A Gratitude Attitude!

I felt like writing today and I had a plan to start part two of a blog about why children can be sensitive, but I couldn’t stop thinking about how lucky I am.  I am overcome with such gratitude, joy and love for so many things I just have to write about that today. 

So, why am I so grateful?

Well to start off, I am so grateful to have the most wonderful husband(ish) in the world.  He is the man I have been searching for my whole life.  He is the man I spoke of and wrote about in my journal.  He is the man I knew was out there for me and I am so lucky to have found him! He truly is amazing.  I have tears in my eyes right now as I think about just how much I love him. He is the most patient person I have met.  He has stood by my side and supported me through the times I was not the self he once met, such as my pregnancy and the many after effects of the car accident. He is so open and understanding and communicative about all those issues that are trivial to most men but can be so bothersome to most women. He helps me see the bigger picture and soothes my worrisome mind.  He is trusting, forgiving and compassionate not only to me, but all people that he meets. He is loving, passionate, and tender. He is sweet, sincere, and kind. He laughs at my jokes and I laugh at his.  We have many similar interests there is never a dull moment. He is an amazing father.  He does yoga, cleans, and makes the bed every day, just because. He can cook the most delicious and healthy meals on short notice as if it were nothing.  He sets my soul on fire and calms my soul like the ocean breeze. He is my soul mate, the yang to my yin, sometimes the yin to my yang, and I am so grateful to have him in my life!

I am so grateful to be the mother of the most 2 ½ year old girl.  She is so intelligent I feel as though I am speaking to a 4-6 year old at times. She absorbs things quicker than a sponge. She is incredibly curious about the world around her. She loves to read books and learn new things. She respects nature and has a love for all living creatures (well except those pesky mosquitoes). She is kind and gentle with her friends. She is a great helper and leader of her peers.  She gives the most amazing hugs and neck massages. She isn’t concerned with large expensive toys and can play with 3 Polly Pockets and 2 changes of clothes for an entire weekend.  She has the attention span of a 5 year old yet is still active. She eats her fruits and veggies, and doesn’t know much about the land of sugar and candy. She is creative, imaginative, compassionate, and considerate.  She has a great self-awareness and notices the finest details wherever we go.   She has such an impeccable memory; she is my grocery list app. She has taught me so much about the depth and importance of emotions, children, and life in general. I am so grateful to have given birth to an amazing daughter and I am privileged to watch her grow every day.

I am grateful to have such a large, diverse family. I have a mom and a stepdad who are forgiving and accepting of me and my not so good traits as well as almost anyone they meet. My mom is the best conversationalist in the world and can have the longest conversation with a stranger. She can organize a closet and fold a sheet or a towel like nobody’s business. She is a very strong and determined woman who has shown me many great things about how to be an exceptionally organized and caring mother. My step-dad would give his left arm to a help out a stranger off the street. He is a jokester who can dance a jig and do a mean ‘Bill Cosby’ shuffle.  I have 6 siblings who mean the world to me.  I have an older sister who taught me how to be a big sister at an earlier age. Although we rarely got to see each other growing up, she has always loved me and remembered me every birthday and Christmas. One sister is creative, courageous, and stands up for what she believes, another sister is supportive, humorous, and compassionate.   I have another sister who is accomplished, helpful, and determined and another who is empathetic, amazing with children, and so much fun to hang out with.  I have a brother who is generous, loving, and passionate. I am so grateful to have a family who is so fun to hang out with, forgiving of mistakes we all make, and who teach me every day whether they mean to or not that love and spending time together is the most important thing in life.  

I am so appreciative of having the most caring friends.  I have a friend who listens without judgement, shares from the heart, and is the most generous person I know. I have another friend who tells it like it is, helps me see the bigger picture, is gentle, patient, humorous, magnetic, and mesmerizing. I have another friend who is honest, grounded, compassionate, strong, level headed, and generous.  I have another friend who is adventurous, fun, caring, and sweet. I have another friend who will stop at nothing to pursue her dreams, lets nothing hold her back, listens with her whole soul, and can keep up to my dancing.  I have many friends and acquaintances who share their thoughts and feelings and teach me how to be a better person.  I meet many new people who help give me new perspectives on life and various topics.  I am so grateful to have met such wonderful friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who I can share my thoughts, hearts desires, and that I can learn so much from.

I am extremely fortunate to be able to work in the comfort of my home. I am so blessed to be able to witness the miracle of other amazing young children grow and learn. I have the luxury of teaching curious toddlers based on their interests rather than to a test and without writing report cards based on the results. I get to go for wagon rides, play at various parks, build towers, play with Polly Pockets, line up Hot Wheels, paint, colour, play with Play-Doh, do puzzles, practice my photography skills with cute kids, dress up, play make-believe, have pretend picnics, dance to Pocket Full of Sunshine and many fun kids songs, do kids yoga, sing off key without judgement, read literally hundreds of new kid’s books every month, explore and express my imagination and encourage them to do so too in fun and creative ways. AND if I needed one, I can have a nap during most nap times! I am so grateful to have the opportunity of raising my child and that other parents give me the honor of being their child’s care giver while they are at work.

I am also grateful for so many random things; I have an amazing God who loves me no matter what happens and forgives me no matter what I do.  I have a mind/body that tells me what I need whenever I am willing to connect with it. I live in beautiful country with a jazzy, fun-spirited city that has fresh water and ample opportunities. We rent the cutest townhouse condo in a great neighbourhood and will soon be buying a cozy little house. We have wonderful paths for biking and walking close by. I have fresh basil plants growing out back. I picked up a brand new Magic Bullet from a garage sale for $20.  I am so appreciative to have received 3 garbage bags of really nice clothes.  We have a nice vehicle. The new Circle Drive overpass is amazing and will allow me to visit my sisters in half the time. I love that I’m able to read and learn about new things and that I can share this knowledge with other people. I can learn from the many amazing authors who publish their stories to share with the world. To be able to go to a library that provides so much material for free. I bought a new pillow that fits me just right.  I am thankful for Raffi and Charlie Hope, and other children's musicians, great parenting books,  the internet, farmers, and health food stores. I am grateful for long weekends, all genres of music, cell phones, stickers, coloured paper, sunny days, green grass, blue skies, foliage and colourful flowers.

