Gardens

Pound Ridge, New York

"A garden to walk in and immensity to dream in - what more could be asked? A few flowers at his feet and above him the stars."  - Victor Higo, Les Miserables

     There is nothing like spending time in nature to cultivate strength, peace and quietude. Whether you have a large piece of property or a window box, the simplicity of nature turns our focus inward connecting to spirit. 

     Working in the garden has other, less spiritual rewards. In addition to being a source of fresh, healthy produce, gardening can ease stress, keep you limber, improve your mood and connect you to a primal state. Here are some simple ways to create a Zen-like garden along with other key factors for outdoor spaces.

     Plants: Select evergreens, bonsai or potted succulents 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 near plants.

     Pots: Use a variety of pots in clusters. Plant a small tree in one and draping plant in another.

     A Place to Sit: Incorporate a wooden bench or large sitting strone to relax, read or meditate.

     Sound: Add an element of sound: a bird feeder, chime or waterfall.

     Space Constraints: 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.

     Lighting: A 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.

     Scents: Flowering plants or herbs are wonderful relaxers or enhancers.

     Color: Vegetation or varying species offers accent colors to imbue the human aura.

     Balance: A mixture of shade and sunlight along with the use of light and darker - colored flowers brings harmony to the garden.

     Movement: Water ponds, flags, bird baths or feeders are fantastic ways to energize the property.

     Materials: Gravel, brick, slate, grass, or wood chips mixes up the texture for a fabulous feel and look.

     Direction: Work with the position of the sun on your property when choosing elements, colors, and images.

     Boundaries: Add a trellis, pergola, or fence for a sense of security and privacy.

  

     Functional Devices: Composts or a toolshed adds function to your outdoor haven.

     A strong healthy environment starts in and around the home and clearly has an important role in supporting good physical and mental wellbeing. It fosters security, confidence and comfort. It can impact your mood, behavior, motivation, relationships, and impact your overall immune system. There is no doubt you are as strong as your environment. Get in touch with your environment and let it touch you.

Mary Jane Kasliner

Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Coming Back to Center!

Japanese Gardens - Oregon

The Feng Shui month begins on August 8th. The energy for this month is interesting. On one hand it restores the center point where all things revolve and flow from, and on the other hand, it can create some chaos if you are not methodical about your choices and decisions.

The energetic combination between the 5  earth central star for the month of August, and the 8 Earth star for 2019, aligns towards resources, real estate, land proposals, knowledge, and meditation practices.

August is also the month of the Monkey in Chinese Astrology.  The Monkey has an inventive quality about it. So let your ideas fly this month and see what comes up! Read on and discover how the feng shui energy impacts other parts of your life.

Roots: The energy is strong this month for growth. This can show up as a deeper connection to your roots, family, and elders. Heed the advice that comes to you by those who are experienced and know the way.

New business opportunities may arise that can result in windfalls. Be mindful however not to rush into anything, as the overall energy for this month requires due diligence and centering of your thoughts before making any permanent decisions. .

There is strong male influence when it comes to initiating family events or business tactics. Go with the flow, be flexible and receptive to the information provided. Temper it however, by being clear in your vision and goals for smooth sailing ahead.

Finances: Review your bank accounts and other financial documents. Pay close attention to your investment strategy. It may require some reading and research to make the best decision on stocks/investments. Remember, this month calls for clear attention to detail as mistakes can easily be made that can result in a boat load of issues. Best to review your accounts, but not make any major moves until next month.

Goals: Things are out in the open and fully illuminated. This is the time to take stock of your short-term and long-term goals, aspiration, and vision. You don't necessarily have to delve into anything new, or be dramatic about it, rather temper your immediate actions by constructing a clear vision of what you desire. Set that image first, then move from that point forward.

Relationships: This is a great month to gather with friends, especially those you haven't seen for a long time. Keep the lines of communication open so there is no confusion about meeting up. Think about planning a "date night" with your special someone. Use your imagination and explore the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

Fun-Time: If you could do anything, what would it be? Get creative here and see what comes up. Spend time this month enjoying your hobbies. Many times we get caught up in the "work-mode" and come to realize there isn't any time for some simple fun. Balance between work and play is the secret to healthy and happy living habits.

