Feng Shui Long Island's Blog

After the snowstorm this week and the driving rain tonight, I am glad to be getting back to warmer thoughts.  My "Spring Like" day in New York City.  (Sorry, we are FAR from over; this was one long, beautiful day).  Besides, I love to show New York City-as seen from a Feng Shui Consultant's eyes.

Here are more pictures of that day and some stories that go with them.  If you missed Part One, you can see those photos:  A New York City Day--Take a Walk with Feng Shui Long Island   or this one:  A Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, New York by Feng Shui Long Island   We were just about to leave Central Park; or so we thought.  Every time I went to leave something else caught my eye.  The camera was put to good use that day!

A Rabbit...These are behind Tavern on the Green.

More of the Topiary:  This one was a little camera shy!

A Beautiful Sculpture.

Statue of Daniel Webster.

We weren't the only ones that saw this as a day for PLAY!  Look at the lovely thatched roof.

It was 63%.  People were running, walking, skateboarding and soaking up a beautiful day.

The lake they are restoring and restocking. Fishing is permitted as long as you throw them back.  In the distance are children playing on the rocks.  Something that mine although they chose MUCH higher rocks!

We are surrounded by beauty......

Any wonder "I love New York?"  I've learned to stop complaining about the price of living in New York because I know I won't leave it.  It's not one of the most expensives places to be without a reason.  But I AM putting my plans together for next winter to become a snowbird, at least for part of the winter.  The best to two worlds!

We were finally heading for something to eat....but didn't realize what we were about to run in to.....

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone for Apartments, Homes, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations, Studios and Condos and New Construction.  All Feng Shui Consultations are Personalized and Affordable.

I was not at all surprised; somehow, to hear that they had actually put Feng Shui to use in Mac Donald's in California.  If you didn't catch the story, you might want to read about it here:  Click here: Calif. McDonald's Tries Feng Shui Theme: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Slowly, VERY slowly, Feng Shui is becoming more and more popular.  And I have always believed it would finally "catch on," I just hoped I wouldn't be too old when it did!  Catching on so much that traditionally "mainstream" places are beginning to realize the public's interest in it-and figure they'd better get on board NOW.

Not Home Depot, however. At least not my local one on Long Island. As good as their workshops and classes may be, I hate to say that I dislike that store very much.  I occasionally have to go in to pick up something for the house to TRY and fix and I've realized that you can get lost in there forever.  There is no help.  It's wonderful for handymen and workers but I can never find anyone around to help me try and actually find anything....I've probably left that store empty handed more times then I've actually purchased in there. I DO recall getting help once, actually; I stopped in on my way home from a consultation so I was dressed well and lo and behold, there just happened to be people in there that particular day coming over and asking me if I needed help!

It was with some trepidation that when the new Lowe's was built nearby on Long Island I had to decide whether to get all dressed up and head to Home Depot or try Lowe's in my regular "jean" attire.  I decided to be brave and head out to Lowe's-in jeans; it almost felt like an experiment. 

When I walked in there was something there to greet me!  They directed me to the isle I was looking for and told me there would be people there who could assist me in what I was looking for---of which I had a list.  I am replacing my bathroom downstairs and needed EVERYTHING.  They were wonderful to me in helping choose everything I needed from a tub, sink and toilet to the tiles. Needless to say I haven't been back to Home Depot. I realized that Lowe's was about CUSTOMER SERVICE---GIVE THE CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY'RE ASKING FOR.

So what does this have to do with the Feng Shui of Mac Donald's?  I received today a package in the mail from an online client from California that I am working with.  She apparently also is a fan of Lowe's and in her package I found this from their website:  Feng Shui: An Introduction   and this:

Working Hand in Hand - Feng Shui and Chi
A Catalyst for Change
Tools to Learn the Bagua
Step One: Clear the Clutter
Step Two: Color Me Creative
Step Three: Elementary Elements
Step Four: Knicks and Knacks for Quick Fixes
Learn More About It

Pretty interesting, isn't it?  And I believe it shows the impact Feng Shui is having on people who are choosing their new designs.  In my opinion they will be one step ahead-or maybe two!  If you're involved with Real Estate and intend to stay in your profession, don't be a Home Depot Realtor.  Become a Lowe's Real Estate Agent; your knowledge will one day be worth your investment time in learning Feng Shui. 

