This is a repost of my article that appeared on

Although I don’t have any linguistic rules to back me up, I feel like it’s not coincidental that the word “HOME” includes the word “OM” and has the same prefix as the word “HOLISTIC.”

Holistic living is being more and more embraced with conscious eating, preventive and alternative medicine, and simplicity. Holistic implies being ‘whole’ or looking at the ‘whole’ picture by looking at our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing as a whole, not in parts.  Historically, in the West, we have put a priority on physical health, while in the East there has been a focus on spiritual health.  Both are now being embraced and united with a holistic lifestyle.

And now our home is becoming to the forefront as another component of living holistically.  More and more people are realizing that their home can be a source of healing – a place of essential change.

Our home is second to our body as our physical dwelling on Earth.  It is so closely related to our mind and body that the two have oftentimes throughout history been used interchangeably in religions, architecture, and in dream analysis.

And this I know is not coincidental.  For the last four years, I have gone to people’s homes to help them with energy flow, clutter clearing, and even color selecting.  And what I realized early on is that our home is a mirror of ourselves.  And as we make changes to our home, we are making changes to ourselves.

The energy patterns within our self – physically, mentally, and emotionally – are also present within our home.  Have you ever had a great massage or bodywork where you left feeling great.  And upon returning home, you fell right back into your old patterns – maybe your shoulders started to slump forward again or your breathing returned to being labored.

If the energy flow in your home is ‘off’ then the energy flow in your body will be off. Energy flow in your home can be affected by furniture, accessories, clutter, and the quality of energy.

Here are a few things to consider to make your home part of your holistic lifestyle.

1. Furniture blocks: For the best feng shui, you want the energy to ‘meander’ through a space.  So imagine yourself as energy (because you are) coming through your space.  Do you bump into any furniture? Do you hit corners sticking out? Are there tight places that feel constraining?  Too much furniture can be major blocks of energy.  And if they’re in your house, then they’re in your life in some form.

2. Emotional Clutter: Clutter is stagnant energy.  So if you feel stagnant in any area of your life, then there’s probably clutter lurking somewhere in your life that has taken form.  If it’s your love life that’s stagnant, then clear out stuff from past relationships.  If it’s your career that’s stagnant, clear out your office. If it’s your body that’s cluttered, then clean out your cupboards, fridge, and clothing closet.

3. Inventory Your Accessories: Like a great outfit, accessories are essential. They can make an outfit.  But if overdone, they can ruin an outfit.  So is the case with accessories in your home.  Take inventory of the accessories in your home.  You should love everyone of them.  Don’t use accessories to distract.  I find that people who use too many accessories in an outfit are subconsciously trying to distract the attention away from them personally and to their clothing instead.  Don’t let your accessories distract you.  Love everything in your home, including yourself.

4. Clear the Energy:  No one likes to sit at a table in the restaurant before it’s been cleared by the people who sat there before. And no one certainly wants to live among the energy of the previous owners of their home. You don’t want to be subjected to the energy patterns of those before you.  If you have never cleared the energy in your home, now is the time!  It’s quite simple and effective.  Sage smudging is the most common method by which you light the end of a sage bundle and waft around your house.  Add your intention to the mix as well.  You can also try my hand-blended Smudge Spray which is quite effective as well and smells fabulous.

So as you become more conscious of your diet, exercise, spirituality, and so forth, become conscious of your home as well.  As you love your home, you will love yourself.

photo credit

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Tisha Morris is a feng shui expert, life coach, and the author of Feng Shui Your Life. For more information, visit www.tishamorris.com.

HAPPY EARTH DAY!

How many times have you cleared clutter only to be appalled by the amount of stuff you are contributing to a landfill. Feelings of guilt arise. Between being dismayed by the amount of stuff you have accumulated and the remorse of contaminating Mother Earth, clearing clutter oftentimes becomes a project of procrastination, or worse, a permanent avoidance.

If this resonates with feelings you’ve had at some point, then help is on the way… there is no longer an excuse to put off clearing clutter. We will use the Reduce Reuse Recycle mantra as our guide for the best ways to clear clutter and be green.

REDUCE

The Number One best thing about clearing clutter is that once it’s gone, once you realize just how much you have accumulated, and once you realize how little you really need, then you are so much less likely to consume as much in the future. Clearing clutter reduces future consumption. In fact, after clearing out your clutter, you will feel so much lighter that you will not want to re-clutter your space. And when you do get the itch for something new, you will be oh so much for choosy in what you purchase.

