Nine Simple Feng Shui Travel Tips
We actively practice Feng Shui at home and at work. But what happens when we hit the road? Can we take it with us and make the adventure even better? Yes!
- GATHER INSIGHT – Consult with the I Ching (Yi Jing) to gather insight and guidance regarding your travels. When approached sincerely, the I Ching can give you information that may not be apparent on the surface. Hexagram #56 Traveling advises that when traveling, as in daily life, “we are strangers in a strange land. We should approach every encounter with an open mind and with an attitude of tolerance and modesty”.
- INVOKE PROTECTION – The carrying of a talisman for protection while traveling has long been a tradition in many cultures. The talisman serves as a focus of your intention to insure safe and accident free experiences. In B.T.B. Feng Shui it is tradition to place nine round pieces of orange peel placed in a red envelope and carried with you throughout your travels for protection and safety.
- MARK YOUR DEPARTURE – Like a red ribbon cutting ceremony performed when opening a business, the Red Cloth tradition in B.T.B. Feng Shui is performed when leaving home for traveling. The six-foot cloth is placed over the threshold of your front door, and while visualizing a safe and accident free trip, the cloth is walked over to mark the beginning of your adventure. The cloth is again walked over when leaving your destination to return home. While walking over the cloth, any and all negative energy is cleansed.
- ENHANCE YOUR COMFORT LEVEL – When traveling, whether by plane, train or automobile a few minutes of planning ahead can make the difference between an enjoyable experience or an intolerable nightmare. Enhance your chi by taking into consideration your senses. Comfortable clothing can make a tremendous difference, especially if there is an unexpected delay. An extra lightweight shawl can be utilized a multitude of ways. A lightly scented hand cream not only moisturizes but serves as an uplifting treat for your senses. Take in the view! No matter what type of travel, soak in the environment. Try to absorb your surroundings, whether a spectacular view or simply people watching. You are on an adventure, look around and consciously take in the experience. Listen to the sounds of your environment. The sounds of foreign voices, the wind, the rumbling of the train. Whatever you are hearing is for you. Listen and become your environment. Taste the abundance of new and exotic flavors. Step out of your comfort zone and try new foods that are common in your location.
- CLEAR THE ENERGY – When arriving in any hotel or guesthouse, it is necessary to clear any energy left over from previous visitors. It is not always possible or permissible to burn sage or incense at many destinations. Natural orange spray is an energy cleanser and easy to spray around your room. You can also squeeze the fresh peel of an orange to clear out negative energy. Used with any type of space clearing techniques from the many schools of Feng Shui, orange scent is excellent for clearing out old stale energy.
- COVER THAT TV! – If your room has a T.V., you will experience a much more pleasant stay if you cover it when not in use. The energy of all that is portrayed on television shows as well as news shows is not conducive to a good night’s sleep. That energy is present and directed at you just by viewing the unit itself. By covering the front, you lessen the impact and refocus your energy elsewhere.
- CREATE A SACRED SPACE – Setting up a space for the sacred is important regardless of your religious or spiritual background. A travel altar can set the foundation of your experience. It is the touchstone to begin each day and return to in the evening. Travel altars are personal and creating one is easy to do. A simple cloth set with objects that are personally inspiring is all that is necessary. Choose items that remind you of the qualities you wish to empower.
- GET OUT THERE! – Unless you are on a silent retreat, traveling is a good time to invoke some Moving Water Qi. Meet and talk to as many people as you can. Step out of your norm. Be open and don’t ask for anything or complain. Simply enjoy the opportunity to meet new people.
- THE RETURN – Take time before departing to meditate on your experience. What have you learned, gained, or left behind? How will you use what you have learned or experienced? Return to the Red Cloth and place over the threshold. As you depart, visualize that any negativity is left behind and you move forward with new insights and return safely back home.
Everything that has a beginning has an ending. Make your peace with that and all will be well. ~Buddha
An extensive traveler, James Jay is CEO and co-founder of Feng Shui Designs, Inc. and China Studies Educational Programs in China. Since 1994 James Jay along with his wife Helen have been training Feng Shui Professionals through the CFSP - Certified Feng Shui Professional Training Program developed exclusively by the Jays. Hundreds of Feng Shui consultants around the globe have begun their successful Feng Shui careers with the Jay's programs which they have taught throughout the United States, Belgium, Spain, Mexico and China since 1993. James is also one of the original founders of the IFSG.