I am grateful to be me.  I’m thankful to have had 37 years’ worth of experiences.  I love that I am passionate about life.  I appreciate my ability to forgive others easily, my free-spirited nature, open-mindedness, willingness to understand another person’s viewpoint, be brutally honesty, and see the positive of the worst situations.   I adore my straightforwardness, trustworthiness, organizational skills and care of nature.  I love that I seek information to better myself and share that knowledge with others and that I try to make healthy, natural choices in eating and living.   I love my dancing skills, my painting/drawing ability, sense of humour, and my big juicy bum. I’m thankful for all those awful, hurtful, awkward, worrisome, drawn out, and painfully rough transitional moments I have endured because I know those are the moments that have made me appreciate life even more, be a stronger, wiser, and more grateful person.    

With all this love and joy of life it’s difficult to contain it!

 

 

.

A Personal Log of how I got rid of my PCOS (Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome)symptoms within 7 months using Natural Remedies: A Personal Success Story

Here are some updates of the things I’m doing to kick PCOS in the butt!

 I had a BodyTalk session with Kristen Petersen Jan 2013. She said my body was giving messages of something irregular in my left ovary.  I went to my family doctor who sent me to get some tests done.

I went to my homeopath, Dr. Hoe Mark in March 2013.

• The symptoms I gave the homeopath were me being irritable, having irregular periods, several months of continual pain on the right side of my leg, an imbalance in the way my armpits smelled, and bloated and belching frequently.  He suggested I had a metabolic imbalance and possibly a cyst on my ovary. He gave me a list of 3 homeopathics; streptococcinum CM, lachesis CM, and lycopodium CM to take. They were 9$ each.  
•  I had experienced greater stomach pains about a week or so after taking the homeopathics. I called Dr. Hoe (free of charge) and he said to increase the amount I’m taking at a time. After researching more about homeopathy, if your symptoms get better, they are working. If they get worse they are also working, but you need to increase the dosage.  If nothing happens, then there are other symptoms to take into consideration and a different remedy to match those symptoms.
• Within 2 days of increasing my dose my leg pain was completely GONE, the smells in my armpits had begun to balance, and I became much less irritable and not quite my regular cheerful morning self, but much more pleasant.

Diagnosed with PCOS, ultrasound confirmed it April 2013

I went to Dr. Fleury, a naturopath 

• She listened to all the changes I’ve experienced and all the things I’ve done about them.  She weighed me and then suggested I changed my diet to include more proteins and fats, especially first thing in the morning.
• I have been drinking her coconut late recipe first thing in the morning for about a month.
  Coconut Late Recipe
  • Add in a small blender (I use a magic bullet) 2 tbsps. coconut oil, 1 tbsps. of honey, and enough boiling water to cover wait until melts
  • Add 2 eggs (I use the free run ones) and some cinnamon
  • Add more boiling water (should be about 1 large cup in total) and blend
  • Poor in a cup and sprinkle on more cinnamon  (cinnamon also curbs your sweet tooth)

• A couple of hours after I drink the late I eat a snack that contains whole foods.  I’ve been eating an orange and almonds.  I am also taking a probiotic and a tsp of Essential Fatty Acids (high potency, good quality fish oils) at this time.  For lunch I try to make sure I have proteins included. I’ve decreased the pastas and foods containing white flour (and try to avoid products that contain enriched flour) and have increased my proteins substantially. I have still been eating pasta, but just at a decreased amount and add more gluten free varieties when I do.
• I am still drinking lots of water with lemon to aid in alkalizing my diet, remembering to drink a cup of water before I eat and 1 after to increase in digestion.
• Within a couple weeks of changing my diet I was no longer bloated and belching as much in the evening. I also feel a lot stronger and more energy.

Went to my family doctor to check results or tests/ May 2013

• Thyroid normal, blood normal, everything else normal. He suggested I could go on the pill to regulate my cycle.  I definitely DECLINED! He is very open to other natural therapies and is aware of the benefits I receive. He suggested I stick with the homeopathic's and naturopath's plan given my current changes.  He said I should focus on staying on the new diet and losing weight and continuing to go to the gym would greatly help.

I went back to my homeopath, Dr. Hoe Mark (he told me to check back with my results in month)/May 2013

• I told him the diagnosis and he said it is becoming much more common. He gave me 2 more homeopathics to take that will increase the speed of the healing, zincum metallicum 4C and thyroidinum 30C.  He said that I will be taking these together for quite a while (maybe a year) but it should go away all together. I ordered a 250ml bottle (the largest size they carry) from Herbs and Health. They will combine all 5 in one bottle. (Apx $50)

Future goals:

• I’m planning on doing some cleanses from Grail Springs Holistic Detox for Body, Mind, and Spirit, by Marentette, Madeline.
• After my cleanse I plan on shocking my body and going 10 days without grains or dairy.
• I’m continuing to go to the gym at least 3 times/week and focus on weight lifting at a SLOW speed, with higher repetitions. I only do 20 mins of cardio when I’m there.  I do intervals with my cardio so my body doesn’t get used to what I’m doing.  Whenever I’m at the gym I try to be in the moment, focusing on my body healing as I smile with my whole body.
• On the days I don’t go to the gym I try to go for a 30 min+walk.  On average I do exercise about 3-4 days/week.

