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feng shui faq part 1 of 3

Feng Shui FAQ Part 1

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Common Questions, Answered by Lois Kramer-Perez

Have a Feng Shui question you’ve always wondered about? You’re not alone. Here are answers to some of the questions I hear most often, separating fact from fantasy.

What does “Feng Shui” actually mean?

“Feng Shui” translates to “Wind Water.” Wind is the energy you feel, Water is the energy you see. The principles of Feng Shui create a harmonious relationship between the energy you see and the energy you feel. It began in China thousands of years ago, starting with “form” siting homes and graves. That foundation is still used today, alongside directions, colors, shapes, elements, objects, and timing.

Is it true you should never use the number 4 in Feng Shui?

Not exactly. The number 4 has a “bad luck” reputation because the Chinese word for “four” sounds like death, a meaningful connection for anyone of Chinese culture. But in Feng Shui, the actual significance of the number 4 is southeast, the “tree element,” which relates to Fortunate Blessings and Prosperity. Four bamboo stalks placed in the southeast, for example, nourish fortunate blessings, which in turn nourishes reputation, recognition, and passion.

Does keeping the toilet lid closed really protect your money?

Feng Shui always promotes safe and healthy living, so closing the lid when you flush is a good habit regardless. But the deeper truth is about the water itself: bathrooms hold a lot of water, and water relates to wealth. A clogged drain can be a metaphor for money not coming: what are you neglecting or stuck on. A dripping faucet can mean money is slowly leaking away, maybe from an old subscription still on autopay. The real fix is simple: keep bathrooms clean, keep pipes maintained, and yes, close the lid.

Is it bad Feng Shui to have a mirror facing your front door?

Generally, yes. A mirror placed directly opposite the front door isn’t recommended, because when you open the door, the mirror reflects the incoming energy right back out. The front door is known as the “Mouth of Chi” (Chi meaning energy), and it’s meant to welcome in health, wealth, and opportunity, not send it back out before it arrives. That said, mirrors aren’t bad on their own. Placed on a side wall in an open foyer, a mirror can beautifully balance and expand the space.

Why shouldn’t you sit with your back to the door?

Feng Shui recommends the “Command Position”: sitting with your back to a solid wall, with a clear view of the door. When your back is to a door or opening, your central nervous system can go on subtle alert, sensing you’re unprotected, even if you’re not consciously aware of it. Most people find they feel more comfortable and productive once they switch to the Command Position. Ever notice where you sit at a restaurant or where you can choose your seat in a public space or around a table? Is your back to the door?
I think not!

Is Feng Shui a religion?

No, Feng Shui is not a religion, though it has roots in Taoism and the belief that everything carries energy. “Form Feng Shui” began thousands of years ago in China as a practical system for siting gravesites and homes safely. There’s a reason behind every Feng Shui principle, and it’s practiced in many different ways, some more spiritual, some purely practical. A certified practitioner can help you find the approach that’s right for you. So, Feng Shui is not a religion yet it can help you deepen your personal spirituality.

Does placing a 3-legged frog by the front door really bring money?

Icons and objects in Feng Shui work by connecting to your subconscious. My favorite traditional story behind the 3-legged frog: a farmer walking along his way, pauses to rescue a 3-legged frog from a well, and then continues on his merry way. From that day on, the farmer wakes up each morning to find gold coins under his pillow, a reminder that giving without expectation is rewarded beyond measure. If seeing your frog reminds you to be generous and live in gratitude, it can absolutely be meaningful. The truth is this: objects are only as powerful as the actions and behaviors they inspire in you. It’s not about the object, it’s about what the object moves you to do.

Which direction should my bed face?

This is the question I get asked more than almost any other! The truth is, there’s no single “right” direction that works for everyone, it depends on you, your birth information, and what’s happening in your life right now. What I can tell you universally is this: your bed should be in the Command Position. That means a solid wall behind you, a clear view of the door, and NOT lined up directly with the door or tucked under a window. Beyond that? Let’s talk about your specific direction on a consultation, because this is exactly where “one size fits all” Feng Shui falls apart.

Is clutter really that big a deal in Feng Shui, or is that just a design trend?

Oh, it’s a big deal, and I prefer not to “name” stuff “clutter”. The items in your space are relative to you and where you are in your life.  In Feng Shui, when there is too much stuff in your space which challenges the ability to walk easily without twisting & turning & bumping, is stuck energy. This goes for the drawers or closets or rooms that are avoided too! Every “I’ll deal with it later” is chi that can’t move, and chi that can’t move can’t bring you anything new. I always tell clients: you can’t invite in what you want more of if there’s no room for it to land. Clearing space isn’t just about a tidy home for the sake of tidy, it’s about making space, literally and energetically, for the next chapter.