REUSE

The second tier of being green is to Reuse. In my 5 Step Guide to Clearing Clutter, I recommend separating your items into piles: trash, recycling, returns, donation, and ‘for sale’ items. Those items designated as donation and/or ‘for sale’ are actually on their way to being reused. Congratulations! So, take the time to sort these out. For any items that you want to sell for extra cash, then list them on craigslist.com or ebay. If your item(s) doesn’t sell, then your price is too high or it’s ready for either a garage sale or Goodwill.

Garage sales can be a fun way to get rid of a large volume of items that would otherwise take too long to sell online. In just 4 – 6 hours you can dramatically unload your inventory and make money doing it. Whatever items are left over, pack them up and donate to Goodwill, Salvation Army, ARC or any local charities that accept donated goods. Just make sure that these items are reusable and not items that should be in the next category: recycle. (For example, your favorite sneakers from 1988 that have holes and worn-out souls should not be reused! )

Freecycle.org is another great way to have your items reused. Just list your item and have someone who needs it come and pick it up for you. No hauling. As they say, one (wo)man’s trash is another (wo)man’s treasure!

RECYCLE

Now that you have pared down your items to those no longer reusable, it’s time to recycle. So many more items are recyclable than you may think. If you don’t already recycle paper, glass, aluminum, and plastic on a regular basis, then start now. Every major city has recycling centers if they don’t already pick up at your home. Research what services your city already offers. You may be surprised. (I just learned that Nashville.gov sells 80-gallon compost bins for $40!)

What about those items that aren’t readily recycled? Earth 911! That’s right, go to www.earth911.org

Earth911 is your one stop source to finding what you can recycle and where — from mattresses to computer monitors to eyeglasses. Simply search by your zip code. It’s incredibly easy and informative!

Another option is the businesses from which the items originally came from. Here are some examples:

Dry Cleaners. For example, do you have a ton of dry cleaner’s hangers and plastic bags? Chances are they will not only take them back, but reuse them. If they don’t, consider taking your business to a greener dry cleaner.

Computers. The same is true for most computer companies. Computers contain a number of harmful chemicals, so it’s important to make sure they’re properly recycled.  Most major computer manufacturers now offer some type of recycling program. Dell will recycle any Dell product for free, and if you buy a new Dell, they’ll recycle any other brand of computer for free. Hewlett-Packard, Gateway, Apple and Toshiba also have recycling programs — check their Web sites for details.

Hand-held Devices. Small electronics are full of big toxins. Instead, drop off your old cell phones, pagers and PDAs at Staples stores around the country. The company has partnered with nonprofit CollectiveGood, which collects and recycles the phones. When possible, CollectiveGood refurbishes them and puts them to use in developing countries. Otherwise, the phones and other items are broken down in an eco-friendly process and the metals are separated out for reuse or proper disposal. If there’s not a Staples store near you, you can mail your phone to the CollectiveGood — and even get a tax credit for the donation.  Other office supply stores, such as Office Depot offer recycling options as well.

Athletic Shoes. Nike has a great program that will recycle any brand of athletic shoe through its Reuse-a-Shoe program. You can drop shoes off at any Niketown store or Nike Factory store. The company processes and recycles the footwear to make sports surfaces for basketball courts, tennis courts, running tracks and playgrounds. Right now they’re collecting shoes to make athletic surfaces for New Orleans, to help bring youth sports back to the city as it rebuilds. To date, about 20 million pairs of athletic shoes worldwide have been recycled through the Reuse-A-Shoe program.

So before you throw your stuff in the garbage bin, think about the Reduce Reuse Recycle mantra. With each item consider whether it is reusable and, if not, recyclable. And, before long, you will automatically be reducing. The best thing is that it feels good to be green AND clutter free.

If you’ve thought about starting a meditation practice or tried to meditate and gave up, then this is the article for you. I went from being a left-brained business-minded attorney to a right-brained healer with meditation being my bridge. However, when I first started attempting to meditate, I found it extremely frustrating. That is, if I was able to sit there more than 10 minutes without my back hurting or my legs falling asleep. What most people do not realize is that meditation is an art. And all arts take practice.

