Yoga & Feng Shui Advice for December 2017: Inaction Within Action!

Photo by Serena Photography - Fairmount Park, Philadelphia

December brings forth a sheng (harmony) cycle of elements from the 7 metal star, to the yang water heavenly stem residing over the yin water rat earthly branch. In nature, all things find a point of equilibrium. Essentially, there is inaction within action. Nature is not the "doer" but rather the "non-doer." This is why we feel so free when experiencing the outdoors.

How to Experience Inaction within Action:

This is a tricky. By and large, we have programmed ourselves to be "doers." Somewhere along the way it was determined the more you do the more you will get out of life. Unfortunately, the opposite is true.

In the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna, the great warrior, is about to enter the battlefield that represents life, when Krishna tells him: "It is the idea, "I am the doer" that binds one to samskara (emotional imprints that causes suffering). If on the other hand one is a silent witness of their activities, feeling as if " it is done through me," we experience the energy of "I am a non-doer," and free ourselves. 

Putting it Into Perspective:


The energy combinations for the month of December gives us a blueprint of how we can move towards inaction within action. The leading element of metal begins the cycle of movement this month. Metal is seen in the trigram Dui located in the west portal of the loshu grid (Magic Square), noted as the loshu number 7.

The LoShu grid was named after the river Lo in the Henan province in China. According to legend, the river would periodically over flow. A giant tortoise was said to arose from the river with an inscription of trigram markings on its shell. Yu the Great interpreted these markings and developed the Loshu grid. King Wen further developed this grid into the Later Heavenly ba-gua system used in aspects of Feng Shui analysis.

The position of this trigram corresponds to the moon rising, yin elevating, autumn reaching peak, the reaping of our works that took shape from the start of the day, and the beginning of our life. It holds the innocence and playfulness of a child. There is great precision, intuition and truth that stems from this element. There is a calling to move inward and find truth in all that we create. 

Movement of Loshu Number 7:

The ebb and flow of time causes the loshu numbers to shift from their home base. The month of December pushes the trigram Dui (loshu 7) to the center position. When this happens all the other loshu number also shift. This is how change happens. The new home base for this trigram is naturally being fueled by the center of the earth. Every 20 years there is a greater shift in energy causing the loshu numbers to take on potential problematic aspects. Trigram Dui or loshu 7, happens to be in a problematic phase. 

How to Work Inaction Within Action with Loshu # 7:

The first step is to let go of any attachment to the fruits of the actions I am going to list below. When you do this you are ever content, independent and needing nothing. We do nothing even while engaged in action!

• Reach out to mentors, seek heavenly guidance and be open to new opportunities. Go inward first to attract the right mentor, the spirit guide, and then watch closely. The inaction of the action will catapult fortunate blessings.
• See yourself as the vessel of your work and how you can make a difference in the world. A newness awaits, ideas manifest deep within like the water tables that fill in the depths of the earth.
• Take the inward journey through your meditations. The road may seem long but the answers you will receive are like that of white foam in the ocean waves.

Yoga Poses Loshu #7:

Concentrating on poses that open the throat chakra are powerful for this trigram as it corresponds to the mouth and teeth, or how we talk. Poses such as:

• Halasana- Plough
• Matsyasana - Fish
• Ushtrasana - Camel
• Bhujangasana - Cobra

While practicing these poses keep the mind inactive while the body is active. In asana, if we make the spine rajastic (active), and the head tamastic (inactive), the body and the mind become sattvic (serene). We no longer "do" the pose, the pose is done through us.

Loshu #7 In The Home:

In the center of the home place virtual water such as a seashell. This will effectively tame the problematic aspects of this trigram for the month of December. Here are a few other elemental hints:

• Place a metal element in the northeast to build the positive energy for your life journey.
• Place fire and earth elements in the southeast to welcome new opportunities networking potential.
• In the west place water and wood elements to support creativity for your vision and goals.
• In the Northwest place strong earth and fire or moving water to propel your connection to resources that lead to financial gain.

Yang Water To Yin Water Rat Earthly Branch:

This is a great deal of water as seen in the 4 pillars (Bazi) for the month of December. The element of water carries the energy of the womb. There is a natural introspective and emotional nature to this element. There is also a downward pull to water as seen in nature with rain or snow. Albeit water can be nourishing, it also has a tendency to deteriorate. That can show up as being overly lethargic or destructive in the way you communicate with others.

