I want to tell you a Story

More than 10 years ago, the opportunity arose to purchase the farm land next to us. It had been constantly farmed, and always with GMO products, and pesticides. We had asked the farmer renting the land to please not use the pesticides, but he felt it was the only way he could produce enough crops. I know that poison blew onto our land, made our dog Ranger ill, and we were always concerned about our well water.

We jumped on that opportunity to purchase the land. We informed the rental farmer that he would only be able to farm the land if he used non-GMO seeds and no pesticides, and he said very quickly that he would not be renting and farming under those conditions.

We were fine with that… and we looked forward to having that beautiful land heal itself, to allow the soil to regenerate.  We wanted to see what could happen when the land and it’s creatures were not being poisoned.

The following spring we were amazed.

One of the first signs of new life on the land was an old pear tree, one that we actually thought was dead, as we had never seen leaves on it, sprang into full blossoming beauty.

She was overjoyed at not being poisoned anymore!

That year we saw more butterflies than ever and even had a delightful plague of tiny frogs! And we now have the most amazing selection of birds that flock to our land!

Walking on that land, called the Magical Meadow, and leading small groups on quests and forest bathing experiences, the land welcomes people, and to this day holds an energy of joy.

I know that land, the trees and creatures on it are grateful. I think they do know that we are it’s caretakers now, and that all of those beings share their joy with our clients and students!

 

If you love nature, love to help people, family members, or just want to treat yourself, you might want to learn the practice of Forest Therapy,

and lead yourself and others on these healing and magical experiences.

You can join the self led course ANYTIME! 

I am a proud mama .. or I feel like one when my graduates go on to do fabulous things!

I’m especially proud of this group of Forest Therapy Practitioners from MSU Tollgate farms in Michigan. This group took the certification program initially to be able to offer Forest Bathing experiences to specialty populations.

You can read more about their program and it’s success here

If you love nature,
love to help people,
family members,
or just yourself,

you might want to learn the practice of Forest Therapy,

and lead yourself and others on these healing and magical experiences. 

You can join the self led course ANYTIME! 

Halloween Magic: Decorating with Feng Shui in Mind

Halloween decorating has become second only to Christmas in popularity across the USA, with 82% of people getting into the spooky spirit. In 2023 alone, over $3.9 billion was spent on Halloween decorations!

While I love the excitement of decorating for this magical season, there are a few Halloween tricks that aren’t quite a “treat” for good feng shui! Feng shui uses symbolism, color, and arrangement to create feelings of abundance, comfort, and security—energies we definitely want to welcome into our homes, even during spooky season.

So, what decorations can bring positive chi to your home and family during this holiday, when the veil between worlds is thin and we can connect with spirit and magic?

Feng Shui-Approved Halloween Décor:

1. Harvest Colors & Seasonal Items
   Think acorns, pumpkins, and fall leaves. These natural elements bring in the grounding energy of the season and honor the cycle of nature, inspiring feelings of abundance and prosperity. Plus, they create a warm and inviting atmosphere that celebrates the harvest.
2. Altars & Remembrance for the Beloved Departed
   While front yard tombstones may not be ideal feng shui, creating a beautiful indoor altar to honor your loved ones who have passed is a deeply comforting gesture. Display photos, their favorite foods or candies, candles, and meaningful religious symbols. This sacred space not only lets your ancestors know they are remembered and cherished but also offers you a sense of connection and peace.
3. Black Cats, Owls, Bats & Ravens
   These creatures may seem spooky to some, but they are symbols of magic, mystery, and wisdom. In feng shui, they act as protectors, watching over your home and lending their insight and strength to the space. Think of them as your mystical guardians, keeping unwanted energies at bay.

