Warmth and Change
Every season has its own special charms and characteristics that we look
forward to, but none are considered more spectacular than the fall. As
the leaves change on the trees, we are left with some of the most stunning
natural scenes as the beautiful gold and brown leaves create a sense of
warmth and change. Although often seen as the end, the fall represents
the dawning of a new day; a new chapter. Saying goodbye to the old and
hello to the new. Get inspired and stay in-spirit as you navigate
through this season of transformation.
November resonates with the energy of earth, as the trigram Kun moves to
the center - the axis line of creation. Mother earth is receptive,
strong, yet gentle. She compliments father sky, and in doing so, fosters
creation. St. Francis of Assisi preached how the whole world is a
family connected through Mother Earth as care giver, sister moon,
brother fire, and father God above who provide the elements of nature
that lead us back to Source.
The Native American Indians also honor every part of the earth.
Everything is sacred about the earth. In Native American Medicine Wheel,
the season of fall sits in the west, a place of the setting sun. As the
wheel turns energy moves from the periphery to the core. Life force
energy literally draws back into the roots.
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"We need a path, not to go from here to there, but to go from here to here."
Jakusho Kwong
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Warrior Poses
The
series of warrior poses includes three variations that could easily be
considered the most iconic of the standing postures. All three are
strong standing poses. Warrior 1 is oriented toward the front, with arms
overhead or variation of arms can be taken in your practice. Warrior 1
is an excellent pose to practice during the fall season as it aligns to
the throat chakra Vishuddha - the spoken word and the movement of air or
vata dosha. All the warrior poses represent a call to action. To take
pause in the heat of the moment and mindfully choose our words and
actions. As we continue to deepen our experience of the posture, we can
take our practice off the mat and become yoga warriors out in the world.
We can use Patanjali's Yoga Sutra that gives us the tools of happiness,
compassion, delight, and indifference to elevate our state of mind.
Warrior poses remind us that ferocity exists not only to destroy but to
also allow us sufficient strength to achieve integrity, compassion, and a
loving state of mind.
Join me for any of my yoga classes at Thompson Park.
My class offerings include: Yin/Yang Fusion, Vinyasa flow Lotus Style,
Yin - Quiet Connection, Codes of Creation in Movement! Just ask for Mary
Jane Kasliner classes for sign-ups! |
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Butternut Squash
Since
November is an earth month according to feng shui flying star system,
why not enjoy a hearty earthy soup. The element of earth will naturally
assist the energy of Mother Earth (Kun) this month, while building metal
chi for the autumnal season. Earth is the parent element to metal in 5
phase theory. Metal qualities include precision, organization,
structure, clarity, management, financial acumen, relaxation, heavenly
guidance, mentorship, helpful people, and the bodily systems of the
head, neck, mouth, teeth, skin, large intestines, colon, lungs and
respiratory system. Obviously it is a good idea to support these bodily
systems and food is an excellent way to do that! I personally love the
book Feng Shui And The 5- Element-Kitchen by Ilse Fahrnow and Gunther Sator for some great recipes following the 5 Chinese Elements.
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Bathrooms
Bathrooms are often small and cramped. Yet after the kitchen, the
bathroom is where we use the most resources - water, heat, and
electricity. So despite its humble proportions, this room has a
potentially embarrassing carbon footprint. Here are a few ways to
improve that.
- Water saving devices such as keeping showers under 5 minutes, and keep baths to a minimum.
- Turn off faucet while brushing your teeth.
- Fit flow restrictors to faucet valves.
- Turn down temperature on your hot water heater.
- Low flow faucets and showers heads.
- Low- flow toilets.
- Smaller bathtubs.
Incorporating environmental friendly designs is also a great way to
improve the carbon footprint. Walls can be part-tile and part-paint. The
tiles will allow any water to run off quickly, reducing damp levels.
There are some eco-friendly paints that can be used as a good option.
Floors are demanding in the bathroom but here are a few options to
consider:
- Linoleum - waterproof, relatively inexpensive, and extremely hard-wearing.
- Cork tiles - although square, these can be cut in half and used to create interesting patterns; they are water repellant.
- Ceramic tiles - hard wearing and cost effective, although without such good environmental credentials.
- Solid wood -susceptible to the changing moisture levels, they can swell and contract.
- Rubber tiles - hard wearing yet soft, with a contemporary look.
- Recycled rubber flooring - available in a roll to create a seamless floor.
Lighting is another aspect to consider in this room that requires
multiple sources. For example, bright lighting for make-up application,
mood lighting that will gently light the space for atmosphere, candles
that provide a gentle flicker for a relaxing feel, and task lighting.
Any of the aforementioned lighting fixtures are available in
environmental friendly formats that look great and lower carbon
footprint at the same time.
Other Things to Consider
- Eco-towels
- Natural soaps and bath oils
- Freestanding furniture
- Vintage mirror made from FSC-sourced wood.
Treat your bathroom like any other room in your home. Make it functional
but also luxurious as it does represent a part of your life! See my eco-friendly designs under my Feng Shui Mini-Program Series and find great ways to spruce up any room in your home while protecting Mother Earth! Enjoy any of my publications. They make great holiday gifts!
Happy November!
Mary Jane Kasliner
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