Holistic Health – Page 2 – TIME & SPACE CONSULTING

Published April 7, 2010 by ifc

FENG SHUI FOR POSITIVE CHANGE

Feng Shui, the oriental art of placement, has been around for thousands of years. For generations its principals have been handed down as a form of folk wisdom. Masters and adepts were called in to clear out negative spirits. Homes were sanctified and protected by invisible space.

The techniques evolved over time to include: Choosing building sites, designing the interior environment, and placing furniture.

When done, consciously, good health and good fortune will follow. It’s written in the stars.

Over time thr The Way ee different schools of thought developed, each of which addressed environments from a different, yet compatible, point of view. The Taoists were the earliest practitioners, followed by those who called themselves Confuscion’ists. The most recent school of thought has been developed by Buddhists calling themselves The Black Hat Sect. More recently there is a growing group of practitioners doing research and development with a technique known as Local Space. You won’t find much written on this before 1990 or so because it is too mathematically complicated to learn without a computer and a rudimentary understanding of astrology.

The underlying principal of feng shui, and all the esoteric sciences is the concept of Chi. ( Prana is the word that is used in Vaastu Shastra,) Chi is the life force energy that flows through everything. It’s invisible yet powerful, and when it is blocked or obstructed it can impact our lives in surprisingly undesirable ways. Learning how to arrange our landscapes, our living rooms, and our lives in alignment with flow of chi energy is what feng shui is all about.

Telluride by Frank Lloyd Wright

This experiential course of study will enable you to practice feng shui for yourself and for others. If you’re interested in becoming a professional in the field I offer a mentorship program available to those who qualify.

The course of study that I have developed begins with the philosophy of feng shui and covers how belief systems combine with human psychology & science to create our life circumstances. Additional topics will include:

How and why feng shui works.
The three different schools and what each has to offer.
The Elements. Balancing the elements is a key component along with determining the best geographical direction for sleeping, cooking, and working.
The geographical directions.
The maps. (Bagua, Local Space, Astro-Cartography
The problem with clutter.
Feng Shui in the Garden.
Eliminating sleep problems with feng shui.
How to increase wealth & resources. Finding a career or job. Selling/Buying real estate.
Smoothing out relationship difficulties.
Living with electro-magnetic energy and it’s impact on our health.

Creating safe and sacred space.

Ida’s interest in feng shui began during college while studying art & interior design in the 70’s. She gained practice in the field while working as a real estate agent. Today, she uses feng shui along with yoga & astrology to help others create balanced, healthy, lives. Some of her experience in the field includes: Brookdale College, St. Barnabas Hospitals (NJ), the Breast Center at Monmouth Medical, Lucent Technology, NJ Supreme Court offices, a golf course, 100’s of residential properties, real estate offices, retail stores, yoga centers large and small, business offices and schools. she has been a state & national presenter at various conferences teaching others how to balance their lives with Feng Shui.

Ancient Wisdom Buddhism Feng Shui Holistic Health

chi training

Published March 11, 2010 by ifc

Doing-nature

If you have any planets or points located in the early degrees of a Cardinal sign then I’d like to hear from you. Your lives are as eventful as mine these days……or soon to be so.

Cardinal energy/signs really like to make plans and do stuff. Action is key. There are 4 Cardinal signs in the zodiac: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn. Together they form the axis of an astrology chart- the cross that puts everyone at angles and odds with each other and the world.

Naturally, each of these signs represents it’s ‘doing nature’ differently. For instance, Aries does things First; that’s important for this fire sign. It’s soul purpose is to demonstrate the pioneering spirit – going and doing what hasn’t been done before. Thinking things through takes way too much time so they’re apt to be quite impulsive as they pioneer headfirst into the unknown.

Cancer is a busy sign, too. Their ‘doing-nature’ is more directed, but none the less active! Security is their goal and they spend a lot of time securing it. Establishing a roof over their head is primary, and a tent will do as long as they can call it home. However, there is another important thing that Cancer’s must do, and that is to feel their feelings. Our current culture has not been supportive of this important action…..feeling feelings, and therefore a lot of Cancer energy has been delegated to the unconscious where it does it’s acting out surreptiously.

Action and Libra may not seem to go together at first sight. Libra is Venus ruled and can often show up as sloth and indulgence. This is not a pretty sight even though Libra always looks good. Contradictions reign, even though Libra mediates. Libra’s don’t do first. They wait for someone else to do something and then they know what to do themselves, either follow along or go the other way. They always do their doing nicely maintaining a good public image.