Still have a Feng Shui question? Schedule your free Discover Your Shui call or grab my free e-book for more.

Sharin’ the shui,

Lois

what is sitting in your future

The Shui of Life

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Last week I talked about the wind — the feng of feng shui. The wind is the energy we can’t see, yet we know it’s always there — in our environment, in our person, always with us.

The shui of feng shui is the water — representing all of the physical things we see in our space. Consciously or not, all of the objects in our space are always speaking to us.

Imagine walking in the door as you come home every day. There are lots of conversations happening all around you. Things you’ve decided you just won’t notice — even though you don’t like them, or they annoy you — are speaking pretty loud. Very often we attribute our feelings to things we expected to affect us throughout the day, when actually we’re walking into a babble of information from all the stuff surrounding us.

Sometimes it’s not so obvious. It may even be things in the closets or the drawers — stuff hidden away in storage, things we haven’t seen in years. Did you know that the location where we store our “stuff” has a relationship to the times in our life? The attics, upper floors, and upper shelves represent our future. The midway shelves and mid-floors represent our present. Basements and lower shelves represent our past. Think about how you organize a bookshelf: what you use every day is easily accessible, usually on the midlevel. When you complete something, you might file it away or put it on the lower shelves. The top shelves are for what is to come later.

When I learned about this concept, I took a look at what I had on the very top shelf in my office: a box of leftover wedding invitations, response cards, and menus from my wedding in 1982. I actually had my past in my future. At the time it made sense — my husband Ray had only passed a few years earlier, so I wasn’t ready to let go of the past. Recognizing the metaphor, I kept just one invitation and one menu from our 1982 wedding, placed them in our wedding album, which I had in a storage box in the family room (almost the lowest level), and made a clear path for my future.

Energy is everywhere, in everything. The truth is, we have the ability to create the environment that gives us the energy to feel the way we choose to feel.

We are getting messages all the time, and we are the writers of these stories. Are these stories serving you well? Are you getting the messages that you want to feel? Do you want to change the stories? Begin by changing your space. This doesn’t mean a complete overhaul — start by creating what I call “fabulous firsts.” The first thing you see when you wake up in the morning, sitting in your favorite chair, and especially when you come into your home. Does what you see give you the feelings you want to feel? This is a good starting point — the rest will follow.

I would love to hear about your experiences. And one more tip: when you are feeling distracted, not able to concentrate, check out your silverware drawer in the kitchen. Take a few minutes to straighten it out, clear out the crumbs — it will do wonders for you!

Get my top favorite feng shui tips: https://bit.ly/LoisFreeEBook

we are all energy - be the wind that brings peace

It’s All About the Space – ‘Bout the Space – ‘Bout the Space!

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Feng shui teaches us to manage our space. The physical environment around us is always speaking, and it has a direct connection to our emotions — driving how we are feeling, which drives how we are being.

When we look at the words Feng Shui translated to English, they mean Wind and Water — wind representing the energy in our space we don’t see but can feel, and water representing the energy we visually see and often discount, along with the effect it has on our being. The goal of feng shui practice is to create a harmonious marriage between our wind and our water. (This is my lens for feeling it in daily life, not a substitute for the technical practice — but it’s a good place to start.)

Today I’m going to focus on the influence of the wind on our being. I’ll come back to water another day — for now, just know it’s waiting in the wings. The wind is with us all the time, wherever we go. Besides the wind in our personal space, we are always in relationship with the wind wherever we go. People are a major part of influencing the wind in our lives.

Think about this: you are feeling good, all is well, and then you walk into a room and begin to feel unsettled, possibly impatient, or even a bit angry. You might even say, “Gee, it feels uneasy in here.” We have all experienced this. What is that? I see it as this — we are like human tuning forks. Our frequencies are sending out signals all the time. When someone is impatient or frustrated or angry, that energy is permeating the space. If you have ever felt that feeling, you walk right into it… and boom! You connect.

Without even realizing it, you might even say, “Now I’m angry!” or “I’m feeling…” The moment you declare it, you become it!

There is a method to manage all of this energy that we are contributing to and dancing with… awareness. Once you are aware that something has shifted, aware that you were not in those feelings a few moments ago… that is the beginning.

And think about this — as strongly as the icky, uneasy feelings can trigger our reactions, how about all the peaceful, joyful, happy feelings we can walk into and embrace those!

Be the wind that contributes well-being!

