Your Feng Shui Advice for January 2013

SHUI ADVICE

A brand-new year often sees us make the same resolutions we've made before, with or without any progress. And one of the intentions I hear most frequently every January, from clients and readers alike, is the desire to lose weight.

The most popular Feng Shui cure to shed excess girth doesn't have anything to do with reducing carbs or cutting out sugar in favor of stevia. Rather, the best Feng Shui plan for healthy weight loss involves simply clearing out clutter from your home!

Clutter, according to Feng Shui, is symbolic of excess baggage. So it's no surprise that clutter, much like butter, will eventually show up on your hips.

So, start gingerly and gently, but be persistent. Begin clearing your clutter today, and remember to enjoy this house-clearing exercise as a less strenuous -- but equally successful -- way to lose weight!

SHUI FASHION

This month's Feng Shui fashionista tip is easy: "Out with the old, in with the new." Indeed, if you haven't worn it in two years, it's time to say "so long."

Clearing the clutter in your closet is believed to bring a big boost to your entire life. And if you give your old clothes away to someone who needs them more than you, you've not only created some space for yourself -- you've created good karma, too!

And if all that weren't enough, this philosophy indicates further that if your wardrobe is free and clear of unworn attire, then you're also leaving space for either new and more attractive couture to come your way, or if you're single, a new and more attractive partner!

Either way, creating space while donating your past-tense outfits invites plenty of opportunities to figuratively (and perhaps even literally) wear your heart on your sleeve. It's a good thing -- and a good start to the new year, too!

SHUI HEALTH

Doesn't this first month of the year feel like a perfect time to clear away stale energies in your home, however subtle or subconscious they may be?

Perhaps your house hasn't seen much natural sunlight lately; perhaps it's often overheated or frigid. These conditions can lend themselves to seasonal affective disorders as much as anything else.

So, if you want to invite angelic, invigorating energies into your living space, simply bring home fresh-cut flowers! Beautiful blossoms not only welcome any and all energies associated with the new year, they also promise to increase abundance and improve health.

Now, the luckiest flower associated with January is the plum blossom -- especially for men. In fact, Feng Shui's plum blossom philosophy says that if you're a single man and looking for a partner in life and love, you should place an image, photo, or painting of plum blossoms on the wall over the back of your bed. If you do, age-old lore suggests that you'll find your peach!

Fresh flowers help eliminate dead energies while bringing health, wealth, and happiness into your home. Now that's a great way to start the new year!

SHUI RECIPE

Rosemary is often recognized in holistic circles as an herbal aid for both digestion and memory. But did you know that rosemary can also be used in diets designed to activate or maintain good general health?

This special herb has long been believed to stimulate the body's own natural healing mechanisms. And because of this, it's been a crucial part of recipes for centuries. So, shouldn't the new year's new you enjoy a rosemary-inclusive dish?

Good health to you and all of yours!

BAKED SQUASH WITH ROSEMARY
Serves 6

Ingredients:
2-pound butternut or acorn squash
6 sprigs of fresh rosemary, or 1/2 teaspoon of dried rosemary
1/3 cup of apple cider (or apple juice)
2 tablespoons of melted butter
1/4 tablespoon of dried ginger
1 teaspoon of grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream (or creme fraiche)

1. Cut butternut or acorn squash in half. Remove seeds.

2. Brush inside of each half of squash with melted butter. Place each half (cut side down) on top of three sprigs of fresh rosemary (or 1/4 teaspoon of dried rosemary). Be sure to use a large, deep pan with sides.

3. Pour in cider (or juice), then add water to 1/4 inch.

4. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Turn squash over, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and Parmesan cheese, then bake for additional 15 minutes.

5. Scoop squash out of skin and serve with pinch of ginger and small dollop of sour cream (or creme fraiche) on top. Enjoy!

SHUI TRAVEL

Here's a terrific little Feng Shui travel tip to ensure a prosperous and lucky journey -- regardless of whether you're traveling for personal or professional reasons.

As soon you settle in at your destination, unpack. Make this the very first thing you do. The idea -- and the ideal -- here is to not only allow your own positive vibes to unfold in your immediate environs, but to simply avoid living out of your suitcase, which can promote stale, stuck, and negative energies.

Immediately after unpacking, run water in both the shower and bathroom sink for a few seconds (or longer if the room feels musty). Flush the toilet a few times as well. This will get the space's chi flowing, while helping you feel invigorated as well.

Safe and fortunate travels to you! And, of course, happy new year!

SHUI RANDOM

During these first days of the new year, stop and consider the first place your eyes go when you enter your home. That space should contain an item that's inviting, clean, and even inspirational.

Perhaps it's a brilliantly designed chair, or a piece of art hanging on a wall. Perhaps it's a fish tank! Whatever your pleasure, this year be sure to place something in that space that's pleasing -- something that pulls you toward a state of happiness and love.

Make it your New Year's resolution that the first thing seen in your home will produce such an emotionally fulfilling response that you'll love entering your living space each and every time!