The king of doing-nature could be Capricorn, and that particular cardinal sign is currently experiencing active transformation. Pluto, the planet that might or might not be a planet, is currently moving thru that sector of the tropical zodiac. (Pluto is not recognized in the Vedic/Jyotish system). Expect power struggles for a long, long time.

Who knows what will become of Capricorn’s doing-nature throughout this tranformational transit. In the past this Saturn ruled sign has represented symbolized authority, structure, and management…..someone has to do it, you know? Capricorn energy shows where and how we are the authors of our or other people’s lives. It’s a no-frills kind of energy and the goal becomes the purpose and all actions and all doing is directed towards achievement. Once achieved, another goal/purpose replaces the first one, and on and on it goes. Capricorns do a lot.

We all have ‘doing-nature’, some of us obsessively. But, as one of my favorite teachers has said so often, “we are human beings, not human doings”, and that explains a lot to me.

Pluto and Saturn together are stressing out a majority of people on the planet. That’s a given. These same astrological aspects are happening everywhere and to all of us. There’s only one time zone to consider if you look at the life from the cosmic perspective.

Once you understand the cosmic perspective it becomes increasingly important to make life choices accordingly. During cardinal times, such as these, important decisions and significant changes happen. These events can be pleasant or unpleasant, either way the physical body responds the same during these stressful times. Only your mind decides or rather, judges the difference. These human-being-bodies still respond with beating hearts, sweating palms, shortened breaths, and tensed muscles.

I recommend you practice yoga in the ancient ways to help your body/mind integrate all the powerful forces that are impacting our world. It’s time for me to do that now. My Moon/Venus/Uranus are all early cardinal.

Om shanti, shanti, shantihi.

Astrology Holistic Health Planets and their Cycles Time Management Yoga

cardinal pluto saturn

Published January 15, 2010 by ifc

Yes, by George! Negative Ions, it is.

Can you feel it? It being the on going conjunction of Chiron & Neptune & Jupiter’s visit this last year.

I’ve been watching the unfolding of this new paradigm for many years. We are in the cycle of eclipses today… a time of ‘transition’ where all things become possible. Watch your thoughts, emotions, actions, and beliefs. Nourish yourself & others. Practice ahimsa, often by paying it forward, or receiving with grace. Love everyone.

And, I love this website, and this particular post reminded me something deep and profound. Check it out…..http://urbansurvival.com/week.htm It’s important for those of you who are learning feng shui to become aware of the difference (in your own body) of negative ions & postive ions in a space.

Astrology Blogging electro-magnetic energy Holistic Health Planets and their Cycles

negative ions

Published January 13, 2010 by ifc

Does your home sing?

Sound is a very important element to consider when feng shui’ing your home.
Begin,
today,
to listen more closely to the sounds in your home.

Watch this video for inspiration…..if you like it check out the movie: Touch the Sound. I watched it last night.

Do you have any instruments in your home? Where have you placed them?

Think about it. Meditate….. contemplate silence.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YLvkoAZYAkI]

Feng Shui Holistic Health Music sound/music therapy

Published May 7, 2009 by ifc

The Saturn Return- more on…..

Cycles of Becoming, The Planetary Pattern of Growth by Alexander Ruperti is probably one of the best books I’ve ever read on the study of cycles, phases , and patterns.

Here’s what he writes for age 56-63.

Phase 9. Possibility of 3rd birth in the Uranian cycle. Demonstration of the capacity to focus the spiritual quality of being inherent at birth, through the personality. New spiritual activities or, negatively, further crystallization of mind and feeling responses.

He goes on to write that after 63 we move towards, “conscious preparation for the afterlife….or senility”

Astrology Dharma Holistic Health Planets and their Cycles Saturn Time Management

aging cycles saturn saturn return

Published October 23, 2008 by ifc

…………more on stress-management

I began facilitating stress management classes around 1989, but here’s a tidbit of information Ilearned in a recent YTT class on stress-management.

When they did all those studies to determine what is known as the fight or flight reaction they used men. After observation those were the words that were chosen (Fight/flight) to represent the surges of adrenalin and cortisol as witnessed in a male human body. Fight. Flight. Sounds simple enough , and it’s quite true. Remember, that primal brain is still operational, despite modern evolution.

