Strengthening Family Ties
From an energetic perspective, each one of us is an extension of our mother and father, our grandparents, great-grandparents and all those who came before us. These are our “elders” and they represent our roots in the world. History reminds us of the depth of family bloodlines: the Asian dynasties, the European royal families, Native Americans and American Mayflower families to name a few.
The Family and Ancestor gua carries the energy of our relationships with extended family (including siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins) as well as our relationships superiors and bosses … our “work” family. Although we sometimes move away from family and even sever family ties, the energetic attachments remain.
The “Family” area is the left center of every space when you overlay a tic-tac-toe grid of 9 blocks over your space. The “space” can be your land, house, master bedroom, office, home office or any room in your house. It can also be your desktop, your car or wherever you are.
Clearing, cleaning, enhancing or energizing the Family area of your house or space can be very helpful if you would like to:
· Improve relationships with your immediate or extended family
· Develop a better relationship with your boss or manager
· Initiate action, expansion or change in your life
· Overcome family secrets or deeply held shame
· Remove obstacles to success
· Alleviate problems with your feet, liver or gall bladder
· Release anger or depression
· Build confidence
· Stop shouting
The energy of your space reflects the patterns in your life. How does this area look and feel in your house or work space? Is it clean and well maintained or does it need some attention? Make sure that your plumbing, electrical system, and windows are in top order. Windows represent our outlook on life. If they are clouded, foggy or difficult to open, your perspective and relationships may reflect this as well. As you correct plumbing and electrical problems, your health and well-being may improve as well. Fix anything that requires it and remove all clutter and dust. Clutter is stuck energy and it can easily bring family relationships to a halt. You can strengthen family ties or energetically resolve your hidden family issues by attending to your Family gua. Visualize your desired outcome as you re-energize this area.
The feng shui color for the Family area is a vivid, spring green. Spring is the season of new beginnings and growth. Think “tree” energy, when it comes to reflecting on family. Trees are about beauty, growth and seasonal change. Their roots can penetrate deep into the earth. Enhance the Family area of your home or office using objects that represent wood or water energy. These include the colors green and blue, floral fabrics and upholstery, tall items and columns, vertical stripes, rectangular shapes, green plants such as bamboo, jade, philodendron; fresh flowers; family mementos and photos taken during happy times, a water feature, moving water, pictures of water; a crystal. Be creative. Place items that you remind you of your family in positive and meaningful ways.
Family relationships can be complex, including your “work “family. It is very important that buried anger, hidden resentments or deep family secrets are resolved. Lingering and unresolved issues can limit your progress, stop you in your tracks and disrupt your health and well being. The good news is that working with your space can bring about unexpected and wonderful change.
Adjust your space to enhance your life and observe what happens. You may be delighted at the ease and flow that emerges for you.
Peg Donahue and Katina Lemay operate The Center for Feng Shui and Intuitive Arts. To learn more about feng shui or arrange for a consultation, visit our website www.center4fengshui.com.