The rat earthly branch is very active especially when it comes to the mind working overtime. This is going to really challenge us this month to find that QUIET mind; the inaction within action. This agitation can quickly turn into impatient. 

How to Find Inaction Within Action for the Water Rat:

Since we are dealing with so much water with this combination, emotions are going to run high this month. I suggest adding to your yoga practice poses that work directly with the navel chakra. Here are some suggestions:

• Navasana - Boat Pose
• Virabhdrasana 1 - Warrior 1
• Sun Salutations

Adding these poses to your practice will also bring a little yang energy to the overwhelming yin component of water this month.

For further information on how to utilize the 5 elements in design effectively see my Feng Shui Designs in a Flash E-Program.

Namaste!

Mary Jane

www.fengshuiyoganj.com  

Feel Your Yoga Friday -Twisting Crescent Lunge!

Twisting Crescent Lunge or parivrtta anjaneyasana, comes in many different forms. My Saturday morning yogis capture the asana my with arms in full extension. Here are some of the benefits of practicing this pose.

• Strengthens the quadriceps and gluteus muscles
• Stimulates the abdominal organs
• Improves digestion and elimination
• Stretches the psoas and hips
• Relieves sciatica pain

Stay strong through the back leg by hugging muscle to bone and pressing firmly through the ball of the back foot. Extend the tailbone down towards the earth and find lift through the spine. Release the shoulder blades down the back while externally rotating the upper arm bones. Twist come from the base of the spine as you extend the arms out from the center point of your heart. Stay for 5 breaths and release.

Om!

Mary Jane Feng Shui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com 

Feng Shui and the Senses!

What we see affects us positively or negatively, or even subconsciously so we may not be aware of the effect. If we surround ourselves with beautiful views, images, colors and an interesting environment, we are more likely to lead full and happy lives.

Wherever the ancient Chinese had a wall, there would be a window or "Moon Gate", so you could experience the views of the outside world and open up future possibilities. This is why it is so important to manicure your property so the image you see from your windows is a pleasant one.

What you see impacts you on so many levels. Take the time to choose your colors, artwork and other design accents with care. Make sure they are symbols that have meaning to you and are uplifting.


Sight Enhancers:

• Natural Light Source: There is nothing better and more effective than natural light source when it comes to enhancing your environment. Clean windows, intact screens and window treatment that allows sunlight in during the day and can shield night light pollution in the evening is perfect.
• Crystals: Color resonates with us on both a conscious and a subconscious level, and can effect our moods. The combination of crystal and light creates a wonderful dancing pattern within a room and bodes especially well in areas that are dark and stagnant.
• Color Glass Panels: In a window can bring life to a room. These panels also provide a level of privacy and are ideal in bathrooms or side doors which look out on to a wall.

Sound:

Sound is such a powerful element in feng shui. We all connect to sound whether soothing background music, the rustle of leaves or birds chirping. They all have a therapeutic effect on us. Pleasant sounds soothe and refresh the mind, body and spirit.

Sound Enhancers:

• Wind Chimes: Are fabulous to hang outdoors and bring energy to an otherwise stagnant area of the property. The sound can easily travel through open windows and create a relaxing internal environment.  
• Grandfather Clock: The deep-toned, soothing ticking of a grandfather clock is a reassuring sound.
• Water: The sound of gently bubbling water can be relaxing and energize an area with auspicious stars (flying star technique). Water does bode well in the north, east and southeast as it naturally assists and fuels the elements associated with those directions.

Touch:

Too often disregarded, touch is as vital as the other senses and is linked to our primeval desire to be in contact with the earth. The tactile sensations in our homes affect our feelings of comfort and security. The materials with which we surround ourselves in our homes make a considerable impact on us.

Touch Enhancers:

• Velvet furnishings and accessories feel wonderfully luxurious.
• Plants add sacred geometry to an environment along with texture.
• Wooden objects are smooth to the touch and relax the body.
• Different textured fabrics add character to a room and have tactile appeal.
• Pets stimulate and relax the body and space.

