During this time of the global pandemic, I think of my Dad a lot. He was a doctor of internal medicine who had a family practice for 40 years before retiring at 70. Right up to the time he passed away, he was my go-to-guy whenever I had any question about my health or needed a first, second, or third opinion.
It was while I was traveling in India this past January -- where we washed our hands and used sanitizer incessantly because our immunity system was not equipped to handle certain bacteria there — I had the memory of visiting my father at his office and watching him wash his hands between seeing each patient. Methodically, rhythmically, and thoroughly. With great intention. It was like a dance. In those 40 years, he never got sick except once, with the flu.
He was a great doctor, and I learned so much from him. During these times, I often wonder what he would say about taking care of ourselves, and I am pretty sure he would say, at a minimum, wash your hands and wear the damn mask…just like that. Straightforward and to the point.
Even though I didn’t follow him into western medicine, I did follow the path of becoming a healer as a Feng Shui practitioner. And while most people think of Feng Shui as it relates to our physical environments, it also applies to our personal and internal environments.
Feng Shui means "Wind Water," the two most essential elements of life. We all need air to breathe and can’t live long without water. It represents "Flow Balance", what we call life force or "chi" energy -- creating balance and healthy energy flows. In the same way, it is important as to how air enters our homes, rooms, and space, it is equally important how air enters our bodies. We want good, healthy air entering our bodies and spaces, and we want to protect ourselves from bad energy or air.
In this time where we are still navigating a world that is changing, and there is so much uncertainty and stress, what we do know is that there are some simple things we can do to take care of ourselves. And in those simple things, there is Hope.
Everyday Feng Shui. It's all right here. I would love to hear from you and what gives you hope these days.
With love and blessings, Kate