“Til next time, I’ll keep sharin’ the shui”

Want to explore this more? Join my online circle Thursday at 10:30 AM EDT https://bit.ly/ThursOnlineCirclewLois

Curious How Lois can Clear Your Energy & Your Space? Schedule Your FREE Discover Your Shui Call https://callwithlois.com/

Why Some Homes Feel Lucky By Lois Kramer-Perez, C.Ht.

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Why do some homes feel lucky? Is it the lucky number 9? Is it the red door? Could it be a water fountain on the front lawn? Or is it that gentle winding path leading to the front door.

What’s the first thing you notice when you enter a home – is it “Ooooh what a feeling” that something-something that just feels right or does it feel like the energy is flat, empty or eh?

I am describing my favorite tip: create fabulous firsts: the experience you have approaching your home, as you enter through the front door… what is that feeling?

Let’s break some of these things down:

“I need a red door to be lucky” – it depends!  Is the color of your house enhanced with a red door? A red door on a yellow looks like scrambled eggs with ketchup to me, wouldn’t be my first choice. We can also look at the classical feng shui principles; A red door is the fire element: if your front door faces South, the direction of the fire element: you are enhancing that area. If your front door faces Southwest the direction earth element, a red fire door will nourish the Southwest because fire nourishes earth in the productive 5 element cycle. 
Give your front door the love it deserves. Make that first experience through your front door fabulous.

That gentle winding or meandering path leading to the front door. Ahh feels lovely to slow down, enjoy the journey, calming your energy, opening your awareness to enjoy the surroundings as you make your way to meet your host feel fabulous coming home.

Moving water is a metaphor for money. A strategically placed water fountain bringing the water towards the house is the principle for welcoming money into the home.

And speaking of water — while a fountain at your entrance is a beautiful symbol of welcoming money in, the most important water in your home is the kind you don’t see: the pipes, the drains, the everyday flow that keeps your home healthy & flowing effortlessly.

Giving love to your bathrooms, sinks, toilets, pipes are a key to luck for money: leaky pipes are a clue money is leaking out of your pockets’, clogged pipes are a clue money blocked from coming into your pockets: ponder what actions you have contributed to stimulating these alerts! Repair what needs repairing and take proactive steps in your actions to remedy your money situation.

I want a house with the number 9! Yes 9 is a fabulous number: passionate, vibrant, fun, transformational, spotlighting recognition & reputation. 9 is especially powerful since we moved into a new 20 year “9 fire period” in 2024. It may not be practical to only buy a house with the number 9 or multiples of 9, what you can do is to be creative with using the number 9 – plant 9 shrubs, 9 planters with red plants or 9 lights along the path, you get the picture.

Have you noticed the common denominator in all these ideas about what feels like a lucky home? You! Your relationship with your home, from the everyday experience you have coming home, entering through the front door, sitting in your favorite chair, waking up in the morning & so on & so on.

Remember that common denominator in all of the scenarios— you? That’s exactly why feng shui isn’t one-size-fits-all. A red door might be perfect for one home and completely off for another. Nine planters might be powerful for one person and meaningless for the next. Googling will give you general information, but feng shui at its best is a conversation between principles, the space, and the specific “YOU” living in it. The details matter tremendously — and getting them right is what turns a house into a home that truly feels like YOURS and truly feels LUCKY.

Lois Kramer-Perez, CHt. Shares her tools using simple techniques for awareness, clarity and empowerment, creating change from the inside out. https://loiskramerperez.com/ Questions about this article: lois@loiskramerperez.com or Schedule Your FREE Discover Your Shui Call with Lois http://callwithlois.com

Want Fabulous Feng Shui for Your Soul -Join A Peace Movement with Lois – Together We Change the World https://bit.ly/PeaceProjectwLois  It’s FREE

Drinking in the New Moon Energy

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OOOooh What A New Moon Can Do For You

The Next New Moon Peaks April 17 at 7:51 AM EDT

How can you tap into this inspirational energy?

Here is a simple ritual I am going to do:

Fill a small clear bowl or jar with fresh drinkable water.

Place a note at under the bowl ( on the outside of the bowl)

stating something you are going to begin.

Hold the bowl under the New Moon –

State your New Beginning Action in Detail

Feel Every Part of It

Celebrate Your Success

Drink the Water!

Dawn of A Story- Full Circle Moments

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https://youtu.be/PXYnk3fM2rA?si=UfXf5guAd5OttlzG

In this episode of Dawn of a Story, my guest ‪@Loismambo‬ Lois Kramer Perez and I explore the theme of full circle moments, discussing personal transformations, the journey into Feng Shui, and the importance of awareness and acceptance in life. We delve into the impact of relationships, navigating doubts and fears, and recognizing signs from the universe. The conversation also covers the significance of energy clearings, community support, and the importance of being true to oneself.

