Feng Shui for the Bedroom

My husband and I moved recently. In our new home I made a few key changes to our sleeping habits that have been amazing! Mainly, the removal of all things related to the outside world.

In our old home, I tended to work in bed.  I think this lead to my mind racing until I passed out every night with things I needed to do... Creating a better sleep environment for myself, was key to making over the more relaxed and focused me.  Overall, I wanted to slip into a more laid back and relaxing lifestyle.  I wanted to create a stress free home that opened itself up to meditation, work, and yoga.

Our bedroom has a cottage style, shabby chic decor (one that I have favored over the years, and has moved with me in all three of the homes that my husband and I have shared). With this last move we no longer have a television.  I limited the photos.  With a rule of no photos of anyone besides my husband and myself, and even then I only have one of us.

I also enjoy artwork with no people, in the bedroom. For me, the artwork is mostly flowers (I find them soothing).  I also have a painting that I can escape into hung over my bed.  I decorated the room with keepsakes form our travels, all of which remind me of happy times.

I hope that some of the things I have suggested allow you to create a more relaxing bedroom, no matter where you live!  Btw, the picture is not my own bedroom...but how ideal!  All about the visualization!

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

P.S. (August 2012)  This post is from 2010, and reading over it, I am happy to see how much I have grown in my Feng Shui knowledge.  As I continue to research the ancient art of Feng Shui, I have been able to improve my home environment.  For me, white furniture in the bedroom brings a feeling of peace.  Yet, I have since learned that it is bad Feng Shui to have a mirror reflecting the bed (as seen in the picture above).  Confirmed, after just finishing a recent episode to the Blog Talk Radio show Psychic Teachers on Feng Shui. In that episode Samantha Fey stated that she has heard conflicting things on mirrors in the bedroom.  As such, she avoids them in this space all together. For me it felt right when she stated this. Therefore, I would say it is best to avoid mirrors in this space. 

It feels good to clear spaces of clutter.  Donate, purge, and throw away constantly!  It will keep the energy in your life flowing!  And you can never sage a space too much!  If you don't use it, loose it...

Lady Bugs

The first time that I was drawn to the Lady Bug was in Prague. My husband and I were in the city, I was in a gift shop. I saw a Lady Bug crystal figurine, was drawn to it and purchased. Since then, the Lady Bug has been a fixture on the sink in my house.

We recently moved. We settled into our new home a week before Christmas. Our first night with our new home, in the empty house, we noticed Lady Bugs on the windowsill in the living room. Since we moved in, Lady Bugs have been spotted by my husband and myself on a regular basis. So, I decided to look into the symbolism behind the insect that I have always been happy to see when it has popped into my life.

I found the following blurb on this fascinating insect:

The ladybug is a member of the beetle family. They are found in nearly all climates and latitudes. They are hemispheric in shape, have short legs and are usually bright colored with black, yellow or reddish markings. Most reproduce sexually and females lay eggs. Their life cycle requires about four weeks, so several generations are produced each summer. This ties the ladybug to the energies of renewal and regeneration. Those with this totem are usually family oriented with strong morals and social values.The name lady bug originated in the middle ages when this beetle was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and called the "beetle of our lady." This links the ladybug to spiritual idealism and religious devotion. Past lives associated with religion or the church are common for those with this medicine and some form of daily meditation or prayer are recommended.This tiny little beetle packs a powerful message. Because the life cycle of the adult ladybug is short it teaches us how to release our worry and enjoy our life to the fullest. When it appears in our life it is telling us to "let go and let God."An adult ladybug can consume several thousand aphids and other scale insects within a few months. Since these can be harmful to crop production farmers and growers have long considered the ladybug a good omen. Because of its diet the ladybug often has parasites and those with this medicine need to take care of their digestive system.The ladybug is one of the few beetles that are well liked by humans. Unlike other beetles, the ladybug stirs a feeling of joy within us. Its small size denotes a delicate and loving nature. It emanates the energy of harmlessness and can show us how to stop harming ourselves.The shell on its back serves to protect it from predators. Its wings fold against the body protecting its soft underside. Ladybugs have keen instincts and feel vibrations through their legs. This enables them to sense the energy of whatever they touch and is another form of protection. In spite of its size it appears to be fearless. A messenger of promise, the ladybug reconnects us with the joy of living. Fear does not live within joy. The need to release our fears and return to love is one of the messages it carries.  Ladybug teaches us how to restore our faith and trust in great spirit. It initiates change where it is needed the most. When ladybug appears it is asking us to get out of our own way and allow great spirit to enter.