Business: It is a good month to network and align future business. Take a leadership role in your approach and others will naturally gravitate towards you. Travel is tempting this month but keep it close to home, as the overall energy for this month can cause travel mishaps.

Health: The trigrams take their natural home position this month so there is no tension created between the trigram and it's elemental position. This bodes well. Essentially, everything comes back to the center. In other words, it is important to manage your diet and exercise on a routine basis this month. Don't overindulge with either. Get plenty of rest to restore your body and plenty of meditation to quiet your mind and center yourself. Activities such as yoga, tai chi and qi gong are very useful as they are grounding and centering. Being mindful is the best step to preventing health mishaps.

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Energy of the Monkey: August is the month of the Monkey in 4 Pillars Chinese Astrology. This is another overlay of energy that can impact you this month. The Monkey is the sign of the inventor, the improvisor, and the motivator. Being quick-witted, clever, flexible and innovative, the Monkey never comes up short when it comes to navigating through information and opportunities. Competitive as the day is long, the Monkey will never settle for less. There is an intensity when it comes to confidence for the Monkey, so if confidence is your sticking point, invite the Monkey in and notice how it feels to trust yourself.

When dealing with this energy, be factual, pay attention to detail, and do your research. No shortcuts, as it will surely backfire. Strategy, strategy, strategy is the ultimate way to use this energy. Overall, the Monkey is playful and enjoys excitement, so remember to bare that in mind as you approach everything this month.

In & Around the Home: Take a closer look at the materials in your home. Are they mostly synthetic and therefore outgassing chemicals? Because everything comes back to the center this month, then all aspects of the home, and as a result you, are impacted directly. Obviously, I am not suggesting you renovate your entire home and design with eco-friendly materials; however, there are simple measures you can take to start the process for a healthier living environment.

Simple Suggestions: 
Take a look at the condition of the paint in your rooms. If they are in need of sprucing up, then choose paint with low VOC or no VOC ratings. Pretty much every paint store has a line of paint that fits that description. Painting is simple and a perfect way to freshen the look and feel of your home. Choosing organic paint is a perfect way to eliminate chemicals in your home.

Take note of your cleaning products. Are you still buying those chemical cleaners? It's so easy to find natural based cleaners, or for that matter, make your own. There are plenty of videos that can guide you in making chemical-free cleaners. Here's one for starters.

Do you have plants in your home? I hope so! Plants are fabulous when it comes to design and purifying your air. Virtually everything in your environment outgasses. Plants are the perfect solution to improve the air quality  making it easier for you to breathe. There are many different kinds of plants. Here is a site that lists plants and what they can do for your air quality.

The aforementioned is a great starting point to freshen the quality of air in your environment. Start slow. The important thing is to be mindful whenever you purchase décor and other items for your home. If you want to delve deeper and learn Eco-friendly design tactics, feel free to peruse my Feng Shui home study programs. I have a separate program specifically on Eco-Design!

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Dandayamana: 

Coming back to the center is the quality of earth. Everything in the universe is driven from the center. In Dandayamana, there is a centering quality drawing the energy to the mid-line, the pranic tube, and the axis line of your power source. All standing poses ignite the element of earth associated with the root connecting you to all things. When you activate earth, you are activating physical matter and your awareness to the physical aspects of YOU.

The Phases: Read more about Dandayamana pose here.

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This month prepare foods that invoke the elements of earth and metal. This will temper the heat (fire) of summer, and soften the heavy earth this month that is compounded by the earth year of 2019.

• Fennel, sweet potato, cauliflower, peppers, carrots, lentils, peas, zucchini, mushrooms, onions turnips, rice, shallots, radishes, rice, barley, quinoa, celery root, leeks, kohlrabi.

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Tap into any one of these six book or buy the set on your road to discovering YOU!. All books are available on my website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or The Wisdom Buffet website!  Look for my Wisdom Buffet Newsletter each month that highlights different chapters in these books!


