There are so many songs about needing a friend, standing by each other, being there and reaching out. All inspire and are necessary to hear in challenging times. While not life threatening, we have had several months of reality checks with work, moving and selling an apartment and other frustrating moments. It is at these times, that people offer support and sometimes from where you least expect it. We have had bank managers in two countries known for challenging bureaucracy, help in ways outside of their jobs, real estate agents organise furniture delivery and sort out taxes and new friends offer a hand when we have only known each other a few days. With a career challenge, a group of colleagues rallied around and gave strength, a decision that could have affected their roles. And as life shows, the right lawyer appeared at the right time.
While I follow Feng Shui, it won’t solve everything; you have to live life and accept the waves of events that ebb and flow. However, it can balance your reaction and inner harmony if your space provides a shelter. Let’s look at the areas of Travel and Helpful People, Relationships and Family that can be activated. Make sure the areas are clean and uncluttered. Pull out wardrobe items and tidy, get rid of paper and other stuff. Dust and vacuum and set an intention of having wonderful support in your life. Yes, it may seem silly doing this but what have you got to lose!
Travel & Helpful People
This area was a bedroom in past apartments. In our Berlin apartment, it was the second bedroom and where I worked when needing to take calls which helped activate my work support. With a spare room, make sure you keep it clean and not just an ironing space. Use it to ensure the energy is activated. In a past French apartment, it was our only bedroom and we have added a stronger grey with white as a relief which is also the colour of metal. Metal represents the element of truth and this is easily added with picture frames and lamps. Add art work symbolising travel, mentors or inspirational people, as this area is also about communities. Our current French apartment, it is our bathroom and the same elements apply.
Relationships
This sector is focused on your partnership which is equally important in times of stress. The key colours are pink and white, or if you are not a lover of pink, choose the earth tones of soft yellow or lemon. The key element is Earth and it is about grounding your key relationship. In our Berlin space, it was our main bedroom and balcony. Balconies are challenging as you are unlikely to use them during part of the year. Keep them clean and secure any furniture. Our balcony attracted quirrels which brought a great sense of joy. In our current French apartment, it is in the kitchen where people love to come and chat. Also make sure you have pairs of accessories, not one single lamp or table. Feng Shui practice would say you are saying to the world that you are single.
Family & Health
Family can also mean your community and not just blood relatives. This area has the Wood element and is about nurturing and growth. We have had a kitchen in this area in apartments and food is always a great source of bringing people together. Green and earth tones are perfect as wood grows in earth. Both kitchens have soft buttermilk cupboards with wood floors and stone accessories. Keep this area clean and uncluttered as it is also about health and that good health supports the mental state during times of stress.
Final Thoughts
This blog was inspired by life challenges, we can’t always control what is happening in our lives but our living areas can provide a shelter to rebalance and find inner harmony.
