While reading some of my favorite Activerainer's posts (and some "Newbies" as time allows,) I came across a wonderful post that was a well deserved Feature by Laurie Mindnich called Introducing "RELIGION AND REAL ESTATE"... NO THANKS
Laurie had many valid points on the post and the topic was discussed from many viewpoints, which I found very interesting. I also came across a comment from someone who equated Feng SHUI with a RELIGION, which it is NOT. I thought that if someone has that misconception, then others might as well and thought I would like to clear it up.
We ALL have our own beliefs which I don't believe are the same as a RELIGION. How many people believe The Secret is a religion? Well, that's what many of the beliefs and principles of Feng Shui are founded on. As I mentioned in an earlier post, it is first and foremost A LIFESTYLE. As in The Secret, in my opinion you can visualize and "call" that new car or home into your life but if you're not living a mindful life, being respectful of others, doing your fair share to help out, treating people the right way, it's not going to materialize. And really, why should it? You can only get back exactly what you give out.
I see on Activerain the way many of you go above and beyond for your clients (which of course means you do that for everyone in your life). That is one of the things that makes you special and unique and will help you ultimately achieve what you are looking for in this life. I believe that for the longest time some of you thought Feng Shui was nothing more then furniture placement, colors and some "odd" little items we use like Lucky Cats or Money Frogs. Feng Shui is Intention. Feng Shui is respecting THE LAND and our environment. Feng Shui is living a good life and being a good person.
Nothing profound is going to happen with any of the other principles if you don't realize that first. It is NOT a Chinese religion, it is something the Japanese were doing as well; People of Indian decent call it Vastu or Vaastu Shastra. Native Americans built INTO the land to respect it---they use sage. Tis was and is used and practiced in Taiwan and Tibet---and many other places. It is Five THOUSAND Years old and this belief system extends all over the world with some variations.
The Blessings used in Feng Shui are NON DENOMINATIONAL. They do not go against any religion or lifestyle. Feng Shui is simply meant to inspire and help you create what you want for your life.
*And as a personal note to the commenter: I am not, nor have I ever been, trying to put my beliefs or opinions on anyone. I don't judge anyone and don't expect anyone to judge me. I post about it because I have used it, I have seen it work and I believe in it. Which does NOT mean you have to---but before you're critical of anyone's beliefs, you should take a look into them first. Do you want to know the BEST thing about Feng Shui? It can't hurt you, it can only make you a better person!!
Carole, as I've mentioned to you before, I was very ignorant with respect to Feng Shui. Your posts have me completely fascinated with the whole concept, and I have to thank you for that. It is amazing to me that so much can be accomplished with a PHILOSOPHY, and you offer it so generously (and patiently) with those of us that WANT TO LEARN MORE! Keep it up, and thank you!!
Carole,
Saw the same comment - you should add some of the uses as how it applies to real estate and the businesses using the concepts of good feng shui. (Nordstroms, Aveda, etc...) Agents should at least know what it means since many of the concepts have a big influence on current real estate and business trends.
Isn't it interesting how one blog will inspire others.
Good information on Feng Shui. I'm going to have to look for more of your blogs.
Sally, Thank you for answering this, I know it is a "touchy" subject for some. I know I have mentioned it in previous posts but perhaps they were missed and just wanted to convey that Feng Shu is not a religion.
Joan, You certainly can't complain about the diversity on Activerain :) We have people from all walks of life and yes, it DOES make it interesting!
Tracey, Thank you for your comment. Some people are missing a bit of the tolerance you mentioned that is so very important. We all should respect each other, it would create a beautiful life for everyone.
Laurie, Stop apologizing for that comment, it was a blessing in disguise. I didn't not realize some people thought of Feng Shui as a Religion and it gave me an opportunity to tell them it wasn't! I had addressed it in an old post but it was likely missed. And you had a wonderful post that made us ALL stop and think!
Dena, Intention is nothing more then what you wish to create in your life---Joy, love, prosperity, abundance in all areas. It's a different word for the "Law of Attraction." If you want to call anytime, I'm here! I have been so fortunate to speak to so many people from here, THAT is a blessing!
Rondel, Thank you. Feng Shui won't go away, it just gains in popularity and can be a real help to anyone who learns something about it.
Paul and Michelle, Thank you for your comment. There are many previous posts on how Feng Shui relates not only to Home Staging but also how it benefits Realtors as well....what clients are looking for and NOT looking for. Knowing what some clients DON'T want to see can save you a lot of time and energy.
Teri, Thank you for your comment! I am, I guess, not practical but I have different perspectives on things. I can change almost any negative into a positive and that's a great way to live! You just might pick up what we call "uncommon sense." :)
I also practice Feng Shui and was initiated in the Black Hat tradition, which is Tibetan Buddhist in origin. From my understanding Feng Shui derived, in part, from ancient indigenous religious traditions ( think it was Bon, but have to research further to make sure).
For me, the practice of Feng Shui is, above all, an awareness of personal environment.
