Something my clients ask about frequently, especially in the beginning of our journey into Feng Shui, is how to choose the right career path. The below email is a great example:
Is there anything I can do to prepare myself for the perfect career opportunity? I feel like I am existing in the world and not really excelling at anything. And the funny thing is, I don’t know what I’d even like to do to even try to excel. I just feel like I’m standing on the sidelines in life….and I guess the new year drives it home a bit more than usual. Help!
Sarah
This is a good question because it brings up so many different areas of life, which reminds us that each area of the bagua is definitely a part of a greater whole.
My immediate analysis just by reading this e-mail was that you want a career alright, but there’s more to it than that.
Without knowing anything about your home at all, here’s my “armchair quarterback” guess at what may need feng shui help within your home.
Obviously the “perfect career opportunity” is the career gua and the water element, so I’d suggest looking at the front door area to see if the ch’i is even getting to you. Address showing, sidewalk to the door without interruptions, I’d suggest you check it all. Then, look inside center-front part of the home and see if there are any out-of-focus things like abstract art – or other items that may be counter productive in the quest for a career move – things like stuck doors or windows, or doors that can’t open all the way due to clutter, etc.
Next, head to the front right part of the home and see what’s happening in there – in the “Helpful People” zone…..because it sounds like you are trying to figure this career track gig out all by yourself. It might be helpful to have a mentor, or a counselor to help you understand your strengths and weaknesses. A helpful people box sounds like a must here (of course when is it not? ???? )
Now, head over to the left-front of the place…to the “Skills and Knowledge” gua. A little wisdom can go a long way and you sound like you’ve been on the sidelines for a while now. I want clear windows, clear glasses in the cupboards, clear tv screens, clear everything. Take away negatives…..alcohol, clutter, dust and dirt, and any symbols that are inappropriate.
Next, look around the “Fame and Reputation” gua. Perhaps you’ve never given yourself a chance to be seen in the right light, or never had the courage to dream about a passionate way to spend time. Add fiery items (reds, candles, pictures that have stars or the sun in them, triangular-shaped items) in this center back position of the home or room.
Perhaps you’ve never been respected in the past (the past is about the “Family” gua – our next stop! The Family gua is half way back on the left of the home or your bedroom or office. Check into this area of your bedroom and the home to see where you could rev up “wood energies” (greens, wooden items, columnar-shaped items) here.
And speaking of the bedroom, make sure you are in the arm chair position with your bed. That means, hopefully you have a headboard, and it is up against a solid wall – you can’t afford to have a door or window along this headboard wall…you needs support!!!
And for the depression, I always suggest enhancing the Family, Center, and Creativity and Children (half way back on the right) guas. As you can see, we’ve hit just about every gua there is! The bagua IS one big Self-contained unit!!!! Certainly working with one part of the bagua can have a positive effect on them all, but since I know nothing about your house, I thought I’d take the time to give you mulitple places to strengthen your living environment to support you.
Also, if you take the time to get centered, by sitting quietly for a while without interruption, and then write down the answers to these questions, it might shed some light on a direction to start looking (remember: you can always change your mind!)
- “If money were no object, what would I do with my time to help others?”
- ” If I could do anything that would be helpful to someone else, what would it be, or how would that look?”
- If I could give three virtues to others, (like happiness, health, laughter, peace, passion, love, trust, honor, etc.) what would they be? Then, once you answer these, identify how these are met in any upcoming opportunity. If you can’t identify any of your answers, perhaps this job is not for you.
On a final note, I know that many people who are stuck get into the nasty habit of just complaining and not taking action, and blaming external factors for their internal mess. See if this complaint is feeding anything (“I won’t mess anything up,” “It gives me an out for not taking part in the world” etc.) and then walk through the fear. Consider “the gospel according to Nike” when approaching this task: “Just Do It!”