 Many people have asked for more information about what we call "The Tradition of the Red Envelopes" as it relates to Feng Shui.  Here's my disclaimer, right at the beginning:  I can only tell you the way I personally practice the tradition, which is exactly as I was taught in 1996.  I know it is done differently now but I have never changed the way I was originally taught because it is what feels RIGHT to ME. 

We know that the Chinese and some other cultures consider RED an Auspicious Color.  Giving money in these envelopes is considered to bring good fortune to both the giver and the receiver.  They are often times give at birthdays, anniversaries, during the Chinese New Year and at weddings (when they often carry the symbol for "Double Happiness).

They are used in Feng Shui as an Energy Exchange between a Mentor and a Client.  As a matter of fact, during our school whenever we were provided with a Blessing, we were required to give our Mentors Red Envelopes.  Some asked for NINE (an Auspicious number in Feng Shui-although some schools use the number Eight) and they were each to contain money; the amount of money wasn't an issue.

When I am asked to do a Feng Shui Consultation for a client's home, business, or corporation I will be using the Blessings to clear their space and, if possible, the land.  Our job, after receiving the Envelopes was to sleep with them under our pillow or mattress for the following nine nights to keep the connection with out clients.

We were taught in school that the money in the envelopes is not important but it will cause you misfortune if you keep it.  It MUST be donated to any place that you see will benefit from the money.  Years ago I used to wait until I had an amount large enough to make out a check and I sent it to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a place that has always been close to my heart.  In later years I've sent the money to The Jones Manor in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York; an elderly residence I had written about once.  They are completely non profit and any amount helps these residents to have a much better life.  During the years I have donated a significant amount to both and feel wonderful about being able to do it.

It wasn't until I was named as Chapter Director for the Long Island Chapter of the International Feng Shui Guild that I was finally able to meet some other local Feng Shui Consultants.  When I had graduated years ago we had a graduating class of 33 with only two others in my class being from New York.  One never went on to practice Feng Shui and the other I eventually lost contact with.  During our meeting the discussion of the Red Envelopes came up and I spoke of my donations.  The other two consultants looked at me dumbfounded! 

"That money is not DONATED, it is considered a Measure of what you are WORTH; don't you think you're worth anything"? I was advised that all these years I had been doing it WRONG.  It seems both of them had been taught to advise their clients that the money in the envelopes was in addition to their fee, it was their tip and a measure of their worth as a Feng Shui Consultant.  They advised me if I had been taught anything different, I was taught "wrong."  One consultant did recall in the "early" days they had taught students to give the money away but realized they'd make a "mistake."  I do know now that they are, in fact, taught to keep the money and it IS considered a measure of worth.

I went back to double check and review my old notes.  And had to think about it for a while.  I had actually added to the tradition as I had a thought one night:  if we're working with Energy and staying connected with our client's during the following nights after a Feng Shui Consultation, what if they actually INFUSED the envelopes with their INTENTIONS.  Would it strengthen their Intentions?  I kept my old ways but for the last seven or eight years have asked my clients to write out their intentions and put them in each envelope along with the money, which is still donated. 

I noticed that some times I would "see" a different change then we had discussed or something would come into my mind that didn't make sense at ALL to me and I'd share it.  It DID make sense to my client's; in EVERY case they knew exactly what I was speaking of.  I do not read them and I'm certainly NOT psychic in any way, but the Energy Exchange IS powerful! 

I don't see my method as wrong, I see it as different; it is the way I was taught and it makes ME feel wonderful.  I have all the respect for the way other's practice this ancient Energy Exchange-and yes, I DO know my worth, especially when I bring a check to The Jones Manor in person and see their eyes light up!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site visits for Long Island and New York City for Homes, Businesses, Corporations, Apartments, Offices, Pre-Purchase, Renovations and New Construction and distance consultations are available by personalized, one on one phone Consultations.

I believe in the power of words.  I believe every single thing you write that is posted on the Internet represents you.  I have many of my thoughts and ideas through articles and blogs on the Art of Feng Shui and my beliefs about it as I have been posting for years.

I also believe people can either connect with you through your words or realize that you are not the person for them.  Oftentimes something just strikes a NERVE with something you write and a potential client finds it and feels compelled to call you to discuss the possibility of working with you.

And so it was for me recently from an article I had posted a year or two ago.  I received a call from California from a woman who said she found me on the Internet and loved what I'd written. One article led her to look for others and she "connected" with my thoughts and feelings about Feng Shui.