You may ask why then should I put in the time to practice meditation? Countless studies have shown that meditation has both short- and long-term benefits to brain structure and function. Specifically, the insula which connects the emotional center and thinking center, along with the amygdala, which is tied to the fight-or-flight impulses, actually change in form. Thus, meditators are more aware of what’s going on in their environment and thus more in control of their responses.

Translation: People who meditate deal with stress much better and thus have fewer stress-related illnesses.

Step 1: Set up a Meditation Space

Once you’ve made a decision to start practicing meditation, the first step is to designate a space. For tips on setting up a meditation space in your home, read 4 Steps to Create Your Personal Sanctuary. Having a designated space is, in my opinion, crucial. Ask any artist. They will tell you that a designated space to paint, write, cook, etc. is a necessity. The size of the space is not important, but privacy is. If you are unable to close off the space, then using a decorative screen to create a boundary is an option.

Step 2: How to Sit

This may seem pretty straight-forward unless and until you’ve tried it. Sitting cross-legged on a meditation cushion or folded yoga blanket(s) is the most common “seat” for meditation. If you find that your back starts to hurt, then start out sitting against a wall or in an upright chair.

If you can sit cross-legged with not much problem, I would recommend using a meditation cushion to prevent your legs from losing circulation and falling asleep. For me, I had been doing yoga for years which is a great preparation for meditation. (In fact, yoga was originally used for preparing for yoga by the ancient yogis.) Even so, it took me about 6 months until I could sit for 30 minutes without my back hurting. There are “meditation muscles” in your back that most likely have been dormant. So make as many adjustments as you need.

You don’t need to sit like a monk in Tibet. But you do want your spine upright.

Step 3: How to Meditate

Once you have your space with a comfortable sitting position, the next step is the actual meditation. For any first-time meditator I recommend to start out listening to a guided meditation or meditation music using headphones (the bigger the better). Headphones not only help block out noises, but create an inward world where it’s just you. In other words, your attention turns from the external world to your internal world.

There are countless options for guided meditation. I am particularly picky about the guide’s voice and my personal preference is Deepak Chopra. So before you purchase something, listen to a sample to make sure you find the voice soothing and not annoying. As for meditation music, I prefer the technological entrainments that help balance the right and left brain. Anything with sudden noises, such as birds, cricket and thunder, I find very disruptive.

Whether you use a guided meditation, music, or go it alone with silence, the most important tip I can share is contrary to what any meditation source will tell you: For the first 5 minutes, let your mind run wild! Let it go wherever it wants. Set it free. Instead of fighting it, just let it go. Your mind will feel like wild horses having been cooped up for years. Free them. You’ll be amazed at what might come up. For me, I might recall a dream I had the night before, remember that I was supposed to call someone, or think about what I want to do that day.

And then after you’ve given your mind 5 minutes to basically flood itself (use a timer if you feel like you might get carried away), start to rein it in. And then start to quieten your mind.

Or another way to think of it is this: Create a space in between your thoughts.

From here, bringing your focus to your breath is a good starting place. For the breath is always there in repetition. Counting breaths can be very effective, i.e. Inhale One, Exhale One, Inhale Two, Exhale Two. Start out trying to do this for ten counts without thinking about anything else. Sound easy? Give it a try. You may be surprised. Once you can make it to ten, do it to twenty, and so on. You are controlling the mind instead of the mind controlling you.

This is the part of meditation that will take the most practice. Not thinking about anything!

Each time you can quieten the mind or create more space in between thoughts, it will be easier the next time. Let it gradually build up over time. For example, you may start out for 10 minutes the first week; 15 minutes the next week; and so forth.

Set reasonable goals.

Don’t expect to be a master after one week or even one month. It took me well over a year before I got to a place in my meditation where I felt comfortable with it, which for me was sitting in meditation blissfully for 30-45 minutes.

The work that you put into your practice will be mirrored in your daily life.

You will automatically start living more and more in the present moment. And then one day when your mind is completely quiet, you realize through a deep and profound feeling of knowingness that you are not your mind, but spirit. And this, in my opinion, is the most important benefit of meditation.

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.tishamorris.com.

Also check out the NEW Feng Shui Your Life eWorkbook.  NOW AVAILABLE!

