This Really Works!

Results of Pyramid Feng Shui Tips

The following are a few results of some of our previous tips - thanks to all our subscribers who have reported back to us!

A staircase that is seen as soon as you enter the home can disrupt family unity.

A home is an intimate community, and when there are several members the community is knitted via the shared spaces. The gathering space is the epicenter of the family community, and when entering the home all paths should lead to it, not to alternate areas. In traditional two-story houses staircases typically lead to private spaces. If you proceed up the stairs, you will be disconnected from community spaces.

If you can see a staircase upon entering your home, there are a few ways to counteract the effect and enhance family cohesiveness:

1. Hang a shiny or light-refracted object from the ceiling beyond the staircase and in the direction of the main gathering space.
2. Lower the light wattage over the staircase and install a motion detector that will turn the light on only when someone uses the staircase.
3. Place a runner over the floor area leading away from the staircase, such as down a hall to the gathering room.
4. Place a re-circulating fountain just past the staircase toward a gathering space.
5. Dispense vanilla or spiced apple scent or other familiar and loved scents in the gathering room.

• “I do have a staircase that is partially placed in front of our front entrance. I hung a crystal from the ceiling away from the staircase and into the common rooms as you suggested. So far, I am pleased to report that a level of harmony has been restored to my relationship with my husband even though he has a cognitive impairment. Thank you so much for your monthly tip and know that I deeply appreciate it. Blessings to you.” - Carrie S.,  NC

How to lessen the negative effect of a bed’s placement in front of a window.

Any concern or distraction compromises your ability to let go as you need to do for both sleep and sexual activity. If your bed is in front of a window, you won’t be able to help feeling vulnerable. The fact that you are separated from the outside world by only a thin glass membrane may make you feel exposed and even endangered.

Although it is best not to place a bed in front of a window, sometimes it is unavoidable, in which case you can:

1. Buy a headboard that has no open design or slats.
2. Install wood shutters with latches.
3. Cover a pierced headboard with a caftan or heavy throw to give it a solid appearance.
4. Hang a bell on the part of the window that is likely to be opened.
5. Attach lightweight bells to the hem of existing curtains.
6. Hang two sets of curtains, one transparent and light, the other an opaque, thicker fabric, and close the opaque set when you need to feel out of harm’s way.

• “Many thanks for the tips sent to me regularly.
  
  Regarding the window behind the bed, I have one good solution which I would like to share. I put dark black color curtains on the window and use dark black color bed sheets and pillow cases to solve my problem. The dark black color has helped me get a good deep sleep and I wake up more fresh and energetic for any activities I want to do.” -  Aajjay M.,  Maharashtra, India

Use lighting to promote lingering and socializing at the dining table.

If you have ever huddled around a campfire after sundown, you have experienced the camaraderie stimulated by a campfire’s light. Conversely, darkening the area around a table while lighting the perimeter can envelop the diners in a feeling of being sequestered in a cozy, contained atmosphere. The veil of darkness can, in some cases, be the positive counterpoint to the more typical experience of rooms that are lit uniformly.

Recommendations:

To darken the table area, mount channels up from the wall’s electrical sockets and affix ceiling lights pointing to perimeter areas.

1. To lighten the table area, string rope lights up from a wall outlet and mount them on the ceiling over the table.

2. Lower or increase the wattage in bulbs over the dining table until it is either brighter or darker than the surrounding area.

3. Should you have an appropriate central fixture, add some pink bulbs – pink light glows with warmth.

4. Use an area carpet under the table and chairs several degrees lighter than the existing flooring.

• "In reading the tip for August, I find that I already do a number of these welcoming lighting suggestions:

• Every switch in my house has been changed to a dimmer switch. 

• In the living room, hallways and guest rooms, I use pink or peach light bulbs where strong light is not needed. One of my friends said to me not long ago 'the atmosphere in your house is always so inviting and cozy ….'

• I use rope lighting under all my kitchen cabinets so we have a cozy atmosphere when we eat in the kitchen or are done for the day and leave the room. It is a very open kitchen and the light is visible from just about every angle in the house. I also have rope lighting on top of the cabinets for an indirect lighting effect.

• I have Travertine flooring in very light beige and an oriental rug under the dining table and chairs. I added sconces on the walls with dimmers just as I use a dimmer on the chandelier over the table for perfect lighting. My chandelier has six light bulbs and three of them are peach color. This works well since my guests hardly ever leave the dining room after dinner, even though I invite them to the living room for more conversation.

I am very happy that lighting was the topic of this month’s tip. In my opinion, the right lighting is an important factor in creating a “homey and cozy atmosphere'.  Adding candles throughout makes it even nicer." - Sigrid B., Jacksonville, FL

What feature promotes neighborhood camaraderie?

