Dear Carol,
Are there any tips for those of us who work in spaces that are very restful on purpose. I'm a massage therapist and I know my clients love my room. They find it very relaxing. The problem is that I do too and I sometimes feel that I don't have the energy to keep doing what I'm doing.
Diane

Dear Diane,

This is a common problem among massage therapists, energy workers, and others who do related work, and it has nothing to do with how you feel about your work.

It is important that your clients feel relaxed and comfortable, and it sounds as though you've made that happen. You do not, however, want to feel that you'd rather be the one on the table!

The easiest way to address this is to first establish which wall you see from where you normally stand or sit to do your work. Now hang a poster, painting, or some other art that contains some fire energy. Or put something that has fire energy on a shelf or on top of a bookcase or cabinet along that wall.

What is fire energy? Reds and bright oranges are fire energy. Like flames, fire has an upward energy. Things that are triangular or pyramid-shaped qualify, as do candles and other lighting. Consider a photo of a mountain (pyramid shaped) in a sunset with a lot of vibrant reds and oranges. A cluster of candles or pyramid-shaped stones can have the same effect.

Now when you start to feel as though you are the one that should be on the table, look at your symbol(s) of fire energy with the intention that it is lifting your energy and giving you the vitality to complete your work without feeling drained.

Dear Carol,
What colors are best for rooms used by health practitioners?
Matthew

Dear Matthew,

I am always hesitant to make blanket statements about color for specific types of spaces because there are so many variables. Sometimes it is important to consider what area of the bagua (the template or grid that is superimposed upon any space, indicating which areas of that space correspond to which areas of a person's life) the room is in. I also consider what colors you, as an individual, need to have around you to help maintain your balance. There are also the chakra colors and the colors related to the five elements.

The western psychological values of various colors are very important. This takes into account factors such as the calming effect of blue and the stimulating effect of red. We often relate to color in these ways without even knowing it.

The room needs to be a color that makes you feel good and supports you. It also needs to be a color that is not offensive to anyone else. White walls make a room feel cold and loud so they are best avoided. This means that a warm, soft neutral color is usually the best. There are some wonderful creams, soft yellows, sage greens, and other colors on the market today. They all give a good sense of background color and make a room feel inviting and warm.

Dear Carol,
I am just starting out as an energy worker and would like to know what I can do to attract more business. My space is on the second floor of an office building.
Sam

Dear Sam,

There's a strong correlation between having a clear path energetically to your space and bringing in new clients. Is your door visible? Is it clear where to go when someone drives up? It is important to eliminate all confusion. What you first see most affects your chi! You want people to feel welcome and to know that they are in the right place.

How's your signage? Is your sign clearly visible regardless of which way someone approaches your building? Once inside, is it clear where to go?

What condition is the building in? I realize much of this may be out of your control, but there is usually something that can be done to make a building more attractive and appealing. You want the space to give off the feeling of success. In the summer it's easy to add brightness and life through pots and hanging baskets of colorful flowers.

It's a good idea to hang a wind chime in the front with the intention that you are calling in new clients. Banners or flags are also good to pull in the energy from the street. This is especially important if you are on a busy street with fast moving traffic.

Remember to be clear about why you are doing something - the power is in the intention!

Carol C. Wheelock, M.Ed. of Feng Shui Vermont is a certified feng shui practitioner who has studied in the United Sates and China. She practices Black Sect or western feng shui. Carol does private consultations for homes, schools, libraries, and businesses; clutter counseling and clearing; spaces clearings; phone consultations; presentations; and teaches workshops throughout the United States. She also does personal clearings.