Happy August!
Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com

The Five Elements - A Sense of Harmony

India - The Ganges Surrounded by the Himalayas

     The five elements (fire, earth, metal, water, wood) are the building blocks of the universe as a result of interactions between yin and yang. These elements, from the Chinese perspective, were active processes at work on the Material constituents of the universe, whereas the ancient Greek concepts of the four elements (fire, air, earth, water) were thought to be the actual constituents of the universe. According to James Legge in the book "The Great Plan," the descriptions of the five elements were as follows: 

     "Of the five elements, the first named water; the second, fire; the third wood; the fourth, metal; and the fifth, earth. The nature of water is to soak and descend; of fire to blaze and ascend; of wood, to be crooked and to be straight; of metal, to obey and to change; while the virtue of earth is seen in seed-sowing and ingathering. That which soaks and descends becomes salt; that which blazes and ascends becomes bitter; that which is crooked and straight becomes sour; that which obeys and changes becomes arid; and from seed-sowing and ingathering comes sweetness."

     Each of these five elements was grouped with physical phenomena that influenced and created the five different sets of forces or powers. These forces followed the change of all things in the universe with a more sophisticated version of the yin and yang model of waxing and waning. The five elements represented stages or transformations within the yin and yang cycle whereby each element is said to flourish during its yang phase and decline in its yin phase. Therefore, the rising energy (yang) was given the wood chi representing the morning, spring season, and east direction. The peak and rising point of yang energy depicted the fire chi representing the summer season, noon, and south direction. As the energy slows down there is a building of the yin quality, the consolidation and pulling inward represented the metal chi, the autumn season, late afternoon, and west direction. The yin energy meets its peak and full contraction dissolves representing the water chi, midnight, winter season, and the north direction. The process begins again where the yang energy begins to resurge and the rebirth of spring and morning takes place.

     The fifth element of earth was seen to be central to the other four elemental powers. It was originally seen as representing the ending of each season and the beginning of the next. Hence, early fall may so warm we refer to it as an "Indian Summer" and so forth. Eventually this elemental energy took its place between the fire chi and metal chi representing late summer/early autumn, early afternoon, and the center or ground point. The earth element was also considered to be the controller of the five elemental powers representing the soil chi energy and therefore the core basis from all things being accomplished. It was also seen as a pivotal point where the seasons were to revolve around. 

     The five elements were arranged in a systematic position that has the capacity to create or destroy on another giving rise to a new element. The first order is labeled as birthing whereby the wood dynamically gives rise and fuels fire chi. Hence, wood feeds fire source. Fire enhances the earth energy by reaching its peak  and dies leaving  ash behind which becomes earth. The earth enhances the metal energy with its constant movement and contraction assisting in the formation of metal or ore. Hence, all ores originate from the earth. Metal enhances the water chi energy through contraction and the intense heat beneath the earth. This combination creates a liquid to flow like water. Water enhances or expands the wood chi, as it nourishes and refreshes all plants, trees, a wood source.

     These five elements move through several cycles and align to the human body/ organ systems, foods, and design choices. Understanding the five elements is a basis for enhanced health internally and externally. Read more about DIY health formulas for life from my first book: The Feng Shui Connection to a Healthy Life.

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

Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces - Oh My!

   

     Kitchen and bathroom surfaces can be costly, yet being so visible, they form a key part of the overall look of the space. When making your choice of material, consider functionality, style and of course cost. It also behooves you to consider the environment when making your design choice. Choosing organic and sustainable materials not only saves the environment but looks amazing. The following is a s short list of some materials that look great, have a high durability factor, and are eco-friendly.

Bamboo: This product is fabulous looking offering a solid wood surface. From a feng shui perspective, this element bodes best in the east, southeast or south directions.  Bamboo has natural antibacterial quality, which makes it useful for a work surface. Naturally, it is light brown, but can be stained or finished with Danish oil for protection. There is a high cost value however, as most bamboo is grown in the Far East.

