Whenever I meet a client who is just not sure what he/she needs or wants, but knows it is time to change, I try to offer him/her some insight on how I personally approach this often confusing situation. As a psychologist, my scientific background is extremely valuable in teaching about the practical nature of change, about cause and effect, about the impact of early training and the formation of habits and patterns. However, I have found that science alone is not enough to uncover the desires of the heart and that is why I have developed a method which combines Feng Shui , the ancient art of harmonizing energy, with the strength of my modern psychological training in learning theory and adult development. (See Workshops and Presentations.) The art of Feng Shui overlays a holistic context for the way we progress through life, directing our attention to the subtle dimensions which influence our choices as well as our feelings and motivations all along the way. The bagua, or Life Map, the mystical eight-sided figure you see above, is illustrative of the myriad facets of our psychological environment which affect everything we do. Each section is dependent upon the other and when looked at as a whole represents “The Fabric of Our Lives.” The more conscious we are about these influences, the more we are able to use their energy to support our growth, on purpose. So to begin, I ask my clients to answer the following questions for each section of the bagua. It will be helpful for you to write down the answer to these questions so that you may reflect upon them later. Reputation What is my gift to the world; where do I shine? Relationship Who are my companions on the journey? Creativity What do I need to create the next chapter of my life? Helpful Friends/Travel How do I expand my world and who are my supports? The Journey/Vocation What is my path; where am I on my life’s journey? Spirituality How do I revive and nourish my mind, body and spirit? Elders/Maturity What is my endowment and what is my legacy? Fortunate Blessings What are my sources of prosperity and wealth? Next, I ask my clients to choose one of the following exercises. You need not do both. Each is designed to gather the same information, just do the one that is most comfortable for you. Exercise One: Brainstorming Ask yourself, “What is happening in my life right now?” Observe the images and events that come to mind without judgment. Now, as you look at your life, just describe what is so for you right now and write it down. At this point avoid imagining what you would like to have happen, just note what exists now in the present moment. Exercise Two: Internal Inquiry Take some time to ponder the following questions. Then write down your initial reaction to each. 1. What is it that needs my attention right now? 2. What hungers need to be satisfied? 3. What thirsts need to be quenched? 4. What longings need to be acknowledged? 5. What feels incomplete? 6. What feels unbalanced? 7. Where do I want to spend more time? 8. What issues want my focus? 9. With whom do I yearn to be? 10. What kind of context feels most nurturing to me right now? 11. What do I need to learn? 12. What interests me currently? 13. What kinds of experiences bring me alive? 14. What kinds of experiences do I find boring? Now review what you have written. Do you see any patterns or have any insight into what you might like to explore? Click on the item below that best represents your situation. Perhaps you are ready to move on to something new, but just don’t know how to make the change. Are you finding yourself anxious, depressed and resisting the demands of change? Maybe you are making a transition from one stage of life to another and are ready to discover the “Next Chapter of Your Life”. Have you found yourself responding to “New Circumstances” like, life beyond parenthood, a career change, menopause, or a new family business? Are you grieving due to endings, death or divorce? Is it time for you to learn new skills and grow in new directions? Then self development is for you. Have you discovered that your answers deal with relationship issues, between partners, children, friends, or co-workers? Perhaps new parenting ideas are what you are looking for. Maybe you are questing for a way to better serve the community at large. Welcome to your journey! | 