I asked her if she recalled what she had typed in to find me as I am certainly not targeting California.  And she relayed this story to me: She had been thinking on and off of having a Feng Shui Consultation for some time and had met a friend one day and they briefly discussed it.  Her friend used a phrase that she repeated a few times "There are no Accidents."  The phrase stayed with her and when she returned home she typed it into Google.  There are NO Accidents | New Age Journal

And an article I had written pulled up; years ago I stopped believing in "Coincidences" and "Accidents"and had written an article about my beliefs.  She didn't see THIS as an accident, either, and emailed me with a few questions.  I wrote her back and suggested several options:  She should call several other Feng Shui Consultants and how I can work with her, if she wanted to by doing a phone Feng Shui Consultation.

I wrote what an Online Feng Shui Consultation would involve including a floor plan, pictures and Red Envelopes.  A few days went by and she called.  She thanked me for my honesty regarding calling other Feng Shui Consultants but ultimately wanted to work with me.  From the articles and blog posts she'd read, she said she knew that finding me was no accident.

This reminded me of a very important lesson, one that has been spoken about but bears repeating:  If you're not putting quality posts up and are "blogging for points" you WILL certainly get points.  To my knowledge, however, I've never gotten any business from points-but I've gotten plenty from my posts here on Activerain.  I'm going to keep this in mind at all times that I write.  I want to share information not only about my business but about myself as well.  I want to write about things people will read and connect with.  I write about New York City and Long Island so often because I truly love my home and people can see that.  I've said it many times before and I'll add it once more here because it's so relevant to this post:  There are NO Accidents.  You meet the people you are supposed to meet and attract the clients you are meant to have-which makes working with each and every one of them a JOY.

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, providing personalized and affordable Feng Shui Consultations on site for New York City and Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone.

Growing up on Long Island, my parents very rarely went into New York City; I can remember them taking me to Radio City Music Hall and The Old Ed Sullivan Theatre-and that's about all.  It wasn't until I was 17 and dating someone who lived in Queens that I got "introduced" to the City.

When I wrote my last post about Central Park I was able to give you the history of the Park and how it came to be including the contest to design it, the architects and landscapers and when it officially opened.  Back to Nature--Central Park in New York City! by Feng Shui Long Island   As I reflect back into the early to mid Eighties when I spent a considerable amount of time there, it was a completely different New York!

Union Square was a place to stay away from; it was often dirty and I had a feeling of being unsafe there.  Double that feeling for the Bowery, the one time we wandered into it by mistake I felt like a target with my camera and I remember my children looked terrified.  So was I, to be honest.

42^nd Street was "The Red Light" District and we stayed away from there as well.  I did go to the Park but we were much more careful.  My memories of Central Park in those days were to watch the children first and my pocketbook second.  It was also not kept up with; the grass often didn't grow, there  were few flowers and the waters were so dirty you wouldn't want to go near them.  My biggest memory of Central Park back then was a homeless woman who lived there.  We ran into her in the same spot each time we went and she lived her life, day in and day out surrounded by Pigeons.

She had nothing besides a bag of filthy clothes that didn't fit her---and her pigeons.  All around her and ON her and she loved them all.  I recall that we used to stop and pick up a hot dog for her and she would always give the bread to her pigeons, no matter how hungry she was.  I don't know where she bathed or if she did as her hands and face were always dirty and she had long, jet black hair that hadn't seen a comb in years. 

I remember prior to going into the city I one time stopped at a thrift store out on Long Island.  I bought her clothes, shoes, sweaters, socks. Blankets and anything else I could think of.  The kids had come to like the "Pigeon Lady," our official nickname for her because we would always stop and talk with her.  She was educated and intelligent and I always wondered what circumstances led her to become homeless.  Armed with a hot dog and the large, heavy bags we headed into the park one day to give her some desperately needed items.

She was gone....and so was her bag.  I was upset and so were the children because we knew that she would never leave her pigeons; she had said so on many occasions.  And I wondered what had happened to her.  We left the bags of clothes and the hot dogs and looked for her the next time  we went back but never saw her again.

I am thrilled that they have made just about every single area of the City so safe and restored Central Park to it's former glory.  There is no place I have been where I ever feel unsafe anymore!  Hell's Kitchen has a small flea market, Union Square has performers and those wonderful people I can watch for hours playing Chess.  And Times Square (and 42^nd Street) have become magical!  As a New York City and Long Island Feng Shui Consultant, I am fortunate to be in the City often.  And love to share my thoughts and memories about the Magic of Manhattan.