UPDATE NOV 20/2013

• I am still taking the 5 homeopathic mixture.  I definitely notice a difference in my moods, my B.O. smell and energy level when I don’t take them.  Dr. Hoe said I won’t need to take them forever, but for longer than regular homeopathics.  I’m also taking homeopathic magnesium in the morning and evening to make sure I get a good sleep ($9 for a large bottle of dissolvable tablets).
• I am drinking the coconut lattes every morning, with the exception of a couple weeks during and after a family holiday.  
• I was taking a probiotic and EFA fish oils in the morning, but have ran out.  I have noticed a decrease in my energy level since I have stopped taking them and I’ve been more bloated.
• I usually eat an orange and almonds pretty much every day about 2 hours after my latte.  On days I don’t drink it I eat 2 eggs and toast , sometimes oatmeal, or flax cereal with yogurt, blueberries and chia seeds, but only on weekends
• I haven’t done any cleanses as per the naturopath's suggestion. I haven’t been back, but plan on going again sometime in January.  
• I have been going to the gym at least twice a week and did a 6 week body/mind movement (Anat Baniel Method) class 1/week with Dan Ouellette. At the gym I do 25 mins cardio (on leg exercise days I go on the treadmill, arm focused days I go on the bike) still at intervals of pace and intensity.  When I lift weights I do very slow, mindful lifts to build endurance based on a book I read and some advice I was given.  I try to do more reps at a lower weight than less reps at a higher weight. I also do exercises on the mat that strengthen my core. I’m typically at the gym for an hour-hour ½, taking my time and making sure I’m enjoying myself without rushing. I also listen to The Power which is awesome motivational stuff! I definitely noticed my strength coming back, toning in my body and I lost 5-7 pounds.  I stopped going to the gym since mid Oct, but plan on going again right away. My husband and I have been doing a yoga video I used to do almost every night for the past week or so. I’ve already noticed significant changes in my flexibility.
• On a side note, I don't have leg pain, but I still have chronic pain in my knee and neck and lay on tennis balls from when I was in a car accident a year ago. I also do stretches and exercises to strengthen and help keep my pelvis aligned. I’m still seeing a chiropractor and myofascial massage therapist and also plan on booking a physio appointment, Bodytalk and possibly doing some spine decompression from a Groupon I got.

UPDATE /April 2014

• I’m now 22 weeks pregnant! Wow that was fast!
• I had lost close to 10 pounds before I became pregnant, but that won’t last for long! I’m still going to the gym when I can, which seems to be twice a week these days.
• I continue to have a coconut latte first thing in the morning. About an hour later I have the EFAs and the HMF intensive probiotic from the Naturopath with an orange and some almonds and now my prenatal vitamins. This no longer lasts me until lunch however and I have a little snack before then. I’m no longer taking the homeopathics. All is going well! 

UPDATE /Aug 2015

• My son is now a year old, wow time flies! I am at the same weight I was before I have him.  I do not have any of the symptoms I had before (odor, irritability etc.)  
• I haven’t been going to the gym as regularly, about 1-2 times/month. I do plan on getting back to the 3 times/week in the fall. However, we go for family bike rides, walks, and I meditate 2-3 times/month, and do yoga.
• I continue to have the late for breakfast during the week and 2 eggs and toast on the weekends.  When I want an afternoon snack I include protein like a turkey bite sausage. I continue to keep my pastas/bread consumption low, and include the gluten and non-gmo varieties.
• I no longer take any homeopathics. I do take continue to take the HMF intensive probiotics (especially after researching about how the immune system is related to our gut health and how that also helps my son through breastfeeding)and the EFA fish oils.
• For the last four months I have also been taking Asea. It has helped me with getting a great night’s sleep, giving me even more energy, and repairing my body in general.
• I haven’t felt this great since before I became pregnant with my daughter 5 years ago!! I also feel much more balanced than I have felt in years. I can’t wait to go back to the gym in the fall!!

Healing Resources and Practitioners

Brennan, Richard. Change Your Posture, Change Your Life: How the Power of the Alexander Technique Can Combat Back Pain, Tension and Stress.

Hay, Louise. Heal Your Body. (Inspirational healing)

Khalsa, Harjiwan. Kundalini Chakra Cleansing CD. (Found at the library).

Lee, IIchi. Meridian Exercises for Self- Healing.

Levine, Peter. Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body. (The library’s hard copy is more visually appealing but much more expensive than the soft copy).

Levine, Peter. Trauma Proofing Your Kids.

Levine, Peter. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma.

Madison, Dr. Lynda. The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions. (I got this book from the library with intentions of helping Soleil handle her toddler emotions better, but I learned a lot about my emotions as well).


Marentette, Madeline.  Grail Springs Holistic Detox for Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Nicholls, Carolyn. Body, Breath & Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique


Wauters, Ambika. The Complete Guide to Chakras, The Vintage Edition; Unleash the Positive Power from Within. (If you’re interested in learning more about chakras).

 

Amazing Healing Practitioners - Saskatoon

Bodytalk/RMT: Kristen Petersen/14^th St.E (291-8552) More info on body talk and Kristen Petersen can be found at http://www.bodytalksystem.com/learn/bodytalk/principles.cfm

SRT (Self Regulation Therapy): Irma Robson 2^nd Ave N (280-1950), although Heather Brenneman (343-1502) or Judy Pope (934-6454) are supposed to be excellent as well and they are Psychologist so it would be reimbursable for insurance. More information about SRT and the practitioners can be found at; http://www.cftre.com/

Body Movement Classes: Dan Oullette (306-715-2354)

Chiropractor:  Dr. Cam Olson (306-955-5888)

Acupuncture: Wei Ping Wang/315 20^th ST.  (306-933-4164)

Homeopath: Dr. Hoe Mark/315 20^th ST. E.  (306-382-4507)

Myofacial Massage Therapy: Jody Braun (306-249-4099), Aaron Johnston (306-249-4099), or Dan Oullette (306-715-2354)

Cranial Sacral/ Visceral Therapist: Marie Laniece (306-384-3531) or Linda Fisher/Delta Bessborough (306-665-2424)

Energy Clearing: Jacqueline Nuesch http://vibeh2o.vpweb.ca/Treatments.html (306-343-6120)


Sho-Tai: Terry Bell http://www.sho-tai.ca/practitioner/terry-bell

 

 

Initial Diagnosis: PCOS

I recently went to the doctor to get some tests done.  The doctor at the ultrasound matter-of-factly- told me I have polycystic ovarian syndrome.  At first I was quite relieved to discover I had ‘something’, something I could label.  I was pretty relaxed about it because of the way he told me and also because I had been to a homeopath a few weeks prior and he suggested I might have a cyst on my ovary. I felt reassured that there was a confirmed reason why I am having such a difficult time losing weight after Soleil was born and why my monthly cycles aren’t so monthly. 

 

After I went home and Googled some of the effects of PCOS I became slightly sad, scared, shocked, and a little bit overwhelmed. I read that I may not be able to have any more children.  Marc and I were possibly considering having another child, but to have that option taken away is a bit disheartening. Some websites suggest that I need to be on medication for the rest of my life and that I now have a significant chance of getting diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, blood sugar imbalances and cancer. Wow! I already feel like my body has aged ten years in the past three since having a child and being in a traumatic car accident, and now this.  I’ve been working so hard on getting back to where I was that it seems like yet another reminder that I am not quite there yet.

