Review of The Fire Starter Sessions by Danielle LaPorte

I have been a fan of www.whitehottruth.com a.k.a. Danielle LaPorte for about a year. Her perfect mix of fire power, business acumen, and divine femininity captured my attention. I often think of Danielle LaPorte as my shadow side (that side of me that I’m trying to get in touch with). Lol! So when she released THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS my interest was piqued. It was time to tap into my inner soul!

That being said, I kept putting it off until I had hit my creative rock bottom, also referred to as burnout. In other words, instead of taking preventive care of myself I waited until I needed to go the emergency room (not literally), which admittedly is against everything I believe in as a holistic practitioner. So I ordered the Fire Starter Sessions searching for anything that would, well, light my fire.

The best way I can describe what transcribed over the next 24 hours is by analogy. In the way that just holding The New Earth by Eckhart Tolle brings about awareness or reading about Reconnective Healing makes my hands warm and tingly, just starting THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS by Danielle LaPorte will spark your creative juices. The energy of ‘lighting your fire’ is simply embedded within the essence of the material. And so before I had even finished the first chapter or session, I had a journal-page full of ideas.

I really can’t explain how or why. As there was no one question or statement that sparked me. It did remind me or help me remember why I do what I do. And to me that is everything. From there, ideas, inspiration, motivation, and energy can flow freely.

So what exactly is the THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS ? I call it a life coach/business advisor in a box. But it’s actually an e-book meets video transmission. It includes worksheets that help you draw conclusions, quick videos with motivational punch, connections to current thinkers, practical smarts, and frank wisdom.

Danielle has worked with 462+ entrepreneurs in her 1-on-1 Fire Starter consults (which are $500 and booked six weeks in advance.) For CEOs, coaches, artists, retailers, bestselling authors — from site design to big dreams — Danielle’s strategies combine passion with pragmatism to get to fulfillment and cash. Each chapter is it’s own “Fire Starter Session” that includes: e-book components, video inspiration or interviews, and worksheets.

Some of the sessions are: True Strengths & The Metrics of Ease; Branding: Clarifying the Diamond of You; Products & Services: Making Stuff That Feels Good to Make; Money: More is More, Enough is Plenty; Web Design & SEO: Your Virtual Real-Estate…and dozens of tips and motivating perspectives.

In addition to getting Danielle’s deep and detailed knowledge, THE FIRE STARTER SESSIONS brings you contributions from some A-league marketing strategists, pro-bloggers, branding experts, and creativity coaches. Whether you’re in the early idea phase or a well-established rut, Danielle’s thorough, witty, and experience-based advice will most certainly light a fire under your…aspirations.

5 Things to Feng Shui in the Digital Age

I love being paperless. Not only does it save trees, time, and space, it keeps my visual environment clear of clutter. Overall, being paperless lends itself to a better feng shui-ed space.

Or does it?

We still have the same amount of ‘information’ (arguably much more than ever before) filed and stored as before our Digital Age. It’s just floating around instead of stacked in file folders, cabinets, closets, desks, and so on. Information – which is really just energy – has essentially become less dense, but nevertheless it’s still energy. Instead of manila file folders in a filing cabinet, we can store the same information in a digital file folder on a computer and perhaps even on our smart phone. And so is the case with photos, addresses, phone numbers, tax returns, money, and virtually any piece of information you can think of.

In fact, the Digital Age is even turning physical objects into etherical energy. After all, my iPhone can morph into an alarm clock, a zen garden, a newspaper, a camera, a voice recorder, a board game, a Bagua Map, a flashlight and much more. Amazing! Before long, it might just become my nightstand.

