By Joan Law
Feng Shui Joan’s Way
FengshuiJoansWay@gmail.com
For me Feng Shui is all about art and intuition. The practice of Feng Shui is not a science. Its origins are derived from an Ancient Chinese philosophy and the practice of this philosophy is considered an art.
The word “Feng” translates to wind and the word “Shui” translates to water. The movement of wind and water makes the world go round. And the ancient Chinese believed that the energy or “Chi” of these elements (as well as wood, earth, metal, and fire) could be manipulated enough to make a difference in people’s lives. Understanding how to balance the energy in our lives truly is an art.
In the modern world you will find many versions of how best to practice the art of Feng Shui, and, at the end of the day, Feng Shui Joan’s Way relies quite heavily on my connection to a client and their space. My sense – my intuition of my encounter with a person’s energy and the energy around them dictates my approach to the art of Feng Shui.
And the art of Feng Shui can lead to some pretty powerful stuff!
Let me illustrate with a personal experience that involves Feng Shui, Two Roads Brewery, two dogs, and a pair of slippers.
A Match Made in Heaven
We welcomed a new member to our family a few weeks ago. My son and daughter-in-law tied the knot at The Farms Country Club in Wallingford. What a beautiful and memorable day – rain and all!
My son’s new wife first came to me as a client. As she and I worked together to thoughtfully clear and prepare to sell the home that had belonged to her mother before her passing, the universe kept sending me messages about this special young lady.
There were many messages. But the three that lead me to also take on the role of a match-maker was her affinity to dogs, Two Roads Brewery, and a pair of slippers.
Now, as a Feng Shui practitioner, I do believe that the clearing of a home, room, or clutter can be the catalyst for opening your life to new people and experiences. And most times, the connections I make in this process for clients do not involve my own children.
Their story was best captured by a good friend of mine, Kathrine Vass of Ever After Memories She officiated their marriage and recounts their story so beautifully that I asked my children if I could share this with my readers.
Here is an excerpt:
“… As Lauren and Mason begin their own branch on this family tree, let’s take a moment to go back and remember how it all began.
It’s often said that the best things in life come to us when we least expect it and perhaps in the unlikeliest of ways. Almost 4 years ago, Lauren was simply looking for someone to help sort out and organize her home. What she got was the help from a professional Feng Shui decluttering expert who would turn out to be, not only a matchmaker, but her soon-to-be mother-in-law.
Finding someone to love can be a lot like cleaning an old house; it feels daunting, and you don’t know where to start. If any of you know Joan, she always has a way to keep it simple. As she worked with Lauren and got to know her better, she offered one day: “I don’t usually do this, but I wonder if you’d be interested in meeting my son, Mason. You both have dogs, you both like going to Two Roads Brewery and you both have the same slippers.”
Just three little things — a good place to start.
Lauren thought, “why not?!” and with an open mind, a date was set to meet Mason…”
Beautiful, right!
Mason remembers that afternoon, at Two Roads, as the day he first saw this pretty girl with the beautiful smile and nice eyes. She was animated and talked a lot with her hands, but Mason liked her and right away there was a spark.
Lauren enjoyed being with Mason as well and they spent the time talking about dogs, family, traveling and everything in between.
After that day, they went on a few great dates but then, as it tends to do, life took them in different directions for a time.
It wasn’t until the following fall when they reconnected. Everywhere she went Lauren seemed to be constantly running into Mason. Each time, he would make it known that he was still interested.
Lauren, impressed by his persistence, decided to give him a chance. There was something different about him in the all the best ways and she knew she needed to get to know him better to find out.
Joining Mason for his Friends-giving dinner that November made it official. Lauren was “his lady” and he was proud to have her by his side. From that day forward, they spent as much time together as they could, moving slowly and kindly to build the strong foundation their relationship has now. In a big moment, the first meeting of their dogs, Cosmo and Gus, something new happened – they created their own pack!
As I listened to Mason and Lauren’s story, on a sunny afternoon, surrounded by the dogs, one word constantly came to mind: loyalty. In any relationship, of course love is important – but, the promise of loyalty, faithfulness, unwavering devotion – that is not always easy. From their spots on the couch, where Cosmo and Gus peacefully snored, loyalty is not a word for dogs, but a way of life.”
Beautiful, right! I can’t promise to make a love connection for you. I can promise that I will listen to your story. And I will do my very best to help you open the doors and windows of your life to the possibilities that await you.