Almost exactly a year ago, I wrote the article Why You May be Having a Sudden Urge to Declutter Your Home. Since then it has been so amazing to see how decluttering has become as commonplace and popular as shopping once was. I overhear conversations on Facebook and real life of people talking about how much stuff they have gotten rid of and, more importantly, how much better they feel. There is such a magic in releasing items that are no longer in our highest and best interest, which I call density.

I oftentimes go to clients’ homes for a feng shui consultation and the first thing they want to know is what they can buy to put somewhere. But the magic happens in what you take out of your home, not what you put into it. In my book 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home, I organized the book in a sort of chronological order of how you should approach your home. Clearing out the clutter is first! Adding items that we may think of as the traditional feng shui enhancements is last.

If you are one of the many who has gone through a massive purge this last year, you are certainly not alone. And the good news is that it may be time to actually add an item or two to your home. One of the great things about decluttering is that you are much more particular about buying things in the future. Only purchase items that you absolutely love. Put back things in your home that totally inspire you. I call these “power objects.” It may be a treasure you picked up on a vacation or a sweet note from your love.

As I’m getting ready to move to a new home, I have pared down my items. I know that as I unpack, I will further declutter as I reveal objects that no longer resonate with me as they once did. I want every item in my home to be something that I absolutely love. I want it filled with only power objects.

I received this email the other day….

“I picked up your book yesterday.  I love it!!  After only skimming a few chapters I was inspired to start making some changes…well, I’ve been inspired to make changes for a long time, I just didn’t know exactly where to begin.  So tonight, after two days of clearing clutter, packing up some bags for Goodwill, rearranging my bedroom & my daughters’ bedroom, and smudging with sage & sweetgrass, I am going to bed in a different house!  It feels fantastic.  One of my favorite things is how my girls have really gotten into it.  They are only 8 and 9 but I’ve found them picking up the book and reading sections…very curious and intrigued.  They were thrilled to rearrange their room and I have honestly noticed a difference in energy in all of us. ”

What a great example of putting the OM back into your Home!

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.mindbodyom.com.

I’ve been thinking a lot lately about what it means to be spiritual. There was a time when I really liked thinking of myself as ‘being spiritual.’ But as ‘being spiritual’ has become more mainstream (which I am happy to say) the more I think it’s odd to refer to myself as spiritual. To me that’s like saying, I’m a human being. It’s obvious, isn’t it?

Ultimately we are all spiritual beings having a physical experience. Some of us gravitate toward the spiritual part and others more to the physical. Ideally, we should have a balance of both. As a culture, we have been too much in the physical. Even with regards to religions, very little is discussed as to our being spiritual beings. Several years ago when I started to tap into and realize my spiritual side, so to speak, the pendulum swung in that direction as I too had been too much in the physical world for most of my life. Now I think I am able to strike a balance between both worlds.

“Being spiritual” has become a new identity in our culture. And identities are all about the ego – not our true spiritual nature. Some of the most unbalanced people I meet are the most “spiritual” – at least in identity. Instead I think of myself as a balanced person (or at least what I strive to be).

Balance is really at the heart of everything in our life. And no longer do I think of the work I do as “spiritual” work. As a healer, I’m helping people and spaces to be balanced. In feng shui, it’s all about balancing the energies in a space. And the same is true in energy healing with the body and in life coaching within your everyday life. It’s all about balance. It’s not coincidental that “holistic” means to make whole. Inherent in being whole is to be balanced. Of course, working with energy, per se, could be considered “spiritual”. Or is it science?

I do believe that in being balanced physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually, you will inherently radiate your true nature of love. Which is the ultimate goal.

What do you think it means to be spiritual?

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.tishamorris.com.

One modality that originated in Chinese Medicine is Feng Shui. We may think of feng shui as more of a way to apply furniture and objects aesthetically, but it can actually be extremely useful in prevention and healing of illnesses.

Our home is a mirror of ourself. It holds a certain vibration. And in some cases, it may be a low vibration that is keeping you stuck, preventing you from getting well, or even causing you to get sick.

Feng Shui is ultimately about harmonizing our living spaces with the Earth’s energy. As we have become further removed from nature and the natural rhythms of the earth’s energy, so have our living spaces. Feng Shui helps improve the energy flow in your home. As the energy in your home harmonizes and improves, so does the energy within your body.

Before you ever move into your home, there is an energy environment taking place as a result of the land it sits on, the direction it faces, the slope of the land, and the natural elements around it. Some houses simply have better energy than other homes just by the way they sit on the lot.