Here are some older pictures I've come across of Central Park...and a bit beyond. In yet ANOTHER picture post of what a Feng Shui Consultant loves in New York City.

On beautiful days in Central Park, you can't ask for anything better then the Great Lawn.

I've read the sign so many times and still forget why they have a Husky in Central Park!  He's popular with the children (and me :)

The first time I saw the "MIMES" was only a few years ago although I had seen them years before in San Francisco.  Just put some money in their bucket and they start to move, otherwise they are completely still--that's hard work  !

My daughter Laura--wearing the new sunglasses we'd just bought :)

Laura has been doing Feng Shui Consultantions with me whenever she's home for the last 6 years and is also a Feng Shui Consultant up in New Paltz.

It's always fun to watch them rollarblading--and listen to some fun music!

The City makes a spectatular backdrop!

A Game of Volleyball to enjoy.

You can do as much or as little as you like in Central Park and there are always new paths and places to explore.  I have many more pictures (for another day)  Come enjoy New York City!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com           Feng Shui Consultant for New York City and Long Island

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui  Long Island, New York providing Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Apartments and Studios, Renovations, Real Estate, Pre-Purchase and New Construction.  A member and former chapter director of The International Feng Shui Guild, Carole is available for distance consultations by phone and speaking engagements.

A PERFECT New York City Day....When I can, I love to add pictures.  Yes, Rod Stewart was right, every picture tells a story.  I had written about that beautiful, spring-like day we had in January and showed several pictures of Central Park.  What I didn't realize at the time was how many people LOVE that park and some have some very special memories there.  This post is just a walk up to the Park but I am going to add more photos of Central Park to enjoy. What exactly is it that a Feng Shui Consultant loves about New York City?  EVERYTHING!

My daughter was home for winter break when we heard a high would be in the 60's for that day; we just looked at each other and didn't have to say a word.  On the very first warm, sunny day after the winter each year I head to Central Park-to get outside, to see the city and to thoroughly enjoy a beautiful day.  We got up early the next morning and that's exactly what we did.

Arriving at Penn Station, these pictures were just our walk up to Central Park.  New York City anytime of year is wonderful but I had the feeling when we arrived there that everyone had the same thought:  Take a day off and just go play!  That's EXACTLY what we did.  I hope you enjoy your walk...

Penn Station is VERY underrated!  Some of the Artwork is just lovely. 

It's easy to get lost in Penn; it's also easy to find some wonderful food!

It's wise to buy your tickets BEFORE you board, if possible; there is a hefty surcharge for purchasing them on the train.

A wall of 3-D Artwork accross from the LIRR Museum.  Odd that after traveling through Penn Station thousands of times I never knew they had a small museum in there!

A new project of the LIRR will allow direct access to The Upper East Side,  This is expected to be completed in 2012.

A Map showing easier access to the Upper East side.

THIS is January?  Even the police on Horseback were enjoying the day!

You can see the sign for Bubba Gump's Shrimp Factory.  I would have thought this would be a "touristy" place with bad food....Wrong!  Actually, you walk up several flights of stairs so you are looking down while you eat at Times Square.  And the Shrimp?  If you like it, they make it every way imaginable :)

Still in the Heart of Times Square.  One thing is missing, something New York has become famous for---The Naked Cowboy.  Yes, I have pictures but decided not to show them.  However, he is quite a character and shouldn't be missed if you're taking a trip to NYC!

New York City is wonderful.  You can go all the time and NEVER see the same things twice!

Do not miss the Hersey Store--actually this would be difficult to miss :)

These images are just changing lights...very fun to watch!

This Gem you might miss....it's downstairs and if you aren't looking for it, you just might pass it.  It's a restaurant called MARS 2112.  You take a ride (A Disney type Ride) to enter the restaurant where you are greeted by a bunch of Aliens!  And yes, the speak English :)

Some beautiful architecture.  And some Famous New York Hot Dogs (we call them Dirty Dogs).  HINT:  Get one BEFORE you enter Central Park, the price increases 100%! )

The Globe directly in Front of Donald Trump's Building to deflect the energy of all the cars.  The entrance to the Building is on the Right---Directly across from Central Park.  This Globe, while initially criticized had become a New York City Icon.

