Gracious Living: How to Create Affordable Luxury in Your Home

Gracious Living is about creating a sense of luxury and pleasure that brings you joy in your home and life. Many times in our rush to get things just right, we lose sight of ourselves and what makes us happy and fulfilled. This blog is about regaining and refining that feeling in our homes and lives – easily and affordably.

We’ve provided a number of tips and hints below to get you started. We know you’ll find your own special ways to create a gracious lifestyle that sings to your heart, and we hope you’ll share your ideas with us via our contact form.

Surround yourself with the things you love

This is a guiding principle of Gracious Living. Love what you have and enjoy it. So, look around your home and pull out those things. Grandma’s wine glasses don’t do any good tucked away in the attic. Take them out and enjoy them.

Also, don’t discount items you love because you don’t know where to put them or how to display them.  Be open to possibilities. Your favorite Aunt’s shawl just might make a great throw on your couch. The picture you took on your walk in the woods could look beautiful in a frame.

Remember the corollary:  Donate or gift those things that you don’t like or no longer serve you. One of my Feng Shui clients keeps a ’gift box’ of such things (e.g., a bracelet she received that didn’t fit) and then shares them openly with others as from ‘Her Collection’.

Open the Door to a Nurturing Home

Take a moment to feel what you brings you a sense of ease and relaxation.  What can help create that feeling as walk in your door?  Is it a chair or stool you can sit on to take off your shoes? Or, maybe some beautiful flowers on table?  Perhaps, it’s something more practical like a bowl you can drop your keys in as you enter. (The bonus:  You’ll always know where they are!)

Think Comfort

Keep a cozy blanket or shawl near your favorite chair so you can grab it as needed.  Do you like to have a drink or snack as you relax? Consider putting a small table near your chair or couch if you don’t already have one.

Create a Feeling of Abundance

ut a bowl of fresh fruit on your dining room or kitchen table.  This is a traditional Chinese symbol and offering of prosperity that can also help promote healthy snacking.  Think of what else makes you feel prosperous and display it, symbolically if needed (e.g., a gold plate or coins from a foreign country).

Experience Extravagance

Take out the good china, wine glasses or teacups and use them!  Don’t have any?  Consider visiting a thrift shop or go to an estate sale but make sure you smudge it as you bring it into your house and use it. You can generally pick up a couple of items reasonably and don’t have to invest in a whole set.

Wake up to Beauty Every Morning

What is the first thing you see when you wake up?  Put something beautiful there – a picture or photo you love, a vase or special memento.  One note: Do not display pictures of water in a bedroom.  From a Feng Shui perspective water images in a bedroom can equate to a loss of prosperity.

Keep Inspiration Close at Hand

Think about inspires you.  Is it your family or friends? A special book of poetry, a quote, a photo or some music that you just love? Display it and keep it close by. For example, one of our clients loves art and keeps a few coffee table art books stacked on a cabinet to be enjoyed at a moment’s notice.  Another one of our clients created a gallery of family photos going up her hall steps.

Get Aspirational

What is it that you want to bring into your life?!  Reflect that in your home with something symbolic.  It could be as simple as a brochure for a trip you’d like to take or a pair of rose quartz stones if you’re looking for a partner.  From a Feng Shui perspective, rose quartz is the ‘stone of romance’ and keeping things in pairs, particularly in the Southwest sector of your home, symbolizes the desire for partnership.

Indulge Yourself

Keep a bit of your favorite treat or a pretty tin of your favorite tea handy to enjoy. Or, maybe keep some Epsom salts in your bathroom so you’re always ready for a relaxing bath.  FYI: The magnesium in Epsom salts actually promote relaxation and can help you sleep.

Get Creative

One of our Feng Shui enthusiasts found herself on a tight budget after a move but wanted a birdbath for her new garden that called for the Water element.  She combined the discarded bottom of a birdbath she found along the curb and a rustic bowl she purchased for $1 at a garage sale to create a unique and affordable water feature for her yard. What can you create to support your gracious lifestyle?