Natural Stone: Great look but extremely heavy and often must travel far unless it is sourced from your own country. Try opting for a natural textured stone instead of a high gloss finish. Sealants are necessary to protect the surface, so check there are no VOC's or other toxins that can off-gas into your kitchen. This material bodes best in the northeast, southwest, west or northwest directions.

Recycled Wood: Take a trip to your local reclamation center and see what you find. Persistence can pay off for some real gems. Reclaimed oak or teak tabletops from schools or universities can often be sourced adding an interesting look and durability to your counter-top. This element bodes best in the east, southeast or south directions.

Mosaics: Making use of small fragments of glass or ceramics is a great look. Small tiles can also be used. This is a labor intensive project so the cost on that end can be high. Hiring an artist to design the surface pattern is the ultimate. Keep in mind, small chips of stone need to be firmly adhered to a backing. Glass mosaics bode best in the north, east or southeast directions.

     Alongside looks, durability, and ease of maintenance are important considerations in your design project. Also bear in mind that if you decided to refit your kitchen or bathroom and no longer have use for the surface, the material must go somewhere. Consider these issues from the beginning so there are no surprises once your project begins.

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


   

Feng Shui & Yoga Insights July 2019

Long Beach, LI

The Feng Shui month begins on July 8th. The energy welcomes travel, mentors and inspiration.  Focus on creating peace and harmony through your natural gifts and talents. Refine your intentions, create beauty and live in clarity. Pave the way for higher awareness and you will find yourself at the right place in the right time.

The energetic combination between the 6  Metal loshu number for July, and 8 Earth quality for 2019, aligns elementally towards finances, especially when it comes to real estate transactions. Read on and discover how this energy impacts other parts of your life.

Health: Be mindful of pelvis, sacrum and hips this month. There is strain between the elements and therefore these body parts are more vulnerable. Metal vibration such as ringing a bell frequently and virtual water bodes well in the southeast to drain this inauspicious combination.

Eye irritation or cardiac issue could arise this month. Place a healthy plant in the south to abate tension between the elements.

Intestinal discomfort may arise especially for female this month. Add fire element to the southwest and metal to the north to soften the effects.

Relationships: Untimely energy in family sector which can result in disputes and separation. Add fire element to the east to drain these effects.

Strain in relationship between eldest son and mother. Stave off fights by adding fire element to the southwest. This cure is mentioned above to regulate intestinal irritation.

Wealth & Business: It is a good month to forge a partnership with new business venture. The energy bodes well for possible windfalls.

Steady progressive wealth enters the house of creativity. Capitalize on this by incorporating a creative slant to your business model. Sometimes a little adventure is all you need to come up with a creative idea! Add moving water or incense burner to the west to activate wealth.

Promote long term business plan and strategy this month. Taking the time to configure your plan impacts your career and promotion possibilities. Adding vibrant plant to the south bodes well. This cure is mentioned above under "health" section.

Be mindful of credit card hacking and scams this month. They are out there in full force trying to take your money and credit ratings. Strong metal and virtual water to the southeast. This cure is previously mention under health section.

In & Around the Home: Take a closer look at the northwest sector of your home and property this month. Things to consider:

1.  Clear clutter and trim back overgrown vegetation.
2.  Incorporate earth and metal elements.
3.  Images of heavenly realm, saints, angels, travel, mentors, globes, or sky scape.
4.  Outdoors include curving pathways, stones, metal lawn ornaments, chimes, sundial.
5.  Square or oval shapes and design patterns.
6.  Metal and earth paint hues.

