In this age of change, of shifting landscapes and blurry vision, our concepts of everything are being challenged. This is not new to any of us, whose consciousness has been awakened; for us Lightworkers. What is new is the accelerating speed at which this is all occurring. Keep reading for this insightful and magical experience from Maureen Calamia, Luminous Spaces Feng Shui.

We have stepped into unknown territory. We are in a “liminal space,” a portal between here and there, between what was and what is to be.

While in this “liminal space” we are growing spiritually at an accelerated rate. Sometimes very challenging situations are presenting themselves in our lives and we are challenged to conquer and release them once and for all. As we do that, our light grows exponentially.

And this is where my focus has been for the last three years. As with many of you, the pandemic initiated a fork in the road for me, and I am so very grateful.

In a dream I had the other night, I am told to swallow an acorn, whole. After it goes through my digestive track, I pick it up and notice tiny green tendrils coming out of it, seeds for a new hybrid human, infused with nature spirit. I woke up before I could plant it. But in mind heart, I did, and hope you do, too.

I am reminded that the acorn is a symbol of growth and unlimited potential. Many of us are tapping into that unlimited potential of our consciousness.

My work is now focused on consciousness – and helping others on their spiritual path, still using some of the same tools as I have used for years, including feng shui, earth energy healing, and ceremony, but the consciousness and light of these techniques have upshifted.

And I notice a need to lighten up on my “touch.” It’s hard to put into words. But it’s a “fluffier” version of what I do. Not fluffy, as in surface. But fluffy as in less dense. Much like how we’re trained to hold chi gong hands: to cultivate the soft. There is no gripping, just a light openness and relaxed stance. Although this concept is not new, it is even more heightened now.

Our energy, or chi, has a much greater influence than ever before, and we need to take responsibility for and respect the impact of our energy in the world. Again, this is nothing new, and many spiritual master teachers and awakened ones have been practicing this all along, especially in feng shui. It’s just now, it is has become more accessible perhaps and more critical to our paths.

While many of us Lightworkers have been focusing on perfecting technique, in whatever modality we practice, that is much less important than the quality of our energy and consciousness.

I was trained under H.H. Grandmaster Professor Lin Yun, and one thing he said has always stayed with me, but since the pandemic, it has been my mantra: “Be the cure.” In other words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” (Gandhi) I am grateful for that wisdom, which has kept me on the path of continuing spiritual growth. This has been my “destination.”

And as I’ve grown in spiritual awareness, my path has led me to work on a higher level of consciousness, and presence and mindfulness teachings of many spiritual masters.

My consulting work, and teachings, are constantly evolving, and are more focused on raising consciousness about our connection to nature outside, and within ourselves. To rise outside the traditional way of working in feng shui and other healing modalities. To tap into the higher realms of spirit that are becoming available to many of us now. Some call it 5D consciousness. Some call it the Divine Feminine. Some even say it’s the Age of Aquarius. It’s all the above, only the labels are different.

The path has led me here, to this place in time. I’ve listened to my dreams and meditations, gave weight to synchronicities that I experienced, to people I’ve met, topics I’ve been drawn to.  I’ve applied concepts to my own life. I’ve experienced amazing transformations, as well as deep disappointments. But that does not stop me from knowing deep down what is right. I do it with excitement and enthusiasm for the joy of discovery and exploration!

Studying in this path, in this way, continues to deepen and strengthen my sense of self and how I can help others.

As many of my feng shui and spiritual teachers have shown me, our work is uniquely our own. If we take what we’ve learned and integrate and blend in our unique skills, talents, and passions, that is what makes us exceptional. Following our own path, our own star!

Well respected by her peers, Maureen Calamia is author of Creating Luminous Spaces: Use the Five Elements for Balance and Harmony in Your Home and in Your Life (Conari Press). She is also founder of the Re-Nature philosophy based on the premise that we need to restore nature back into our lives, our homes, and spirits. She is also founder of the long-running program Luminous Spaces Feng Shui School which offers a number of online courses and Certification Programs.

Do you ever feel like you just can’t get your mojo going?  We all want Motivation, Momentum, and Movement.  But sometimes, we are just Maxx-ed out.