Retrieved on January 17, 2010

From: http://www.sayahda.com/cyc.html

Angels

I have been drawn to Angels recently!! Going to start writing about them in my blog. Do u believe in Angels? If so, ask for a feather a see what happens (and be patient, sometimes it takes a little bit)! In fact ask even if you don't believe, because you may be surprised :)

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

Meteor Shower!!!!

Last night I had an amazing experience :) I went into the woods to watch a meteor shower. Saw two, and so much more! Initially we had a clear, crisp, November sky! What a night!!!

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

Sarah Kruzan

Today I got wind of a story that shows how much work still needs to be done to achieve justice and peace in the world. Sarah Kruzan (from a broken home, with a drug dependant mother) at 16 was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing her pimp G.G. Her pimp proved to be an older child molesting manipulator, who forced Sarah into a life of prostitution at the tender age of 13, working the streets from 6pm to 6am, not able to even keep any of the money she had earned.
She kills him...and in a gripping you tube clip she states...I should be punished...I killed someone...BUT how much? I don't know...I don't feel that this young girl at 29 should have to suffer the rest of her life behind bars! Do you?

Update on 6/29/12:
I have noticed that this post in gaining momentum, so I just added the actual YouTube clip of Sarah discussing her case.  Hearing her story is heartbreaking...sending her peace and love...and hoping her story continues to gain awareness, so that one day, she is free!

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

Halloween Celebartions

Today is Halloween! A universal holiday, but it is observed in different ways around the world. This year I am looking forward to the good old American way...candy, costumes, and parties!
Last year, my husband and I were in Poland for the holiday, visiting family. In Poland the holiday is celebrated on November 1, and it is a day of remembrance. So, last year we went to the cemetary and brought candles and flowers to loved ones that had passed. Keeping my husbands Polish traditions going within our home, I have lit a candle in remembrance of our lost loved ones.
For those that believe, this is said to be the time of year where the veil between our world and the otherworld is at it's thinest! However you celebrate, enjoy the day!

Dream, Love, Believe...  ~JYN

New Moon

There is a new moon this Friday, September, 18th. This is a good time to meditate on new projects or works in progress. Visualizing your goals and where you want things to go once these projects are finished.

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

Lavender Room Spray

This summer I was plagued with tiny black ants on my front porch. So, I armed myself with a Lavender room spray that kept them away. I took a spray bottle and added 3 tbsp of rubbing alcohol, 10 drops Lavender essential oil, and then I added water. Shake it up and spray. Not only do you have an excellent room refresher, but this spray will also keep bugs at bay.

Good Tip (Aromatherapy)

Citrus Essential Oils have a shelf life of 6 months. But, this can be extended to a year when kept in the Fridge. Note, essential oils should be stored in a cool, dry and dark place.

Also, very few essential oils should ever be used neat (without mixing). Essential Oils are always mixed in Carrier Oils (which are vegetable oils) including: Sunflower, Safflower, Jojoba, Grapeseed...these oils can go rancid, and should be stored in a cool dark place. They last up to a year when kept in the fridge.

Foot Pampering!

I had to add on to my previous post...this tidbit is to good not too share! Afterwards, I rubbed my feet down with Burt's Bee's Peppermint Foot Lotion, and then put on cotton socks. My feet have been tingling ever since!

Foot Soak

Today, it felt like a good day to pamper my feet! As we speak I am sitting in a foot soak that I made for myself. I recently picked up the book Organic Body Care Recipes by Stephanie Tourles. First, I did an at home facial steam. Today, I am soaking my feet. I adapted a recipe that she has for callouses to make my own foot soak.

