The Gift of Feng Shui at Christmas
Karen McDonald
We’re now at the time of year that can best be summed up by the word ‘more’. We go to more parties, eat more food, drink more alcohol and spend more on presents than at any other time of year. But is quantity ever better than quality?
In the words of Maya Angelou: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
With that in mind, would the best gifts this Christmas be ones that focus on experience? For ideas, you need do no more than browse through this magazine for local businesses offering activities from whisky tasting to spa treatments to afternoon tea. Ayrshire really has something for everyone.
The beauty of gifting an experience is that the recipient is amassing one less material possession. In my time as a Feng Shui Consultant (Feng Shui is the analysis and influence of the interaction between people, buildings and the environment to enhance quality of life), the first advice for the majority of my clients is that they need to declutter. Clutter is anything that is not genuinely useful, loved, cherished or orderly. The presence of clutter can lead to physical blockages in the energy flow in the home which in turn leads to blockages in your life.
If, however, you know that your loved one would really appreciate a particular gift then please again consider the quality of the item you are purchasing. So, for example, if you are buying clothing, did you know that all fabrics have a frequency? Wool is said to vibrate at 5000Hz, as does linen (which is why historically, hospitals only used linen sheets), but cotton – even organic cotton – only vibrates at 100Hz. Any synthetic materials vibrate at 0Hz. Not only is the frequency of fabric beneficial to the body but natural fabrics tend to be breathable and generally more comfortable.
If you want to buy candles, then consider buying beeswax candles. Unless specified, most candles are made from paraffin and can be scented with artificial fragrances that will release toxins as they burn. Beeswax candles on the other hand are only made from beeswax and release negative ions (one of the few times a negative is actually a positive) which clean the air in the home. For the value conscious, beeswax candles also burn longer than synthetic candles without containing hardeners.
If you’re thinking of buying an ornament or decorative item as a gift, then also consider what it is made of. For instance, a real plant is preferable to an artificial one, ideally in a ceramic pot rather than a plastic one. Wood is always healthier than laminate alternatives that may give off toxins when using the product. Similarly, a wool rug will be healthier than a synthetic one especially if it is made from recycled plastic bottles (or similar) that will release micro-plastics into the environment every time it is hoovered, which are then inhaled!
Perhaps after reading this, you are more confused than ever about what to gift, so one option could be Feng Shui!
Karen McDonald is an Advanced Feng Shui Consultant
www.celticchi.co.uk