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Vrikshasana:  Vriksha means "tree" in Sanskrit. The tree pose is a standing balance on one leg. The foot of the lifted leg is placed on the inner thigh of the standing leg, and both hands are held above the head. The legs represent the roots of the tree, buried underground, and the trunk of the tree begins at the trunk of the body, growing all the way up through the spine and the arms, which are the branches. The Yogi Tree: Since ancient times, yogis have made the forest their favorite place for practice. The trees were their home, providing them with shelter and food in the form of fruits and nuts. In a broader sense, the forest refers to the world, the whole of creation, and we are a part of it. The tree pose offers an opportunity to meditate on a tree's qualities. The tree is tolerant. It gives shade to even those who come to cut it down. The true yogi gives the fruits of spiritual wisdom as generously as trees offer flowers, fruits, wood and shade. Trees dedicate their lives to the welfare of others. This pose imbues the body, mind, and breath with the qualities of generosity, strength and balance. These are also the qualities of the 6 Metal Qian trigram that arises in the month of July.  Include tree pose in your practice this month and contemplate the qualities it offers to us all. See my Yoga Schedule Here! This month prepare foods that invoke the elements of earth, metal and water. This will carry the flow from summer heat to cooling water chi. Some ideas include: Fennel, sweet potato, beans, mushrooms, avocado, onions turnips, rice, shallots, radishes, ginger, fish, eggplant, sea vegetables, cabbage and variation of seeds. *Since fire, earth and metal are in a trine this month, also consider practicing yin yoga poses that will open these meridians. Here a few suggestions: Sphinx, Seal, Fish, Quarter Dog, Child's, Seated Forward Fold, Dragonfly, Dragon, and Saddle Pose. Get the chi flowing and fuel these systems with proper foods, thoughts and movement! Tap into any one of these six book or buy the set on your road to discovering YOU!. All books are availbale on my website, Amazon, Barnes & Noble or The Wisdom Buffet website!

The Fire Ceremony of the Summer Solstice!

 Peruvian Despacho Ceremony Honoring the Summer Solstice!

Beds!

     Your bed is the focal point as it is the most prominent piece of furniture in the room. It is essential you make the right choice when considering a bed, as it is the most used piece of furniture in your entire home. From an environmental point of view, you want to consider both the bed and the mattress.

     Natural wood frames are my favorite as they offer a robust texture and warmth. I also like the look of vintage bed frames. They lend an air of nostalgic romance and a unique look to the overall room design. These types of beds can come in a variety from ornate wrought iron with a princess fairytale feel, to decorative upholstered French style bed. Four poster beds add a touch of colonial charm while intricately carved wooden Art Deco - style beds can give a real vintage look.

     Alternatively, you can construct your own bed frame and take pleasure in making something you will use every day. If you are making your own bed frame, make sure the mattress will be properly supported by building in wooden slats. Be creative when it comes to the headboard as it will stand out and become the focal point.

     Your mattress is an important aspect when it comes to choice. You want to consider both health and comfort. Conventional mattresses are treated with lots of chemicals mainly fire retardants that outgas. Consider buying an organic mattress as it will benefit you and the environment. Organic mattresses simply use natural materials, such as wool and cotton. Natural latex mattresses are also beneficial. They are sourced from rubber trees but tend to be rather pricey and warm to sleep on.

Feng Shui Tips for Placement:

     When it comes to bed placement there are several things to consider:

•  Place the bed on a solid wall in command to door entrance. Try to avoid the bed aligning directly to the door, as the onslaught of energy towards the feet is unfavorable.
•  Avoid placing beds beneath windows. If you have no other choice, hang heavy drapes, use a solid headboard, or euro-pillows to buffer the otherwise unsupportive feature for protection. 
•  Avoid placing beds beneath overhead beams. The right angles between the beam and ceiling cause a back flow of chi resulting in downward pelting energy at approximately 96 feet per second. This is extremely stressful for the body over a eight-hour sleeping period.
•  Avoid placing beds beneath a sloping ceiling as the energy is extremely restrictive.
•  Avoid placing beds cattycorner. Albeit a fabulous look, the energy tends to swirl behind the bed and can cause potential headaches.
•  Avoid placing beds on a wall that has electrical equipment, appliance or hot water heater. These components emit EMF's that are not diminished by walls. A safe distance is three yards away from these sources. Beds positioned near EMF sources can result in headaches, insomnia, allergies and other ailments.

      Take your time in choosing healthy materials for your bed and mattress. Enjoy the process; after all, your bed is where you let your physical body rejuvenate and your spirit body to dream.