Get Feng Shui’d

Our last and final tip is to Feng Shui your home if you haven’t done so yet.  Creating good chi or energy in your home through this ancient Chinese science and art can help empower you and your life.  Placing your items strategically in your home and using the best elements and colors energetically for your space helps create a feeling of balance and harmony in your surroundings.  The end result:  A warm and welcoming environment that supports you living in ease and comfort.

To learn more, read our article: “Linda Ellson: Feng Shui for the Home” on the basics of Feng Shui in this interview in Buffalo Spree Magazine with Linda Ellson, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner.

For a personal Feng Shui consultation,  please email: linda@fengshuiyourworld.biz or call 716-863-8561.

The Basics of Space Clearing

If you’re interested in learning about the basics of Space Clearing, then this blog is for you. You’ll learn what it is, why you can benefit from it, and how to get started.

What is Space Clearing?

When many people hear the term “Space Clearing” they think of clearing clutter from their home. While this is always a useful and important endeavor, Space Clearing, also known as energetic space clearing is about “clearing” your home or office space on another level.

This sounds a bit esoteric. Where is this energy in my home that I am going to clear? And why should I Space Clear my home or work environment?

Our homes absorb energy in walls, ceilings, furniture, and objects we keep in our surroundings. The energy comes primarily from the people who live there and the activities that take place in the environment. The concept works like this: If you have ever walked into a room after an argument, you can feel it even if you were not present for the argument. This energy though invisible can be felt and stored by our surroundings. Our homes and the other environments we occupy (offices, work, schools, etc.) absorb and store the energy that comes into them – whether it is positive or negative. Space Clearing helps to remove that old energy. example, start in the foyer closet, onto the linen closet, and finally clothes closet. Don’t try to do everything at once!

Is Space Clearing unique to Feng Shui?

No, many world cultures and religious traditions have some form of a clearing ritual. Native Americans may burn the herb sage. Ringing singing bowls are popular in the Tibetan culture, while the ringing of traditional upright brass bells and the burning of incense-like frankincense are used in western church settings. These various traditions can be used by anyone to help uplift their space to create an environment that feels fresh and clean.

When should I Space Clear? How often should I Space Clear?

If you can regularly practice Space Clearing your environment that is ideal. For example, consider doing it every spring or fall. With that said, also Space Clear any time you feel the need. This would include any time you feel stuck, have had a downturn of luck, or have experienced a major life change such as a divorce, passing of loved one, illness in the family, children going off to college, or if you are moving into a new home or leaving an old one. Many use space clearing to begin or deepen their Feng Shui process.

How can I easily Space Clear?

Some quick and easy tips to get you started without performing a complete ritual:

— Open all of the windows in your house and allow the fresh outside air to blow through your home

— Walk through your space ringing bells and/or clapping your hands along walls and up corners

— Walk with burning incense throughout your home (carefully of course!), moving along walls and up corners

— Play inspiring music such as something classical or a divine chant

— Place sea salt in bowls around your home for 24 hours and sprinkle it on the thresholds of your house. Sea Salt is a great neutralizer and absorber of negativity. Be sure to put a bowl in any room that may feel heavy (e.g., the room of a person recovering from an illness or an angst filled teenager). Important Note: Put the salt out in the sunshine for about 4 hours to “charge” it up, before using it. To discard, flush it down the toilet.

How can I learn more about Space Clearing? How can I learn to perform a full Space Clearing Ceremony?

To learn more about the art of blessing and uplifting your home, Feng Shui Your World has produced an instructional DVD on “Energetic Space Clearing” filmed during a two hour workshop. The DVD is complete with tips on how to prepare for a space clearing, supplies to gather, basic procedures to follow, as well as an actual space clearing ceremony in action including the application and use of sage, sea salt, bells, drums and rattles. To learn more or purchase the On-Demand Video, please click here.