Sidewalks or footpaths between neighbor’s homes

The essence of neighborhood is the concept of connectedness, or Tao (pronounced “Dow”).  Simplistic as this may sound, none of us could survive happily without connections to our community.  In fact, not one iota of life as we know it would survive were it not for a network of connections.  In the most profound way, failing to sustain connections means riding against the tide of life. 

Suggested Recommendations: 

1. If sidewalks don’t exist in your neighborhood, consider making a portion of your front yard a walkway or an obvious meeting place.  Clear away a portion of grass and replace it with gravel or some other paving material.

2. Place an actual bench or a plank over two logs in your front yard, inviting people   to occupy outdoor, front-of-the-house space. 

3. Create mini-encounters such as a table holding a bountiful crop of tomatoes or   extra flower bulbs removed after weeding out a daffodil bed, free for the taking.

• "I very much like your tip and for the last 8 years have a very inviting bench in front of my oleanders under some queen palms (taller than my house).  On each side of the bench there are planters/urns always filled with various beautiful flowers. People stop when they see me outdoors to tell me how beautiful and inviting my front lawn looks. (I also have a 4-tier active water fountain in the center of the front lawn)." - Sigrid B., Jacksonville, FL

If you do not have any houseplants 

Evolutionary psychologists now believe that humans are genetically programmed to engage in behavior that will advance their gene pool into the next generation.  Because our offspring require a longer period of care than those of any other mammal, we need to have a natural predisposition toward long-term care giving.  We are connected to our natural biology when given an opportunity to care for living things, so caring for plants satisfies an important instinct. 

Put a plant or a representation of vegetation inside your living space.  If you don’t possess the proverbial green thumb, ask a local nursery to sell you a hardy vine that is appropriate for your area.  Train the vine to drape over a windowsill or wrap around a pole.  Adding light or color increases the chi of the vignette. 

Be creative and have fun.  If a plant dies, be sure to get another.  Also, it’s better to have a silk plant than none at all.  A silk plant connects us to nature in the same way a painting of a landscape does.

• "I have had experiences with April's tip that succeeded nicely even though I do not have a green thumb.  In the past, all of my attempts to keep a healthy plant failed even though I gave them all the required care.  Over time I got used to the idea of adding nature scenes into my living spaces which developed into a real need to be surrounded by nature .  My  apartment's main entrance was old and bare.  I have my office at home so I felt the need to create a warm ambience in order to welcome my clients as well as all the visitors.  I purchased three huge nature scenes to decorate the entrance along with other nature items to give the entrance a garden appearance.  There is one particular nature scene that really captured my interest and affection.  Interestingly enough, my life began changing in a positive way.  As the weeks passed, I was becoming more myself, experiencing the very core of me, my true essence.  The change was subtle but very real.  I decided to move this nature scene onto my office wall in the Self Area, according to the Pyramid School Ba-gua.  Within a few days, I was able to speak my mind freely and directly, focusing entirely on my inner essence.  There was no more room for uncertainty, only truth and freedom of choice.  Now I have great success with real plants and truly enjoy them.  My home is like a lush garden!  Thanks to FSII for the great tip!" - Nathalie L., Quebec, CA

• "I agree with this tip!  I am a plant lover and always have lots of plants in my house.  I take care of each one and love to have them flourish.  PLANTS ROCK!" - Joanne  S.

Use light to help you heal after death or divorce

Consider how vital sunlight is to vegetation’s growth.  Consider how many skin ailments improve with sunlight and how some forms of depression are actually triggered by lack of light and can be remedied with light therapy.  Letting sunlight into the home is one of the best defenses against feeling blue.  In the Jewish religion, during the first seven days after a death in the family the survivors close all curtains and cover all mirrors.  This makes sense, for in the first week after the loss it is appropriate to grieve and feel the pain.  Suppressing these feelings is harmful, for what is suppressed comes back to haunt us.  We need to grieve after a death or a divorce before the healing can begin.  Thus cutting off your connection to normal life and not being able to see yourself in a mirror is appropriate right after the death of a loved one.  After this intense period has passed, however, the opposite environmental experience is what is needed for us to move on. 

Here are three ways to use light for healing: 

1.  During the day, open curtains, pull up shades, and move obstructions that are blocking sunlight.

2.   Mount a spotlight outside the home to illuminate the exterior, bathing your outdoor   surroundings in light during the nighttime.