Feng Shui tells us to shift.  We need a nurturing flow of energy to keep us moving through life; through our relationships, goals, work, joy, passions and fun.  So, when you are stuck, something in your brain says you need to move.  Maybe you feel it in your gut.  But change is not always easy.

So, what happens when you feel so stuck, that you can’t even think about how to get unstuck because your stuck is so stuck. 

Well, we asked our experts what they do when they need a big shift, or a reset to their energy.   And their answers were amazing.    Not only did each of us learn something for ourselves – but we believe everyone will be able to take at least one of the following and apply in your own life.

A Change Will Do You Good

Change is a big piece of Feng Shui.  Accepting and embracing change to let go of the old and bring in the new.  It’s the old saying, if what you are doing isn’t working, then do something else.

Additionally, one of the biggest things a feng shui consultant will tell you, when you are stuck, is to clean up your clutter.  Put stuff away.  Get rid of things that are broken or don’t serve you anymore.  There is no right answer.  Only what’s right for you.

“Decluttering can be an overwhelming task when you have no motivation, just try 9 minutes for 9 days. Just 9 minutes, put your clock on and see how much 9 minutes will help you shift some of that blocked energy…”  Claire

“Change it up. Do the opposite of your routine. If you have a regular walking or driving route, begin in the opposite direction. If you shower in the evening, shower in the morning instead.” Carolyn

And you can also think outside the box.  “I have had periods in my life when a really BIG shift was needed; when that happened, I changed the purpose of some of my rooms. Switched my office with our guest bedroom. Swapped out our dining room and made it my office.” Joan

Let’s Groove

An easy way to up your energy is to use music/sound and moving your body.

 “Good music, dance, movement, windows open, basically rising own vibes, clearing head and committing.” Stephanie Jane

“Get up early – earlier than the world because it’s quiet. Make a playlist – have a 10 minute dance party! Find a podcast and play in the background while you pull all your stuff off your shelves and organize and make piles.” Angela

“Music. Put some amazing tunes on and set the intention to clean up your office. Its the only way I can get things done.”  Suzanne

“Move your body, still your mind.” Carolyn

Let it Be

And on the opposite end of movement is stillness.  Sometimes it’s good to just rest.

“When I am overwhelmed, the last thing I need is another thing on my to-do list. Just try being with no expectations, let it happen in its own time.” Andrea

“What I can say is to look at it for what it is. Don’t be judgmental about it. Everything comes in waves and cycles and be comforted that this phase is temporary. You need an energy reset. Don’t force the energy as you may be going against the current.” Patsy

“Be easy on yourself. Rest if you can. Take breaks. Be kind to you. Go swimming. Take some baths. The energy will return and when it does just make one big pile of the “chaos” so you can feel the benefits quickly and then slow and steady go through the pile when you can.” Katie

The Hills are Alive

Nature.  So many talked about the value of nature, getting outside and breathing fresh air.  Yes, even if it’s very hot or very cold.  There is something about the earth’s energy that we need; we crave; that feeds our souls.  The earth is a magical place and all our needs can be met with her beauty and gifts.

“Go for a walk and say thank you with every foot step for however long your walk is. 10 deep breaths of fresh air outside.” Angela

“Try using some Macrocarpa flower essence, a Eucalypt from Australia.  Both the tree and the flower have a tremendous power about them and this comes out in its properties. This Essence brings about renewed enthusiasm, endurance, and inner strength.” Richard

Indications for use:
Negative: Personally drained. Tired, exhausted, burnt-out, low immunity.
Positive: Renews enthusiasm. Strong affinity to the adrenal glands, bringing about energy, strength, vitality.

On the Road Again

Sometimes you just need to get out of the house or change your view.

“Go on a vacation!  Come back renewed with new perspective and energy.” Amanda

“Just walking away from the tasks for a week, even if I didn’t actually go on vacation, and came back fresher a week later.” Joan

The Power of [Self] Love

We all know the buzz words of self-love and self-care.  But when you are depleted, it really is one of the most important things you can do to jump start your engine. 