 

The past three years have been quite a blur.  Within that time I have become a completely different person, unrecognizable from the person I was and not even close to the person I want to be.  For almost two years I was completely disconnected from myself and had no desire to reconnect. Time was on fast forward and I never wanted to be in the moment I was in, which is the opposite of what we are supposed to do to be at peace. In only 3 years I have had so many symptoms from anxiety and depression, to chronic pain and digestive issues. Some symptoms are possibly from regular post-partum stuff, but I believe all were enhanced from the trauma of the car accident.  When my body was in a flight or fight state it was working on the basic stuff, like digestion, just to survive.  After getting a Bodytalk treatment I was finally able to just breathe.

 

Now that my body has returned to state of functioning, I can finally appreciate the small moments again. I am so thankful to have found all the resources that helped me work on healing my body.  All the material I’ve been reading on trauma, emotions, and body awareness has helped me to remember to focus on accepting things the way they are and not overreacting. Things do happen for a reason and everyone experiences positive and negative situations in life. I consider myself lucky to just have PCOS, who knows what condition my body would be in say in another year or two from the state I was in.  How many other people are in that state and have no idea they are or how to get out it?   

 

Having a diagnosis of PCOS has enabled me to revaluate who I am and what my body needs. It is another great opportunity to get to know my body on another level and make some even healthier life-style choices.  One of the first things I have done is look up some natural approaches that help with PCOS. I already eat fairly healthy, but everyone can always improve their diet!  I’ve changed a few simple things like instead of drinking regular tea first thing in the morning; I drink a strong, plain green tea to provide a boost in antioxidants.  I usually eat toast, cereal, oatmeal or bagels for breakfast, but now I eat oatmeal (soon to be steal-cut oats), a hard-boiled egg and soon to add an orange for almost all breakfasts to increase my metabolism.  I've also been waiting about 2 hours to eat anything.  I am focusing on eating more whole foods and drinking lemon water to promote an alkaline state.  I have decreased my carb and sugar intake even more and I am being even stricter on the products I purchase. 

 

I have been continuing to bring a deeper awareness to my body since the Bodytalk session and even though some parts are painful, it is still amazing to be able to be in the moment again!  I have been practicing the ‘Alexander technique’ of posture and breathing based on a couple books I read.  I am doing regular exercise, yoga, and stretching both at the gym and a home.  I am taking a movement class with Dan Ouellette to help change some patterns and create more positive body movements and body awareness.  I have gotten 2 amazing visceral massages from Marie at the Harder Wellness Center, and plan on continuing acupuncture and chiropractic treatments.  I have also been taking some homeopathics, which have cleared up some major symptoms I was having, and I am supposed to go back to the Homeopath (who was the first to suggest I had cysts) in a couple months.  In addition, I’m going to do a body cleanse/fast based on Madeiline Marentette’s book when my blood work comes in.

 

With all of the focus I am putting on my health and wellbeing and putting my needs higher on my list of priorities I am very positive and have complete faith that I will clear out every last cyst and be able to lose weight naturally!

 

 

UPDATE /April 2014 As written in a blog 'My Personal Log' (almost a year after diagnosed)

Ø I’m now 22 weeks pregnant! Wow that was fast!

Ø I had lost close to 10 pounds before I became pregnant, but that won’t last for long! I’m still going to the gym when I can, which seems to be twice a week these days.

Ø First think every morning I continue to have a coconut latte. About an hour later I take the EFAs and gut flora repairing probiotics from the Naturopath with an orange and some almonds and of course my prenatal vitamins. I’m no longer taking the homeopathics.  

 

Helpful Resources:

 

Brennan, Richard. Change Your Posture, Change Your Life: How the Power of the Alexander Technique Can Combat Back Pain, Tension and Stress.

Hay, Louise. Heal Your Body. (Inspirational healing)

Khalsa, Harjiwan. Kundalini Chakra Cleansing CD. (Found at the library).

Lee, IIchi. Meridian Exercises for Self- Healing.

Levine, Peter. Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body. (The library’s hard copy is more visually appealing but much more expensive than the soft copy).

Levine, Peter. Trauma Proofing Your Kids.

Levine, Peter. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma.

Madison, Dr. Lynda. The Feelings Book: The Care and Keeping of Your Emotions. (I got this book from the library with intentions of helping Soleil handle her toddler emotions better, but I learned a lot about my emotions as well).
Marentette, Madeline.  Grail Springs Holistic Detox for Body, Mind, and Spirit.

Nicholls, Carolyn. Body, Breath & Being: A New Guide to the Alexander Technique


Wauters, Ambika. The Complete Guide to Chakras, The Vintage Edition; Unleash the Positive Power from Within. (If you’re interested in learning more about chakras).

 

Amazing Healing Practitioners - Saskatoon

Bodytalk/RMT: Kristen Petersen/14^th St.E (291-8552) More info on body talk and Kristen Petersen can be found at http://www.bodytalksystem.com/learn/bodytalk/principles.cfm

SRT (Self Regulation Therapy): Irma Robson 2^nd Ave N (280-1950), although Heather Brenneman (343-1502) or Judy Pope (934-6454) are supposed to be excellent as well and they are Psychologist so it would be reimbursable for insurance. More information about SRT and the practitioners can be found at; http://www.cftre.com/

Body Movement Classes: Dan Oullette (306-715-2354)

Chiropractor:  Dr. Cam Olson (306-955-5888)

Acupuncture: Wei Ping Wang/315 20^th ST.  (306-933-4164)

Homeopath: Dr. Hoe Mark/315 20^th ST. E.  (306-382-4507)

Myofacial Massage Therapy: Jody Braun (306-249-4099), Aaron Johnston (306-249-4099), or Dan Oullette (306-715-2354)

Cranial Sacral/ Visceral Therapist: Marie Laniece (306-384-3531) or Linda Fisher/Delta Bessborough (306-665-2424)

Energy Clearing: Jacqueline Nuesch http://vibeh2o.vpweb.ca/Treatments.html (306-343-6120)
Sho-Tai: Terry Bell http://www.sho-tai.ca/practitioner/terry-bell

Website of other PCOS success stories:

http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2009/05/pcos-success-stories.html

 

Buying a House? Renovating a Room? Want to Bring in Extra Wealth Luck? Romantic Relationship Luck? Simple Feng Shui Tips & Tools to Create Harmony in your Home

I have been reading about feng shui on and off for several years. What I have discovered is that there is A LOT to know! I also believe everyone has an innate intuition that complies with the rules of feng shui.  For example, if one isn’t getting a good night sleep they instinctively change the position of their bed.  Here are some tips and tools I’ve learned to create balance, harmony, and a more peaceful flow of energy within my home and classrooms.  I’ve also included some of the great resources I use regularly.  If you have any questions or suggestions don’t hesitate to contact me, I love conversing about feng shui!

