Feng Shui Long Island's Blog

It is sometimes odd to me these days that so much has finally come to light about what we now call "Going Green."  Or, to be more precise as in Bau Biology, "Going BEYOND Green."  I actually knew nothing at all about this subject back in 1996 and there in our course guide were days of courses taught by an expert in the Field of Bau-Biology by a woman called Carol Cannon.

Wait, hold on, I thought Feng Shui was about Energy, Furniture placement, Mindfulness...where did THIS come in?  Yet over the years it has helped many of my clients tremendously to have knowledge of "Natural, Healthy Buildings" particularly when they were remodeling.  This knowledge was and sometimes is more then they bargained for as well....the out gassing that occurs from rugs and mattresses, the VOC's and other toxins in paints, sealants and even their favorite cleaning supplies.  It was often more then they wanted to know.

Some things that never would have occurred to me back then were simple things that had a large but unseen impact:  dimmer switches, for example.  They are absolutely lovely for a dining room but they are always ON, there is always a current running.  Bau Biology differs somewhat from "Going Green" in that it takes into account the Geopathic Stress of the Land which can be measured as well.  It is an in depth, remarkable subject and although years ago I wished to continue on in my studies, I had found it impossible to do.

But the knowledge I gained then and still have and still learn as more and more becomes known is important to all of us Energetically.  We were taught that if there is only ONE area we can address in our homes, let it be our BEDROOMS where we need to rest and restore for the next day and where, when sleeping, our bodies are most open to receiving EMF's. 

Stop a minute to think about what we have in there and then reduce it:  TV's, radios, alarm clocks, computers, lights.....electric blankets (they thought can make me shudder!).  So many wires running under our beds (and HEADS), it is a wonder how any of us get any restful, restorative sleep.  We won't even get into cells---or dimmer switches which always have a current running even when not in use.

Back then we were taught about natural fibers and cleaners---and that if there is one positive thing you can do (impractical as it may be) would be to have the bedrooms on a separate line in the house and turn off the power to them at night.  Yet, I don't know one person who does that or would even consider it.  And let's take a moment to think about out gassing---how many years does it take an average rug or mattress to outgass??  FIVE? 

So many things to think about and possibly incorporate if you're doing your home...or business.  And well worth it to stay away from a "Sick Home Syndrome."  I wish I knew more about it such as the many Realtors that have taken the time to learn all about the hazards of living with all this new technology.  And the impacts of it....

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner since 1997 providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City and Long Island and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York City.  Consultations for homes, businesses, apartments, studios, corporations, renovations, new construction and distance consulations are provided by phone.  ALL Feng Shui Consultations are personalized and affordable.

Goodness, I don't even know if this is an "Official" Real Estate Post.....Some of the Realtors will have to fill me in and let me know.  Are there in fact openings for these types of things?

Some days the most usual habits bring the most unusual results....and boy, when that happens is it FUN.  Today of course is stumbling to turn on the coffee (because I never remember to set that wonderful feature that will have it all ready for me as soon as I wake up), let the dogs outside and quickly check my email.   Just for the really important things because goodness knows I can't process much before coffee.

I have on occasion bemoaned the fact that I would not ever likely to see any Grandchildren...as least from an "earthly" plane.  My own children are not at all ready to settle down and start families, nor should they be although, theoretically they ARE old enough at 23 and 25.  But I do hope it is many years in coming for them.

I have mentioned some wonderful clients from time to time who I have become particularly close to.  They have gone so far as to help me with my home and even though I had been there years ago, we have never lost touch and have always maintained contact.  In spite of difficulties they have gone through they are some of the most positive and wonderful people I will ever be fortunate enough to meet.

It was several months ago that I heard my client's daughter was "with child."  Earlier, perhaps then they may have liked but it happened just the same and they took it as they always take unexpected news---there are higher powers at work.  She is SO young to be a Grandmother and as she mentioned it I thought of how ready I was....

And it was agreed, right there, during our phone conversation.  Of course she could be a Grandmother but that would still leave an opening for a Feng Shui Grandma-or Feng Shui Godmother.  Quite an honor to bestow on me and quite a lot to live up to.  I was thrilled and of course thinking she was kidding.

So blurry eyed this morning as I checked my mail I saw the words "Congratulations, You have just become a Feng Shui Grandma."!  Or Feng Shui Godmother, apparently that role is open as well. To a "perfect" baby boy and inviting me out to see my very own grandchild.  I have to wonder if this holds a bit of Fairy Dust (don't laugh, all good Feng Shui Grandmothers/Godmothers carry these things) and I spent my day thinking about the absolute synchronicity of meeting people.  True, valued friends that you become attached to in so many ways it's almost as if you've known them forever.

