi will provide. This is for everyone. Don’t second-guess things, it’s time to just do it and take a chance. Chances are investments; whether you succeed or fail, you still succeed!

Actually I find the planets are right on target to force situations, making sure we tow the cosmic lines and learn what we agreed to accomplish. What you don’t face and ignore comes back again and again dressed as something different. The cycles are very simple and extremely complex. Just came across a astrology reading from the Edgar Cayce people from around 1980 and now I can see everything was right on target and but it was way to soon in my life to “see” the whole thing….Yada Yada…

Anyway they are putting in the lights above my little kitchen island in the loft (condo with 15-foot windows). It’s hard to leave the island for many reasons when things are going good, the weather is wondrous, the 300-ft. trees are striking and the ocean beckons, but I especially love the huge kitchen, which is perfect for cooking.

I wish for you both an easy adventure, sorry it is so hard at times, but if you fight against change, it will only batter you more. Be strong and stay true to that inner voice of your talents. You still have a lot of years to focus on them, so take the leap of faith Aries brings. This is where you will find freedom and joy. Be above the situation, not in it! Soar high and you will see the answers. Stop pleasing everyone first and then yourself, it only gets you old and angry. If you are happy, everyone around you will get happier.

PS. Drive careful, don’t talk to strangers, don’t play in the street, be polite, don’t scream, go to bed on time, don’t eat junk food, love your neighbors and yada, yada!

Lots of Love,Mom

Wealth_SymbolOh well, old habits are hard to break….

Any suggestions given in this column are only for entertainment. Please contact your physician for any medical or herbal advice or diagnosis. Caroline Patrick is not responsible for any misuse of her advice or suggestions.

Birth of West Meets East!

The Birth of West Meets East! Feng Shui and More!

Hello to all. Many changes have occurred for all of us the last few months. It is important to support and honor new births, new homes, new businesses, new changes, and even deaths of old ways, old issues, old residences and those dearly loved ones who have passed on. If you have had problems moving forward and letting go of the past, and you want to find peace within your heart and home, I hope you read the Dear Diary articles in the last two or three weeks that were written for the Benicia Herald in Benicia, California. I recapped my July and August visit to the area. It focused on many of the challenges we are facing and the death of my Master Teacher, His Holiness Lin Yun, who traveled the world to teach Feng Shui until his body could not keep up with his mind. Professor Lin encouraged me to teach, but also to write, which I had never done before; but miracles never cease, and with his faith I began a quest to bring Feng Shui to the public through the world of newspapers, magazines and books. I still can’t believe I was able to conquer the fear of spelling and trying to write for a newspaper.

The column called “West Meets East” is still popular after 13 years! It seems only yesterday the editor of the Herald, John Moses, gave me a break to write a Feng Shui column. For over a year I begged, bribed him with fine cigars, and generally made his life miserable to let me write about the Art of Placement. My art gallery and shoppe was located in the old Tannery Building. Every time he stopped at the cigar store next door, I would hear his unmistakable voice choose one of “Spud’s” expensive “smokes.” Immediately I would stop what I was doing and chase John down the street, asking one more time if I could just please write six columns for six weeks, 500 words. One day he turned around suddenly with a look I will never forget. It looked as if he was going to have me arrested! I jumped back a little fearing his reprisal. Suddenly he replied quite loudly, “One week, 300 words,” to which I said, “Six weeks 400 words.” With the quick response of a ping-pong match, John concluded his rally with, “Four weeks 400 words, and don’t you get me in trouble and write something too weird.” Now I was in deep trouble … I didn’t own a computer, didn’t know how to write, and had to hire someone to type the ten pages a week of longhand. Sometimes the article took four hours to write and sometimes eight hours. It still takes three to four hours every Monday morning to put together, but the love of writing is one of the many gifts Master Lin gave me, so I can share the power of Feng Shui. And the rest is history!