3.   Hang yellow curtains so they will give the illusion of light when nighttime demands     privacy.

• "I have always needed a lot of light to feel good.  Picked my house because of south facing exposure, cleared outdoor areas to increase light exposure and practice all three of the suggestions in your tip.  Having been a social worker for many years and meeting with many clients and patients suffering loss, I’ve seen firsthand the tendency at first to burrow into a deep dark place and the need to change after a time for the sake of their recovery.  It helps!" – Dee M., Healdsburg, CA

• "I fill my house with light all day and have minimal window treatments.  I find sunlight is very important to my mood." – J. King

• "I am new to Feng Shui so I appreciate your monthly tips very much.  I laughed when I got your email containing the tip about light – I was sitting in front of my light box at the time! I live in Texas where we have the air conditioning on almost half of the year.  It conserves energy to keep the windows covered, but I wasn’t raised this way and every year it drives me bonkers to be in the dark all summer.  I took down my blinds in the kitchen and living room and replaced them with yellow curtains.  Both rooms glow with warmth when the sunlight comes through.  The glow actually draws me into the living room for a restorative break on the sofa.  It’s wonderful!" – Mackedie S., Lewisville, TX

Have new opportunities slowed down?

Check your entry and be sure it is inviting, easy to see and free of clutter.  Be sure your doorbell works too!

• "I did try the tip.  I removed the extra clutter and the plants and made the path way and main door clean, polished the same and let the morning sun rays fall on the door and the path way.  The intention was to make more opportunities come in.  The wonder of wonders, problems at my work place were solved and new opportunities came my way.  I am a happier person now thanks to Feng Shui." - Rahul P., India

Use Sound to Reduce Stress

In today's world stress is an epidemic.  To relieve stress add sounds from our natural world: 

- Select a CD that uses nature as its instruments.  Your local music or New Age store will be able to make current suggestions.  For example, the CD may feature water flowing soothingly over rocks and around outstretching logs and branches.  Play the sounds of nature twice a day, once in the morning when you wake up to set a tone of harmony for the day and again between 4:00-6:00 p.m. or at the end of the workday and the beginning of personal evening time. 

- Purchase a clock that chimes with birdcalls on the hour. 

- Add a water feature, such as a table top water fountain, in a room used for relaxation. 

-  Position a fan on an indoor plant to hear the sounds of its leaves rustling.

• "Petting your cat and/or dog for more than 10 minutes is also medically proven to help... also the sound of that purring cat.... I also like water features and wind chimes. I have and do all of the above." - Betty M., Eustis, FL

When You Are Feeling Out of Sorts

Check your environment to see if there are areas that need sprucing up, cleaning or de-cluttering.  This always helps to re-energize both you and your space.

• "This tip I have to work on constantly ... I have been cleaning out closets and storage areas ... giving away unneeded "stuff" to charitable organizations.  It feels so good to carry the boxes away and see room for the important stuff ... also clearing away table clutter." - Betty M., Eustis, FL

Connect your entrance pathway to the sidewalk

Make sure you have a clearly defined path or walkway to your front door

from the sidewalk or street.  Oftentimes we only have a connecting

pathway from the driveway to the front door.  If your entrance

pathway "connects" to the sidewalk or street, you will be perceived

as someone who is considerate of your neighbors.

• "I look forward to your Feng Shui tips. The entrance to my townhouse actually does connect to the sidewalk. I've been working on enhancing my entrance with a new wreath on my front door with red flowers, a new door mat with red, gold and black, and am looking for a new red pot to put my tree in which sits outside my front entrance.  Many thanks." - Michelle L., Ft. Lauderdale, FL

• "I added an extension from my brick path to my driveway and planted flowers along it ... makes it very happy to come home and walk up to my door.  I planted lots of different shapes, colors and textures of flowers in clusters of each kind.  This created the English country garden feel." - Betty M., Eustis, FL

Clutter Control When Making New Purchases

Write down these questions on an index card and carry the card with you whenever you feel like going on a shopping binge: 

1.  Will this item replace another item and what will I do with the old one?

2.  Where will I store this new item?

3.  Will this new item serve me or is it just for decoration?

4.  When I get tired of this new item, what will I do with it?

• "This was the key information I had been waiting for and has literally solidified my "new and improved" approach to my consumerism. This is something that has been evolving over time, but your tip put words on it for me. I go through the questions each time I am purchasing something - being a consumer has never been more freeing or liberating. I am now solidly aware of what is important to me when I buy things. Thank you!"  - Sigrid S. K., Oslo, Norway

Bring In New Opportunities

Tired of the looks of your entrance?  Change the mat, paint your door, add a planter or piece of art.  New energies bring in new opportunities!