I am taking my new role seriously and will give the family time before I descend on them....but I have to wonder if I will ever again stumble to my emails and see something that fills me with such JOY.  Congratulations to the entire family and bless you for allowing me a part in this!

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 on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island; distance consultations are available by phone.  Feng Shui Consultations for Homes, apartments, businesses, corporations, new construction, renovations and Personallized Courses available.

It is often funny when your world gets smaller how very little you can get along without.  Your world narrows and you are thrilled just to be able to take a bath, some good hand cream and if you're really lucky, a wonderful IV nurse.  You get by with so little and you don't even miss it.  Janis Joplin:  Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose....

Most of you already know I am the queen of clutter- LESSNESS.  Less is definitely more around here!  Or so I thought.  Then I can't imagine that in the few days that I've been home I have been cleaning out and up; things that could be sold are just being donated, things I thought I had a particular attachment to I find that I wouldn't miss at all.  Goodwill and several other charities are doing quite well these days.

I've had Feng Shui attacks before and many of you have as well....but this is different.  This is a feeling of wanting to start completely new and fresh.  I wonder what the shift was that caused this and sure wish I had some AR friends closer who might actually WANT these things I have had for so long....and still don't know what to do with.  The old English China that was a gift to me over 30 years ago, more clothes then I could ever hope to wear, glasses, ornaments, things I thought I LOVED. 

Perhaps it is a new process, a true starting over which I thought was done after the basement losses but may have been only the beginning.  But I have to say that I truly love the feeling, it's almost a renewal.  The timing is not lost on me either; this is almost close to my spring cleaning time into which I incorporate Feng Shui (more on that soon-you're doing it anyway :)

So here's to truly "lightening up" clearing out and giving away.....and there is a curbside "Alert" every day here until further notice!  (I wonder why I always wonder WHAT the neighbors think :)  But truly if you're looking for something and you believe I might have it, email me---it's yours!

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 on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City and all of Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone.

I think often of the word "Destiny."  I sometimes wonder how much is really ‘written in the stars for you' and how much free will we have over each and every decision.  I believe we can always change the course we are on, but should we?  Are some things absolutely MEANT to happen?  And shouldn't we allow them to occur?

If you know me at All you know I don't believe in coincidences or accidents.  Funny thing is, I never really did; this did not come after some revelation in my life, it was rather just the way I believed things to be.

Many years ago while in my very first job as a shampoo assistant in an upscale salon, the BUZZ was all about an Astrologer coming in to get her hair done.  This was my first introduction to Western Astrology and it was certainly an event there.  I met a woman named Arlene Millman for the first time and just from knowing my sign, I felt as if she'd known me forever.  It was so fascinating to me that I went on to study it, even doing charts for a short time---way back when.

Of course during our Feng Shui Courses we were introduced and learned Chinese Astrology.  Perhaps it was my years of study under Western Astrology or perhaps because most of it just made more SENSE to me that I have still followed that more closely then Chinese Astrology.

Enter our "local" Astrologer of Long Island, someone I have been seeing on and off since I was 17.  Shortly before my illness, I had decided that five years was long enough for a reading and had recently had an appointment.  My astrologer is no longer the local celebrity he used to be---the wait is now very long and his accuracy well known; people now come from all over to see him.

I was fine that day and went with a friend.  Absolutely NO illness (or any evidence that I could see that particular day).  When he called me in, the very first thing he asked me about were health issues---many he said and over the course of at least the last year.  How could he KNOW, I thought, I haven't seen him, spoken to him...or knew anyone in common with him.  It was in my chart he pointed out while he also told me that through this last year and everyone I have seen, no one has EVER been able to put a diagnosis on it. 

Not yet knowing my profession as a Feng Shui Consultant, he said something that really made me sit up and it stuck with me:  My home, he said, had been "battered" in a manner of speaking as well....And his words?  "AS YOUR HOME HEALS, SO WILL YOU." "Now they will find answers."

Pretty profound perhaps for anyone who has gone through the home and health issues I have but even MORE so for a Feng Shui Consultant.

As a post script, I received a call today from the Engineer I had finally hired.  The water tables are fine, my home can be repaired and he knows some good people that can finally help me put this all behind me.  Of COURSE I should have known (and somehow did) that as my home heals, I will---and it's beginning.  You just have to love the way the Universe works!

