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May « 2008 « Empowerment With Joy

Archive for May, 2008

The Feng Shui of Tuscany

Saturday, May 31st, 2008

The verdant rolling hills of Tuscany are not manicured by gardeners but by the sheep and animals that roam there. During the spring the hills are framed by yellow and red poppies. On top of the hills are lovely villas that have been there for hundreds of years. They are framed by Italian Cypress Trees in the front and are protected by the same trees in the back of the villas.
The sides of the villas have dense foliage as well.

These villas in Feng Shui terms are sitting in the “Belly of the Dragon”. Since the dragon is a mythical character that is considered to be auspicious, being in this position is good Feng Shui.
To understand the the “Belly of the Dragon”, picture a large armchair with a high back and large
arms on either side of it to place your hands comfortably when you sit on it. When you sit in this
chair you are protected and you are sitting in the “Belly of the Dragon”.

The nearby towns near the villas are Asciano and Piensa. Both are lovely and filled with historic homes and cobblestone streets and excellent restaurants. The streets are narrow and winding.
Navigating through the streets could present some challenges.

The Chiant Region of Tuscany is a must to see because the landskape changes there. The hills there are sculptured by the rows of grape vines. The grapes are growing in neat little rows.
The Castle Brulio is a must see. Be prepared for a winding hilly road to get there.
The owner is heir to Chianti Wine and lives in part of the castle but it is open to the public.

If you travel as far as Pisa the City of Lucca is unforgettable. It is a walled city with many interesting sites to see. One of which is Puccini’s home. If you are brave enough to rent a car,
and navigate the winding streets and hills leading up to the city, it will be an adventure that you
will not forget. With each turn that you make you will see an awe inspiring vista.

Drive to the Ligurian Coast and spend some time in Santa Margarita. There you will be captivated by the homes that are painted in colors of coral greens and yellows. You can see the work of the ancient artisans in each edifice. The colors blend into the landskape that is framed by
the harbors and boats.

From Santa Margarita take a train to the Cinque Terra. They are five towns carved out of the hills that are connected to each other. Farmers have labored for centuries to grow crops there and make this town self sufficient. Be prepared for walking and hiking to get there but it is well
worth the effort.

Do not expect to eat pizza and lasagna there that you are used to in the states. The pizza has a thin crust and different cheese. The lasagna consists of thin noodles that are not baked. It has a little sauce on it and you add your own parmesan cheese.

If you are able to experience Tuscany it will remain a wonderful memory for you. You can call on
the memory of good Feng Shui whenever you need to think of things that bring you harmony balance and peace.

Finding Solace After Loss

Tuesday, May 27th, 2008

It is very traumatic to lose someone that you love. This heart wrenching experience is filled with

great challenges for all concerned. Whether the departed is a friend or relative or a pet the

experience is never easy. The surge of emotions that rush through your body can leave you in a

depleted state.

Grieving is not only the process you go through when someone dies but you can grieve at the loss

of a relationship or a job as well.

Receiving support from a bereavement specialist can be very helpful. But for some it works best

to set a goal of three to six months to speak about and deal with the painful event and then to

begin to work on moving forward. It is important during this time to avoid victumizing behavior.

For example if someone asks you about the event tell them that you are working on moving

forward to find more meaning and purpose in your life. Avoid repeating the details of the

unpleasant event over and over again.

Start Rituals and Change Your View

One way to move beyond your loss is to start rituals. This might involve lighting candles and

saying a special prayer that relates to your loved one. It might help to meditate in a special

place at a special time that holds meaning for you. Journaling nightly can hold special meaning

for you.

Sometimes a change of perspective can be very helpful when you are going through a major life

crisis. How about changing the view that you look at when you get up in the morning? Instead of

looking at a blank wall, select a hopeful picture or affirmation that is meaningful to you. What

about lovely flowers or a picture of something you always wanted to do…??

The color red is motivating and helps you to get going!!!

With the new positive vista to look at you will find it easier to look forward to your day!!!

Use Essential Oils

The use of essential oils can help you to relax and help to release depression.

Add a few drops of rosewater to your bathwater to help to lift depression. This can be quite

soothing. It also can help enable your cells to regenerate.

The use of lavender can relieve sadness as well as boost your immune system.

Use Rose to help with long nights of insomnia.

Use Color To Work Through Your Feelings

Red will help you to get up and get going.

Yellow will bring you some cheer.

Green will connect you to nature.

Blue will help with meditation.

Green wiill connect you with nature.

Orange can help with feelings of lonliness.

White is for purification.

Black is for strength.

Activate The Health Area of The Bagua

In Feng Shui that area is in the middle of the room.

It is that area that holds energy to affect your physical and mental health.

Place crystals or ceramics in that area to activate the energy there.

Also increase your personal chi by doing yoga or walking and spending time with those who are

uplift and support you at this time.

Start by implementing one or two of these suggestions a week and see how well they work for

you.

Things do not always happen the way that you planned and envisioned but know that the

universe has a plan for you and that includes participating in your life to the fullest.

Be Aware of Your Response to Stress

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

We all live in a challenging demanding time that could take a toll on our health.

It is helpful to keep your stress levels down.

Having an understanding of what stress can do to your body will help you to seek avenues that

will help you to relieve stress.

When your body is stressed:

1. The pancreas gland becomes affected and releases more sugar into your bloodstream.

2. The adrenal gland releases cortisone.

3. The thyroid and parathyroid gland becomes affected

4. Female and male glands react with reduction in sex hormones.

5. The thymus gland becomes altered and slows down.

6. The skin goes through physical changes

7. Oxygen demands increase.

8. The heartbeat becomes accelerated.

9. The blood thickens.

10, Cholesterol increases in the blood stream.

12. The digestive system shuts down.

Consider all these things and work on lowering the stressors in your life…

Try To

Friday, May 2nd, 2008

Affirmation For Empowerment

Thursday, May 1st, 2008

I am open to the love of the universe

Divine love is working through me

The light within me is guiding me in the right direction

There is healing in my life

All is well in my life