That being said, the most powerful determinant of the energy within our homes is ourselves. We are powerful energizers that can change the energy in the space by where we place furniture, what we stuff in our closet, and simply by what emotions we emit into the space. Over time, mental and emotional patterns form in our home as a result of our energy. And in the case of an illness, such as Cancer, it is of utmost importance that those patterns get broken up and dispersed in order for healing to take place.

With a specific type of Cancer, such as asbestos cancer or Mesothelioma, environment is especially important. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is a direct result of environment, specifically exposure to asbestos. There are other types of Cancer that have been linked with spaces containing high radiation or other environmental toxins. Because the body is already weakened and sensitized to environment, it is extremely important that those with such diseases have proper energy flow in their home, hospital, or place of healing.

For those battling any type of Cancer or illness, your home, hospital room, or temporary home needs to feel like a sanctuary. It is the space in which you feel most comforted, safe, and at peace. A Feng Shui consultant can assist with making your space feel like a sanctuary, which will assist in your healing journey.

In such cases, a Feng Shui consultant would look at the land, test for geopathic stress, consider the floor plan and furniture arrangement, determine where the Health section of the house is, identify clutter zones, clear stagnant energy, and look for any other blocks of energy that may be present.

Similar to the way our body gives clues as to our mind, our home gives us clues, or, in some cases, red flags as to our mind and body. As you make positive changes to your home, you will make positive changes to your mind and body.

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.mindbodyom.com.

-Joseph Campbell

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.mindbodyom.com.

As a Cancer sign who loves my home, one of my biggest challenges has been to embrace the notion that I am ‘home’ regardless of my physical location. This can be challenging for anyone. So here are some tips on creating a sacred space the next time you are on the go.

1. Bring Your Yoga Mat – If you have room in your suitcase, then take along your yoga mat on your next trip. Your yoga mat can feel like your home away from home. For most of us, just seeing our mat invokes feelings of calm and peace. If you’re traveling ultra-light, then improvise. Lay out some towels to create your own yoga mat or just go commando. One of the wonderful aspects about yoga is that you can do it anywhere anytime without any gear necessary.
2. Do a Yoga Pose – Instead of feeling like you’re obligated to do a whole yoga practice, just do your favorite pose. For me, as soon as my forehead hits the mat in child’s pose, I know I am home. I mean really home! This is the pose that most centers and grounds me. We all have one of those poses. Do yours and it will most likely lead you to the next pose and to the next pose…
3. Create an Altar Space – An altar can be a great to create a sacred space at home and while traveling. Altars create an energy portal that helps connect us with Earth and Sky. Turn a nightstand, desk, dashboard, or dresser into your altar space. Bring with you a picture, stone, object, statuary, or anything that center you and reminds you of your true self.
4. Add Music – I can remember when I was 10 years old listening to Air Supply with my headphones on family vacations. Music has always been a way for me to stay centered. With the digital revolution, this is a no-brainer. So add some nice music to your hotel room, your rental car, or your hectic plane ride to ease those times of feeling ungrounded. (Air Supply optional.)
5. Carry Your Totem – I sometimes carry with me a particular gemstone or gratitude stone in my pocket when traveling or on days that I need some extra reassurance. It reminds me of the totem that Leonardo DiCaprio carries with him in Inception to remind him whether he is dreaming or not. A “totem” or gemstone can be a great centering device that you carry with you in your pocket or bag. This may be a stone that is personal to you, or a protective stone that you pick up for the trip.
6. Enliven Your Senses – Another way to create a sacred space wherever you are is to have some essential oils on hand. Having a bottle of essential oils, such as lavender, ylang ylang, sandalwood, or a blend can be a great centering device, especially for blends that are formulated for a vibration that you are already in tune with. With a drop or just a sniff, you can feel like you again.

Traveling can be a great way to get us out of our old patterns and be introduced to new ways of being. That being said, creating a sacred space with just a few things from home can provide a grounding force to where you can be more adventurous in your travels as you eat new foods, meet new people, and try out new ways of life. Your sacred space will help you stay balanced, centered, and healthy. Try it out on your next trip!

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Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, feng shui consultant, energy healer, yoga instructor, and author of 27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home (Turner Publishing).  For more information, visit www.mindbodyom.com.