What if I want my environment Space Cleared but don’t want to do it myself?

Feng Shui Your World offers Space Clearing consultations, where Linda Ellson will come into your home or office and perform a Space Clearing ceremony for you. For more information or book an appointment, please email: linda@fengshuiyourworld.biz or call 716-863-8561.

Helpful Clutter Clearing Tips

Getting rid of clutter opens up space for new opportunities and possibilities to come into our lives. Give it a try and see what happens! We think you’ll also find that it will uplift your spirit and create a more harmonious living environment.

— Make it easy: Try 20 minutes a day. No strain, no sweat. That’s 2.33 hours in a week and a realistic 9.33 hours in a month and 112 hours per year. Imagine what you can accomplish!

— Work on closets or rooms one at a time. For example, start in the foyer closet, onto linen closet and finally clothes closet. Don’t try to do everything at once!

— When in doubt, move it on and make room for something new

— Gift something away or do creative giveaways like a clothing swap among friends.

— Get a clutter-clearing buddy to help keep you accountable.

— Get in the habit of living clutter free:

• Make bed daily
• Empty wastebaskets regularly
• Keep your floors free of any loose items including stairs and entrances
• Stop clutter before it starts.
• Before you buy it, ask do I really need it? Do I really love it?
• When something comes in, move one item out. (You know if this pertains to you!)

 

— Get Organized:

• Create a set place for your mail with a trash can nearby
• Have a place for kids’ stuff – toys, coats book bags
• Put things you use often in easy to get to areas
• Make it easy to put things where they belong
• Get a filing cabinet and use it
• Write messages and notes down in a notebook rather than little tiny pieces of paper
• Use bulletin boards only for current pieces of information
• Store similar items together
• Label boxes
• Store seasonal items like holiday décor and winter clothes.
• Hire a professional organizer if needed, but know that they don’t usually address emotional and spiritual causes.

• Bring financial paperwork up to date – taxes, checkbook balancesRemember, anytime is a good time to clear. Clear at least once a year, when starting something new, after a vacation, etc. Just do it!
• Don’t forget to de-clutter your car and purse!

 

— Keep Motivated: Check in with the Pa Qua and take note of how your life is changing. Celebrate your accomplishments!

How Does a Feng Shui Consultation Work?

This blog on “How does a Feng Shui Consultation Work” addresses the most frequently asked questions we receive from clients considering a consultation. Our goal is simple: To make you feel as comfortable as possible, so you can get the most out of your consultation. If your question is not answered below, please feel free to email us or call  716.863.8561.

FYI:  That’s a photo of a Chinese LoPan. Basically, it’s a professional Feng Shui Compass that Linda will bring to your consultation.  More on compass readings a bit later.

What is a Feng Shui Consultation?

A Feng Shui consultation is a professional Feng Shui analysis of your home. The analysis is conducted room- by- room to help you create balance and harmony throughout your space. By working with the recommended natural elements, you can create optimal Chi (energy) flow and support your personal empowerment. During the consultation, Linda will explain how the elements relate to color suggestions, shapes, materials and furniture arrangements in your home or office.

Who will do my consultation?

Linda Ellson, President and Owner of Feng Shui Your World and a certified Feng Shui Practitioner with over 18 years of professional experience conducts all Feng Shui consultations both residential and commercial for the company. To learn more about Linda, please read her bio.
How does the consultation begin?

Linda begins the consultation by taking a compass reading of the direction of your home and working with the Flying Star formula used in classical Feng Shui to analyze the energetic patterns of your space. Then, she will share the results for those readings as you tour the home room-by-room together. During the tour, she’ll make recommendations on what will best support your space. In addition to color recommendations, Linda may include suggestions such as placing a potted plant in a particular room or changing the position of your bed.

How long will it last?

The average consultation last 2 hours depending on the size of the home or office.

My house is a bit cluttered. I feel awkward about Linda coming to my home.  