Whew, we've walked about 25 blocks or so already....and the day is just starting!  You are about to enter Central Park in ALL seasons!  You're welcome to come back and share the rest of our gorgeous day in New York City.

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York City providing personalized and affordable Feng Shui Consultations on site for all of New York City and Long Island for Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Studios, Co-ops, Apartments, Renovations, Pre-Purchase and New Construction and distance Consultations by phone.  Also available for lectures and workshops.

Well, I did it....and I had a BLAST!  In case you're wondering what I'm talking about, I was due to read a blog post for a Radio Station at Fordham University....Activerain Hits the RADIO! A True Activerain SUCCESS STORY! by Feng Shui Long Island  

The show is about Interior Design and they will have several Interior Designers speaking about all different aspects of it.  And included in there will be my Feng Shui Post (modified and edited per their request).  I also have to wonder, was THIS what was coming??  It very well could have been!

Historic Fordham University, Keating Hall, Home of WFUV Radio for New York City.

I got to go to prestigious Fordham University, a historical college campus located in the Bronx, New York.  The radio station also has other offices in New York City.  It's a public radio station and their motto is "You'll NEVER be Bored"  --  lets hope they still say that after my post

It was a delight to be there but anticipating traffic (we had been warned on the TV it would be heavy due to the Chinese New Year) we managed to breeze on in.  If it hadn't been so cold out that day I would have wandered the beautiful (and HUGE) campus!  We were VERY early and went inside to find the station, trying to appear quite calm. 

Rasheeda, the lovely Producer of the show who had contacted me, had allowed one HOUR of time to read the post.  As I came in early and asked the woman in front if Rasheeda was available, she looked on her schedule and told me that they had the studio booked at 12:30 pm---it was just a few minutes after 12 and there certainly wasn't enough time to read the post.

There were no pictures allowed (see how well I listen?) but my son managed to snap this when she left the desk for a second.  Rasheeda DID come out and told us to come into the Studio; we would be a bit rushed, she said, but we could get it done.  Ok, I'll admit it, I am not used to reading at a radio station.  I didn't know the microphones are HUGE and you can't move an inch.  My post was on two pages and twice she had to stop me because the pages make a sound.

Those microphones don't miss a THING.  You can't move your head and have to stay exactly in front of it.  Wow, who thought it was so INVOLVED?  I read it through several times and then separate paragraphs...and finally separate lines.  They are going to edit it, she told me and at the end she allowed my very quiet son to snap a quick shot---trying not to look nervous.

She was kind enough to walk us to the front and I realized the station which goes to all of New York City and parts of Long Island has up and coming artists.  I asked her if any big names come in.  "Oh yes, we have Cheryl Crow next week."  And realizing it's primarily a folk station I asked her if she'd ever had my favorite singer, Jim Dawson.  A phenomenal folk singer I have been listening to since I was 17 years old; he reminds me a bit of James Taylor but for some unknown reason, Jim never hit it BIG.  I do hope she contacts him.

We took a drive by Arthur Avenue to taste some of that famous pizza but drove around and around and couldn't find a place to park so we headed home.  When we got back home, I decided to look more into this radio station and saw something ELSE I didn't know......That evening's guest?  Ringo Starr.  I would have waited all day : )

WFUV Public Radio | News/Sports | Cityscape

The show will air this Saturday at 7:30 AM (Cityscapes) and will go into archive later for anyone who lives in New York City.  It is 90.7 FM Radio, WFUV.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale is a Certified Feng Shui Consultant and the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing Feng Shui consultations onsite for all of New York City and Long Island for homes, apartments, condos, studios, businesses, offices, corporations, renovations, pre-purchase, real estate and new construction.  Feng Shui Consultations are provided for those at a distance by phone.  Also available for workshops and classes.

Quite often I am asked just how long will it take for Feng Shui to start working...in other words, when will they see changes?  I tell them it's impossible to tell.  We were always taught the art of using Feng Shui in your space is a PROCESS and for some people, it can literally change the Energy of a space overnight and things will start to change.

For others it can take weeks or even months and they can become frustrated and lose confidence.  That is the worst mistake they can make.  A Feng Shui consultant cannot tell a client exactly WHEN the changes will occur, only that they will and they need to trust and believe in the process.  If negative thoughts start to come in, it will certainly delay the process.