I ran hot water into my foot tub (which I cleaned with sea salt and water before hand). I have a container where I store marbles and sea shells for foot soaks. So, I added the shells and the marbles to the sea salt and water for a cleansing. Mixed around all the above, then dumped the water. Next, I filled the tub with hot water (I added one drop peppermint and lemon essential oil to the soak). Then, I set my foot pumice stone on the table next to where I am soaking my feet, to use after the soak. Then, I filled a cup with half a cup baking soda and half a cup sea salt.

I then set the tub beneath my chair. Sat down and immersed my feet into the foot bath. Added the baking soda and sea salt, and mixed everything together with my feet.

When I am done with the foot soak, I am going to rub my feet down with a pumice stone. Rub in a foot lotion, and then put on cotton socks.

Enjoy!

(p.s. if you don't have lemon and peppermint essential oils then omit)

Dream, Love, Believe... ~JYN

Rose Essential Oil

As a person who unfortunately suffers from PMS and menstrual cramps, I have began to place four drops of Rose Otto essential oil in the tub the week leading up to and while I am on my period. Rose essential oil is associated with the uterus and relieving PMS symptoms, menstrual cramps, promoting regular periods, and a healthy uterus.

Dream. Love, Believe... ~JYN

Lavender Essential Oil

I was reading the the book The Aromatherapy Bible today and came across a section that tells you your signature scent according to your zodiac sign. I was pleasantly surprised when Lavender was listed as Virgo's scent. Maybe this explains why I am so drawn to this Herb and also the color purple!

Tonight's Full Moon

Tonight we have not only a full moon...but also a lunar eclipse at 8:55pm.

Coraline

I had to read Neil Gaiman's Coraline in an Adolescent Literature class that I took while working on my Master's. I became a Gaiman fan, engrossed in his dark tale. Gaiman's Coraline is chilling, humorous, suspenseful, and creative.

Therefore, when I found out that Tim Burton was bringing this book to the big screen in 3-D I was there!

Now comes the DVD! I was not sure how the movie would translate to my home theater, and I have to say that I really enjoyed it. At home, I was able to pick up on more of the 3-D details within the animation on the small screen.

Next up, I am excited for Tim Burton's remake of Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Deep as the Mad Hatter!

Inspirational Quote (Something to Ponder)

From The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success (A Pocketbook Guide to Fulfilling Your Dreams)  by Deepak Chopra

"We need a more spiritual approach to success and to affluence, which is the abundant flow of all good things to us.  In Spiritual terms, success is measured by how efficiently, how effortlessly we co-create with the universe.  Hard work, struggle, and frustration are the opposite of what the ancient sages taught; they knew that the spirit lies at the source of all achievement in life."

As I embark on this journey of starting and running my own business, I keep the above words in mind.  Each day, I try and set aside a time to meditate.  Clearing  my mind of the everyday stress and focusing on my inner voice and guide.  I can get overwhelmed with the logistics of getting my name and brand out to the world.  However, at the end of the day I just have to believe in myself.  I trust that the time and the effort that I am putting into coming up with ideas and products, will in the end pay off.  

Right now my business is in the initial stages, and I am uncertain of the road that lies ahead.  I am working and pushing towards living my dreams! As life unfolds, I shall see what happens...

Dream, Love, Believe... JYN

Lavender

I have been in my garden a lot recently, weeding and planting.  At the nurseries, I have really been drawn to Lavender. This herb is great because of its calming effects, that is why it is such a favorite in aromatherapy.  I have always used Lavender essential oil in the tub (a few drops) allows you to relax, soaking in the scent.

Another tip, a drop of Lavender essential oil rubbed into each temple relieves headaches.  I used this tip the other night and it really helped (hopefully no more Tylenol!).  Fi

Nereids' Enchantments

Hello All,

I have decided to link a blog to my official business page.  I actually created this blog sometime ago BUT never made it public.  Today, I have decided to delete all posts and start from scratch.  I want this blog to grow alongside my business (Nereids' Enchantments), which I have not yet officially launched, but I am in the process of putting together.  This blog will include a bit of everything.  From what is on my mind at the time, politics, entertainment, tips on gardening, herbs, essential oil scents and uses, to much more.  I have wanted to maintain a blog for quite some time, so now I figure there is no better time than the present.