Carole Provenzale Owner, Feng Shui Long Island & New York

That little Yoda was a WISE one. I believe he might have meant to Say "May the Energy be With You" or isn't that EXACTLY what he WAS saying.

Gary Woltal recently wrote a post that struck a nerve with me. If you haven't seen it, it's here: Other beauty INSIDE a home As a Feng Shui Consultant, we find the beauty and help bring it out.

When I wrote my post about Feng Shui Eyes, FENG SHUI EYES by Feng Shui Long Island, New York City it is about learning to see a space, whether it be a home, business, apartment, a studio or even a corporation from different perspectives. I can always see so MUCH potential in homes, even when they are badly in need of work or upgrades.

As Feng Shui Consultants not only do WE see that way but when we are going over a client's space with them and the changes we would like to see when we can explain the WHY behind it, they absolutely understand-and have those "A HA" moments. Recently while discussing a lovely home with my clients, I saw that the furniture was dark and gave the room a very heavy feeling. When she saw her space from that perspective, she saw it herself. It is "holding her down."

I will often hear clients say "It didn't FEEL right, but I didn't know WHY." I've heard this with in both homes and businesses. When you can see things with an objective eye and evaluate it with Feng Shui perspectives and principles, it often doesn't take much at all to change the energy in that space. And it not only LOOKS better, it FEELS better.

I believe changes occur within a person as well, not just in their space. They suddenly feel better and things begin to change. They see the possibilities, they become "unstuck" and they often are inspired with new ideas, thoughts and feelings. If everyone were aware of the huge impact your surroundings have on you and your feelings and emotions, they would look into it more often-which they are doing.

As for me, I am delighted to work with these particular clients who are filled with energy and excitement and so very open to change; who realizes the old ways are not working and wants to FEEL better. We have spoken several times though have not yet started the Feng Shui Consultation and there have already been shifts.

Thank you, Gary, for inspiring this post. And you're right; ANY place can be beautiful---if you see the Potential in it.

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, New York City providing Feng Shui Consultations for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Offices, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction on site in New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island and Feng Shui Consultations by phone for those at a distance.

After the snowstorm this week and the driving rain tonight, I am glad to be getting back to warmer thoughts. My "Spring Like" day in New York City. (Sorry, we are FAR from over; this was one long, beautiful day). Besides, I love to show New York City-as seen from a Feng Shui Consultant's eyes.

Here are more pictures of that day and some stories that go with them. If you missed Part One, you can see those photos: A New York City Day--Take a Walk with Feng Shui Long Island or this one: A Feng Shui Consultant in Central Park, New York by Feng Shui Long Island We were just about to leave Central Park; or so we thought. Every time I went to leave something else caught my eye. The camera was put to good use that day!

A Rabbit...These are behind Tavern on the Green.

More of the Topiary: This one was a little camera shy!

A Beautiful Sculpture.

Statue of Daniel Webster.

We weren't the only ones that saw this as a day for PLAY! Look at the lovely thatched roof.

It was 63%. People were running, walking, skateboarding and soaking up a beautiful day.

The lake they are restoring and restocking. Fishing is permitted as long as you throw them back. In the distance are children playing on the rocks. Something that mine although they chose MUCH higher rocks!

We are surrounded by beauty......

Any wonder "I love New York?" I've learned to stop complaining about the price of living in New York because I know I won't leave it. It's not one of the most expensives places to be without a reason. But I AM putting my plans together for next winter to become a snowbird, at least for part of the winter. The best to two worlds!

We were finally heading for something to eat....but didn't realize what we were about to run in to.....

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone for Apartments, Homes, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations, Studios and Condos and New Construction. All Feng Shui Consultations are Personalized and Affordable.

I was not at all surprised; somehow, to hear that they had actually put Feng Shui to use in Mac Donald's in California. If you didn't catch the story, you might want to read about it here: Click here: Calif. McDonald's Tries Feng Shui Theme: Financial News - Yahoo! Finance

Slowly, VERY slowly, Feng Shui is becoming more and more popular. And I have always believed it would finally "catch on," I just hoped I wouldn't be too old when it did! Catching on so much that traditionally "mainstream" places are beginning to realize the public's interest in it-and figure they'd better get on board NOW.

