MOLLUSKS DO IT...

According to researchers from Australia’s Museum Victoria, the veined octopus retrieves empty coconut shells off the coast of Northern Sulawesi and Bali in Indonesia, and fits them together to create shelters. This behavior has amazed the scientists, who up to now have attributed the intelligence to use tools only to the “higher” forms of life.

Apparently, the need to create a safe secure environment for ourselves is one that transcends species. It is a universal impulse. One of the basic tenets of Feng Shui is to put ourselves in the most protected and powerful position. We are much more likely to succeed and be effective in the world if we are coming from a place of safety, strength, and confidence. The sea critters have wowed the scientists in another way, as well -- before they stack their shells together, they blow jets of mud out of the bowl. Could it BE that there is a link between cleanliness and feeling safe?

AFTER THE SNOW...

A local college radio station recently played a tune entitled, “Is it not True Simply Because You Cannot Believe It?” penned by jazz tenor saxophonist, Billy Harper. Much of what we deal with in Feng Shui concerns what is visible, fixable, moveable –- tangible. We want to make sure that things are safe and working well.

After that, however -- or underlying it -- is the intention to improve what is not seen: the energy of a place, the chi, the vibes, how it feels to us. Nature is constantly urging us on by demonstrating that there are a myriad of ways to view the so-called familiar. Just because we are used to experiencing our space in a certain way does not mean that it cannot change and become more alive. A new world is revealed after a snowfall – can you dig it?

LOVE THE ONES YOU'RE WITH...

19-year old Emma Roberts, one of the stars of “Valentine’s Day”, told TV host Jay Leno that she was planning to spend her own Valentine’s Day with her friends. Leno pressed her to be more explicit about the boyfriend status, and she revealed that, although she had one “this year”, she was still going to spend the special evening with her girlfriends eating chocolate and having a party. It is something she loves to do every year.

This year, Valentine’s Day and the beginning of the Chinese Year of the Tiger fall on the same day, February 14 – an unusual occurrence. The traditions of Chinese New Year call for celebration, for being with family and friends, and for welcoming in the hope and energy of a New Year. It is a time to forgive and forget the past, and especially to let go of clutter, both physical and emotional, which holds us from our true joy. So, on Sunday clean your house – and connect with those people who make you smile!!

GET OUT YOUR HIKING BOOTS

GET OUT YOUR HIKING BOOTS, because it’s an 8 Mountain year, according to an ancient form of astrology based on the I Ching, or Book of Changes. The Chinese Solar New Year begins on February 4, and the I Ching – or 9 Star Ki – astrology uses the year of birth to determine your star sign. We have just emerged from a 9 Fire year, in which things hidden or concealed are brought to light – for good or bad. It is as though a giant lightbulb is turned on revealing what is truly going on beneath the charming façade – a Bernie Madoff, John Edwards, Tiger Woods swan song.

We now start another cycle, and the energy is very different. In an 8 Mountain year, we have the opportunity to re-think and re-consider from the vantage point of all we have learned in the previous year. We need to retreat to the Mountain to regain our sense of equilibrium and find a new balance. 8 Mountain is also known as Wisdom -- and we are called upon to find a new vision. It is a good year for listening, thinking, and being still; and for resisting the urge to rebel, react, or dig in our heels. Time to get above the fray and find a bigger view.