27 Things to Feng Shui Your Home

ISBN: 9781596525672

Price: $9.99

Description:

“If you want to change your life, move 27 things in your home.” This ancient Chinese proverb speaks of the powerful connection our homes have with our lives. In 27 Things To Feng Shui Your Home, Tisha Morris shows in creative, basic steps how to use the art of feng shui to create an inviting, personal atmosphere in your home that will renovate your life.
Discover how to:

- Manageably clear clutter to optimize space
- Use lighting, color, and simple objects to create good energy flow
- Space clear to promote good health
- Integrate the Five Elements into your home to create harmony

“27 Things provides readers with an easy-to-follow, knowledgeable guide to applying Feng Shui principles to your home.  This guide is great for every homeowner, even if you’re a Feng Shui skeptic.”     ~ At Home Tennessee

“[A] new resource for people who want the energy in their home to work for them, not against them, but perhaps feel intimidated by feng shui, or the art of space planning to promote health and prosperity.” ~ Denver Post

About the Author:

Tisha Morris is a certified life coach, energy healer, feng shui consultant, and yoga instructor. After practicing law for five years, Tisha obtained a Fine Arts degree in Interior Design. She founded Mind Body Om in 2008 to help others align with their life purpose by transforming the mind, body, and home. Tisha resides in Nashville, Tennessee.

PRE-ORDER NOW!  Available April 28^th at:

 Referring to energy as “high” or “low” is actually a description of the rate of vibration or frequency. High energy is synonymous with a high (or fast) vibration or frequency. And simply put, the higher our personal vibration is, the better we feel… physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. It is the dense, or slow, energies that make us feel bad emotionally and physically. Dense energy can show up in our body in the form of disease or in our emotional system in the form of depression, anxiety, etc. Negative thoughts, repressed emotions, and stagnation are all examples of dense, heavy, or slow energies.

We each walk around with our own personal vibration, or rate of frequency. Our personal vibration can vary depending on the people we are around, foods or anything else we take in, current thoughts and feelings, and environment. By now, we are all very aware of the difference in how we feel being around people that don’t feel good to be around. This may be noisy neighbors, people at a public event, certain friends, or could even be your significant other. When you are around them, your mood quickly changes and you simply don’t feel as good as you did before you were around them. In essence, your personal vibration has dropped!
The same is true depending on the foods that we eat and the thoughts we think.

But the one major factor that tends to get overlooked that dramatically impacts our personal vibration is our home….the place we eat, sleep, make love, rejuvenate. Our home is the place we should find the most comfort from the rest of the world. It should be your high energy refuge – the place to recharge your batteries. Unfortunately though, it is not for many people to the point of being an energy drainer.

According to Dr. Wayne Dyer in The Power of Intention,

“the purpose of moving up the frequency ladder is to change your vibratory level of energy so that you’re at the higher and faster frequencies where your energy level matches up with the highest frequencies of all: the energy of the all-creating Spirit.” Everything is a movement of energy with higher and faster energy dissolving slower and lower energies. Dyer says, “if you’re experiencing scarcity, anguish, depression, absence of love, or any inability to attract what you desire, seriously look at how you’ve been attracting circumstances into your life. Low energy is an attractor pattern.”

 

He says that we can all “deliberately raise our energy level” by “being cognizant of your immediate environment,” which includes becoming “aware of the energy levels in your home environment.”
 

Here are some suggestions on raising the energy levels in your home thereby raising your personal vibration:

1. Clear Clutter. This is the Numero Uno way to raise the energy in your home. Why? Clutter is stagnation and stagnation is dense, slow energy. Remove any items that you no longer use, want, or love. This will immediately raise your vibration and make you feel better. 100% guaranteed!
2. Remove or Add Artwork. The images on your walls are energy. Take an objective look at the pictures on your wall. Make sure that when you look at each picture, it makes you feel good. Does it evoke good or bad memories, positive or negative meanings. This also applies to photographs around your home. Are they energy enhancers or drainers?
   
3.  Furniture Arrangement. Is there a natural flow in your home, or do you find yourself bumping into furniture going from one room to another? Energy should be able to meander through your home to avoid stagnation. Oftentimes, we have too many pieces (or too big) of furniture for a space. This can clog up a space and even result in a constriction of our breathing. See if there is a better arrangement of furniture, or if there are any pieces that are unnecessary. If unsure, consult a feng shui practitioner.
   