The tidbit though is about how a woman’s body responds to those same adrenal gland secretions. Recently they duplicated the same studies and discovered that neither fight or flight were the most common responses for the females. At All! What had been observed was that female bodies tended more to Freeze during stressful conditions. Think ‘deer in the headlights’ kind of reaction.

When I took a little survey among my students, men & women, I discovered that The Freeze feels much more resonate with them than fighting or fleeing….not always, but most of the time. Nearly all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief by just hearing that alternative F-word. (freeze)

Whatever. Stress is stressful. There’s no doubt about it. Yoga helps. Find a teacher that you resonate with. Go often. Relieve your stress. It’s good for everyone. Yoga Nidra tonite.

Come, The Door is Round and Open. (rumi)

Here’s some information on my studio.

Holistic Health Time Management Yoga yoga nidra Yoga Therapy

adrenalin cortisol fight-flight stress stress management

Published October 23, 2008 by ifc

Here are some pictures……………..

Asbury Park Astrology Education Feng Shui Holistic Health My photos NJ self-promotion Teachers The Jersey Shore Yoga Yoga Therapy

Main ST.

Published August 22, 2008 by ifc

Located at the Jersey Shore

One of the precepts of yoga (fromthe yamas & niyamas) is svadhyaya, a Sanskrit word loosely translated as self-study. Swami Kripalu, the wise sage from India that inspired the creation of Kripalu Center in MA, says that “self observation without judgment” is the highest form of yoga we can practice. The Sanctuary is a place to practice.

Since 2002, The Sanctuary has been a host to yoga classes, astrology workshops, feng shui trainings, meditation circles and many other types of spiritual/metaphysical studies. The intent is to provide a safe and sacred space where self discovery is encouraged, deep transformation is possible, and healing can occur.

Directions to The Sanctuary.

The Sanctuary is located at 560 Main St. Suite 2C in Loch Arbor, NJ which is just north of Asbury Park, NJ. It is easily reached from the NJ Garden State Parkway and other major roads as well as walking distance from the NJ Transit train station . See Map

Also within walking distance is the Atlantic Ocean, Deal Lake, the rejuvenated city of Asbury Park, shopping & restaurants.

Our telephone number is (732) 531-9013.

Miscellaneous

The Sanctuary is on the second floor of a small office building. There is no elevator. Ample, well-lit parking off the street is located at the back of the building. Inside, there are approximately 500 square feet of empty, carpeted space suitable for yoga practice. Some yoga props and supplies are available.

The building is mostly leased by professionals such as: accountants, therapists, property managers, insurance agents, etc. It is very quiet most of the time and there is not a lot of ‘thru’ traffic. Western exposure provides ample daylight, and the landlord provides heat, a/c, and electric.

The Sanctuary is available to guest teachers, facilitators, and healers. For more information click on Questions? above. It’ll provide you with a contact form.

Asbury Park Astrology Feng Shui Holistic Health My photos self-promotion The Jersey Shore Yoga Yoga Therapy

co-operative guest teach lease new jersey share space for rent studio yoga classes

Published June 13, 2008 by ifc

The Balsamic Phase of the Moon

The moon returns to darkness once again. Perhaps you can see the slightest sliver of light remaining. Sigh. We’re tired. Something inside is calling for rest, retreat, and rejuvenation. The balsamic phase is the time when we need to honor that feeling, and honor ourselves for all the work and effort we have expended during the previous cycles. This phase of the moon beckons us to turn our attention inward, to the deepest parts of ourselves. It is the time to connect with spirit and the divine energy that lies within. And, if we are not in touch with those aspects of ourselves then perhaps this is the time to search for it.

Many of the eastern philosophies speak of the light that resides within. God is to be found on the inside, deep within oneself. Our disconnection from that source of light within may indeed be part of the problem that permeates society today. Many times when I tell my clients and students to use this balsamic time for meditation, contemplation, soul-searching or prayer they look at me like I’m crazy. “I don’t have time for that” is a common response. There’s “too much to do, too much work, too many responsibilities”.

“But, I wish I could”, is a communal sad song. Well, this is the time to take the time for inward-oriented activities. And, the amazing, magical result of pursuing this inward journey at this particular time is the reduction of stress and the feeling & experience of having more time throughout the rest of the cycle.