 

What is Feng Shui?

Feng shui (pronounced fang shway) means ‘wind and water’.  It is the art and science of placing items within your home to optimize the flow of ‘chi’ or energy within your home or office and create harmony.  Where chi is concentrated, plants, animals and people will flourish.  Feng shui can be traced to antiquity. The earliest recorded feng shui goes back at least 3500 years, only being accessible by the Imperial family and China’s ruling class. The basic idea behind feng shui is that there are three kinds of luck; mankind, earth, and heavenly. Placing things strategically within our home allows us to harness the auspicious/positive energy that surrounds us, optimizing our luck.

 

Bagua/Pa kua.

The first important tool in feng shui is the bagua/pa kua (bag-wah/pack-wah), an octagon compass with each side representing a different compass direction, life aspiration, and element. Think of it being similar to how it’s warmer in the south and colder in the north and bringing those elements in our home to create a natural balance.  Every time I move into a new place or want to redesign a room I use a compass and the bagua/pa kua.  It is best do a map for each floor and one for each room that you desire to change

 

Bagua/Pa kua

 

When using over a room and the whole house

 

                                                                                          S

                                                                                          N

                                                    

Positive cycle – water ->wood->fire->earth->metal->water (water produces wood, produces fire, then earth, metal, and back to water)

Destructive cycle – wood->earth->water->fire->metal->wood (wood breaks up earth, water puts fire out, fire melts metal can chop into wood)

 

Direction	Life Aspiration	Element	Activate Positive Chi
North	Career/ Prospects	Water	Aquarium with fish, especially guppies, water dispenser, water, pool, mirror, water fountain, blue, black, white, AVOID RED, BRIGHT LIGHTS, FIRE ELEMENTS
NE	Education/ Knowledge	Earth	Meditation room or library, sparse furniture, ocher furniture, mountain picture, crystals esp. quartz or amethyst, terracotta plant holders ceramic, porcelain jars, academic achievements, books, crystal lamp, yin/yang symbol, desk, lights,  yellow, red, beige, AVOID METAL ELEMENTS
East	Family/Health	Strong Wood	Living room, garden area, pictures of trees or plants, trees, plants, jade plant, peach tree, bookshelves, bench, wind chimes, dolphin sculpture, elephant, dragon, light green, brown, AVOID METAL ELEMENTS
SE	Wealth Prosperity	Wood	Plants, flowers, garden area, aquarium, indoor pond, bamboo plant, rocks, stone, golden fruit, good office area, jade plant, mirror, green, (AVOID METAL ELEMENTS)
South	Fame/ Recognition	Fire	Fire Places, bright lights, candles, crystal lamp, picture of a peach, wooden objects, diplomas or trophies, red, yellow, green, AVOID BLUE, WATER ELEMENTS
SW	Relationships/ Marriage	Strong Earth	Do not activate if area is in bathroom or kitchen, crystals, crystal lamp, red roses, Buddha statue, items in pairs, yellow, beige, NO GREEN
West	Children/ Creativity	Metal	Electrical appliances, stereos, TVs, metal wind chimes, crystals, wind chimes, flowering plants, picture of Albert Einstein in a study, shiny surfaces, stereos, TVs, clocks, picture frames, white, gold, silver, AVOID RED, FIRE ELEMENTS
NW	Mentors/ Networking	Strong Metal	TVs, electrical items, crystals, angel figurines, bells, ceramic or clay objects, 6 –rod wind chimes not wooden, white, silver, gold AVOID LIGTHTS, FIREPLACES, RED OR GREEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 KUA number/Personal best number

Determining your KUA (kwah) number requires a few easy steps.  Add the last 2 digits of your date of birth to a single digit. For males, you would subtract that number from 10. For females you add 5.  There is no kua number 5 and in its place you use the number 2.

 

Example for a male 1976 = 7 + 6 = 13,  1 + 3 = 4          10 – 4 = 6 Kau number = 6

Example for a Female 1976 = 7 + 6 = 13,  1 + 3 = 4      4 + 5 = 9   Kau number = 9

 

You have your Kua number, now what?

Once you have your personal number you can determine your auspicious/lucky directions and your inauspicious/unlucky directions and optimize your personal lucky energy flow.  If your number is 1, 3, 4, or 9 you are a west group.  If your number is 2, 6, 7, or 8 you are an east group
 

Auspicious/Good Directions
	1	2	3	4	6	7	8	9
Fu Wei	N	SW	E	SE	NW	W	NE	S
Tien Yi	E	W	N	S	NE	SW	NW	SE
Nien Yen	S	NW	SE	E	SW	NE	W	N
Sheng Chi	SE	NE	S	N	W	NW	SW	E

 

 

Inauspicious/Bad Directions
	1	2	3	4	6	7	8	9
Ho Hai	W	E	SW	NW	SE	N	S	NE
Wu Kwei	NE	SE	NW	SW	E	S	N	W
Chueh Ming	NW	S	NE	W	N	SE	E	SW
Lui Sha	SW	N	W	NE	S	E	SE	NW

 

We should always try to sit facing one of our auspicious /good directions while eating, sleeping (top of our head facing that direction), or at work in order to optimize our luck. If we concentrate on those directions that are auspicious we don’t need to think about the ones that are inauspicious.