4.  TV and electronic equipment. Having the TV “on” can dramatically reduce the vibration of a space. Be conscious of when and what you watch on TV. Notice how you feel when the TV is on versus when it is off. TVs and electronics can also affect the frequency of a space even when they are “off.” Fortunately, electronics are becoming more efficient in the amount of electromagnetic energy they emit, but nevertheless can negatively impact the frequency of a space.
   
5.  Colors. Just as you learned in 9^th grade science, colors have a frequency… remember ROYGBIV? Colors in a space dramatically affect how you feel. There are hundreds of color therapy and design books written on this topic to consult. Otherwise, notice in your home if there is a room that doesn’t feel good to you. A new coat of paint can do wonders!
   
6.  Create a Sacred Space. While your entire home should feel like a sacred space, it is important to designate a space, whether it is a corner or an entire room, as your sacred space or personal sanctuary. This space can be used for meditation, reading, praying, yoga, or any other activity that inspires you. This is the space that you go to when you really want to recharge your batteries and raise your vibration. Read my article, 4 Steps to Create Your Personal Sanctuary for more information.
   
7.  Clean and Clear Your Home. It is important to periodically clean your home. This may sound obvious, but it all too often gets overlooked. Cleaning your home of dirt, dust, and cobwebs will make your home feel so much better thereby raising your personal vibration. Equally important is to energetically clear your home. The energy in your home carries its own rate of vibration which can be lowered or raised depending on the circumstances in your home, such as those listed herein. By energetically clearing your home, you break up the dense, stagnant energies that are lurking around which raises your home’s frequency. And as your home’s energy is raised so will yours! There are a number of ways to clear your home, such as sage smudging, bells and other sounds, and intention.   For more information on why your home needs a space clearing, click here.

With so much uncertainty in our economy, many people are turning to alternative ways to make money. Many are embracing their creative talents, while others are trying new marketing techniques. Ultimately, we are all being asked to change the way we do things and to become more creative in how we work and relate to others. If you look around at businesses right now – from restaurants to personal services — they are either failing or thriving. What is the secret behind those that are thriving?

I recently read the book, Think and Grow Rich, by Napolean Hill where he reports his findings of the secret behind the 500 most successful people, including Andrew Carnegie. Keep in mind: This book was written in 1937 during a similar economic downturn. What he found to be the commonality in all of their success was nothing that you would read in a business manual. Instead, it was the mental and emotional energy that each of these successful projected out.

Whether you are conscious of it or not, you are projecting your future through your conscious and subconscious thoughts. Thus, the best way to bring in abundance is exactly this way.  Here are eight ways to use your energy positively to bring about wealth and properity:

1. Helping Others

If you have ever been around really successful people (and by “successful” I mean prosperous in wealth and happiness), then you will quickly notice that they are always happy and willing to help others with their business. Many people think that to succeed, you must be competitive when, in fact, the opposite is true (even towards your “competitors”). Someone who is competitive and cut-throat is simply saying that they don’t trust in their own skills and talents.

If you are willing to help someone promote their business, they will do the same for you. In other words, what you put out you will get back in return. This principle has really been put to use in the new social networking world of Twitter. It is an example of the more you help others, the more you will receive in return.

There are so many ways in which we can help and encourage others. Here are some examples: a simple compliment, such as “Your ad in the paper looked great” or “I love your website”, making positive comments on others’ blog posts, offering others resources that were helpful to you, volunteering your services for free to a good cause, referring people, and being a patron of other people’s services. Helping others says that you are confident in yourself…and not to mention nice!

1. Gratitude
   

Being grateful for what you already have is the Number One way to bring in more of it. Say “Thank You” to yourself, others, mentors, angels, God, Universe, Source, and/or whoever you believe is a part of what has helped you to get and achieve what you have thus far. By doing so, more will come your way. This is essentially a high vibration affirmation.

1. Being Present
   

Living in the present moment is a phrase often used by those seeking a more zen way of life and/or enlightenment. But it is also a really great business practice. Your power is always in the present moment. When you align yourself with the present moment you have complete and total access to your own power. By “power” I mean your best skills, talents, and creativity. It is only when we look into the future that we become stressed, anxious, and fearful. For all that is meant for us to deal with in the present moment is just that…the present moment.