As we have become less dense with this digital revolution, we still have to be mindful of the energy that floats around us. While we may have less physical objects around us, we are still overwhelmed with information. And so we must be conscious of what ‘information energy’ we have hanging around us that might in fact be clutter. (Clutter being anything that is no longer in our highest and best interest to keep.) Here are five places where digital clutter may be lurking in the ethers near you:

1. Phone contacts – When was the last time you updated your phone contacts? Chances are, there are people in your contacts that you no longer socialize with, do business with, or want to talk to. Clear them out. Although your phone may be able to hold a 1000 more contacts, you still need to make space for new people to come into your life. This is a great way to bring new people into your life – business, friends, or romance.
2. Computer file folders – If your computer file folders were in a filing cabinet, would it be bulging over by now? Probably so. Clean them out. Better yet, organize them while you’re cleaning them out if you haven’t already. And still while you’re at it, take the time to back up your important documents. Store any documents that you would be lost without if your computer crashed on a zip drive, or email them to yourself, or upload to Google docs so that they are stored somewhere else besides your hard drive.
3. Photos – Staying on top of photos seems just as difficult digitally as it was back when we had negatives. They at least don’t take up as much space, but that’s because we never get them printed! Are your digital photos strewn all around your computer, along with various online companies depending on who has the best deal? If so, take the time to store them all in one place on your computer in labeled folders. Commit to one online photo company so that all of your photos to be printed are in one place. And then have the ones you want to keep printed. The photo book option that most companies have is great for those of who don’t do scapbooking as a hobby.
4. Desktop icons/Phone apps – Is your computer desktop full of icons that you rarely, if ever, use?   These can cause some serious visual clutter that can lead to a cluttered mind. Sift through your icons to see if there are some you can remove. Removing the icon doesn’t remove the software, so you can still access the Program if later desired. Of course, this isn’t the case with phone apps. Periodically, go through your phone apps and delete the ones that didn’t live up to their hype or that you’ve lost interest in. It will just highlight the ones that you do use and love.
5. Bookmarks – Has your list of bookmarks become so lengthy that you feel like you are surfing the entire web trying to find something. Go through your bookmarks and delete the ones that are no longer of interest to you. For bookmarks you want to keep but don’t use that often, categorize them into folders, such as Recipes, Travel, and Good Ideas. In doing so, you may come across some great bookmark sites you’ve forgotten about. This is what clutter does – it hides the good stuff.

Where else do you have digital clutter?

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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.

Doing Less | Being More

It seems like lately everything I read stresses the importance of ‘being’.  What used to be words of only the enlightened masters has crept into all areas, including the business world.   The “do, do, do” mentality of the 80s and 90s has become “be, be, be” of the 2000s.

While I can sit and ‘be’ with the best of them, my practical side eventually rears its head saying, “with all this ‘being’, how do you ever get anything done?”  And so I pondered this question.

On an energetic level, ‘doing’ is an active, masculine energy, while ‘being’ is a passive, feminine energy.  Ultimately it is a balance (yin/yang) of these two energies that is optimal.  As a society, we are needing to balance as a whole and thus more feminine energies are permeating up from Mother Earth.

Putting the energy stuff aside for a second, I started to think back at all of the most pivotal times in my life… people, jobs, and situations.  I realized all of them just came to me or fell into my lap as opposed to my seeking it out.

Afterall, it is only when you are ‘being’ still that something can fall into your lap.”

Here is a personal example.

When I was graduating from law school and searching for my first law job, I sent out hundreds of resumes with not a single response. Then one evening at a law review reception, I saw my adjunct professor, who also happened to be a federal judge. Without even thinking about it, I walked up to him and asked if he knew of anyone hiring. He said, “Well, I am.” Within weeks, I was hired as his law clerk, which was far better than any of the jobs to which I had sent a resume. More importantly, he ended up being one of the most influential people in my life, which had nothing to do with law and everything to do with the meaning of life.

So you can see in my example where the delicate balance lies in ‘doing’ and ‘being’. I had enough active, doing energy to set an intention to get a law job (and to attend a boring law reception). From there, I was in a state of being waiting for the right opportunity and/or person to come along. And when it did, I listened to my inner voice and approached the Judge.

Sending out blind resumes was an example of too much ‘doing’. There is a huge difference between inspired action and busying yourself with activity to try to make things happen. Instead, by being present, you will be conscious and alert when those people or opportunities come along.

Think back on your most pivotal moments and use those as a template for finding your yin/yang balance point.

photo credit

A Writer’s Guide to Feng Shui Your Workspace

One of the best things about being a writer is that there is virtually no overhead. All you pretty much need is a computer and some discipline. However, it is for this reason that a designated office space is often overlooked for writers, not to mention a feng shui-ed office space.