• "I did try it and it brings a lot of positive energy to my home."  - Kimberly I.

A Seating Configuration to Encourage Verbal Interaction 

With the holidays fast approaching, gatherings are a perfect time for family members and friends to reconnect with each other.  To further support this reconnection, use seating at right angles to one another.  

You may have noticed how at social gatherings men will face each other squarely and women are more likely to stand at a slight angle to converse.  This is because men are often more comfortable with being aggressive than women are.  Women more often assume the martial arts wisdom of crouching or holding one's body sideways when approaching an enemy.  We feel protected when the center of our bodies or our vital organs are sheltered.

Thus seating at right angles feels nonthreatening and encourages nonconfrontational communication.  The famous cultural anthropologist, Edward T. Hall, showed us in his book "The Hidden Dimension" that more interaction occurs when chairs are at right angles than when across from each other or side by side.  Measuring the rate of communication between people seated in different configurations, he found that the most frequent interactions took place between those who were seated at right angles. 

If you can't arrange for seating at right angles, try these suggestions.

In gathering spaces: 

- Install a window seat and place an ottoman at a right angle to it.

- Have an ottoman on wheels convenient to place at right angles to another seat.

- Switch to smaller chairs to accommodate right angle seating.

- Position what is typically a solo arm or club chair with another to prevent that person from being isolated or commanding more power than is advisable.

- Even when two couches are at right angles to each other, place a small chair at one of the far ends to form another right angled seating group.

In dining areas:

- Seating two children at right angles to their parents provides the best configuration for nonconfrontational communication.

-   The middle seat in a row of three chairs should be reserved for someone who is self-confident enough to handle being spoken to least.

• "I always use the November tip myself when that particular table is available in a restaurant.  There is an intimacy that results as well as the ability to have a Quiet" conversation with that person you have chosen to have dinner with.  And I am single and dating and therefore like the close connection."  - Nancy S.

Visually connect your gathering space to the outside

Just as our experiences reach beyond the borders of a home, events in the world come inside to change our lives.  When we don’t have free egress to the outdoors, we feel stir-crazy.  Whether it’s physical or visual, no one likes being denied access to options. 

Positioning a mirror to reflect a view from a distant window can be one way to rectify this situation.  When there is no access to a view, stage a scene via pictures, artifacts, vegetation, or fountains to suggest the outer world, real or imagined.

• "I used the mirror technique at work.  I work in a great office but have no windows and soft green carpet in my private office.  It almost will put you to sleep.   On my facing wall I hung a huge garden print framed to give the appearance of the outside.  Behind me I have a large ornate mirror to add to my visual sight if I'm working at my credenza.  On one wall I have ornate brass framed map prints and framed antique stock certificates.  (I'm a broker/financial advisor with Merrill Lynch)  The picture and mirror really help give me a window on the world.  Also above my door and on the ceilings I have crystals handing down to move the light around."  - Sharon M.

To start the day with increased energy and a positive outlook, be sure to spend at least a few minutes in a sun-filled room.  If your kitchen does not face the rising sun, consider having coffee or breakfast in a room that does get the sun.   Sunlight has a profound effect on us psychologically and physically, and can trigger hormones that engage optimism.

• "I enjoyed the tip for March - and I would share that since placing my reading chair in a position where I do enjoy the morning sun (on those lucky days) I have been able to prepare for the day by reading my morning "inspirations" in a more relaxed way - and perhaps, even more importantly, by so doing I have completely weaned myself off of turning on the TV and disrupting my morning reverie with all the unnecessary noise the morning "news" programs create!" - Olga, B. New Rochelle, NY

To help prepare for Valentine's Day with your special someone, check the Relationship area in rooms where you spend most of your time – and make sure there are no “red flags,” or things that will get in the way of a great relationship.  In Pyramid School Feng Shui, the Relationship area is located along the far right corner from the entrance. 

• "When I looked in the relationship corner of my bedroom I saw that it was filled with newspapers and magazines waiting to be read.  I cleared them away and replaced with a vase of flowers.  I found that my relationship with my husband was much smoother during the following week." - Verna B.,  Detroit, IL

Take a broom and sweep your front stoop!  A clean entry for the "self" to enter the New Year will give you a clear vision of what to tackle first for optimal opportunities.

• "I usually try very hard to keep the front entry clean & free of clutter.  Since decorating for the holidays with large urns by front door there were more job offers for my husband who has recently come out of retirement." - Holly D. Mt. Brydges, Ont.

• "I did try the January Tip and guess what i got not one but 2 new job offers for higher posts.  I have been trying feng shui for quite some time now and things have been changing for me for the better. There is more peace in the house." - RP

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