So, when you are tired – by all means rest.  Even when you think you can’t, because you don’t have time or if you do the world will implode – it’s even more important, or your battery will be dead.

“Cycles in energy are normal. Do things to avoid burnout and help you restore alignment…Take a walk outside, strength training, yoga, spa day, talk to a friend, sing, dance, listen to music, meditate, spiritual dowsing.”  Lisa

We love this from Jillian:  “I suggest you 1) take a break 2) delegate 3) take another break 4) more self-care like a massage or body treatment 5) take a nap.”

Working 9 To 5

In the office – especially with co-workers, the energy is electric at time.  And chaotic.  And it’s all good.  From chaos comes order; and from chaos beauty can rise.

“Make a list of 3 items to do that may or may not be related to your desk and check them off when completed. Keep it simple. The first item on your list: make your bed .”  Carolyn

“When it comes to your office, tackle like with like items (ie paper, pens, books etc) and set a timer for 15 minutes then take a break. For the desk area, break it up into quadrants, so only work on the far left corner until it’s clean, rather than working on the entire desk.” Louise

“Is it just you in the office? If not, sit everyone down for a centering moment and help them to be present through deep breathing.  Then have everyone state their purpose and goal on the business and for that specific day. Then show them that basically everyone has the same goal. Have weekly grounding meetings to stay focused.”  Rahbia

Good Vibrations

Energy is everything.  Energy is in everything.  Whether it’s in your physical world or your physical body.  It’s all about the energy.

“Try essential oils…peppermint always clears my head. Lavender bath, if a luxurious bath is not something you can do, try a lavender body wash. Embrace the feel of the water in your body…allowing the water and scent to pull away all the negative energy.” Linda

“Reiki!” Erin

“When things get tough to clear up in a space, using sound, even when you are not there, is way to uplift the space and help it feel less stuck. So leave your iPad there with nature sounds, healing music or some upbeat tunes you love. Put salt in all the corners. Turn on all the lights and open the windows. Spray some essential oils and light a candle. Then honor that your energy is overwhelmed… and just sit… and slow your senses to be cleared and energized.” LuAnn

“I find when I am blocked it can be related to one of the chakras. Your body may require a specific colour ray. For example, if you are stressed or confused it usually sits in the solar plexus. Yellow is the colour choice for your solar plexus where to claim your authentic power. I suggest adding yellow to your diet, clothing and environment. I also have clients who use the Colour Mirrors system to bathe in the colour or spray the spritzers to shift the energy and bring in the colour ray your spirit needs.”  Sherry

Dont’ Worry Be Happy

Similar to letting go – that we talked about above – often it’s about letting go of the expectations and letting the universe do its work.  Yes, we need to make the physical shifts – that clutter isn’t going to take care of itself.  But then we also need to trust the process, trust the universe to do what is best for us.

“Let go of shoulds. Proclaim that the stuff symbolizes abundance and consider that the clearing is sharing. Do you subconsciously worry about not having something to do in your down time? Sometimes clutter can represent a backup so that you don’t run out of “some things to do.”  Peggy

“I recently had the same thing in a room and being able to just dig in was so so hard, I just kept avoiding it. I knew what the room’s chaos was doing to me but doing the work was, just ugh. I started cleaning the space energetically. I did a salt clearing then burned Palo Santo Incense and used my bells in the room for a few days. This worked for me, and I was able to lift the energy level of the room so I could actually get motivated to do the hard work. And interestingly enough, I just dug in one day and spent hours organizing. I didn’t plan it, I let it happen.”  Dee

And finally, Jillian reminds us that “the energetics have been really ‘off’ the last few weeks [and months].  You may be more energy sensitive than you know, or getting more sensitive. Be gentle with yourself.”

Written/Compiled by Deb DermyerLamb, CEO

Expert Contributors:

Lisa Alban
Rahbia Allen
Patsy Balacchi
Linda Bischoff
Claire Boscq
Erin Ratliff
Sherry Brouzes
Richard Bryant
Suzanne Butler
LuAnn Cibik
Peggy Joy Cross
Andrea Dupont
Amanda Finch
Stephanie Jane Hemsted-Williams
Joan Law
Tori McBrien
Louise Nettleton
Dee Oujiri
Carolyn Race
Katie Rogers
Jillian Rothschild-Scholar
Angela Vernola

Simply put, Feng Shui is an art and a science. Originating in China, literally translated: feng means wind and shui is water. It is a study and discipline, thousands of years old, focusing on one’s personal space – home, office, landscape – and the flow of energy. Through Feng Shui, we intend to maximize life goals and intentions, balance elemental facets, and look to the feminine and masculine of all things.