Whether writing fiction or non-fiction, blogs or books, a writer spends her day pouring herself out, emotionally and intellectually, onto paper and into the world. It can be a very vulnerable place. This is one reason why having an office space is so important and, more specifically, having your own office space – a space that is yours and yours alone without distraction.

Location

Writers usually work from home, again, thanks to the low overhead. But, finding adequate office space comes with challenges. If square footage is an issue, then home offices become an afterthought only to find themselves sharing space with a guest room, kitchen table, or the corner of the living room. And so it takes some creative planning of a space to make a home office work for writers.

The first step is to select one location for your workspace. Ideally, this is a designated home office. But, it could be a sitting chair, your bed, or the kitchen table. Whatever the space, it is important that you make this your space. In other words, this is the place you go to write. Similar to meditation, when you use the same space, it will help you drop in quicker to the flow. Also, in doing so, you are making writing a priority.

A note about writing in coffee shops: Some people need the stimulation of other people around them to get motivated to write. For others, however, it can be very distracting. So, experiment and notice what works best for you.

Desk Placement

To recap my article, Feng Shui for the Workplace: Where to Place Your Desk, there are a few things to keep in mind when setting up a workspace. The most important consideration for any office is desk placement. When sitting at your desk, you should be in “Command Position”. Simply put, this is the position that makes you most ‘in command.’ The Command Position emerges from our instinctive need to have visible control of our environment.

The ideal Command Position would be with a view of the door from your chair, a view out a window, and a solid wall behind you. This may mean moving your desk into the room away from the wall. If this is absolutely not possible, then place a mirror to where you can see the entrance in the mirror. If you do not use a desk, but instead a counter or even your lap, it is still important to face the door entering the room. You want to feel in power and confident in your space – whether you are home alone or working amongst a 100 colleagues in a business office.

In this photo, the writer’s office also doubles as a guest room. The desk faces the door, but is not directly in line with the door (that would result in too much chi energy coming in). It would be better if the window was not right behind her. Why? A wall behind you provides support and for writers in an isolated profession, feeling supported is crucial. Keeping the blind closed is helpful so that there is not a feeling of being exposed.

Clear Clutter

Also notice in this picture the lack of clutter. It is imperative to have an uncluttered space when writing. Our mind is directly affected by our environment. So once you designate your workspace, then declutter it.

Size of Desk

The size of your desk will depend on your preference. Everyone likes or requires a different amount of surface area. For some, an executive-size desk makes them feel more powerful. For others, it’s just another place to collect clutter. I prefer a desk that will fit my laptop, tea, and my cell phone. I work virtually paperless and prefer to keep everything either on my phone or computer.

In this picture of my office, you can see that while my desk is relatively small, it takes center stage in my office. It faces the door without being in direct line and not being right in front of the window either. Find a desk or surface that fits your style and is comfortable. If you are physically cramped, then your creative juices will not be free-flowing.

As said in Field of Dreams, ‘if you build it, they will come,’ and so is the case if you designate a workspace that feels good to you. You will be more likely to write, enjoy writing, and be successful in your writing.

8 Ways to Bring in Abundance (Without Spending a Dime!)

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.

O’Panel O’Panel, Where Art Thou: How Obama Could REALLY Solve the Energy Crisis

President Obama ran his campaign primarily on the slogan of “Change.”  And for the most part, so far, he has lived up to this campaign promise while still staying within the presidential box.  At the top of his agenda of change has been the energy crisis. 

Obama has been particularly vociferous about reducing our energy dependence as a way to resolve domestic and international problems.  In fact, he stated, “If I am President, I will immediately direct the full resources of the federal government and the full energy of the private sector to a single, overarching goal – in ten years, we will eliminate the need for oil from the entire Middle East and Venezuela.”  Well, Mr. President, I have the solution:  Install Solar Panels on the White House.

In my recent post, Why Don’t We Have Solar Panels On All Roofs, I pondered just that question — Why don’t we have solar panels on all roofs.  In doing so, we not only eliminate our dependence on oil, but coal.  This would allow everyone of us to be living off the grid and in complete harmony with Mother Earth.  It didn’t take me long to ask the next question– Why doesn’t the White House have solar panels? 