The Balsamic Phase of the Moon is when our system is crying for psychic detoxification. It’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on all events and activities of the recent past. A ‘letting go’ time, when we acknowledge ourselves for doing the best we could. Or, if we weren’t able to do our best, we acknowledge ourselves for trying and then let it go.

What does it mean to let go of something? One hears this expression a lot these days. On one level I think it means to not worry or be concerned with outcome. Replace the energy spent on mental/emotional anguish and instead practice cultivating the energy of faith, trust and stillness. The Bhagava Gita gives very explicit instructions for how to do this and the balsamic phase is the time to practice more intently.

During the balsamic period the veil between the conscious and the unconscious is thin. Therefore, it is also a good time to pay more attention to our dreams. Dreams come from the Vijananamaya Kosha, one of our subtle bodies according to Yogic Philosophy. Our higher mind usually has some very important information and dreams are a way of communicating with ourselves. Sometimes they may even take on a prophetic tone. Our need to daydream, fantasize or simply escape our everyday realities is a natural tendency that requires attention just like any other health routine me might employ. We all need time to be alone and connect with ourselves. Long walks or drives, frequent naps, listening to music, connecting with nature, journaling, painting, dancing, practicing yoga, tai chi, chi gong, reading, or just sitting staring out a window are all befitting activities for these days.

In psychological terms this lunar phase is when we are more connected to the collective unconscious. This is a term used most frequently within the Jungian tradition of psychology. Freudians might refer to it as the unconscious or supra-conscious mind. People have created different words for the same concepts for eons. The point is that there is a part of our mind that works from a different operating system than the rest of our mind. And this ‘hidden file’ is very busy connecting to the ethereal WWW all the time.

So, perhaps the most important thing to really understand is that if you do not honor this time, if you continue your daily life and your routine without including “downtime’, then you will not feel energized and refreshed when the next cycle begins. At first the effects of this may not be apparent. However, over time, if you continue to ignore your inner world and focus only on the external the stresses will accumulate and can create obstacles, dis-ease, and crisis in your life.

Without adequate time for pause and reflection, the body/mind/spirit will rebel and hopefully send you some clear signals that things are out of balance. When that happens our lives begin to spin seemingly out of control. We find ourselves in dysfunction, dis-ease, and disarray. And as a result something may happen by which we are then forced (by some external factor?) to give up our routine. Either we land in a hospital, or we are down-sized, laid-off or fired. Either way, we are now forced to use our time to reflect because now we have no other choice. Fate or Free Will……..make your choice.

It’s so much easier to voluntarily step back from our routines then to have them forcibly removed from us. This is the gift of the Balsamic Phase of the Moon. Two days out of every 28 day cycle can go really far in preventing & healing accumulated stress.

Astrology Holistic Health lunar phases Meditation philosophy Planets and their Cycles Time Management Yoga

balsamic Jungian psychology

Published April 10, 2008 by ifc

The yoga of communication….

monkey For years now I have been opening yoga class with a “check-in”. It’s an opportunity for those who choose, to speak without fear of feedback. It can be a difficult practice and not everyone participates, nor does everyone understand the benefits or meaning of the practice.

I will be turning over my yoga classes to my assistants when I travel later this month. We’ve been having ‘training’ sessions to cover as much as we can before I leave. “Holding the space” for a deep-listening practice can be extremely challenging. And, yet, I want the studio to remain constant and safe for those who attend in my absence.

Over the years of working with deep listening techniques, conscious communication, and silence I have learned a lot. It’s my intention to get it all down in the manual I’m writing for yoga teachers/therapists.

For today, I’d like to call your attention to some words that are best eliminated from your everyday dialogue. They are powerless and ineffective. Nothing of importance gets communicated if these words are in your sentences. And, for now, you’ll just have to take my word for it and do your own research. Let me know what you find. Here’s the list.

COULD

WOULD

SHOULD

BUT

NEVER

ALWAYS

NOT (or any word that has a n’t attached to it)

It’s a short list. However, if you begin to really listen to yourself you will probably find it quite difficult to eliminate these words.

The moon’s in Gemini today….the impulse to connect thru language presents itself. The mental field is active and the communication channels are active.

consciousness Holistic Health Miscellaneous Yoga Yoga Therapy

communication listening techniques NLP non-violent communication

Category: <span>Holistic Health</span>