New day. New information. The speed to which we are having process and synthesize the changes occurring each day is staggering. Trying to maintain balance in our physical and emotional bodies is arduous in the current climate. Support to remain well in body and mind is necessary in order to withstand the demands of the erratic nature of this time. The guiding principles of Feng Shui and Nine Star Ki provide valuable tools to create the framework necessary to nourish and strengthen us physically and emotionally. We can be better equipped to endure and ultimately thrive in the momentum of these precarious times.

The elements of Fire, Soil, Metal, Water and Tree have characteristics that can be utilized to encourage a more balanced way of being. There are simple applications that when put into practice influence positive conditions to support the physical body and the emotional body. These practices over time develop and increase the ability of our physical and emotional bodies to respond to change with better clarity to make decisions that are beneficial for ourselves and others.

Here are a few ideas and suggestions to mindfully incorporate characteristics of each element into your weekend:

Fire is illuminating. When we share and experience kindness are hearts are warmed.

**If the skies are clear, make time for some star gazing. The longer you gaze the more stars can be seen. Make a wish on a star for a loved one or friend. If the weather does not support star gazing, then bring the twinkle inside with lights. Hang some twinkle lights in your home and enjoy the sweetness of the moment.
**Lines have become a familiar part of our lives. Waiting in line feels different than it did a month or so ago. The next time you are in line offer the person who is working a small token of appreciation. A gift card of any amount to a grocery store or restaurant would be a welcome surprise and will most likely warm his/her heart as well as yours.

Soil is grounding. Soil is nurturing.

**Board games are a shared experience. There are rules to follow; rules are grounding or… being grounded by not following rules is grounding. Playing the board game “LIFE” teaches lots of lessons and there are many choices to be made along the way to “MILLION ACRES.” Make sure you have an adequate supply of your favorite potato chip to snack on while playing. Fortunately, potato chips are made from potatoes. Potatoes are a ROOT vegetable…very grounding.

Metal is organized. Metal is creative.

**Organize at least one area in your home this weekend. It can be a small drawer in your kitchen or an entire closet in your bedroom. Regardless of the space, you are connecting to your subconscious and opening up pathways of creativity that will support your decision making abilities.

Water is essential to all life. Water is cleansing. For those who love water sports, water is part of the fun.

**Enjoy foods to with water in mind: watermelon (or any melon); cool cucumber; fish. Sea water is salty so a meal that incorporates soy sauce is good. Get creative and have fun!
**If your temperatures are still chilly, this next suggestion is not for you (apologies). For those of us in LA (lower Alabama) we have had almost no rain and our temperatures are in the 80’s. If you plan to water your lawn and plants this weekend via sprinkler, why not have some laughs and take a few laps around your yard with the sprinkle going. By engaging in youthful activity we are reminding our bodies to relax and have fun. For my energy friends in the cooler and colder climates, try an extra bubbly, bubble bath and make bubble beards and bubble hairdos. Laugh out loud! Snow and ice are forms of water so activities including riding snow mobiles, skiing/snow boarding and snowball games are fengshui831 approved.

Tree Energy teaches us to be flexible. Tree Energy reminds up to keep reaching and growing.

**Lots of studios are offering virtual yoga classes. Many all ready have an established yoga practice. If weather permits, venture outside and honor the beauty and wisdom nature has to offer. Stand in tree pose and sway with the wind. Stretch your body, stretch your lungs with big deep breaths and allow your mind to relax.

Make the most of your weekend. Enjoy a variety of experiences with an awareness that you are doing good things for yourself. I’d love to hear how you creatively connect to the elements of Fire, Soil, Metal, Water and Tree.

I truly love the lessons and information available through the guiding principles of Feng Shui and 9 Star Ki. If you have any questions or reflections, please call, text or email. I’d love to here from you. fengshui831 is open for business, so if you would like to schedule a session via FaceTime or phone, I would love to connect and discuss energy.

Keep Calm and Glitter On!

Meryl