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 with on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City and Long Island and DISTANCE Feng Shui Consultations by phone.

A pictureless post for obvious reasons about a Feng Shui Consultation in New York City...with a MESSAGE.

I have read enough and learned enough about some people that are glued to almost every single item they own.  They have clothes for years because it might "some day" fit them again, stacks and stacks of paperwork they no longer need, items of every sort that they have accumulated over the years and have never been able to part with.

I can see through clutter and give my clients specific ideas on how to begin to tackle it; for those that truly "hoard" I know the issues run much deeper then the objects all around them.  I always ask my clients not to do anything differently on the day we are having a Feng Shui Consultation.  I want to see the home the way they actually LIVE in it, not when it has been cleaned for company.

In this case this lovely woman no longer had company.  In fact, her bed was so filled with clothes and other items that she could no longer sleep on it; she had dragged a couch into another room and although it, too, was filled with things was sleeping there.  I have successfully reached through to two "hoarders."  And failed miserably with one that I still think of today.  A wonderful, accomplished young woman who had been told that she would "never be successful in anything" in her home.  Those are pretty powerful and pretty devastating words and she literally gave up trying.

I offered to work with her for no charge on subsequent visits in an effort to try and help her clean her space and separate HER from her THINGS.  But I wasn't able to change her thinking; such is the damage that some Feng Shui Consultants unknowing do.

This woman, however, I felt was different.  As she was listening to me she kept believed me and she understood what I was saying--and WHY.  There was a time, long ago, when her home had been CLEAN; when she'd had people over and there was light and laughter in there.  She didn't feel "safe" she said, calling in an Organizer that she didn't know and it would have been difficult for me  to be able to travel there often for all the work it would entail.

I asked her to reach out to someone who could speak to her professionally about her issues of  ‘letting go.'  I also gave her small, simple ways she could begin on her own.  I've found that when some people look at a whole room they are already so discouraged they just close the door.  I give them time increments.  A set time of day or night when they will be home and a set time limit to work on it. 

One client I had could handle an hour on the days she was home.  For two hours each week on the weekends she began to clear up.  She donated books that she would never read again, threw out food that had been stored there and was no longer good and gave away many articles of clothing to her local Goodwill.  And felt better and better every time something left her home.

It had such an impact on her that the hour turned into two or three.  Every time I spoke with her she sounded better and better and some wonderful new things had come into her life.  She was motivated, she was able to change her thinking and just needed a kick start.

Not so easy with this particular client.  As I spoke I saw tears forming in her eyes and after speaking with her for a long time, asked her if she would try ONE thing.  Fifteen minutes a day of cleaning.  Three boxes, one to keep, one to donate or sell and one to think about.  Instead of looking at the whole room I gave her ONE area at a time.  The bed, to start.  At the end of speaking to her for a long time, she promised me she would do it---and if she didn't feel comfortable with anyone in her home to at least obtain the services of someone professional, who would help her SEE the reasons behind it.

I wish I could call this a Success Story but I don't know the outcome yet.  While I believe my words to her got through I don't know if they'll stay there.  We both wished I were closer, she would have allowed me into her space and allowed me to help her.  What a sad way to live I thought to myself on the way home.  She is afraid to have someone come and help her because she is afraid of judgment-and disapproval.  I hope she finds a warm, compassionate person and I sincerely hope she will keep in touch with me for reinforcement-and remember my words to her.  I hope she can find someone with compassion and understanding to help her work through all her issues and I KNOW she will life a better life. There IS help out there.

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for all of New York City and Long Island and to those at a distance by phone.  Feng Shui Consultations available for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Apartments, Studios, Condos and small spaces as well as Renovations, Pre Purchase and New Construction.  Please visit http://www.FengShuiLI.com   ALL Consultations are Personalized and Affordable.

Years ago, just after I became Certified as a Feng Shui Practitioner in New York and trying to get my business off the ground, I was employed by a hearing aid company called HearX.  They have locations in many areas of the county and I was hired because I was a Registered Hearing Aid Consultant-in a former life :)  I was only hired for the Front Desk position, however, as all HearX's on the East Coast require an Audiologist.

The business was located in Amityville, Long Island.  Some of you may be familiar with the town.  It was indicated to be the peaceful little town in "Jaws" but what really put Amityville on the "map" was the sensation of cold blooded murders as seen in "The Amityville Horror House."  Not the best reputation in EITHER case.  This particular part of Amityville was on a busy road and directly opposite it is a hospital where they also treat patients with mental issues. 