There are religions who do not want their followers exposed to other ideas that might steer them away from particular religious beliefs.
I hate to argue the points you have made, because I think Feng Shui is so beneficial - but the blessings are actually Tibetan Buddhist Mantras, coupled with a Mudra. . . I was taught that if a person has a concern about saying a particular Mantra, that as the Feng Shui practitioner, you can suggest a substitution - a personal prayer, for instance.
Some people take their religious beliefs very seriously and probably would not be the best candidates for being open to what Feng Shui is all about.
Just my two cents. I am not a politically correct type, so I apologize for offending the masses (no pun intended).
Margaret, Thank you for your comment. I wanted to clarify things from an earlier post; there are so many misconceptions regarding Feng Shui.
Lynda, Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I hope this helps to clarify things for people that have misunderstandings about it.
Deborah, Welcome and thank you for your thoughts and comments. I too was a direct disciple of Professor Lin Yun but we were also exposed to many of the methods of incorporating Feng Shui, not just Black Sect. So our inspiration came from many of the absolute BEST practitioners who are no longer teaching. The Blessings, in particular, can be done in several different methods which are all just as effective; in our school they strived to give us all the different methods of practicing so we could accomodate anyone, from any religion. I love Black Sect but also incorporate Western methods as taught by William Spear and Terrah Kathryn Collins, the Compass Method, the different astrological methods, a study of Bio-Bauology (now called "Greening"--it was all encompassing. I never think of Feng Shui with just one method and never think of it as a religion; to me, it's a lifestyle. I would love to speak to you one day!
If I can add the links to some earlier posts, I will because I do believe Feng Shui will and does help Realtors Sell Homes! This might give you some ideas.
Targeting to a Diverse Market? What Realtors can do to get them IN the door
Feng Shui 101---Let's start at the beginning! The basics of Feng Shui
Feng Shui, Home Staging, What you can do to sell a home in this market!
These were some of the points I covered in previous posts; and there will be more so if you'd like to subscribe, please do. I hope this helps explain it.
Carole, I fully support the practice of feng shui , as you know. As a scientist and a pantheist, I have a belief in the universe as all one being, the majority of which we are unaware of in our limited senses. Feng shui addresses this 'unseen' energy via the placement of the seen and as such is seen by some as metaphysical. I find that many people have a great fear or dislike of things that are metaphysical. In a sense, this is what has sparked the beginnings of all of the religions of the world.
For myself, I know when something is not right, when it does not 'feel' right within my soul. My soul communicates to my subconscious which communicates to my conscious. If more people followed their souls, there would be more tolerance and less war and argument over who is right and who is wrong in metaphysical belief systems. Unfortunately too many people follow their egos and egos are all about power and pushing one's own personal belief system on others.
There is room for all practices that demonstrate the greater good and the golden rule here on earth. There is little room for practices that seek to impose will over someone else.
I'm glad that you are here and post so many beautiful posts about feng shui and the flow of energy....you help so many people here on AR and in the real world. Truly a very talented and empathic, knowledgeable person with a gift for writing and expressing your ideas....
now, thank God the evening is cooling off. I think I will go and sit out amongst my flowers and contemplate the evening.
Jo
Jo, Thank you for your lovely response. I believe you are right, I am just surprised there is still apparently not that much known about it in some places. And that's what makes "the mix" here on AR so interesting. With people like Donald Trump, Major Bloomberg and former President Clinton (to name a few) speaking up about it and it's benefits, it must be worth a try. I try to inspire to try it. I know how popular it is in California, New York and all of New England and Florida but perhaps not so much in some other places...yet. It'll get there :)
Have a beautiful evening!
Nice post. Thanks for sharing the information.
Carole...
I really enjoy your posts...particularily this one.
It has inspired me to learn more about Feng Shui. Thank you for your post and your clarification.
Julia
Bob & Carolin, Thank you for your comment. I know you use Feng Shui, I'm sorry you don't post on it very often.
Julia, Thank you for the lovely comment. The more you learn, the more you'll probably like it (and just maybe, try it :)
Hi Carole - it appears this was posted while I was out of the 'Rain' a bit - enjoying the summer sunshine!
I'm unaware what this refers to, but I think it is good that you made a statement. It rallies support. At the same time, however, those entrenched in fundamentalist beliefs will remain unaffected by anything said outside of their realm of belief, in which sphere is their only sense of safety.
Fear makes it difficult to view and understand that life, god, purpose, and connection is limitless and expansive.
You are blessed to understand this.
Deborah, Your responses are just beautiful. I know that people are fearful of things they don't understand or believe are rooted in a particular religion. This is not what Feng Shui is about. And I do believe the more people learn about it and it's principles, they see that they make sense. I just went back to read the post and had forgotten I had gotten such a negative, derogatory comment that I deleted it...And don't think I have done that since because people have become more inclined to look into it, perhaps. I hope so.
BTW, It was 70 degrees today, I am STILL enjoying the "Summer Sunshine." I hope you have beautiful weather as well--and lots of blessings.