Om!

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

My Favorite Weather is Bird Chirping Weather

Photo by: Martha Geiger

On June 21, 2019, the summer solstice rolls in.  The summer solstice, also known as mid-summer, occurs when one of the Earth's poles has its maximum tilt towards the sun. It happens twice a year in both hemispheres, and when it does, the sun reaches its highest position in the sky and is the day with the longest period of daylight.

It's the time of year our spirits begin to wake up and stretch. There is a yearning to be out, feel alive, move about and celebrate. Click here and explore some ideas of how you can enjoy the energy of the summer solstice. Included in this article are pictures from my yoga hike at Huber Woods and Surya Namaskar video.

Get creative this month and take advantage of the joyous energy that enters through the loshu grid for June. Incredible creativity flows with ease in an orderly environment. Be inspired by your rich imagination and transform your lofty ideas into reality.  With the summer solstice upon us, you can count on clear vision to guide you through the process. 

Your ideas will flow from a point deep within as you connect to cosmic consciousness. Imagine with each breath you take an endless wave of Divine grace and wisdom flowing over you nourishing and invigorating every cell of your being. It is always there for you. Get quiet, be still, listen, breathe and trust. 

In the ancient yogic text, Bhagavad Gita, it is said that whatever one's mind thinks of (sankalpa), for that thing one develops a desire. Whatever you desire, you will make the effort towards it.  This month make the effort to strive for your desire. Keep your creative center (navel chakra) open to receive information from your higher self (3rd eye point). Bringing forth your desire is like the birthing process; expect some pains, but know that you can bask in the joy as you bring forth your creation. Move past the illusion and free yourself of fear. Trust the process and then let go.  

Additional Points of Interest for June

Networking/Wealth: Connect with those who share your vision this month. Discuss ways to offer additional services. Add that creative dynamic to set you apart from others. There is a cohesive relationship between your networking efforts and money realized. You can assist this energy in your environment by adding either moving water (fountain) or plug-in incense burner to the northwest portent, and the elements of fire and earth to the southeast.

Career/Vision: Expect some bumps in the road this month as you are moving through your goals. Albeit the sun is bright and illuminates your ideas, little things can go awry. Moving from one work project to another can create tension between colleagues, especially in work setting. You can manage this by slowing down the pace and taking a pause. In your environment, place metal décor in the south and healthy plant in the north.

Self-Knowledge/Relationships: Part of the creative process this month is to go within yourself. This requires time spent in meditation. There is resistance in the quality of the elements that interact in the loshu this month. This holds true when it comes to your outer relationships too. By placing a metal element in the northeast and a fire element in the southwest, you can effectively advert this tension. Clear communication and intention is always the best approach whether it is in your meditation session or with another person.

Family/Children/Creativity: Potential chaos when it comes to family matters this month. This requires precise thought process and clear communication to right the wrong. Keep your environment organized, as this can add to the struggle. It is important to spend time outdoors this month. Take long walks, sit in your backyard or explore park trails. The idea is to connect to Mother Nature. This bodes well for your health and can also get your creative juices to flow. You can journal the process in depth by exploring my book Mother Nature A Bridge to Conscious Living.

The combining elements in the loshu for these areas of your life are stressed this month. Ease the tension by placing metal and virtual water elements  in the east and an earth element in the west. Perhaps you can find these elements during your nature walks!

Overall Challenge This Month:

Metal over fire is a destructive combination with June's Metal Horse. You can expect impulsive, stubborn, aloof, distracted and self-centered behavior.

How to Work With It:

•  Pause before making a decision
•  Resist impulse spending
•  Be flexible
•  Be present
•  Reach out to others

Health Concerns This Month

There are several antagonistic relationships between the elements this month that can impact certain organ/body systems;

Hips/Pelvis: Tendency for pressure in this area of the body. Be mindful of your exercise routine. Take a few extra minutes to stretch this area of the body. Taking a yin yoga class geared towards the wood organs (Liver and Gallbladder) would be helpful. I have added in several yin yoga postures in my yin/yang classes that target especially the gallbladder (outer hip). An infusion of water poses helps to fuel these areas along with some fire poses to ease the tension. June 29th I'll be subbing in for the 4:15 Yin class at Inlet Yoga Studio. You can count on some of these poses for your practice.

