Feng Shui This Fall

Today is officially the last day of summer. Yesterday I read an article talking about how to Feng Shui your home for fall. (Feng Shui is a Chinese thought that how you arrange things relates to the positive or negative flow of energy). It got me thinking of this exact blog I wanted to share with you guys today.

I like to think of life like seasons. It's always changing, always cycling and always moving. There will never be a time where we meet all of our goals and live happily ever after. Instead, we will always be adjusting, always be arranging and always be working towards Feng Shui-ing our thoughts and our life (are you following me still?).

I like to take each new season as a time of renewal and reflect on how the last season went. What worked? What was difficult? What do I want to focus on in this next season?
So, I will share my list with you and than talk more about how to Feng Shui your life this fall season. (Feel free to skip over my list and learn how to Feng Shui for yourself!)

What worked?
Things that seemed to work for this past season was growth in my business. I feel like my husband and I (although it took a full year) finally figured out exactly what we want our business to be. Although that might change a year from now, I feel like we're in a place where we can finally promote and spread the word on our awesome studio.

Finances seemed to work for us this past season and not how you probably think. We went through a phase where we were broke. Student loans started coming in, we opened our own business which meant rent, utl, paying teachers and me not working a 'normal' job. On top of that we had our mortgage and house payments. All of that forced us to sit down and plan out our funds. It forced us to sit down and plan our retirement. It forced us to not spend money on those extra things that we didn't really need. It also forced us to grow closer in our marriage. Something about not having extra money made us appreciate each other more. It made us not take date night for granted and allowed us to grow even closer (win!)

What didn't work?
To be completely honest the biggest thing that didn't work for me was taking care of myself. When you own a business you get so consumed in running your business that you put yourself on the back burner. 12+ hour days were very normal for me. I was stressed, grumpy and feeling like nothing was happening. I would feel bloated, my skin would break out and I would be low on energy. Yes I would exercise and yes I would eat right but that just goes to show you how important it is to take care of yourself internally. It was actually just about a week ago that I had a wake up call that I need to shift my focus. In just a week I brought back the essential oils, the daily intentions and reflecting on what was important to me. In just a week I feel a major difference!

What does Fall look like for me?
This season, I of course want to keep working towards those things that have been working for me, but the biggest thing I am focusing on is my internal well being.
I am doing this by 

1. Being more organized in my business and doing specific things that I know will have an effect on growing the business instead of working long hours and not feeling accomplished.
2. Getting back to being mindful. Listening to my body and knowing not every day needs to be an active day. The things that make the biggest difference most of the time are the small things like journaling, having a relaxing night time routine and setting positive intentions for the day.
3. Be kind to myself. Allow myself to be vulnerable. Allow myself to feel my crazy emotions from owning a business and work through them instead of working against them.

So, if you are ready to Feng Shui your thoughts and feelings this fall here are some tips.

1. Reflect on what the last season brought you. And this isn't about weight loss, calorie counting or the number of workouts you made it to. Think deeper. How were your stress levels? How was your time management? How was your positive self talk?
2. Think of some things you would like to adjust and work towards this next season? Are you working on letting go of too many commitments? Are you working on a better night time routine that will result in better sleep? Are you working on positive self talk so you can be kinder to your body?
3. Be KIND to yourself. Remember, there will never be a time where you reach all of your goals and everything is perfect. Instead, we work on bettering ourselves each day.
4. I like to think of this time almost like spring cleaning your house. De-clutter your internal thoughts. Let go of the negative and organize the positive! 

Please comment below and let me know what you plan to focus on in this new season.
Wishing you lots of wellness,
Hanna


Below I added the article from www.mindbodygreen.com on how to Feng Shui your home for fall.

1. Celebrate fall's harvest.
Display plump pumpkins around your home. In feng shui, they're regarded lucky charms, attracting material goods and wealth. Pumpkins are also revered as protection against negative energy, so a few by the front door is simply smart shui. And while we're on the subject of fruit, apples are a sign of peace. Fill a bowl with them and place it on the kitchen table. Be inspired by fall’s cornucopia — gourds, pine cones, and acorns — and incorporate what you love. It all represents good health and a long life.

2. Promenade color.
Gaze outside — nature wears a kaleidoscope of hues. Drink its inspiration and switch out summer colors with cascading fall tones. Orange is a social color that bolsters lively conversation — a perfect pairing for seasonal merrymaking. Red is seen as healthy and abundant, so it's an excellent choice around the front door. It simply demands attention, especially when we want to attract crisp opportunities. And yellows and browns summon an earthy vibe that harnesses grounding, comforting energy in our home.

3. Grow fresh air.
Yellow mums are a howling way to feel golden. Symbolic of fall, they signify gratitude. So, if you are a guest at someone’s table this season, a fresh yellow mum is a pitch perfect gift. However, any plant works wonders. Once outside temps drop, we cocoon inside more. Household plants naturally remove indoor toxins and purify the air, dispensing plenty of healthy breathing space for everyone.

4. Create seasonal rituals.
As we transition through seasons, rituals can help integrate structure and comfort amid a whirlwind of activities. Keep leaves swept away. Replace burned-out bulbs with equally bright wattage. Keep the pathway both outside and inside the entryway inviting. Use full spectrum lighting, especially in windowless rooms or nooks. Light candles or fill lanterns with twinkling lights to duplicate the aura of dusk.

Open windows and let wild grace carry in refreshments. If the air is too brisk, position a fan to mimic an outdoor breeze. Add rocks somewhere in your home — maybe as plant fillers or a paperweight. By caring for our space, we stimulate fueling energy so it circulates within our homes and lives fully.

5. Host a gathering.
Prepare for fall festivities and feasts. The kitchen is symbolic of wealth, and it's where family and friends naturally gather for meals, games, and conversation. Inviting loved ones into our home for food and nourishment is a delightful way to stoke prosperity. The shui notion is if you are blessed to feed many mouths, you are already wealthy. And when love is gathered under one roof, it leaves a jubilant residue.

6. Spend time outdoors.
Stand in the sun and absorb its warmth. Let the cold air bite your cheeks. Listen to the birds, crickets, or harvest wind — whatever seasonal sounds surround you. Begin a day with a few minutes in the sunlight, and honor its end by soaking up some moonlight. You are a powerful source of energy in your home. And when your energy is renewed, you become a relentless life force for good.

Fall offers us a multitude of authentic delights that carry restorative power. So, as the season lights up wherever you are, stitch her grandeur into your space and give yourself that warm welcome all season long. Autumn bears a lollapalooza of options — so if something draws you into delicious delight, consider yourself in the company of some seriously good shui.