If President Obama really wants to walk the walk in regards to new energy technology, then this is the way.      

Through legislation, federal and state governments are encouraging the use of solar panels.  For example, the federal government is offering a 30% tax credit for homeowners who install solar panels or solar water heaters through 2016. This credit covers materials and installation costs with no ceiling on claims.  At the state level, as reported in USA Today, in More States Want Solar Panel to Be an Option on New Homes, a growing number of states are requiring builders to offer solar electricity and hot water as an upgrade option, right alongside granite countertops.  But legislation is not enough. 

In my article, what I discovered as the answer to why we don’t have solar panels on all roofs is simply cost.  For example, I calculated it to cost $85,000 to install solar panels on my 2000sf home.  This sort of reminds me of the cost of big screen TVs in the ‘80s, laptop computers in the ‘90s, and smart phones in the 2000s.  As I learned in Econ 101, once demand rises, competition increases and prices dramatically fall.  This will be the case with solar panels.  So how do we get demand to increase? 

The need is already here.  We have just gotten used to the idea of paying for oil and electricity when we could be getting it for free from the Sun.  So awareness and buzz must be the driving force for the demand.  What better place to start than the White House.  If the White House were to install solar panels, the buzz of this around the globe would be phenomenal. 

Once it became known just how much these panels are saving in taxpayer dollars, not only will Obama be seen as an energy hero, but every household will start inquiring, “Why don’t we have solar panels on our roof?”  Not to mention the pentagon, other government buildings, and the Obama motorcade. 

What about the cost of installing solar panels on the White House, you ask?  There has already been much debate as to whether the Obama’s should foot the bill for redecorating the White House.  As an interior designer and feng shui consultant, my personal opinion is that the White House is in dire need of not only redecorating (I’ve seen the pictures), but a space clearing (would you want to share the same energy as the former administration?). 

It is in our best interest as citizens that the Obama’s create a living space in which they can optimally live and work.  That being said, the Obama’s could use a portion of their decorating budget to foot the bill for the solar panels.  I would guess that there are many budding solar panel contractors that would love to be credited for installing the White House solar panels in exchange for a considerable discount.  Not to mention the 30% tax credit that President Obama will receive come tax time!   As for me, I will be happy to offer my feng shui and space clearing services to the Obama’s… ‘on the house’.

 (As a footnote, President Carter installed solar panels on the West Wing in 1977 but they were removed in the 1980s.)

Feng Shui Your Desk

Do you feel like your career is in a rut? Or perhaps a raise or promotion is long overdue. Maybe your enthusiasm for your job is at an all-time low. Then it’s time to take action and…rearrange your desk? That’s right. By consciously changing the arrangement of your desk, you are shifting energy that can directly impact your job. While it is advisable to feng shui the entire office, you can simply start with your desk.
Paper Clutter. One of the first rules of feng shui to use on a desk is to clean up the space. Clear out all papers that are not necessary and organize those that are. It is often said in feng shui that, “The clutter of the room and the clutter of the soul are intrinsically linked.” If one’s work area is full of clutter, then they will more than likely work slower and have a lower productivity. Keeping papers and pens neat on a desk can ensure that a person can work quickly and effectively. Everything should have its own space — this includes your desktop and the floor around your desk. To cut down on paper clutter, incorporate files, trays, drawers, bins, etc. At least 50 percent of your desktop should be seen throughout the day. Empty space is good. This allows for a clearer, open mind for thinking and creativity.

Desk Location. The location of the desk in the room is also an important consideration. The ‘power’ position of a desk is facing the door. This is especially important for offices in which people come in and out. Having your back to the door puts one in a psychologically vulnerable position. If this is not possible due to computer cords or other logistics, then the next best would be to have the desk at an “L” to the door. If there is a window in the office, then having the desk face the door and window would be optimal even if it is at an “L” to either the door and/or window.