Intestines/Mouth/Teeth: Choose your diet wisely this month. With fire strong, it behooves you to move towards earth foods to drain off the excess heat. Some earth foods include: Fennel, broccoli, carrots, beans, mushrooms, cabbage, figs, dates, watermelon, tofu, and walnuts. Check when your last dental visit was and follow-up if past due. If playing any contact sports, wear a mouth guard.

Shoulder/Wrist: Many yoga workshops will include 108 sun salutations in honor of the summer solstice this month. Be mindful of your alignment and add extra support for wrist and shoulders, especially if you have prior injury to these body parts. If you spend a great deal of time on your computer or other media devices, take a pause and stretch wrist and shoulders. Be mindful of body mechanics when working on these devices.

Feet/Legs: If you are a runner watch for shin splints this month. Wear compression socks during your workout. They really make a difference. Check the mileage on your sneakers. I just bought a new pair myself, as my feet began to act up. If you put serious mileage on your sneakers, they only last for 5 months or less!

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All 6 books of the Wisdom Buffet Series are now available on Amazon and Barnes and Noble! I am the co-author of all 6 books.

Project Destiny took several years to complete. We began as a team of 8 and ended the final book with just 2 authors.

For your convenience here are the links to each book:

Happiness Chronicles      Journey to Health

Book of Harmony              The Essence of Love

Redefined Power               Strong, Perfect, Whole

Om!

Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

How's Your Curbside Appeal?

                                             

Spring season is an active time for real estate sales. First impressions count - especially when you are selling a home. Generally, it takes only 7 seconds to make a good impression. That means a potential buyer will base a large part of their decision according to their first impression. Here are some simple and cost effective ways to ramp things up and attract the right buyer.

1. Perspective: If you want to know how someone will perceive your home at first glance, then go outside and take a look at your home from across the street. Better yet, park your car down the street and walk towards your home. What are the first impressions? Where can improvements be made? And don't forget to take a look at night. You never know who may decide to do a 'drive-by' during the evening hours. Illuminating your property effectively is paramount.

2. Landscaping: Keeping up the yard is key when it comes to curbside appeal. There is nothing like overgrown bushes, trees, weeds or barren property to turn away a potential buyer. Stay on top of mowing the lawn and raking out any debris from the beds. Plant some bright flowers to accent beds and front entrance. This is a perfect way to draw positive energy to your property and home. Neat and tidy lawns are definitely a head turner!

3. Power wash it! Think of it as giving your home a good shower. Wash off the mildew, dirt and mold. Don't forget to hit the sidewalks, walkways and doors. If your home looks dirty on the outside,  people will think it is dirty on the inside.

4. Roof: While you are power washing the rest of the home, don't forget about your roof. Think of the roof as your head. You wouldn't want to shower your body without shampooing your hair. A dirty roof will move the potential buyer to think the roof is faulty and in need replacement.

5. Fresh paint: Notice if the paint looks worn, cracking or peeling on the body of the house, trim or doors. Many times a simple touch up is all you need to make that lasting impression.  A little paint goes a long way to attract buyers.

6. Front Door: This is  the mouth to the home and can be a deal breaker. Spruce up the front door by either painting it, replacing it, or adding new fixtures to it. While you are at it, take notice of the lighting fixtures and address numbers around the door entrance area. Replacing these accents can add a whole new look and turn shoppers into owners!

For feng shui real estate advice you can email me

Happy Sales!
Mary Jane Kasliner
www.fengshuiyoganj.com

Managing Your Garage Space

Managing Your Garage Space

     Many think a garage is nothing more than a drop zone. The truth of the matter is a garage can be a part of your home. Here are 5 simple tips you can employ to make your garage a whole new space!