In Feng Shui, there is an understanding that energy flows through all things – living and inanimate. Through that energy flow, we can design and arrange our spaces to support and nourish our lives and goals using the Feng Shui tools of the trade. The positive aspects to chi flow bring about positive shifts to our world, relationships, home and work, abundance and health and more. A less than positive, or negative, chi flow can keep us stagnant, from achieving our goals, or from being all that we are intended to be.

There is also the understanding in Feng Shui that all situations are fluid and can change. Change in inevitable; change can be beneficial. Feng Shui uses the physical shifts and updates to our spaces to bring about positive and harmonious shifts in our lives.

How does Feng Shui work?

• Through Feng Shui we look at design and flow.
• We look for safety and comfort.
• We look at the balance or imbalance of the Five Elements of Feng Shui. While not all of the five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water need be present in exactly equal portions – each element may be represented and present in ways that influence positively the inhabitants of a space.
• Balancing the feminine and the masculine – the yin and the yang – is also important for enriching the lives, careers, relationships, health, and abundance of those living and working in spaces.
• The bagua map is a guide to mapping your spaces and finding those areas where more balance or focus is needed, using the above Five Elements or enhancements.
• Some perspectives use birth charts, compass or luo pan, astrology, numerology, dowsing and space clearing to provide specific adjustments.
• The diversity of the many schools or perspectives of Feng Shui means that there are just as many different ways of applying the principles and concepts. That flexibility and grace can provide an infinite number of possibilities of how to bring the benefits and energy of Feng Shui into your world. Even with those variances, many of the basic principles remain the same and are what unify us all.

Simply put: Physical and intentional shifts to your space whether home or work or even landscape – embracing the energy of the world – make Feng Shui work. Without those, it is difficult to harness the benefits of Feng Shui. And difficult to create the desires you want in any of the 9 life areas, or guas such as wealth, relationships, career or family to name a few.

The basics are clear: live with what you love – get rid of what you don’t. Remove clutter. That is a great start.

“Always keep in mind that the strongest factor of your Feng Shui is you.” ― Stefan Emunds

From Laura Morris, Mindful Design Feng Shui School and Morris Feng Shui

For the third week in a row my grocery store has been sold out of yeast. Yesterday in the baking section all the flour was gone, just empty shelves, in both of my local grocery stores. People are making bread, a lot of bread. The satisfaction of watching dough rise and nurturing it, keeping it warm and happy is very appealing. As a feng shui practitioner this makes so much sense to me. Bread making checks a lot of feng shui boxes for increasing positive vibes. Making dough is a simple and gentle act that allows us to feed our family, warm our kitchen, and it gives us the chance to create something.

“Measuring, kneading and shaping dough can be a balm for the anxiety that has accompanied the virus.” Washington Post

In feng shui, cooking, baking, and nurturing others with food is connected to the earth element. Very simply, the five elements are the basic elements of life: fire, earth, metal, water, and wood. In the ancient practice of Feng Shui, these elements are more than actual flames, or dirt, or pieces of wood; it is about the qualities of the elements. You can think of the elements as universal energetic essences, each with their own flavor of energy (qi).

The earth element is stable, supportive, nurturing, and grounding. Think about the earth below your feet: it’s always there to support you. The earth element is also connected to nourishment and how we take care of ourselves. So you can see how making dough and baking is a great way to bring more earth energy into your life and home.

All this dough and bread making got me thinking; what are other ways we can bring this same nurturing energy into our homes. Here are 3 simple ways to bring more nurturing earth energy into your home:

1. Add peace to the centre of your home: the centre of your home is connected to the earth element. It is also where all other areas meet and represents overall well-being. Two simple ways to focus on the center of your home: try sitting in the centre of your bedroom, take nine slow inhales and exhales visualizing a golden light radiated around you (repeat this nine times). Anjie Cho has a lovely guided space clearing meditation that you can do here.