OfficeFeng Shui became mainstream in the Bay Area and the world over the next few years. Although India and China recorded the interaction of weather and land formations in relationship with humans thousands of years ago, the West resisted the language of the ancients, not understanding the value of these hidden treasures. Now with the planet trying desperately to retain balance, Feng Shui is definitely a tool for survival at the deepest level of harmony and balance with nature and the cosmos. I hope I have played a part in educating readers that these seemingly strange words, when translated, are very timely and tame. Feng Shui, pronounced, fung shway, innocently means wind and water, or way to balance the elements of Wind and Water in your home, your business and the world.

For years I have given lectures, classes and workshops on art, herbs and Feng Shui in many cities. On my recent trip to the Bay Area, I spoke at the Solano County Realtor’s meeting. I enjoyed seeing many of the same people and was surprised to have several realtors stand and give testimony of how my private consultations had altered their private lives and their business careers. Although I still give talks and workshops to organizations, the phone and computer are technology’s gift to giving phone consultations. Pictures can be taken quickly and then scanned, and Google Earth can see your house, location and lot size. Now I am able to work with individuals, builders, architects, all types of facilities, cities, companies and corporations by phone and computer.

Feng Shui for Relationships, Marriage, Love

FfamilyValentine’s Day at our house was a celebration of Chi. My son was visiting with his two sons at our island home. The weather was beautiful after a few rainy days, and the sun came out for the afternoon. After a quick lunch, “the guys” went outside to start up the riding mowers and race around the property. We have four lots on the property, so there are a lot of hidden places to explore. My 7-year-old grandson has his own rebuilt mower, which my husband has converted to a runabout. The second grandson steers as his grandpa regulates the motor of the other vehicle. I watch the procession with breathtaking scenery of water, land and loved ones as a backdrop, through the large windows of the house while doing dishes. I finish up quickly, reminding myself that each moment is a memory. Grabbing the camera, I capture the children laughing, yelling and growing.

Back in the house after the excursion, the crew scatters Valentine cards over the entire living room, as tomorrow is the true Valentine’s Day, and school parties are scheduled. I bake Valentine cookies at the request of the littlest guy, while my son gets highly involved in lists of classmates who each need a card in both classes. The kitchen overlooks the whole process. I burst into laughter at the seriousness of the situation. My husband laughs also. Our son and his children look at us as if we had just lost our minds to find humor in their busy job. My mind wanders back many years to the same Valentine excitement of our kids, and I try to put on a serious face for the moment. The cards are each double-checked for spelling and an extra mark next to names, making sure no one is forgotten.

This month’s energy of loving those around our partners and us is special. Showing our children our love for each other is a gift. Put aside past and present differences. Make a commitment to heal NOW. Speak your truth and work through relationship problems. Sometimes divorce is the only way. Chaos only closes the heart energy or charka, thus creating illness. Please put aside anger, fear, blame and revenge as they can manifest Chi, which is toxic. Work on your own forgiveness, as with each meditation, prayer or mantra the energy around your home and body balance and change a space. I can Feng Shui your home, office, business, but your job is to keep the “clutter” of the living or working space clear, mind, body and spirit.

Play balancing music, ring bells, open windows – voices of the children – and doors – voices of adults, letting in fresh air, so that each will communicate. Delete old phone and email messages, buy 40-50 mm round lead faceted crystals and place them in the corners of your home for clarity. Give intention to each crystal as it is hung, as the rainbow effect created by the leaded ball will transform energy into action. Where do you need action and clarity? Career, Knowledge, Family, Fame, Partnership, Children and Creativity, Helpful People or Health? For my former clients, reread my mapping for your homes and business. Have you put into action all of the information I gave you? Some things I suggested during your consultation may have seemed insignificant, but are huge in value.

Here is an email question that relates to the Element of Water and Partnership. I hope it will bring some more light to this complex adjustment of relationship harmony.