Because it is each small step (or moment) along our journey that makes up our life, the destination will only be as good as each of the moments that it encompasses. Eckhart Tolle profoundly describes this concept in A New Earth as follows:

“Everybody’s life really consists of small things. Greatness is a mental abstraction and a favorite fantasy of the ego. The paradox is that the foundation for greatness is honoring the small things of the present moment instead of pursuing the idea of greatness. The present moment is always small in the sense that it is always simple, but concealed within it lies the greatest power.”

So, try being present in each moment of your day, from sending emails to talking to prospective clients. You will be amazed at how much better your focus and productivity is.

1. Use Feng Shui
   

Many may think that the ancient Chinese practice of Feng Shui is only used in Eastern cultures, but major U.S. businesses and business executives such Donald Trump are applying its 3,000-year-old principles in their daily business dealings.

By simply rearranging your office space, you are energizing your business in a new way. The shifts of earth energy in conjunction with your own mental intention can change your business quickly and dramatically. The position and arrangement of your desk can make a profound impact. Read my article, Feng Shui Your Desk, for more information.

And for businesses with a store-front, feng shui can make the difference between attracting customers and deterring them. Simply do a google search for a wealth of free information.

1. Affirmations
   

An affirmation is a set of positive words or phrases repeated out loud, to yourself, or just set out in visual sight. The more the affirmation is repeated consecutively and over time, the more the subconscious is being programmed to believe it. For example, if you repeat an affirmation such as, “I attract abundance in all areas of my life,” your subconscious mind will take it as truth (as it has no filter) and the law of attraction will begin to bring you abundance.
You could consciously want more money, but your subconscious mind may be working on a different agenda, potentially sabotaged by old belief systems, implanted societal fear, or simple unworthiness. This is why it is so important to be conscious of our subconscious.

Using affirmations is a great way to re-program the subconscious mind to be more in alignment with what you consciously want in your life. The amount of time it takes will depend on how engrained the current belief system being re-programmed is in your subconscious.

For specific affirmations for abundance, read my article, 8 Affirmations for Abundance.

1. Being Receptive
   

We are often our own worst enemy. As much as we would like to blame others or the economy, the truth is we oftentimes just get in our own way. Many of us have belief systems that prevent us from abundance. For example, some believe that they don’t deserve abundance, that wealth is only reserved for certain people, or that money is the root of all evil. If you consciously choose to have any of these belief systems, then so be it. But some of you may unconsciously have these thoughts while, at the same time, confused as to why money isn’t coming your way.

So explore to see what belief systems you have surrounding money. You may be surprised. In order to receive, your must be open. For a clinched fist will never be able to receive anything. And don’t forget to be present… for something to fall into your lap, you must be still.

Also be open to where the sources of abundance may come. While your energies may be in one direction, the fruits of your labor may return to you from another direction. Be open. Be receptive. And, again, be present.

1. Make a Vision Board
   

A vision board is a powerful visualization tool that activates the Law of Attraction to begin manifesting your dreams into reality. The concept of the vision board, also known as a goal board or treasure map, has been around for generations, but has gained a renewed interest and popularity from the documentary, The Secret.

A vision board is a visual collage of the things that you want to have, be, or do in your life. To make one, simply get a poster, cardboard, or foam board, magazines, glue and/or tape, scissors, and a desire. Cut out images either exact or symbolic representations of the things that you want in your life or the things that you want to become. Paste them on your board and display it, preferably somewhere visible to you. In no time, you will be amazed at what you will attract into your life!

1. Use the Number “8″
   

It is no coincidence that I used the number “8″ for this article. Numbers are one of the oldest symbols in our collective conscious. Each number carries its own meaning, frequency, and energy. The number “8″ is the number for abundance.

In Numerology, anytime you have double or triple digits, add them up until you come to a single digit. For example, 107 = 8; 44 = 8, and 800 = 8. So take advantage of this built-in power. Incorporate it into your life. For example, price your services or products using this auspicious number. I even once lived in an 8-house that made me lots of money when I sold it. Be creative with it!

Conclusion

If you are not bringing in as much wealth and prosperity as you would like, then try incorporating some of these concepts into your daily practice. Sometimes there is no need to spend a fortune on advertising or expensive classes. Invest in your own personal power first. Afterall, you are your most important asset.