I have also noticed something else over the years that I don't have an exact answer to, only my own personal feelings about it:  Often times after a client books a consultation and has finally made the decision to have one done; before I even arrive they will notice changes.  They will get new clients, receive an unexpected check or find out they don't need expensive car work.  It's only in the last year of so that I've noticed it and remember to include the question  "Has anything changed since you made the appointment?"  More often then not I will get the answer YES.

I had to wonder how this could be possible.  My conclusion seems to be that they're COMMITTED to having a Feng Shui Consultation and making changes in their lives, many times after YEARS of putting it off.  They've already redirected their energy and their Intentions are now to move forward.  This in itself seems to create a shift.

There are many mysteries to Feng Shui and the way it works to me, even now after all these years and that's part of what makes this work so wonderful.  Every day I see or learn something new; and know that no matter how much I learn, I will NEVER learn it all. 

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York providing on site Feng Shui Consultations to all of New York City and Long Island for Homes, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Real Estate Agents, New Construction and Renovations and Feng Shui Consultations at a distance by phone.  All Consultations are Personalized and Affordable.

(c) copywrited Feng Shui Long Island, New York

FENG SHUI EYES

This is, undoubtedly, a difficult post for me because there are so many different views and perspectives about Feng Shui in ANY space, I can tell you what WE look for-and try to explain WHY.  A warning:  It is long.  If you want an understanding of Feng Shui Eyes and Principles, read on!

When Feng Shui Consultants are looking at a Home, Business, Office, Corporation or are called in to review floor plans for new construction or a renovation, there are many things we are always mindful of.  Many of us start from the outside to do an Exterior Evaluation.  We are looking for a busy street, a T Junction, whether the home is on a Dead End or cul de sac; all of these have an impact on the energy of the place we are evaluating.

Fast moving traffic?  Things can pass you by in your life by moving so fast.  Living in a cul de sac (where energy pools) can sometimes make people feel "stuck."  Dead End:  In some forms of Feng Shui things are taken VERY literally.  There are several ways to Intentionally "cure" ALL these things.  If there is ONE THING that I've learned after so many years of practice it is this:  ANY BUILDING CAN SUPPORT YOU IF YOU TRULY LOVE IT.  There is nothing stronger then YOUR own Chi.  Many practitioners might disagree with me but I'm sharing my opinions only.

I advise my clients, if you LOVE it, BUY it.  We can Intentionally cure any Feng Shui issues and since they are primarily done by Intention they need be difficult to do or cost much money. 

We then look at the Front Door and the pathway leading up to it.  If you recall, in Feng Shui we refer to this as the Mouth of Chi.  It is where all good energy enters.  We want to feel Graced into our space and make others feel the same.  One example of something I ask my clients to use if possible are solar lights...leading the Energy right inside.

Once inside we look at what we see immediately when we walk in.  Many of you have heard that stairs sweep our Energy right upstairs (and it often can) but we have many ways to deflect that.  If the entrance door leads directly to a backyard door, it is said that your Energy and all the Good that comes in will go right back out again.  We also have things to correct this.  Other things we check:  Doorways (they are the VOICES in Feng Shui).  Many doors can create chatter-or arguments.  Or when two doors are opened at once, do them "hit" or bump into each other?  In the Black Sect tradition these are called "Arguing Doors."  And there is a blessing for that specifically for those that can not afford to change their doors.

Long hallways can be an issue---again, a sweep of Energy right down the hall.  While we WANT Energy to move, we do NOT want it to move too fast!  We diffuse it.  From both an Exterior and Interior perspective we lay out he Bagua.  I have been asked, on occasion, to "read" a home and have been pretty successful in telling my clients where they might be having certain issues or difficulties.  Firewood stored in either your Wealth or Partnership area can create a loss of income and financial issue or partnership difficulties, both business AND personal.  What's in the HEART of Your Home? UPDATED! A Feng Shui Home in Pictures.....  (In this post you can SEE the potential issues in a home).

Concentrating on each area during a walk through we look for Furniture Placement for Energy Flow, The Five Elements in each room, colors, patterns, artwork, textures....the list can be endless.  One thing we NEVER miss is the way a home makes us FEEL.  Those feelings, we believe are often times caused by Predecessor Energy---from former occupants or even current ones who have been through a divorce or any relationship issues.  If there is a Home Office we pay special attention to that.  Let's Talk About Predecessor Energy: A Feng Shui Post from Feng Shui Long Island

There is some controversy over which ROOM is most important in Feng Shui.  Some consider it to be the Bedroom, some the Kitchen.  In my own personal opinion while it certainly CAN help to address one room, in reality it's not much more expensive to do an entire home---years ago it wasn't taught to us to do a room at all but it seems to be becoming a popular thing to do. 