Clutter is a growing issue in our culture as we gather increasing amounts of stuff.  Therefore,  Linda regularly encounters clients dealing with this issue. (She’s even held a number of seminars and discussion groups on this topic for clients over the years). There’s no judgment in the consultation. Linda’s goal is simply to help you move forward in life through the use of Feng Shui.  Our experience shows that implementing Feng Shui principles into your home can begin to help shift the energy in your home.  As a result, it can actually be easier to de-clutter. So, please put aside your hesitation and contact us for a consultation. Read our blog on “De-cluttering with Feng Shui” for some easy tips to help you.

What will I need to prepare for my consultation?

Linda will need the year your home was built and the years of any major renovations (these are updates that alter the footprint of your home such as changing the placement of doors or windows and any additions.) She’ll also need the date of birth of all individuals residing in the home. If you have a copy of your floor plan to share that is a plus! Then, sit back and relax. Take a few minutes to think about what is important in your life and how you would like that to unfold. Feng Shui helps to both create a comfortable environment in your space and empower your life goals.

Is Feng Shui a religion?

No, not at all. It is a theory of energetic forces and patterns that was discovered and developed by ancient Chinese sages over three thousand years ago. Basically, Feng Shui looks to balance the elements of nature (water, wood metal, earth and fire) in your environment through the use of color, shapes, materials and layout of your home or office. The same basic principles apply to other Chinese arts such as Qigong, Tai Chi and acupuncture.

What if my partner/spouse or family is disinterested in Feng Shui? Or, even a bit resistant to the idea? 

First of all, know that you are not alone. This is a fairly common response. The nature of ‘resistance’ varies greatly and each situation needs to be individually addressed. In some cases, while a family member is not receptive, he or she simply doesn’t want to be involved and is not particularly interested in what color a wall might be painted or how furniture is arranged.

Often times, it is simply enough to conduct the Feng Shui consultation when the person is out of the home or business. In other cases, there may be a territorial feeling about a personal space, such as teenagers sometimes have about their rooms. And that needs to be respected. Lots can still be done throughout the rest of the home. Then in other instances, there may be misunderstandings of what Feng Shui will involve. That it will be expensive, necessarily disruptive or require the living space to reflect a particular décor style. None of these are true. If you are scheduling a consultation and have these concerns, please discuss them with Linda. She will gladly share her experience and provide suggestions based on your particular situation.

How do I schedule my Feng Shui Consultation?

Simply email us or call us at 716.863.8561. Please include your name, telephone number and time of day you are looking for an appointment. From there, Linda will contact you with some potential dates. Appointments are available throughout the week at various times to accommodate today’s hectic schedules. Feng Shui Your World is headquartered in the Buffalo Niagara region.  If you live outside a 50 mile radius of the area, phone and long distance video consultations are available. Or, Linda will gladly travel to your location for a travel fee to cover the additional expenses involved.

How does a remote long distance Feng Shui Consultation work?

Linda offers long distance consultations remotely by phone, Skype, Facebook Video Messenger or Zoom. Prior to your consultation, she will ask you to provide the same information as for an in-home consultation. This includes the year your home was built and the years of any major renovations along with a floor plan.  Major renovations are updates that alter the footprint of your home such as changing the placement of exterior doors or windows and any additions. If you don’t have a copy of your floor plan, we’ll ask you to do a rough sketch. This will give Linda a sense of the layout of your home. She’ll also need the date of birth of all individuals residing in the home.

With this information, she’ll then begin her behind scenes analysis for you. Linda will prepare working copies of the Pa Qua map, power direction charts and a marked up floor plan if you have it.  Prior to your call, she’ll email all the documents to you.

How much does a consultation cost?

Please contact us to receive a quote for your particular home or business as pricing can vary based on a number of factors. This includes size, property type (residential or commercial), complexity of the space, and if travel will be required.

Additional Resources:

Check out these articles from our online library to learn more.

“Linda Ellson: Feng Shui for the Home”
Learn the basics about Feng Shui in this interview in Buffalo Spree Magazine with Linda Ellson, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner.