Dear Caroline,

We have a back deck that faces west. The door to the deck is sliding glass. The hot tub is for three people. The deck has a glass ceiling.

Where should I put the hot tub?

Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to my problem.

Sincerely,
A Reader

Dear Reader,

Thanks for your question.

The Bagua, or eight-sided octagon containing the aspirations and Elements of life, are reflected in your home’s floor plan according to the Feng Shui principles. I have found hot tubs placed in the Partnership section, or the far back right area of a home, inside or outside, to be a problem. Having said that, don’t panic if you have already installed one in this location. The reason for this statement is this Marriage Gua or Earth is related, so too much Water in this section can “drown out” your relationship. To balance out the overabundance of Water, add some candles, romantic lights, tiki torches, or an outdoor firepot.

WchalisMy personal opinion and advice is to place the hot tub in the Wealth corner of the home or property or the far back left of the deck in your layout, as money flows to the house on Water. Make sure it is always working, clean and turned on. A broken fountain or other Water feature that is not running can be disabling to the cure or enhancement. Last but not least, the biggest obstacle about hot tubs placed in the Partnership Triad is they “invite” too many people into a Partnership, as they usually have more than two seating areas. Oops! This same rule applies to entertaining guests or using the Marriage side of the lot for swing sets and children’s toys. If you find yourself with this home layout, please restore or stack the excess chairs, etc. when the party is finished. Return two chairs to the outdoor table, or place a peach or orange tree in this Earth zone. Pink flowers are always a welcome visual sight, as Pink is the color for love.

From the Other Side of the World

On the 2009 Chinese Middle Kingdom Tour my respected colleagues Helen and James Jay, experts on Feng Shui, escorted me. They have traveled extensively throughout many countries including China for many years, so this trip was referred to as “20- something,” although they admitted each experience is unique. China offers much to the Feng Shui student who, with the turn of a head in any direction, can observe exquisitely detailed designs created in the architecture, buildings and gardens. Using the 5 Elements of Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water through color, shape, smell and taste is to understand this ancient concept. Mountains, rivers, walkways and temples reflect Heaven and Earth. I had originally planned to take some of my students to this land of mystery, but opted out when I found the Jays where taking a group a few months later. I decided to shift my plans and travel with them. That way, they had to handle all the hard stuff and I could relax and enjoy the trip. This was a perfect decision on my part, as I watched them do what they do best. We benefited by their knowledge of the country, introducing us to “out-of-the-way” mystical places which tourists rarely find. Enjoy this quick debriefing about my latest journey to Asia…

career

I’m just home from China tired but happy. This was my third trip to Asia. It was a luscious three weeks, and I have lots of stories to share and some to save and keep close to my heart. We went back to some of the temples I had visited before and burned incense at the Yong He Gong (Lama Temple) in Beijing and the Medicine Buddha Temple (Lin Ying) near Hangzhou, acknowledging my return to this country and having the ability to be one with the people during this visit. Many visitors now flock to China, isolated in huge buses, stopping only where their travel agents want them to spend money. The tourist traps are many, going from one location to another, people filing in and out like cattle on a truck. I find humbling yourself to the rules of a foreign country and blending in as much as possible works best for me. I learn a few words and lots of sign language, and we both get a good laugh from my antics! People are people most anywhere, and when you find that connection, the rest comes easily. I tend to wander off from the group to find China, and get lost on mountains and in cities. Bowing is a good thing when all else fails, so I found myself bowing a lot!

There were many new experiences this trip, some surreal, while others gave the sense that all humans are related and the world is not that big. Families are families with the same wants and desires. The devotion to children is global, and the quickest way to warm the hearts of strangers is to smile at their children and wave a lot. Wide-eyed babies stared at our Western eyes and curly hair. Cute split pants with little pink bottoms peeking out, as natural as sunshine, continue to be used instead of diapers, a quick solution to baby’s potty break and help with the world’s land fills. Chinese families on National Holiday requested photographs with us, positioning their one and only child prominently “center stage” with the strange-looking foreigners. Bonding was instant when children smiled and pointed at our strange skin, overly tall women, blonde hair, blue eyes and strange clothing.