Good Directions:

Fu Wei/Personal Development – Means ‘overall harmony’. Location for achieving peace, promotes growth, general good fortune but not big in terms of abundant wealth, personal development, intelligence, and exam luck. Good for protecting against unfavourable luck. Element energy wood

Tien Yi/Health  –  Means ‘doctor from heaven’. Strengthens the body and mind so one is able to achieve goals, great for those suffering from prolonged illnesses, best to put mouth of stove facing this direction. Element energy earth

Nien Yen/Romance – Means ‘prolonged life’. Enhances quality of home and family and romantic relationships, great location for master bedroom if the husband and wife are growing apart. Element energy metal

Sheng Chi/Success – Means ‘generating breath’. Attracts prosperity, brings a good start to any task, overall smoothness in wealth, success in all aspects of life, career, creating positive attitudes towards life. Great location for office, bedroom, or front door to face this direction. Element energy wood.

 

Bad Directions:

Ho Hai - Means ‘accidents and mishaps’. Brings hardship to people, leads to financial loss, all kinds of intermittent difficulty and frustration, one will not attain success, everything will follow the path to failure. It is the least unlucky direction. Best to put a storage room here.  Element energy is earth.

Wu Kwei - Means ‘five ghosts’.  Brings fires, burglary, loss of income, quarrels and misunderstandings, mischief at home and at work, will bring one empty hopes, create good fortune and when one reaches the peak it will bring disastrous endings. Supress this energy by having a bathroom (flushes energy) in this location. Element energy fire.

Chueh Ming – Means ‘total loss’. Most harmful, Could end one’s destiny, causes jeopardy in one’s career, money loss, bankruptcy, long term illness, injury and disaster, loss of children, chronic illness. Avoid putting main door here. Can be supressed by putting a bathroom (flushes bad energy) or kitchen here (fire melts metal). Element energy metal.

Lui Sha - Means ‘six types of killings’. Great harm to you and family, missed opportunities, illness, accidents, possible death, causes havoc in relationship and love, hostility at work and makes one unpopular. To make this energy ineffective, put a storage room here. Element energy is water.  

 

 

There are a few essential elements that are important in any house.  Visit the website

http://www.fengshuibestbuy.com/kuanumber.html to find out more.

 

Symbols

Symbols are the foundation of feng shui. They are considered helpful in keeping our awareness of the situations and areas of our life we need addressing active. The more mindful we become, the more effective bringing our desired outcome will be.  Learning where to place symbols optimizes positive chi. Placing items around our home in areas we want to activate or enhance should be done according to the five elements and the bagua/pa kua. We can energize one or all corners.  

 

Below is a list of some of the most popular symbols in Fend shui:

Turtle – Sign of protection, best if at the back of your house.

Dragon (dragon horse) – yang/male energy, good fortune, wealth and abundance, best if put in the east of home. Never put one in your bedroom as too yang of energy. Avoid dragons made out of gold or other metals. Crystals, ceramics, and wood are fine.  

White tiger – protection, best if put in the west of home. Good to have along with bright lights. Avoid having a tiger picture in home, better to have statues.

The money toad/three-legged toad – The toad is sitting on a pile of gold coins.  Best if made to look like gold with semi-precious eyes, do not buy ones made of wood, pewter or silver. Do not get one with a bagua on its back unless you are rich already and want to signify protection.  Do not place directly in front of the main door, but place diagonal to the door about waist high facing in to signify money coming into the house.

Goldfish – keep 9 in the NE or SE corner of living room, 1 being a black one. If keeping in the north, add a few fast swimmers like guppies to energize your career luck.

Chinese coins – They are round with a square hole, symbolizing the unity of heaven and earth. Tie three coins together with a red thread and stick them yang side (has 4 characters) up onto your files, cashboxes, doorknobs, and cash registers to enhance business luck. Keep 3 inside your purse or pocket book to ensure good money luck.

Sailing ship – The best kinds are the old galleons. Usually made of wood, fill decks with pretend gold, place in home or office, point inwards to signify money coming in. Best placed in the living room on the coffee table, away from and not pointing at the front door. Avoid warships as they symbolize death.

Peaches – symbolizes immortality, marriage.

Mandarin ducks – displaying a pair of them symbolizes young romantic love, love that has a happy ending.  Good to keep a pair in your Relationship corner or in the bedroom.

Peony – conjugal love, ensure of loving husbands, good marriage luck especially when placed in the relationship corner or SW corner of bedroom

General Feng Shui Tips

Ø  When you are buying a home or designing a space, it is optimal to have something tall such as higher hills, a larger building, or book shelves to the left (when facing out) as to signify the protective celestial dragon. On your right should be lower hills, a smaller house, tree, curves, or an armchair to signify the harmony of the celestial white tiger. Behind you should be something strong and supportive like mountains, large hills, or a larger set of buildings to signify the protective energy of the celestial black tortoise. The front of the house or sitting space ideally should be clear with wide open spaces and clutter free, to signify the peaceful, tranquil energy of the celestial red phoenix.

Ø  Chi should flow gently throughout your home. Pointed corners are like poison arrows directing too much chi too quickly. Round corners are much more auspicious.

Ø  Plants, flowers, crystals, lights, fish, wind chimes and mirrors are all great feng shui tools to attract positive chi and change negative chi into positive chi

Ø  The best plants to have are those with rounded edges. The hardy bamboo and jade/rubber plant are the most auspicious. The ficus is the top purifying (great for bathrooms).  Palms, dracaena, and ivy (especially in the relationship corner/SW) are also great plants. Lavender is great for peace and relaxation and lilies and cacti work well to absorb emfemmisions computer areas.

Ø  Be mindful of what is being reflected in mirrors.  Is it something positive that you are increasing highlighting?

Ø  Keep house as clutter free as possible.  If something is broken, fix it or throw it out. If you haven’t used something in a year, get rid of it.  Keep only positive memories and minimal keepsakes.

Ø  Should have a balance of yin (feminine) and yang (masculine) energy to create harmony.  Within the home a suggested good balance is 3 parts yang and 2 parts yin, the bathroom should be more yang and the bedroom should be more yin.

 

General Tips for Activating Chi in the Bedroom

Ø  Should be mostly yin (feminine) energy

Ø  Always try to face head of the bed (the direction the top of your head faces when you are laying down) in one an auspicious directions.  If you and partner’s directions don’t match up, and you sleep in the same bed, always go with the person who makes the most money. Try to do the same with children’s beds.

Ø  Don’t place the head of the bed under a  window, not stable enough. It's also good to avoid placing the head of the bed along the wall of toilet plumbing

Ø  Do try to place the bed where you can see the door, but never so the end of your bed is lined up to the door as your positive energy will go right out the door

Ø  Placing things in pairs, especially in your relationship corner of your bedroom, will activate loving, couple energy.