Once you have your desk situated and all of your papers decluttered and organized, then the next step is what to put on your desk. The Bagua Map which is most often used on the footprint of a home can also be applied to any space, including a desk. The Bagua Map is made up of 9 quadrants just like a tic-tac-toe box and is divided accordingly:

Career: The space right in front of you — the center, front square of the tic-tac-toe box represents your career. This is a definite section to keep clutter-free. The element is water and the color is black. If you’ve got a glass top, try slipping an inspiring picture, quote, or affirmation that signifies what you want in your career. You can always just tape it underneath so that it’s not in plain view. As long as you know it’s there, that’s all that matters.

Wisdom: The front, left corner is the wisdom area. Helpful feng shui items to place here are books, anything you are studying and learning, or anything representing higher knowledge or wise people. Blue is the associated color for this area. Any drawers in this area are also included.

Family: The center left-hand side of the desk is reserved for family. This is a great place to put family photos. Wood is the associated element, so wood frames would be great. And green is the color for this area in case you have anything green on your desk.

Wealth & Prosperity: Heading clockwise around the desk, the upper, left-hand corner is the prosperity area. A well-run computer works well in this area or you can use something that reminds you of wealth and riches. It’s also a great spot for a healthy plant, perhaps a bamboo plant. If you have an “in box” you can place it here to represent money coming in. Purple is a great color for this area if you’ve got any lying around.

Fame & Reputation: It is no wonder that the most common spot to place business cards or a name placard is the same spot for Fame and Reputation. The center back one ninth of the desk is the place to let people know who you are. (This is another reason why you want your desk facing the door!) Red is the best color for this area. And since fire is the element, a candle or desk light would work here as well.

Love & Relationships: The right-hand rear part of your desk is the Relationship corner. This can be used to attract a new relationship or to spice up an existing one. Enhance this area with pink, a picture of your significant other, or maybe a bowl of Hershey’s kisses?

Creativity and Children: Now we’re at the mid right-hand side of the desk. Got kids? Put them here, preferably in metal frame this time. Or use this space for items, books, or anything that spurs your creativity. Yellow and white are the associated colors.

Helpful People and Travel: This section is the right-hand, center area of your desk and is associated with the color “gray”. It is a great place to keep your address book, iphone, or rolodex. You can also place your accounts receivable list here so the money comes in on time.

Health: The only place on your desk that we haven’t covered yet is the center square. This area governs your physical health and balance. Like the home, I advise keeping this area clear so that the chi energy can easily reach all areas on your desk.

So, you may be thinking, “wow, that seems like a lot of stuff on my desk when you said to keep it clutter-free.” And, yes, I would agree. First and foremost, keep the desk clutter-free. Secondly, choose which areas of the Bagua Map you would like to enhance and focus on those sections. Then, you can always use the bottom of the desk and drawers to finish out the Bagua Map. The most important thing to remember is to have an intention with each section as you go along AND to have fun doing it.

5 iPhone Apps That Have Changed My Life

For those of you that follow my blog regularly, you know that I am not a techie. So, it is extremely rare that I write about such topics. But I shouldn’t go without mentioning how the iPhone has changed my life. It has changed the way I work, play, and even… meditate.

While the built-in functions of email, calendar, and weather were liberating in their own right (compared to my 4-year old Razr), the world of iPhone apps opened up an infinite portal of opportunities. So much that I feel inclined to share, particularly since a few of these are not in the Top 25 or even 50 of downloaded Apps. (By the way, this is purely a personal endorsement and not financially rewarded in any way.)

1. Pandora
   

    If you are not a fan of Pandora yet, you will be. It is simply the best internet radio available. (If you disagree, please share with me what you think is better. I would love to know.) Pandora.com actually started 10 years ago proving that, like wine, some things just take time. Pandora is not only free, but commercial-free. You have the option of choosing your genre of station or better yet pick an artist. It will then play not only that artist but similar artists. You create the station. It is extremely rare to come across an artist that is not in their library. My new favorite is the Quick Mix feature in which you can mix your stations thereby creating a sort of shuffle iPod effect. Imagine having this access 24/7. You can with the Pandora app. And did I mention it’s free.
   