Taste:

This is not a simple one to describe in terms of feng shui but it does impact our well-being. We are what we eat. Our diet directly affects our health. Using yin and yang and the 5 Chinese elements in the kitchen can have a tremendous impact on health. In my 4 Pillars Astrology assessments for clients, I can determine what elements are lacking or excessive. Food source is a way to balance out the element percentage you are born with. Buying local organic food makes a difference when it comes to a healthy environment and a healthy body.

Smell:

The power of the sense of smell is tremendous. Who can fail to be tempted by an aroma of freshly baked bread. Our homes also have a unique smell. First impressions make an impact and if our homes smell less than fresh, this can impact how comfortable we and our visitors feel there. It is fabulous when a subtle smell of flowers waft in from a nearby garden or essential oils.

Smell Enhancers:

• Fresh baked goods
• Scented oils
• Plants
• Fruit
• Fresh potpourri
• Fresh flowers

Color:

Color is a vibration and we each respond to it on many levels. It can be used to enhance spaces or evoke emotions. When we use color we are also working with light since light contains all colors, each with its own frequency. The light quality depends on the aspect, the size of windows and how they are decorated. The materials we use on the floors and in décor have the ability to reflect , transmit and absorb light.

Colors & Meaning:

White: Symbolizes new beginnings, purity and innocence. It is fantastic color to support cleanliness and freshness. It bodes well in bathrooms and kitchens.

Black: This is a mysterious and independent color. This color should only be used as an accent in décor.

Brown: This is a color that grounds and stabilizes like the element of earth. Works well in areas that are compromised with water (laundry/bathroom), that are located in the center of the structure.

Orange: This is a powerful and cheerful color and encourages communication and concentration. Living rooms and dining rooms work well in this color but best not to use in smaller spaces.

Pink: Is linked with purity of thought and happiness. It bodes well for a girls room.

Purple: Encourages vitality and has a dignified and spiritual essence. It is a perfect color for meditation rooms.

Blue: This is a peaceful and soothing color linked also with spirituality. Meditation rooms, therapy rooms (office space) or in family rooms work well in with this color.

Green: Symbolizes growth, fertility and harmony. It is a very optimistic color and does bode well in bedrooms, therapy rooms (office environment), conservatories and bathrooms.

Yellow: This color is associated with enlightenment and intellect stimulating the brain and digestion. Suitable for hallways, offices and kitchens.

Red: This is a very stimulating color that can reduce a size of a room and increase the size of objects. It is associated with warmth and prosperity. You should avoid this color in bedrooms, kitchens and bathrooms.

Every color is associated with the 5 core Chinese elements. These elements are also associated with the 8 compass directions. This makes it easier to choose your color palette when designing your rooms. For more details on how to design your home or office with the proper color choices refer to my Feng Shui Designs in a Flash CD for step-by-step instructions.


Enjoy tapping in to your senses through your environment this spring. Make some changes inside and out and feel the difference in your mind, body and soul.

Mary Jane Kasliner - Feng Shui Yoga Girl

www.njfengshuitraining.com

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Tips for your Feng Shui Thursdays!

Tips for Your Feng Shui Thursdays!

Let's talk about natural accents. It's amazing how you can find harmony in nature's own palette. "Nature's first green is gold, " wrote the American poet Robert Frost in his 1923 ode to the fleeting natural world. Gold is the element of metal, and a perfect accent during the season of autumn. Making subtle adjustments to your décor seasonally is an excellent way to celebrate the simplicity and oneness with the outdoors. Here are some examples of how you can invite mother nature inside.

• Gold decorative mobile hung near a window or air vent for natural movement.
• Macramé wall art unframed or framed in gold accent.
• Bleached wood accent table. The lighter finish puts the focus on subtler natural details like the wood's grain and helps to keep key pieces together harmoniously.
• Hand woven natural fiber area rug.
• Accent metal trays for coffee table.
• Florals rich in color with gold/yellow accents and of course vibrant greens.

Use one or two statement objects to attract the eye in a muted setting. Perhaps hammered bowl or vase that work together to refract light and cast a golden hue into polished surfaces like marble and glass. If you have an open space, add touchable textures such as a decorative throw or woven wall art.

When you work with the accents of nature in décor, you invite harmony into your life. From the words of John Muir; "Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees."

Mary Jane Feng Shui Yoga Girl: www.fengshuiyoganj.com