The Principles of Feng Shui are many....and they are all stored right inside.  It takes MANY years and MANY Feng Shui Consultations to achieve true FENG SHUI EYES.  And once you have them, they cannot be turned off!  But I wouldn't have it any other way.

*A Note:  MANY Feng Shui Consultants' perspectives vary...the opinions expressed here are my own only.

**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York City providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations available by phone.  Feng Shui Consultations for Homes, Offices, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations, Real Estate Agents, New Construction and Pre Purchase.  Please visit:

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

(c) Copywrite Feng Shui Long Island

Feng Shui seen through the eyes of a Feng Shui Consultant.

This past Sunday I did a Feng Shui Consultation for Curves on Post Avenue in Westbury, Long Island, New York. I’d heard of it, it’s an exercise franchise but I didn’t realize the principles behind Curves and what has made it so successful. I was called because the new owner felt that business had dropped off and wanted to create better Energy in her space.

The only sign allowed to be used at the present with the entrance in the back door.  We reversed the Bagua.  The picture on the right shows the WEALTH area--a storage room (or I should say a FORMER storage unit :)

 Before I tell you about Curves itself, I will share what I believed might be some of the issues. In speaking with her I had learned that the previous owner had decided to sell simply because she lived too far. There had been no problems and the staff had remained. However, I was reluctant to advise her that I felt there had been a huge argument in that space. When I asked her if she knew anything about the owner prior to the person she bought it from, it turned out that two chiropractors had rented the space. They had completely renovated it and had bought all new equipment—they in fact were the ones that had such a severe argument that they broke their lease with the landlord and left their machines behind!

Taken from the "back" of the store, the entrance in on the left in the picture.  The front desk had clutter and nothing to back that person up behind them.  There is also a small room by the screen which they are making a private room for members to sign up; oftentimes there is private medical information to be shared and we felt it should be a quiet spot.

 Another issue was that the new owner had not as yet “moved in.” Her office was bare of anything relating to her or her family. It was not decorated and, in fact had pictures of people hung up that she did not even know. People need to CLAIM their space. There also was not a sign on the front of the Building. Putting up a new sign or even banner has to be approved by the town. This is not the first time I’ve seen this on Long Island and a big Feng Shui Principle is “Get your Name out to the Universe.” Until she could do that, we reversed the Bagua using the back door as her entrance. I did, however, notice that her neighbor (a nail salon) had their own window and a shared entrance. I asked her to ask her neighbor if she could put a Curves sign in the window.

 I was absolutely impressed with the way Curves works. It is a 30 minute workout that isolates and targets certain muscle groups on each machine. You are only on each machine for 30 seconds, move on a mat for 30 seconds and move again to the next machine. You stop at certain points to check your heart rate. The exercises are not difficult and you’re not sore at the end of your workout, yet you use all your muscles in the workout. Wonderful idea and I just might join. Here are some of the things I suggested for this space; she also had an untapped wealth of inexpensive ways to advertise that she needed to utilize….It’s unlikely many people knew it was THERE. I believe she will do very well.

A glimpse of my client's office....blank walls, not decorated.  Behind the door are files of former Curves clients MY client wanted to dispose of---I thought of everything I read on EXPIREDS here on Activerain!  I asked her to have someone call EVERY person and offer them a special.

Women love to congregate.  This was the perfect spot to chat or even market with each other but it was used as the warm up area.  We moved the warm up area to the former check in area and coffee and low fat treats will be offered for those who want to stay.  GOOD ENERGY EMINATES!  We are also putting a "Members Area" where people can leave cards and brochures to help each other out.

Some marketing tips I gave her: To visit all the stores nearby and ask to leave cards and brochures.  I'm sure they'd be happy to do so and she can reciprocate with her "members" area.  She also had a huge new complex of Condominiums right next store; I'm willing to bet many of the people didn't even know they were there!  Easy and inexpensive.  I did the Space Clearing and it felt wonderful to ALL of us. 

If you live near or in Westbury, Long Island, I urge you to see this wonderful space.  I currently work out at home but cannot nearly achieve the results I would at Curves; if they were seeking new members, they just got one!