Ø  Avoid any electronics in your bedroom as it diminishes sleep quality.  If you must, place in your metal corner and/or find a way to cover the activating energy when not in use. 

Ø  Avoid water, living plants, flowers or fish in the bedroom as it is activating energy.

Ø  Soft music, candles, artificial flowers add great yin energy

 

General Tips for Activating Chi in the Kitchen

Ø  Should be mostly yang (masculine) energy, ex. Wood, dark colors

Ø  The mouth of your stove should face one of your auspicious directions, especially Tian Yi.

Ø  Never activate your relationship corner in the kitchen

Ø  Use multiple burners, signifies receiving money from multiple sources

Ø  Your stove should be used in precedence to a microwave

Ø  Great environmentally friendly  way to clean the pipes is to add 1 cup baking soda/1cup vinegar every month or so

Ø  Keep stove clean

Ø  Fresh herbs great to keep indoor

Ø  Flowers, especially chrysanthemums, are great to keep in the kitchen to absorb toxins, last 1-2 weeks

 

General Tips for Auspicious Chi in the Bathroom

Ø  Should be mostly yang (masculine) energy

Ø  Keep the toilet seats down, not only do germs come up from there, having a toilet lid up signifies flushing your money down the toilet

Ø  Ficus plants are 1 of the top 10 purifying plants and great to have in your bathroom

Ø  Gold towels signify abundance

Ø  Try to place toilet away from bathroom door, best if hidden completely

Ø  Avoid having a bathroom in your entrance, best if in middle of house

General Tips for Auspicious Chi in the Living Room

Ø  Plants are great to add life and fresh air.

Ø  Buy comfortable furniture

Ø  Choose high-backed furniture for support

Ø  Use wall coverings in subtle pastel colors to make the room feel bigger, soft yellow stimulates conversation

Ø Design room so the chi flows uninterrupted in a snake-like motion through the room

 

Things to Consider When Buying a House

Ø  The best time to look at the surrounding environment of the property is just after sunrise, or noon in the winter or daybreak in the summer

Ø  Square and rectangle-shaped houses promote optimal chi

Ø  U and L-shaped layouts will be lacking the correlated areas on the bagua, but can be remedied by increasing that space with mirrors, or activate on the outside of house with lights, garden etc.

Ø  Make sure some part of your interior gets sunlight, preferably the living room

Ø  Avoid poison arrows directed to your home, i.e. a street directed right to your home

Ø  Are the plants and trees healthy?

Ø  Smell the air, does it smell sweet or does it smell sour?

Ø  Stove shouldn’t face the front or back door as positive chi will disappear

Ø  The stove (fire element) shouldn’t be directly across from the fridge or dishwasher (water elements), but can be corrected by placing a crystal directly between them

 

What Does Your House Number Mean?

Every house number represents something. In order to find your house number you have to add your house number to a single digit.

 

Example: #107-303 Sutherland Road = 1 + 0 +7 + 3 + 0 + 3 =14.  14 = 1 + 4 = 5, House Number 5

 

Number 1

This house inspires drive and independence, new experiences, self-sufficiency, physical fitness, self-improvement. It is unique and likely to be the type of house which catches the attention of others as they pass. These distinguishing features could be good or bad. This house often belongs to a person with a high position in work, and to one who has a definite ambition. It can be the home of someone notorious or famous. A person who has not been well for some time will improve. People who are not ‘snobs’ or members of the ‘upper crust’ may be brought in contact with these people, but number 1 house people themselves can be ‘snobs’.

 

Number 1 in the East –loneliness, bad luck, spiritual number that represents the highest, most superior the tai chi from which the two principles of yin and yang came into being.

Number 1 in the West – undivided singularity, the source and root of all numbers, creation, progress, individuality, oneness and self-development.

 

Suggestions for a 1 House: Under no circumstances clutter this house. Keep furniture to a minimum and decorate in white or strong bright colours. Keep windows clean and clear. People living in this house often use white, gold and orange in and around their homes. You will often see guilded mirrors and crystal chandeliers, if money allows.

 

 

Number 2

This house is sure to be a cozy, comfortable and attractive family home, with unpretentious people who are willing to share their hospitality with others.  Often children living here may not be your own, but other people who are drawn to your place. Kids come back to visit, seldom any sign of ostentation, supportive of others, and home improvements are done here and there. This house has simple, nurturing foods in the cupboards and share with others freely. Sympathetic influence gives an affinity and feeling for the mass of average people, and there is often a real sense of community spirit.

 

Number 2 in the East – positive number, stands for unity, and reciprocal trust,

Number 2 in the West – duality and dichotomy, reciprocal attraction, recognition and knowledge are created by balancing opposites.

 

Suggestions for a 2 House: This house inspires sensitivity, so complement its energy with pinks, whites and creams. It is often decorated with comfortable, tasteful furnishings, and has a loving and warm atmosphere.

 

Number 3

This house has a desire for expansion and to stand out with the result that one feels it gives a great need for freedom and unrestricted living. It is a happy dwelling with positive attitudes and great communication that attracts lots of visitors. It balances its positives and negative, so there will be honesty and dishonesty, gains and losses, controlled expansion and reckless gamble. This house symbolizes encouragement. It is a fun house that inspires creativity, which is reflected in the home.

 

Number 3 in the East – positive and meaningful number, attributes of growth and the promise of  many descendants.

Number 3 in the West – wholeness and completeness, symbol of God, body mind and spirit, stands for the family, represents love of life, optimism and openness, very lucky number.

 

Suggestions for a 3 House: Use wicker and cane furniture and keep colours fun with yellow and purple tones.

 

Number 4

This House isn’t everyone’s cup of tea because the influence can be very overpowering. Need for order, routine, groundedness, patience, and tolerance. Because of the diametrically opposing forces inherent in this number, it is likely to have some odd feature which should, but cannot, easily be resolved. There is often an effort made to transform the old-style appearance into a contemporary design, but this can be very difficult to achieve or can cause great disruptions to those living there. It often produces a strong sense of frustration because it pulls in two directions. This influence can bring bigger upheavals and more disruptions than any other number, and more often happen through circumstances beyond one’s control. More than one person living in this house can be found to have completely different points of view and neither will give way to the other. Only people with a strong positive character will be able to find the qualities of peace of mind and tranquillity..