Not Home Depot, however. At least not my local one on Long Island. As good as their workshops and classes may be, I hate to say that I dislike that store very much. I occasionally have to go in to pick up something for the house to TRY and fix and I've realized that you can get lost in there forever. There is no help. It's wonderful for handymen and workers but I can never find anyone around to help me try and actually find anything....I've probably left that store empty handed more times then I've actually purchased in there. I DO recall getting help once, actually; I stopped in on my way home from a consultation so I was dressed well and lo and behold, there just happened to be people in there that particular day coming over and asking me if I needed help!

It was with some trepidation that when the new Lowe's was built nearby on Long Island I had to decide whether to get all dressed up and head to Home Depot or try Lowe's in my regular "jean" attire. I decided to be brave and head out to Lowe's-in jeans; it almost felt like an experiment.

When I walked in there was something there to greet me! They directed me to the isle I was looking for and told me there would be people there who could assist me in what I was looking for---of which I had a list. I am replacing my bathroom downstairs and needed EVERYTHING. They were wonderful to me in helping choose everything I needed from a tub, sink and toilet to the tiles. Needless to say I haven't been back to Home Depot. I realized that Lowe's was about CUSTOMER SERVICE---GIVE THE CUSTOMERS WHAT THEY'RE ASKING FOR.

So what does this have to do with the Feng Shui of Mac Donald's? I received today a package in the mail from an online client from California that I am working with. She apparently also is a fan of Lowe's and in her package I found this from their website: Feng Shui: An Introduction and this:

Working Hand in Hand - Feng Shui and Chi
A Catalyst for Change
Tools to Learn the Bagua
Step One: Clear the Clutter
Step Two: Color Me Creative
Step Three: Elementary Elements
Step Four: Knicks and Knacks for Quick Fixes
Learn More About It

Pretty interesting, isn't it? And I believe it shows the impact Feng Shui is having on people who are choosing their new designs. In my opinion they will be one step ahead-or maybe two! If you're involved with Real Estate and intend to stay in your profession, don't be a Home Depot Realtor. Become a Lowe's Real Estate Agent; your knowledge will one day be worth your investment time in learning Feng Shui.

Many people have asked for more information about what we call "The Tradition of the Red Envelopes" as it relates to Feng Shui. Here's my disclaimer, right at the beginning: I can only tell you the way I personally practice the tradition, which is exactly as I was taught in 1996. I know it is done differently now but I have never changed the way I was originally taught because it is what feels RIGHT to ME.

We know that the Chinese and some other cultures consider RED an Auspicious Color. Giving money in these envelopes is considered to bring good fortune to both the giver and the receiver. They are often times give at birthdays, anniversaries, during the Chinese New Year and at weddings (when they often carry the symbol for "Double Happiness).

They are used in Feng Shui as an Energy Exchange between a Mentor and a Client. As a matter of fact, during our school whenever we were provided with a Blessing, we were required to give our Mentors Red Envelopes. Some asked for NINE (an Auspicious number in Feng Shui-although some schools use the number Eight) and they were each to contain money; the amount of money wasn't an issue.

When I am asked to do a Feng Shui Consultation for a client's home, business, or corporation I will be using the Blessings to clear their space and, if possible, the land. Our job, after receiving the Envelopes was to sleep with them under our pillow or mattress for the following nine nights to keep the connection with out clients.

We were taught in school that the money in the envelopes is not important but it will cause you misfortune if you keep it. It MUST be donated to any place that you see will benefit from the money. Years ago I used to wait until I had an amount large enough to make out a check and I sent it to St. Jude's Children's Hospital, a place that has always been close to my heart. In later years I've sent the money to The Jones Manor in Oyster Bay, Long Island, New York; an elderly residence I had written about once. They are completely non profit and any amount helps these residents to have a much better life. During the years I have donated a significant amount to both and feel wonderful about being able to do it.

It wasn't until I was named as Chapter Director for the Long Island Chapter of the International Feng Shui Guild that I was finally able to meet some other local Feng Shui Consultants. When I had graduated years ago we had a graduating class of 33 with only two others in my class being from New York. One never went on to practice Feng Shui and the other I eventually lost contact with. During our meeting the discussion of the Red Envelopes came up and I spoke of my donations. The other two consultants looked at me dumbfounded!