1. Garage Floor Makeover: One of the best ways to add a little style and color to your garage is to start with the floor. All good garage floor coverings begin with preparing and repairing the concrete floor. If you are handy, there are plenty of DIY ideas to guide you. Painting with latex intended for concrete floors is relatively inexpensive and easy to do. Personally, I like the look and feel of garage floor tiles or garage floor mats that simply roll out. They come in a variety styles, colors and materials. 

2. Reallocate Space: If you have lots of stuff that you can't seem to get rid of, consider dividing up the space. Build a storage area that can hold equipment, tools, yard materials, and so on. Incorporating attractive storage cabinets, closets, sliding doors, and built in shelving can add functionality without detracting from the overall look and feel of your garage. Make sure you categorize your items so everything has a home.  

3.Cover Up Exposed Architecture: Exposed pipes, electrical wiring and visible insulation is an eye soar. Use construction materials that can hold up to moisture and heat when covering these exposed items. 

4. Get Creative: This is the fun part. You can create fun storage bins using scrap wood. You can paint them or stencil an icon or words that identify what to house in your new bins. If woodworking or painting is not your thing, consider using Rubbermaid Roughneck Trash can as a solution to house some of your items. This works well especially if you are unable to re-allocate space for storage.  

5. Maximize Vertical Space: Utilize vertical space by hanging items from rafters. This is an option for those who are unable to cover up exposed architecture. Large S-Hooks are great for this. It is a perfect way to eliminate items on the floor especially if you are dealing with a small space. 

      Think of your garage as another room in your home. Take time to create a new look and notice the difference it makes every time you enter the space.. Here's to your garage!

Mary Jane Kasliner

Feng Shui Master & Yogi

www.fengshuiyoganj.com

April Showers Bring May Flowers

Dublin, Ireland

We may not enjoy the rain but it sure does wonders for these flowers! The month of May is a beautiful time to appreciate the vibrant colors of Spring. While you are enjoying the scenery of nature's gifts, you may want to know what the feng shui energy is for this month. Here are a few areas to be mindful of.

•  Connect with family this month. Take the lead in setting up a reunion or creating a family tree album. Take interest in your heritage, ancestors and new additions to the family. There can be tension that arises especially between patriarch and eldest son. Vulnerability to tendons and ligaments of the legs and neck area. Add water element (can be virtual water) to the east portent of your home so things flow with ease.
•  Creative writing and literature is strong this month, so if you are a writer take advantage of this energy. On the flip side, watch bank account and credit cards as there is a possibility of them being compromised. Avoid using credit cards online or at the gas pump. Use cash instead. Place virtual water element in the southeast to weaken this potential issue.
•  Ideas seem to pour in this month that can translate to windfalls. The tendency is to act quickly on these ideas, but it is better to slow the pace and move with precision. Add a fire element to the south direction to slow down this otherwise raspinarious energy.
•  Chaos in relationships this month. Listen before you speak and take into consideration  someone else's point of view. Place strong metal element or ring a bell frequently in the southwest direction to break up this negative energy.
•  Take time this month to review your long-terms goals and plans. Make sure the element of FUN is included in your plan. Add a metal element to the west direction this month and open up time for some R&R.
•  Network with like-minded people this month. Those who share your vision and goals. This will lead to great opportunities. Add water and wood element to the northwest direction and watch your goals unfold before your eyes.
•  Reading, writing, and literary works are all a part of your job this month. In other words, research and paperwork are necessary to advance in career. Add water element to the north direction and let your career path move forward.
•  Meditation practice may be thwarted this month. Resist the urge to busy your schedule up so there is no time to become quiet. To sacrifice a quiet mind is to sacrifice your peace of mind. Add metal element to the northeast to drain this negative energy.
•  Money and resources have the ability to soar this month. This is a very fortuitous energy that graces the center of the home. Place strong terminating crystals, plug-in incense burner and money to attract wealth. Keep activity high in the center of your home.

Enjoy all the beautiful flowers!

Om,

Mary Jane - www.fengshuiyoganj.com