 

Number 4 in the East – most negative number because sounds like the word death. As a protective measure put a circle around it to contain its negativity

Number 4 in the West – traditional number of the earthy universe, the elements, the seasons, an directions on a compass.  Associated with solidarity, stability, drive, and endurance.

 

Suggestions for a 4 House: To avoid financial and relationship problems, add an attractive garden and a brightly-coloured front door and letterbox. Decorate with earthly colours such as brown, with touches of green, caramel and white.

 

Number 5

This house is a very busy place, and one can feel a restless air of activity as soon as you walk in the door. This is a home where people get together and talk about all sorts of things. There are always people popping in and out, coming and going. This number also tends to produce a highly-strung, rather nervous type of disposition and it does seem to be difficult to sit and do nothing. There is lots of travel and freedom.  It can be an exciting address to live at, especially for singles. There is romantic exploration, but not so much marriage. People who are connected with communication, news, information and transport, are curious and have lots of books are drawn to 5 houses. The car and telephone are essential and much needed items. Children in this house often have a great interest in bikes or motorbikes.

Number 5 in the East – positive and neutral number, feng shui traditions ignore this number

Number 5 in the West – according to the Pythagoras, it is the most complex number, ie. 5 senses. It is considered active, impulsive, adventurous, curious, and inventive.

 

Suggestions for a 5 House: Use bright colours on the walls, and camouflaging areas that are not to your taste.

 

Number 6

This is certain to be an attractive and/or artistically decorated house. It may express, in some way, something of beauty, sophistication, symmetry, and refinement. It is a lovely address for families and for artists and teachers. One feels safe, warm, and understood. One will make wonderful friends and have many enjoyable moments because it is the most favourable number for harmonious co-operation. The closeness of family, pets and loved ones are felt. Disharmony cannot survive for long in the kind of atmosphere. As 6 is the number of equality and justice, consequently, to live in this house means that you will be repaid for past action. Don’t forget, however, that the harvest will depend on the type of seeds that have been sown.

 

Number 6 in the East – good luck, symbol for property, wealth, and abundance, provides good conditions for moving towards wealth

Number 6 in the West – Number of days it took God to create the world, which gives super human power to this number, balance, health and peace empathy, love, and duty to the community, symbolizes partnership

 

Suggestions for a 6 House: There is usually a predominance of pastel shades in the basic colour scheme, and often a preference for pink or aqua - the overall effect being one of harmony and calmness. Be cautious as this house tends to overdo the decorative effects, often combining too many colours and spoiling the effect.   It is best if the kitchen is connected with the living room because of how busy it can get with family and friends.

Number 7

This house inspires spirituality, a calm quiet, contemplative atmosphere.  It is great for research, studying or deep thinking. A single person could feel lonely here. There is an air of mystery. It can appear at first glance to be one thing, when in actual fact, it is the opposite. There may be a part of the structure that is not instantly visible to the onlooker and in some cases the structure is defective, though it may not be apparent. The common problem is dampness, or trouble with drainage.

 

Number 7 in the East – holy number

Number 7 in the West – holy number, mystical change birth and rebirth, seven sacred vows, seven deadly sins

 

Suggestions for a 7 House: Furniture should be minimal and you should decorate with touches of purple, orange and/or yellow. Try to create a 'quiet room' with a bookcase, or have regular 'no TV' times.

 

Number 8

It is a great address for everyone, particularly the self-employed and self-motivated. There is a look of solidity and status, sometimes it is all business.  It attracts opportunity, achievement, and there is a promise of security. This house will normally skyrocket in value or help those living there to accrue wealth.

 

Number 8 in the East – ultimate good luck number, horizontal 8 is symbol for infinity, fav phone , house or license plate number.

Number 8 in the West – flow of life’s energy in an endless spiral motion, infinity, strength, power, and authority.

 

Suggestions for an 8 House: Try not to have anything shabby showing, and keep furniture as modern as you can. Natural earthy shades with touches of red are ideal.

 

Number 9

This house is usually quiet and comfortable, a great place for rest, deep healing, regeneration and exploring creativity. There is a sense of timelessness. This house enhances study and all students will do well living here.  People are usually attracted here because of a healing energy ie. massage, counselling. It inspires ‘humanitarianism’ and will be open to bringing people in. For example, if a friend or family member is in need, room will always be made for them.  This house is prone to have electrical problems and burnt toast is a common occurrence.

 

Number 9 in the East – long life, lucky number, represents south, the most important and beneficial direction

Number 9 in the West – the number of perfection, (any number from 1 to 8 when multiplied by 9 equals a number whose numerals total 9), the number of eternity, generosity, tolerance, empathy, and freedom

 

Suggestion for a 9 House: Decorate in pale, calm colours and keep lots of houseplants. Display trophies around the room to enhance success, and put out fresh flowers as often as you can.

 

Whether you are buying a house, renovating part of a house, redecorating a room, or wanting to increase the flow of positive chi in a certain area of your life, feng shui is a great way to begin. With a few thoughtful changes you can optimize the energy flow to create a space that is more harmonious, balanced, peaceful, and increase your luck in various areas of your life.  Happy feng shui’in everyone!

 

 

Great feng shui resources I use on a regular basis and got the above information from:

Bagua pictures from http://www.mitch.org/Andy/Ba-Gua.html

and http://www.fengshuipalace.com/fs101/bagua.shtml

Beattie,Antonia. Feng Shui Dictionary. Thunder Bay Press. San Diego, California. 2003.

Bradler, Christine. Feng Shui Symbols. Llondon, New York. 1999.

House numbers http://numerology-thenumbersandtheirmeanings.blogspot.ca/2010/10/numerology-what-your-house-number-means.html

Kua number information from Lillian Too’s books & http://www.fengshuibestbuy.com/kuanumber.html

Lambert, Mary. Instant Feng Shui For the Home. London, New York. 2006.

Too, Lillian. The Complete Illustrated Guide to Feng Shui; How to Apply the Secrets of Chinese Wisdom for

Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Element Books LTD. Rockport, MA, USA. 1996.

Too, Lillian. Feng Shui; The Complete Guide to the Art and Practice of Feng Shui. Element Books. Boston,

MA, USA. 1999.