Just as the mountain peaks held mystic magic, cities swarmed with new construction and modern technology to the max. Old neighborhoods were being torn down at a rapid rate, guaranteeing three or four living generations a new sky-high-rise apartment and running water, as generations leave the old way of life behind. In Beijing, the Hutong District is next in line to be removed. We were told, “If you want to visit this unique Chinese way of living, you must plan to come soon, because it will be torn down. It is too hard and not sanitary to live in this place.” Mixed feelings come to the surface. “Who will question and protect young girls from strange boyfriends coming down the dusty road but our neighbors?” the old people ask when strangers come into their streets. “What is your name, who are your people, your clothes are not nice enough, you should be ashamed to come into our place to find a girlfriend. Get out!” they may say. Protecting their families from strangers and expecting only the best, they guard each other in the district. Many who live here have rarely traveled a mile or two from home.

Shanghai (pronounced Shonghai) and Beijing are huge cities, but are as different as night and day. Beijing feels like the earth itself, while Shanghai bubbles and blinks day and night. The Fire of lights and nightly fireworks is exciting, but after four days in this city, I was glad to find rest at the hotel. I dined at the top of the revolving sky dome and stood in line at a Hagen Daws for 20 minutes to sample a scoop of mango delight, and had noodle soup in the slums with a friend all in one day. Not one word of English was understood. Pointing or walking across a crowed room to show what is needed is the best way. We certainly entertained the locals, made memories and lived to tell about it. What could be more exciting? The night markets offers everything from meat on sticks to hot boiling soups and tea, antiques and junk. Massages are gifts from the Gods, very affordable. I indulged often to sooth my swollen feet.

Swarms of bodies move through the streets in Shanghai like a never-ending huge river, weaving in, out, back and forth. The sound of voices from thousands of people resembled a loud, high pitch of a bee swarm. I continued to look upward toward the never-ending skyscrapers guiding me toward my hotel or a familiar herbal pharmacy. After getting lost and separated from my colleagues on my first China trip, I decided to carry a local cell phone, but it didn’t always work. I learned quickly to go with the flow and memorize the designs of the building tops. Each mammoth building had its own style and Feng Shui lines. Beijing’s freeways, although very exciting, gave way to mile after mile of square Earth-shaped buildings. People dressed conservatively, reflecting the seriousness of the ancient city. The Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, Confusion Temple, Great Wall and Summer Place brought back memories of my last trip to this place, and the many beautiful gardens held secrets from the past. I flew in a few days early before the tour began to experience Beijing’s famous subways, shopping, food and people, and to revisit favorite places.

Adventures continued as our Feng Shui group tour went south and deeper into the sacred mountains of Jiuhuashan via a flight to Nanjing. Surprises became the norm, such as being invited into the private quarters of a monastery, sitting on a monk’s bed in his very sparse room, and conversing mostly sign language with this devoted soul. While others of the group climbed to the very top of the mountain, I stayed behind with Helen and James to be part of this rare experience. A single light bulb hung from a cord in a dark small room, maybe 8′ x 12′, while little billows of clouds drifted through the ornate opened window and a laptop set on top of a dingy little table. More later.

To be flexible is to be rewarded. Each day I asked the powers that be, “Allow me to be in the right place at the right time,” and it was amazing to see what happened. Letting go of the outcome and following the Chi was golden. I was usually alone when answers to old questions paid me a visit. It seems getting away from our normal routines, and busy lives, our Chi changes with the land of sky of a place. Many spiritual doors opened while being “lost” or climbing on ancient steps to high temples in the drizzling mist. With each step, I left behind old ideas, old habits and old thinking. The layers fell away easily in the mountain air. Then stillness spoke of my new beginnings.