I only worked with the Audiologist, another person also named Carol but the truth of the matter is, our location was not doing well.  We got weekly sales reports of  ALL the offices and "our" store never made the list.  We eventually heard talk that they were thinking of closing that location---thereby leaving us jobless.

Carol had NO interest in Feng Shui.  If I spoke of it she'd just shake her head-remember, this was in 1997.  Most people had never even heard of it.  But desperation can sometimes be an asset.  I needed her permission to ‘change the Energy' of the office as it would affect her as well.  Finally, she relented-in a sort of "Do what you Want" way. She reminded me that I could not use décor that was not already there; one of the unique aspects of HearX places around the states were that they were ALL Uniform.  Same carpeting, same layout, same artwork.  Their idea was that if people moved or for the sunbirds, they could go to any HearX and feel "at home."

It didn't give me much to work with.  I spent a weekend there, a few hours each day.  I brought some of my lovely plants from home and put them in the waiting room along with a pretty centerpiece for the table that was there that added COLORS.  I rearranged the existing artwork to what I thought would be the most appropriate place for each picture, many of which had water scenes (good for the Element of Water) and added small touches here and there to address all the elements.  I put a small and unnoticeable Bagua Mirror outside the front door to Intentionally "push" the Energy of the hospital AWAY from our area.  I also hung some small bells on the front door (What the Black Sect method refers to as "Ringing in the Money."  Boy, with the treat of closing, we REALLY needed to ring in the money.

I corrected the bathroom which was pure DRAIN energy and was finally allowed to keep the blinds open to let the "outside IN."   And I did a space clearing.  To me, the place felt fabulous--without spending a DIME.I got there early on Monday and anxiously awaited Carol's reaction-and she DID love it.  "But how is that going to bring business?" she asked.  I simply said "Change the Energy and it will Come."  (I can still hear her laughing over that remark).  But actually, business DID pick up, at first slowly and then more and more.  All of a sudden we had actually made it into those weekly reports.  And we no longer heard talk of closing our store.

At the end of six months, Carol and I made that business into the number ONE HearX in the Country for four consecutive weeks-a record!  We both got big bonuses.  That sometimes reminds me of what being a Feng Shui Consultant in New York seems to be all about:  creating just ONE believer at a time! 

*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 all of New York City (NYC) and Long Island and Distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone. For further information, please visit: http://www.FengShuiLI.com

There is ANOTHER name for this post. It's called "How Many Pictures can you get into a POST?" Yes, the saga continues.  I certainly can't speak for all New York City Feng Shui Consultants but this one LOVES Manhattan and spent quite a day there.  If you've missed the first two parts of this you can read them here:  A New York City Day--Take a Walk with Feng Shui Long Island 

A New York City Day, Pt. 2 Still Walking with Feng Shui Long Island

To see some pictures of Central Park you can try:  A Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, New York by Feng Shui Long Island   (My goodness, I wasn't expecting a whole SERIES :)

So, we were FINALLY headed out of Central Park on our day in New York City and were going to find somewhere good to eat.  We exited Central Park on 79^th Avenue on the Upper West Side of Manhattan and I hadn't seen some of those beautiful buildings in quite some time.  The architecture is spectacular but one particular building we were walking past made me stop and remember; it was the Dakota Building made famous in the movie "Rosemary's Baby" and sadly, more famous because that's where John Lennon was shot and killed.

Picture courtesy of NYC-Architecture

We took a moment to go to the side entrance and I had explained to my daughter as much as I could remember of that awful night.  I thought of all the songs that never got sung and remembered his total love of New York City...and the fight he had to stay here when the government was trying so desperately to deport him.  He'd made New York his home and he wasn't leaving.  The building is heavily guarded but John Lennon was so friendly he'd often stop and sign autographs and speak to his fans.  It was the one truly sad moment of the day.  Still, every December thousands gather at Strawberry Fields--to IMAGINE.

The side entrance of the Dakota...and a moment to reflect.

A little further along we passed a building with Foo Dogs;  This certainly wasn't the first time, the same thing had happened to me at the end of Chinatown and I'd discovered a Buddhist Temple that I'd never known about.  Now you KNOW that if it has Foo Dogs, I'm going in.  It was a hotel I'd never seen called The Mandarin.  A gentleman who worked there stopped me at the entrance and I asked him if I could take a few pictures; he was wonderful about it.  "Of course and be sure to visit our lobby on the 7^th floor" he said.  I thought we were IN the Lobby.  I loved it, beautiful artwork and a very serene feeling.  I have often stayed the night in New York City although it is not a long commute because I enjoy it so much.  The price of a room there?  Well, they start at $695.  Another night, perhaps....