"That money is not DONATED, it is considered a Measure of what you are WORTH; don't you think you're worth anything"? I was advised that all these years I had been doing it WRONG. It seems both of them had been taught to advise their clients that the money in the envelopes was in addition to their fee, it was their tip and a measure of their worth as a Feng Shui Consultant. They advised me if I had been taught anything different, I was taught "wrong." One consultant did recall in the "early" days they had taught students to give the money away but realized they'd make a "mistake." I do know now that they are, in fact, taught to keep the money and it IS considered a measure of worth.

I went back to double check and review my old notes. And had to think about it for a while. I had actually added to the tradition as I had a thought one night: if we're working with Energy and staying connected with our client's during the following nights after a Feng Shui Consultation, what if they actually INFUSED the envelopes with their INTENTIONS. Would it strengthen their Intentions? I kept my old ways but for the last seven or eight years have asked my clients to write out their intentions and put them in each envelope along with the money, which is still donated.

I noticed that some times I would "see" a different change then we had discussed or something would come into my mind that didn't make sense at ALL to me and I'd share it. It DID make sense to my client's; in EVERY case they knew exactly what I was speaking of. I do not read them and I'm certainly NOT psychic in any way, but the Energy Exchange IS powerful!

I don't see my method as wrong, I see it as different; it is the way I was taught and it makes ME feel wonderful. I have all the respect for the way other's practice this ancient Energy Exchange-and yes, I DO know my worth, especially when I bring a check to The Jones Manor in person and see their eyes light up!

http://www.FengShuiLI.com

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site visits for Long Island and New York City for Homes, Businesses, Corporations, Apartments, Offices, Pre-Purchase, Renovations and New Construction and distance consultations are available by personalized, one on one phone Consultations.

I believe in the power of words. I believe every single thing you write that is posted on the Internet represents you. I have many of my thoughts and ideas through articles and blogs on the Art of Feng Shui and my beliefs about it as I have been posting for years.

I also believe people can either connect with you through your words or realize that you are not the person for them. Oftentimes something just strikes a NERVE with something you write and a potential client finds it and feels compelled to call you to discuss the possibility of working with you.

And so it was for me recently from an article I had posted a year or two ago. I received a call from California from a woman who said she found me on the Internet and loved what I'd written. One article led her to look for others and she "connected" with my thoughts and feelings about Feng Shui.

I asked her if she recalled what she had typed in to find me as I am certainly not targeting California. And she relayed this story to me: She had been thinking on and off of having a Feng Shui Consultation for some time and had met a friend one day and they briefly discussed it. Her friend used a phrase that she repeated a few times "There are no Accidents." The phrase stayed with her and when she returned home she typed it into Google. There are NO Accidents | New Age Journal

And an article I had written pulled up; years ago I stopped believing in "Coincidences" and "Accidents"and had written an article about my beliefs. She didn't see THIS as an accident, either, and emailed me with a few questions. I wrote her back and suggested several options: She should call several other Feng Shui Consultants and how I can work with her, if she wanted to by doing a phone Feng Shui Consultation.

I wrote what an Online Feng Shui Consultation would involve including a floor plan, pictures and Red Envelopes. A few days went by and she called. She thanked me for my honesty regarding calling other Feng Shui Consultants but ultimately wanted to work with me. From the articles and blog posts she'd read, she said she knew that finding me was no accident.

This reminded me of a very important lesson, one that has been spoken about but bears repeating: If you're not putting quality posts up and are "blogging for points" you WILL certainly get points. To my knowledge, however, I've never gotten any business from points-but I've gotten plenty from my posts here on Activerain. I'm going to keep this in mind at all times that I write. I want to share information not only about my business but about myself as well. I want to write about things people will read and connect with. I write about New York City and Long Island so often because I truly love my home and people can see that. I've said it many times before and I'll add it once more here because it's so relevant to this post: There are NO Accidents. You meet the people you are supposed to meet and attract the clients you are meant to have-which makes working with each and every one of them a JOY.

http://www.fengshuili.com/

*Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island, providing personalized and affordable Feng Shui Consultations on site for New York City and Long Island and distance Feng Shui Consultations by phone.