You can also hang a feng shui crystal in the centre of your home or your bedroom. These leaded crystal balls modulate the qi and smooth the energy. Think of them as tiny, radiating suns. Set the intention to create ease and well-being as you place it.

2. Warm up your living room: adding accent lighting and warm colours like reds and oranges can cozy up a cold and gray corner. Reds and oranges represent the fire element and in the five element system fire supports earth.

3. Seed or plant some herbs: I have got the containers ready and will be ordering my plants for pick up. Working with the soil, digging, and planting connects us directly with the earth. It is therapeutic to get your hands dirty with potting soil and peat moss.

Let’s all find some ease, and lean into simple pleasures that make us feel grounded and nurtured. Make homemade bread, pizza dough, plant seeds, and then take a rest in your cozy living room with your family and watch some Netflix! PS. For all those bakers out there, I did finally find some yeast.

Laura Morris is the co-founder of Mindful Design Feng Shui School. She was the Feng Shui expert on the CBC’s popular lifestyle show Steven & Chris, and is also the author of Creating Change: 27 Feng Shui Design Projects to Boost the Energy in your Home. She previously served as the Board Chair of the International Feng Shui Guild.

Like you, and many others around the world, we have been focusing on and thinking about the changes and shifts around the world with relation to Covid-19.  At times, it brings us to a loss for words, what to share, how to continue our mission of intentionally reaching out – especially to our members, but also to the public, and to the world at-large.

No matter how many times we hear the phrase “social distancing,” all we can think is we are leaning in.   

We are leaning in to each other.  To our work. To our friends and families.  Especially those who are sick or dealing with a condition that makes you more vulnerable.  We are leaning in.  Sharing as much positivity as we can muster.  Because we know it makes a difference.  We know it matters.  Our work matters.

We are energy workers – and we know – even as hard as things are for many – we know everything is energy.  We are not letting go of that important premise.  Faith and hope are JUST as contagious as fear.  Fear just feels bigger right now.  Hold on to the hope and share it in waves.

So, through this letter, we are reaching out to let you know, we are standing by you in any way that we can.

We will continue to share goodness, the positive sides of life and energy.  We hope to douse you with Feng Shui love and help you weather the times that are here or that are coming.  Life isn’t always easy – nor does it promise to be.  But we know our tools can help mitigate the valleys and help us move toward the peaks.  Self care is always a big deal – but even more so now with many dealing with illness, changes in economic or food stability, and sheltering in place.  We hope to continue to encourage you with our messages.

For our consultant members and schools, we know as entrepreneurs, working on our own, there are cycles.  We want to continue to promote you as often as we can.  Your business is important to us.  You are important to us.  You always have been.

• If you have a blog post we can share, an online event, social media content, or something else – let us know. We will share as much as we are able.

Connections are crucial.  Perhaps one of our most important ways to lift each other up are through our online communities.  Intentional connections can help us weather the isolation many may feel.  [Remember – lean in!]

• Join our online social media to connect with likeminded people.
• And specially for you members, our closed Facebook group, the Virtual Chapter; if you haven’t been in there lately, please come. Come to our table and let us nurture your spirit and work. 

And importantly, we know there are economic ripples throughout the world.  We don’t want to lose a SINGLE member because you can’t pay your dues.  We are committed to being there for everyone who needs us – to continue your membership in any way we can.

• If you need help – GET IN TOUCH. We are here.  We aren’t going anywhere.

As always, we are staying true to our mission.  Advancing the growth and promotion of Feng Shui worldwide – because if there was ever a time that Feng Shui at home could help – the time is now!  Also, we continue promoting and serving our members through the good and the bad with empowering resources, opportunities and a unified Feng Shui community.  It’s our tenet. Our core. It’s who we are.  We will get through this.  And so will you.

We got you.

Click here for a printable version of this letter.

Sincerely and gratefully,
Deb DermyerLamb, CEO on behalf of the IFSG Board of Directors