 Dining at The Mandarin--What a view!

 One of the very unusual artwork pieces in The Mandarin Hotel.

Ah, passing Lincoln Center.  There is always something that draws me in.  Even with stomachs rumbling we decided to see what Operas were coming up.  Although I've been to a few, Laura has never seen one.  And while I never in the world expected to LIKE them, I absolutely loved it.  Madame Butterfly was coming up---and I got tickets for April....one of the "impulse" purchases.

 *Just past this lovely sculpture was a beautiful building and we stopped to see what it was---FORDHAM UNIVERSITY.  Who would have guessed that in just a few weeks I would be at their Bronx Location??

Finally we went to 57^th Street (trivia note:  The rents here are actually higher then they are on 5^th Avenue) and decided on an old favorite "The Brooklyn Diner."  They have wonderful food-and lots of it.  And are true to their name, it's straight out of Brooklyn!

Walking back toward Times Square, the sun was setting and the lights came on.  It is always a spectacular site to me.  With only blocks to go to get back to Penn Station I had one of those "I can't take ANOTHER step" moments and we hailed a cab.  Unfortunately, it wasn't "Cash Cab", a New York TV show where they ask you questions while driving you to your destination.  You can win money if you know the answers, or get thrown out with your third strike.  The one cab in a city that has 13,000 and I want it--although I'd likely fail miserably on the questions :)

Is that a SIGHT?

Back home at last.  I looked up and snapped this picture to remember a very long, very precious day in New York City with my daughter.  Feng Shui Long Island, New York City Consultant.

Difficult to see but it says "Welcome to Farmingdale" and the time.  Almost 7pm.  We later calculated we'd walked about 78 Blocks...I wish I knew what that calculated to in MILES.  I'd better end this post, I am expecting a call from the New York State Tourism bureau--I believe I'd be a great asset :)

*MOMA is COMING

*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 Manhattan and Long Island Feng Shui consultations for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Condos and Co-ops, Pre-Purchase and New Construction.  Consultations also provided at a distance by phone.  Carole is available for workshops and lectures frequently on Long Island and New York City.

That little Yoda was a WISE one.  I believe he might have meant to Say "May the Energy be With You" or isn't that EXACTLY what he WAS saying.

Gary Woltal recently wrote a post that struck a nerve with me.  If you haven't seen it, it's here:  Other beauty INSIDE a home   As a Feng Shui Consultant, we find the beauty and help bring it out.

When I wrote my post about Feng Shui Eyes, FENG SHUI EYES by Feng Shui Long Island, New York City  it is about learning to see a space, whether it be a home, business, apartment, a studio or even a corporation from different perspectives.  I can always see so MUCH potential in homes, even when they are badly in need of work or upgrades. 

As Feng Shui Consultants not only do WE see that way but when we are going over a client's space with them and the changes we would like to see when we can explain the WHY behind it, they absolutely understand-and have those "A HA" moments.  Recently while discussing a lovely home with my clients, I saw that the furniture was dark and gave the room a very heavy feeling.  When she saw her space from that perspective, she saw it herself.  It is "holding her down."

I will often hear clients say "It didn't FEEL right, but I didn't know WHY."  I've heard this with in both homes and businesses.  When you can see things with an objective eye and evaluate it with Feng Shui perspectives and principles, it often doesn't take much at all to change the energy in that space.  And it not only LOOKS better, it FEELS better.

I believe changes occur within a person as well, not just in their space.  They suddenly feel better and things begin to change.  They see the possibilities, they become "unstuck" and they often are inspired with new ideas, thoughts and feelings.  If everyone were aware of the huge impact your surroundings have on you and your feelings and emotions, they would look into it more often-which they are doing. 

As for me, I am delighted to work with these particular clients who are filled with energy and excitement and so very open to change; who realizes the old ways are not working and wants to FEEL better.  We have spoken several times though have not yet started the Feng Shui Consultation and there have already been shifts. 

Thank you, Gary, for inspiring this post.  And you're right; ANY place can be beautiful---if you see the Potential in it. 

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 Feng Shui Consultations for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction on site in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island and Feng Shui Consultations by phone for those at a distance.