Energy in Motion Feng Shui Flow & Finding Inner Harmony

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I enjoyed this conversation with Deb & Deana, Balance Your Life Wellness Gala

Let us know your thoughts!

https://youtu.be/-rlIOBCXirY?si=OQbH2wpsXzWnsILX

Enjoy A Stress-Free Holiday Season with Feng Shui by Lois Kramer-Perez

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Here we are amidst the holiday season once again. It is so easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it all, we find ourselves moving so quickly, we miss the joy connecting to the moments. What can we do?

Feng Shui principles create support in our life, wonderful tools to help us stay organized and grounded so to enjoy this festive fast paced time of year. 
Here are some Feng Shui Tips to get us started.

Our Front Door 
Use the front door. Be sure it is easy to open. Make it inviting, add color and sparkle.
Our front door is our face to the world, it represents how we are moving along in our life journey, let’s create a joyous and welcoming experience.

Movement and Flow
Movement should be effortless throughout our home, meandering like a stream of water flowing easily from room to room with ample space around furniture and objects. As we enter the season of winter, the element of water, we connect to the energy of adaptability and flow, it is the perfect time to dream of our hearts desires and make plans for the coming New Year. Connecting to the feelings of our thoughts and dreams, we can make it so!

It’s Good To Be Alive
Plants, flowers and trees bring life into our space, we use them to remind us how blessed we are to be alive. Embrace the sense of unconditional giving, how good it feels to show kindness to others. That which we give away with compassion, without expectation, is what we reap 1,000 times over. The energy of life brings forth an enthusiasm for action, nourishing our ideas, supporting our ability to go-go-go!

Let There Be Light! ‘Tis the season of parties and celebrations, filling our spirits with joy and excitement. We keep our fires burning from within, by surrounding ourselves with items that create a sparkling festive mood. Decorate with objects which bring joy, and don’t forget to don our favorite holiday gear. A sense of whimsy is always welcome to help us when we find ourselves too serious. Be spontaneous! Laugh, dance and sing! ‘Tis the season to be jolly.

Grounded and Secure We find comfort and stability when we have a place to feel cozy, warm and nurtured. The aroma of cookies baking in the oven, scents of cinnamon in the living room and a bit of lavender in the bedroom, we feel comfortable and relaxed. Comfy pillows or snuggly throws, square shapes and earth tones to help us feel secure and grounded.

Refine and Define The energy of metal help generates focus. When we find ourselves scattered from all the activities and excitement, take some time to create a sense of order and control. Stop for a moment to take a breath, allow 15 minutes to organize our space. Designate an area for gifts, holiday items and other paraphernalia that seems to be cropping up all over. The more time we spend shopping, visiting, celebrating, the less time we have to keep things in their natural order, and for some of us this can be very daunting and distracting. Choose the space where we can tolerate the temporary chaos and enjoy it!

Lois Kramer-Perez, is a Certified Feng Shui Practitioner, A catalyst, inspiring people to seek and create change in their lives. Feng Shui Your Space and Your Soul.
Questions? Lois@LoisKramerPerez.com or Schedule Your FREE Discover Your Shui Call at callwithlois.com

Feng Shui Summer Fun & Inspiration by Lois Kramer-Perez, C.Ht.

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Summer is here – it just feels like fun!
Every time the month of June rolls around I feel happier and freer, like I’m already having more fun!
Is it any coincidence we associate summer with fun?
Feng Shui teaches us that the Season of Summer is the essence of the Fire Element. Obviously, for students, summer means “schools out!” – so why do “I” still get that giddy fun vacation feeling when summer rolls around? And I have not been a calendar year student for quite some time.

The Element Fire tells it all. Fire is the light in our hearts, the light in our eyes.

When the lights are bright, all becomes clear, we are motivated, we awaken, we are ready for fun!

We enjoy the summer fun and find ourselves outside into the bright evening, enjoying those late-night sunsets and fireflies.

Fire ignites our curiosity, our passions, and our joy.
Fire inspires.
Fire brings clarity, yes, the lights are on longer each day.
Fire is transformational.

May I share a tip with you?
You do not need to wait until summer to enjoy the essence of this fire element.
You can tap into this essence all year long.

When you find yourself too serious, find some fire;
Connect with someone who lights up your life, who brings you laughter.
Do something silly.
Laughter really is your best medicine. A good belly laugh will warm oyur body and cleanse your spirit with tears of joy. You know that feeling of release after a good laugh, ahhh…
I feel at least ten pounds lighter and ten years younger – don’t you?

