A Feng Shui state of mind is a feeling of deep inner peace, balance and harmony. This state of mind can give you both an energy boost and unblock energy. The potential to be in this state of mind is with us always, but the real challenge is learning how to listen to it. There is so much happening on the surface: distractions, mental clutter, to-do lists and shoulds, that it is difficult to reach that inner state of grace.
Whenever I find the pace and business of life pull me away from center, I consciously put in place one or more of these following activities. They are simple, but effective methods that will help you turn off the external noise and tap into your feng shui state of mind.
1. Movement
Movement is wonderful for quieting the mind because it teaches you how to listen to your body. Your body is your soul home and when you listen to your body, you are really listening to your soul. Yoga and Tai Chi are both excellent forms of movement to quiet the mind, but it can be as simple as going for a walk--especially if you can find a quiet place--can quiet your mind and help you feel more balanced.
2. Meditation
There are many different ways to meditate such as silent meditation, following a guided meditation, repeating words such as Om, reciting prayers, mantras, progressive relaxation and biofeedback. Did you know that it takes just 7 minutes of meditation for your brain patterns to shift into calmer and quieter states?
3. Breathing
Most of us do not breathe fully. We use only the top third of our lungs. Try taking slow, full breaths that fill your entire lung capacity, and slowly exhale. Repeat several times. Controlled breathing balances your right and left brain and helps you be in a more aware state.
4. Sound
Sound is a traditional healing tool in many cultures in the world. Drumming, chanting or singing, bells, singing bowls, gongs: all produce vibrations and an internal resonance that promote beneficial changes in your brain. This will help you reach more relaxed and harmonious states. You can experiment with this by listening to Gregorian chanting, or by chanting Om. What other sounds are soothing? Sounds of nature (try putting on a nature sounds CD) and mediation music are two I enjoy.
5. Writing
Writing a journal or diary has a cathartic effect for many people because it empties the unconscious mind of things such as anxieties, worries, anger and mental to-do lists and frees up energy. Writing can produce a greater sense of well-being and balance in your life. Another practice that is immensely beneficial is to keep a gratitude journal. This is basically a list: jot down all the things that you are grateful for in your life. This is also a method to increase your feeling of abundance.
6. Being in nature
Spending time in a park or the countryside heightens your senses and awareness and brings a sense of harmony. All your senses are activated. The smell of grass, trees and flowers, the sound of the birds, the feeling the sun or wind on your skin and the feel of the ground beneath your feet can be wonderfully healing and restorative. Visualizing yourself in a place in nature has similar restorative effects.
7. Make a change in your home
Have you noticed that feeling of harmony when your house is clean? By bringing awareness to your surroundings your state of mind is affected. Cleaning your house also clears cobwebs from your mind. Also try bringing in a new colour, changing the furniture layout, rearranging your artwork collection or change around your decorative displays.
8. Reduce Clutter
Clutter is a big drain on mental, physical and emotional energy. There is nothing like the satisfaction of opening a drawer or closet and being able to find exactly what you are looking for, without having to search. Clutter are those things you never use, do not really need, do not like, are broken or a poor fit, to name just a few examples. If there is too much to tackle yourself, consider asking a friend to help, or hire a clutter clearing specialist.
9. Take care of business
Is there anything you have been putting off doing? How do you feel when you think about it? Procrastination has a high cost. It robs you of vital energy and can produce feelings of guilt. If you are having difficulty getting going on a task, a session with a personal or business coach may help.
10. Space Clear your Home
Space clearing releases stuck energy patterns in your home that can affect your own energy levels and sense of well being. Begin by physically cleaning and tidying your home. There are many methods of space clearing. An easy method is to clap your home. Walk around the perimeter of each room in your home while clapping your hands, paying attention to corners where stagnant energy tends to stick. While you are clapping imagine the stagnant energy being replaced with a sense of love and harmony. You may also wish to put specific wishes or messages into your home representing current goals in your life.
Copyright 2008 Deborah Redfern. All rights reserved.
Author of "Odyssey of the Heart: Paths to Wholeness through Feng Shui" Deborah Redfern is a feng shui master who specializes in feng shui for emotional well being. She offers a FREE monthly ezine (Hope is a Thing with Feathers) which has articles, tips, special offers and more. To get a free subscription go to http://www.estel.ca
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