Decorations to Avoid for Good Feng Shui:

1. Haunted House Vibes
   Décor that makes your home look abandoned or in disrepair—like broken windows, cobwebs, or a “haunted” appearance—can negatively impact the energy of your home. In feng shui, we strive to keep things clean, functional, and well-maintained. If you lean into the “run-down” look, you might find your finances, reputation, or sense of progress stalling.
2. Scary Skeletons
   While many cultures use decorated skulls to honor the dead, especially during Día de los Muertos, frightening skeletons and symbols of death bring too much “yin” (death energy) into your space. You don’t want to invite the Grim Reaper to the party!
3. Horror Story Front Yards
   While it might be fun to create a terrifying display, surrounding your home with the energy of fear isn’t ideal. In feng shui, we want our homes to radiate light and positive energy. The darker forces feed on fear, and that’s not something you want lingering around your space.

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Halloween: A Time for Spirit, Magic & Inner Wisdom

Halloween is one of the most magical times of the year, when the spirits we encounter are often our beloved ancestors, coming to say hello. It’s a time to connect with your own inner wisdom, seek insight through dreams, and reflect on the lessons of the past year.

This Thursday’s full moon carries the energy of both abundance (Harvest Moon) and action. It’s a perfect time to reflect on the steps you can take to make the upcoming year your best yet. Let the magic of the season guide and inspire you!

How are you decorating this seasons? Send me photos!

Luann@inner-harmony.org

We have lots of birdfeeders. That’s kind of a misnomer, as it’s more like an all you can eat buffet for the outdoor neighbors. Birds of all kinds (including turkeys), bunnies, mice, deer, chipmunks and squirrels all feast here. I’m lucky enough to see the customers at the buffet. And I have learned a lot about wildlife and their not so serious approach to life.

We know our pets like to play. They have favorite toys or games that they like us to play with them.  I used to think ‘ah – of course! They have time to play as everything they need is supplied – food, water, shelter’. In some ways, I used to be jealous of them, with play as their sole ‘thing to do’. I compared it to my life, I am the person who doesn’t have time to play with them because I have to work; to pay for the food, water and shelter. (A bit of a martyr syndrome here… does it sound familiar?)

Then, I watched the wildlife…and I learned something big. I learned that even creatures that have to ‘earn a living’, made time to play. Deer play amazing games of catch-me-if-you-can and not always with other deer. I have seen them play this with cats and rabbits. They also eat, then find a nice place like under a pine tree to curl up and take a nap. Squirrels, known for their busy-ness with gathering supplies for winter, also take the time to play as well. It’s not an all-work attitude! Watching their acrobatics from tree to tree (or bird feeder to bird feeder) they love to test themselves! They also play with objects left outside, like corn cobs or tennis balls.    They still get all their work done. Yet, they take those moments to just do things for the pure joy of it.

How can you inject playful joy into your life, and still do what you need to do?

Simple… think of three things that feel playful to you, and then make sure the toys/tools for this are handy!  I have always had a serious love of colored Sharpies®. Coloring is a prime play activity for me. Back when I worked in the corporate world, using different colored markers in meeting notes was not only useful (such as all my action items in red), but felt like I was coloring… during ‘work time’. (And, yes, the occasional tiny cartoon character Unicorn would appear in the notes.) I have my childhood Barbie on my bookshelf, and a Stuffed animal Unicorn too.

It doesn’t always require a thing… just a mindset. At your next break, put on a song and do a little dance in the break room. If you work from home, you have more flexibility in how you allow play to weave into life. Don’t just scroll social media for play… do something that moves your body. Work on a LEGO, play ‘The Floor is Lava’, or toss the ball with your dog.

Can you ‘feng shui’ for play? Yes, you can!  Placing toys or other playful objects in your workspace,  can shift that mindset. Especially consider having a cute toy or toy in your bedroom, where you can be reminded every morning and evening that life should include play!  Put your favorite dance tunes as background music in your home. Choose some artwork of people dancing or playing. Hang some of your own artistic creative and playful pieces.  I had a Soul Coaching® client hang her coloring book artwork in frames in her home office, to remind her to play more. Not only did she love seeing her art, but it worked! She found more ways to work coloring into her day. More importantly she reported that work life was not as stressful, and life seemed more joyful!

Play is a part of nature. We are the most balanced when we live according to nature.

Be a squirrel!

How are you going to play today? Shoot me an email and let me know!

Luann@inner-harmony.org