Feng Shui and Yoga are both ancient practices that work with energetic flows – one within the body and the other within the home. Both have goals of improving well being with end results aimed at enhancing the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of yourself. As a Feng Shui Consultant I have the energetic flows pretty much covered inside my home but when it comes to another intimate environment – my body – I needed to amp it up because my recent visit to my hematologist /oncologist last week delivered some disturbing news. It had been years since I practiced yoga regularly and I knew it would have a positive effect on my health but I needed motivation to get into the groove again. So, when the yoga studio two blocks away offered a reduced-month membership for teachers (teaching at Pratt really does pay off!) I decided to take the plunge. At the risk of sounding cheap, my initial motivation was “Well, now I don’t want to waste money that I’ve just spent on this”. This mantra got me over the hump of new-exercise-routine-trepidation and right to the third class where my motivation purely turned into “Wow. I feel such a difference! I can’t wait until my next class.” I started going three times a week and I went from dreading it to really looking forward to going. This is not to say that there were stumbling blocks along the way.
One morning as I sat on my mat, legs crossed about to start the “Open Vinyasa” class, I looked down and was horrified. Earlier, I had run barefoot down to my basement to do laundry. And then out to the backyard to water the herbs. And generally all around the house. And there I sat with very dirt feet. Feet that I’m sure the person in back of me would be forced to look at the whole entire class and would be feeling grossed out by and possibly making judgments. I was imaging all of them: “I wonder if she ever showers! How could someone have such dirty feet? Doesn’t she mop her floors?”) Before I began to mentally berate myself further I recalled only a day earlier the advice I gave to one of my Feng Shui clients who became very embarrassed about their “unclean tub” amidst an otherwise clean home. It was an old and porous porcelain tub whose rust stains and discolored grout created much angst for the homeowner – especially when the curtain was opened and we stood staring into it. It made her feel vulnerable and mortified. And I understood. My response to her was this: “This is nothing to feel embarrassed about. Everyone on this planet has areas where they feel shame or self consciousness, whether its on your body or in your home. Let this emotion go! It’s draining your chi like this tub without the plug.” Then I gave her some practical tips to improve the aesthetics of her situation. Later I thought how these exact “human” moments can allow flaws to turn into powerful moments of reflection and connection. In showing vulnerability, there is great strength.
In my job I often consult on some beautiful, magazine-showplace homes that have been meticulously designed and thoughtfully laid out. Then, a closet is opened and the homeowner looks sheepish, making excuses for why it is jam packed with clutter and a complete disorganized mess. Pockets of vulnerability can be anywhere. From a stained tub to extra pounds we can’t seem to loose to yes, dirty feet. Chances are, it is your own hypersensitivity of this sore spot that unnecessarily heightens your sense of exposure and creates more self-doubts. Instead, its these exact moments that can actually turn out to be great flashes of connectivity with others.
Mallika Chopra’s book that I am reading right now, Living With Intent is a great example. Before I pre-ordered it – even though I am familiar with Mallika’s words, her website Intent.com and her mission – I imagined it would be a book that might motivate me by pontificating the “right” way to be living a perfectly mindful life by laying out all the things I should be doing. Instead, I read with such surprise that Mallika feels she “sucks” at yoga and struggles with it, she feels she is carrying some extra weight and has a propensity for sweets. Her openess made her so relatable. It made me want to read on! I had incorrectly presumed she’d dogmatically lay out a rigid program of how impeccably she is living her life. Instead, she confides her realistic, very human, very down-to-earth approach making you feel like she’s your good friend who is noticing when things go astray and working hard to right her path as she goes. I’d still love to have her write the foreward for my upcoming book (and no, I have never heard back from her about that) but in the meantime, I’m going to relish every word of this book that I’m getting so much out of.
So back to the mat with yoga (and Feng Shui). As I struggle through certain positions, I know that its really about cultivating the chi within me (and around me) and letting go of perceptions that are based in self-doubt, negativity or fear. And the moments of connectivity in between – whether its through an inspiring and sincere book or me sharing with a client that I also struggle keeping my closet tidy, its really these human moments that can strengthen, bond and teach us the most as we reset our course and keep going on our path. Or, wash off our feet and keep walking.
