Summer represents the full peak of energy in nature ~
a period that subtly moves from Yin-Yang to Yang- Yang.

Summer corresponds to the South and the element of Fire so it can be a passionate, social time filled with lots of activities. It can also be a good time to gain recognition. On the other side of the coin, it can be a time when emotions run high and we can easily over exert or extend ourselves if we're not careful. Remember, Feng Shui is all about balance so the trick is to 'strike while the iron is hot' while being mindful not to burn yourself out.

It is also useful to remember that the practice of Feng Shui encompasses two important criteria: space and time. Space naturally relates to your physical environment while time is marked by the passing of the seasons.

Consequently, it is imperative to be aware of the need for change both externally as well as internally as your life (-and self-) evolves. Having said that, it is not enough to merely clear or 'enhance' the environmental energy that surrounds you but, also, your personal energy as well.

Ongoing Awareness ~
Personal clearing was just one of the subjects covered at a recent training session I had the opportunity to participate in. (On-going education is an important aspect of deepening one's knowledge in Feng Shui.)

This training contends that people, for better or worse, tend to personalize what we are feeling. Rather than seeing the connection between the energy within an environment and the affect it is having on us, we see ourselves as being the source of that energy or emotion (i.e.:depression).

The more you associate with a certain feeling the more you take on that feeling as your own. If you've ever visited a hospital, for example, you may enter it feeling content and 'neutral', but leave it feeling dejected or anxious. Chances are you identified with the energy of the patients or their grieving families and mistakenly took on those emotions as your own.

Awareness of the energy around you is pivotal to your on-going happiness and well-being. This can be especially challenging since most of us are very intuitive and sensitive by nature so it's easy to take on other people's energy without realizing it.

One way to gage this is to periodically monitor your own personal ch'i. One of the best times to do this is first thing in the morning while you're just waking up. Notice your general mood and how you feel. Check back in with yourself throughout the day, particularly if you are around difficult personalities and challenging situations.

If your mood has suddenly shifted from positive to negative (happy to sad, calm to anxious), it could be that you've inadvertently taken on someone else's energy. Remember, energy in and of itself isn't 'good or bad' it's just energy. Just as you had the capability of taking it on (albeit unintentionally), you also have the capability of releasing it. When I find my energy suddenly dropping to an uncomfortable place I'll acknowledge the energy, but I'll simultaneously recognize it for what it is . environmental energy that's passing through my awareness. Sadly, most of us take on that energy as our own (as it passes through our consciousness), even though it can be detrimental to do so. When/if this happens acknowledge then immediately release the energy. Before you know it, this practice will become second nature.

Personal clearing is just one part of creating a healthy and happy lifestyle. Environmental clearing is another. This can be accomplished through un-cluttering, the use of Feng Shui principles, space clearing, and advanced energy work known as 'biolocation.' This advanced and specialized form of energy work is highly regarded throughout Europe, etc. however, it's safe to say it's still fairly unrecognized in the United States.

In a nutshell, biolocation encompasses testing for negative magnetic fields (EMF/EMR), geological fault lines, pressure ridges, and ley line activity, as well as metaphysical disturbances. Very comprehensive stuff... One of the many benefits of this work is that it can be conducted remotely, that is, I don't have to be at the physical site to test for it or to clear it. (Incidentally, my rate for this service is $75 per hour.)

Creating a supportive living and working space begins with you and your mindfulness of the energy around you. For more information on personal or environmental clearing please contact: Kathryn Holt via email: kccholt@aol.com or at her website www.FengShuiResource.com.