When you are bored, find some fire;
Engaging your curiosity, will lead you to inspiration.
Look to the rainbow of inspiration, in nature, in music, in body and spirit.

Get up and dance your happy spirited soul ~ shine your light with laughter.

Become the inspiration you seek in this world.
You are the fire that ignites your light.

And here is another Feng Shui Secret:
You may find yourself experiencing your personal  “Fire Year.”
Yes, that’s right, in the Feng Shui 5 Element Astrology System, there are 9 Yearly Cycles.
How awesome is it find out you are in YOUR 9 Year now – wow!
Imagine how your summer can bring you even more power, more passion, more clarity and transformation!
Namaste – The Light In Me, Recognizes The Light In YOU

Curious about where you are in your personal 9 year cycle?
Schedule your FREE “discover your shui” call at www.CallWithLois.com

Lois Kramer-Perez, CHt. Certified Feng Shui, NLP, Past Life Regression & Energy Clearing Practitioner. Master Teacher Conscious Design Institute, Metaphysical Center of NJ  & London School of Feng Shui.

“Feng Shui Your Space and Your Soul, Create the Life You Deserve by Mastering the Art of Being Yourself.” LoisKramerPerez.com

Feng Shui A Garden Just for You by Lois Kramer-Perez, C.Ht.

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Feng Shui, meaning “Wind Water,” creates harmony by marrying the energy we can feel (wind) & physical spaces we can see (water). Using nature’s cycles & the five elements: Water, Tree, Fire, Earth, & Metal—Feng Shui cultivates a thriving life connected to our environment. A Feng Shui garden embodies this connection to nature.

The 5 elements influence us through seasons, colors, shapes, and behaviors.

 In spring, the Tree element energizes us with vibrant green colors of growth & new beginnings. This season inspires activities going outside, spring cleaning & the urge to get moving.

Summer, represented by Fire, is lively and passionate, with colors like red, yellow, and orange. It symbolizes peak energy, playfulness, and transformation, represented through bright accents and angular shapes.

As summer wanes, Earth’s energy encourages us to pause & nurture. Earth’s colors range from ivory to chocolate brown, and its shapes are sturdy rectangles and squares, providing comfort and stability.

Autumn introduces the Metal element, marking completion and refinement. Metal’s energy, represented by silver, gold, and white, is precise and controlled, with clean lines and stone features.

Winter embodies the Water element, a time for reflection and flow. Water’s colors are deep blues, turquoise, and black, with irregular, meandering shapes symbolizing adaptability and calm.

These elements cyclically support one another: Water nourishes Tree, Tree fuels Fire, Fire’s ash enriches Earth, Earth forms Metal, and Metal generates Water. We refer to the “*Bagua” the feng shui map of your space to specifically enhance areas using these 5 elements.

Create Your Feng Shui Garden: There’s a Dutch proverb that says, “If you want to be happy for a day, get drunk. If you want to be happy for a year, get married. But if you want to be happy for a lifetime, plant a garden”.

Natural Alignment: Use local plants, allow them to grow naturally. Plan for seasonal changes.

Form: Design using the “Armchair Form,” giving you the feeling your home & garden are being “hugged” as if your property was sitting in a giant armchair with a view of what’s in front. Use trees, shrubs or fences to create your “hug.”

Use curved paths with soft edges to direct the energy through your garden sharing the “graceful chi” in all spaces.

Front Garden: A garden in the front of your property welcomes visitors & is a gentle boundary between your home & the world. Be sure your trees or shrubs do not cover your front entrance or number on your house.

Water Features: Whether in the front or back garden, the water should always flow towards your house, bringing the flow of prosperity towards you.

Personal Expression: Create your garden to reflect your personality and passions.

Incorporate the 5 Elements: *The Feng Shui Bagua is a map that shows how different parts of your home or property relate to specific areas of your life & the elements which support them. Schedule your feng shui consultation for your personal bagua map and specific guidance for enhancements & placement of your water features.

Love your garden, as its beauty, harmony & joy nourish your life. Schedule your personal feng shui consultation contact Lois@LoisKramerPerez.com.

Lois Kramer-Perez, CHt. Certified Feng Shui, NLP, Past Life Regression & Energy Clearing Practitioner. Master Teacher Conscious Design Institute, Metaphysical Center of NJ  & London School of Feng Shui.

“Feng Shui Your Space and Your Soul, Create the Life You Deserve by Mastering the Art of Being Yourself.” schedule your free “discover your shui call” go to www.callwithlois.com. LoisKramerPerez.com