    

2. iMantra
   

    For a while I was reluctant to pay for any apps because there were so many great free ones. I then took my chance with iMantra. And, wow, has it turned out to be a great investment ($4.99)! Mantras are the Sanskrit version of affirmations. An affirmation is a set of positive words or phrases repeated out loud or to yourself. The more the affirmation is repeated consecutively and over time, the more the subconscious mind is being programmed to believe it. For more information on Affirmations, see my article, 8 Affirmations for Abundance. As I mention, the traditional mantra practice involves repeating a mantra 108 times consecutively. Mala bead necklaces are often used for this practice for they have 108 beads with the beginning and ending point being a yellow or red tassel.
   

    The iMantra app does the counting for you. Choose how many times you want to repeat the mantra and it will do it for you. Not sure what mantra to chant? It has six categories of traditional mantras, from Hindu to Kundalini to Planetary with a great selection of mantras within each. It also tells you what each mantra means. Not sure how to pronounce the mantra? It does that for you too. Chant along with a soothing male and/or female voice ensuring your pronunciation is correct. Perhaps you want your favorite mantra or personal affirmation that isn’t listed. Simply record yourself in the Personal category and voila! This App alone has revolutionized my daily spiritual practice. I hope you will be inspired as well. Om Shanti Shanti!
   

    

3. Vegan Yum Yum
   

    Despite what you may think, you don’t have to be vegan to enjoy this App. But, if you are, you will simply fall in love. For anyone who has ever bought or flipped through a cookbook, you know the pictures are the most important consideration in buying the book and oftentimes trying out the recipe. In this App every recipe not only has an accompanying picture, but an unbelievably well photographed picture. Furthermore, the recipes are great! Some simple, some complex. A nice mix of entrees, desserts, and apps (no pun intended). It’s yum yum and definitely worth the price… Free!
   

    

4. iChing by Astrology.com
   

    There are many different iChing apps available and I can’t vouch for the other ones. I’m sure there are some other great ones out there. This one I know is good and, again, it’s Free. The iChing has been used for over 5000 years ago and is the basis of many sciences, including Feng Shui. It has a strong tradition in assisting people in decision-making. iChing is the Book of Changes based on the yin and yang (opposites, male/female, duality) aspects of every issue. This App is consistent with the traditions of the iChing in its interprations. There are 4 spinners that you stop six times resulting in one of 64 combinations. Ask it a question, see what kind of day you will have, reflect back on the inner meaning of your day, or just have fun.
   

    

5. Tweetie/Facebook (tie)
   

    These mobile social networking apps are so incredibly useful for wanting to catch up on the go, whether you are traveling or simply waiting in line somewhere. The Tweetie app ($2.99) is a great interface for Twitter. It is visual and content friendly. In fact, I sometimes prefer using it than Twitter itself or other online interfaces. The Facebook app is free and easily linked to your account. Great for for making spontaneous updates or doing a quick check-in on what others are up to. As any social networker knows, you have to stay on top of it. These apps make that not only possible, but easy.
   

    Please share with me Apps that have changed your life…I would love to know!
   

    Photo by rich sipe

Subconscious Minefields Lurking in Your Home or Office

Since we live, breathe, eat, and work in our home, it becomes one of those environments where we start to lose objectivity of our surroundings.  Perhaps there is a lamp in the corner that you don’t particularly like, but have just gotten used to it to where you don’t even notice it anymore. Or do you?  Your conscious mind may not, but your subconscious mind certainly does notice it, remember it, and stores all memories and associations with that lamp. 

 

And so why does this matter? 

Your home may be lurking with subconscious minefields that are negatively programming your mind.   Do you have furniture that is broken or leaning?  What subconscious meanings are the images in pictures or artwork depicting?   Do you have items sitting around that you don’t really like, but feel you should keep for one reason or another?   Because our subconscious has no filter, it constantly picks up literal messages.  So, for example, a cracked mirror could distort the way you see yourself.  A desk with a wobbly leg can affect how you stand up for yourself.  And, of course, a cluttered desk or room always leads to a cluttered mind.

 

While these subconscious minefields are powerful, they are as easily changeable.  Plant positive imagery in the form of photos, artwork, or even affirmations around your home.  Any items that you don’t just love, get rid of them.  Start looking at your home consciously, instead of just subconsciously.  By changing the subconscious programs in your home or office, your life will change accordingly.   

 

For more information, visit www.mindbodyhome.net