“A Home (or Office) in Total Harmony”
Discover how Teresa Lawrence used Feng Shui in her home to create harmony and balance.

“Art of Feng Shui Employed in Buffalo Offices”
See how Feng Shui helped create a productive and harmonious work environment for two businesses.

For a personal Feng Shui consultation,  please email: linda@fengshuiyourworld.biz or call 716-863-8561.

How to Take a Compass Reading

Here’s how to take a compass reading of your home or office in three easy steps. It’s an essential part of Authentic Classical Feng Shui and when working with the 8 Mansions Pa Qua. Both of these Feng Shui styles are directionally based. As a result, the facing direction of your home or office is of primary importance in interpreting your home’s energetic patterns.

With your compass reading, you can also identify the direction of the four walls of your home.  You can then use Feng Shui principles for the placement of furniture and beds. Also, you can use compass readings to identify the best place to face a desk or TV in your home or office. In classical Feng Shui, compass readings are also used with special formulas to identify the specific elements to best boost and support your particular space.

Whether you choose to use the 8 Mansions Pa Qua on your own, or engage a professional Classical Form Feng Shui practitioner, an accurate compass reading is how it all starts.

Now, let’s get to work and take that compass reading:

1. Get a Compass:

 A basic scouting compass, which you can hold in your hand and turn the face or dial and shows degrees, is a good choice. It can easily be purchased at a local sporting goods store or online. If you have a smartphone, another popular option is to download a free compass app.

2. Find the Facing Direction of Your Home or Business:

The facing direction is defined as the most open view to the most open space. Typically, this is the side that faces the street, which is considered the most yang side of a building. If you’re unsure, here’s another tip to help you. Count the number of windows and doors on each side of the building. Generally, the side with the most doors and windows is the facing direction.

Special Notes:
– Waterfront properties: If you live on waterfront property the facing side is typically the side that faces the water, as the view goes out far and wide.
– Apartment or condo dwellers: If you live in an apartment or condo building on the fifth floor or above, your facing direction will be considered the side of your apartment with the most windows. This will be the side with the most open view to the most open space.

3. Take Your Compass Reading:

For best results, take the compass reading outside your home. This will minimize any metal disturbances that may affect the magnetic needle of your compass or any electromagnetic frequencies affecting your phone.  (Please note: If you live in an apartment or condo, on the 5^th floor or above, you will need to take the reading from inside facing the side with the most windows.)

Walk out the front side of the house away from any cars, as big metal objects that may throw off your compass reading. Stand facing the street with your back to the building and point the compass towards the street or other identified facing direction (e.g., lake for waterfront properties). Look down and note the degree on the compass in front of you at the top 12 o’clock position. This is the direction your residence faces. From there you can see where the other directions fall in your home, and do individual compass readings of rooms.

Tips for an Accurate Reading: 

 – Take a reading at the back of the house to double check the reading you got at the front of the house. At the back of the house, walk out to the back of your property, turn around and again face towards the street and take a reading.

– Take readings with a couple of different compasses. A scouting compass and a smartphone app or another compass should be sufficient.

– Keep your compass or phone away from large metal objects, magnets and electronic devices such as TVs.

As a professional Feng Shui practitioner, I will often use a scouting compass, my phone and a traditional Chinese Lo Pan Compass, which is predominantly used by traditional classical form practitioners. But you don’t need to invest in something so sophisticated to get a good reading.

Keep Your Compass Handy:

Directions play a big part when it comes to changes and shifts in yearly energy and where the animal sign is residing in a given year. This information can help you maximize the energetic patterns in your space and identify the best places to dig, renovate or leave undisturbed in a given year as well.  So, always be ready to take out your compass!

To learn more about Feng Shui, please read our blog:  “What is Feng Shui?”

For a personal Feng Shui consultation,  please email: linda@fengshuiyourworld.biz or  call 716-863-8561.