Holy smokes, its August! And that means back-to-school time. We're hurrying around here to get our school - our online school that is - up and running. The school is called The Academy of Exquisite Living. We plan to build and offer several courses that will support your exquisite life from the aspects of the mind body, spirit and of course, the environment, and we're starting with the Inspired Feng Shui Practitioner Training Course. Finally, after three years of development, it is ready for enrollment. I'm so excited to finally have a way to help those of you who have been tirelessly asking me for a way to become a certified consultant, even though you can't find the time to get away to meet me in class!

We are in the final beta testing stage, and are hoping to get this class started this fall. If you are interested in more information about our online course, please email Jennifer , and we will hold you a spot (each class will have a limited student size).

I heard a great quote the other day so I thought I'd share it (I don't know who said it though, sorry!) "The difference between try and triumph is a little umph!" We're putting some umph into this class, and I hope to see you all in it!

I've been getting a lot of simple little questions lately, so I thought I'd go back to the basics this month. Feel free to go to the FAQ portion of the website for more answers like these: Feng Shui Palace Frequentyly Asked Questions

Question #1: I use my back door as the main door of my home and only use the front door of my home one or two times a year - it is rarely opened. Is that a problem?

Answer #1: I don't know. You tell me. Questions like the ones I'm answering today usually get met with more questions asked by me if I were doing a consultation. I'd ask, "How long have you lived here?, Are you getting the results you set out to get in life?, Do you feel like opportunities are passing you by?, Does it feel like life's opportunities are out of reach or that life's treasure chest is rarely opened to you? Do you or anyone that lives here have any speaking or mouth issues?" I'd start to chip away at the underlying problems that I might presuppose would be there given the environmental condition of a door that is rarely used. Then, from what information I receive, I'd offer a cure that is tailored to the life situation or presenting condition (and often it is quite literal.)

Without knowing anything, I could say, yes, it is a problem. And that's how I had to write my book - black and white. But it is not really like that. In reality, I'd get WAAAAYYYY more specific that the simple cures I offer - not that they don't work for most people or most situations...it just doesn't hurt to be laser-like and custom with your cures.

Question #2: Do I still use the front door as the basis for setting up the bagua overlay or do I use the door I regularly use for entering/leaving the home?

Answer #2: I'd pay attention to how you enter the house (if you see a big pile of junk in a mud room or enter up insecure garage steps each day as you come home, it can take its toll) and work all those type of situations out accordingly, but I'd still orient the bagua from the architecturally intended front door.

Question #3: What if the Fame and Reputation area of the bagua happens to fall in my bedroom?

Answer #3: IF you have fame and reputation issues in your life that need improving (I don't mess with a good thing!) AND you don't want to add any fire element or other symbols for your fame because it dilutes the function of a bedroom (I only decorate for health-gathering and passion in master bedrooms usually) THEN I would pump up the fame and reputation chi by enhancing the fame and reputation guas of any other room in the home that it wouldn't be objectionable in. And remember, you can always hide your cures!

Question #4: What can I do if I have my career section where my closet is? How can I cure it or fix it?

Answer #4: I'd read the answer above and take a stab at something similar. Pump up the career gua of every other room in the home. You can overlay the bagua onto a desk top, a room, a table, a lot or parcel of land - ANYTHING - not just a whole home. So, enhance by using smaller and larger baguas in your environment and you're fine. Also, I want to remind everyone that each gua or area is the ENTIRE ONE NINTH of the home, not just the little sliver of space along the walls or in the exact corners. S, perhaps you are technically still in the gua outside the closet somewhere. If you think of the nine enhancements (if you are going to do all nine) as a pattern, like a daisy with different colored petals arranged in a circular-like pattern, you can then see how you can place or intend that something in the pattern will still do the same thing energetically. AS long as they are organized according to the pattern they will work...whether they are all spaced out evenly or some are squished together or you have some of both, as long as they are generally in the pattern, you're good!

Question #5: Is the Japanese designed "step chest" furniture a bad feng shui idea because of all the corners? Thanks.

Answer #5: Once again, I know that all books written about feng shui including my own sound as if everything falls into the "good" or the "bad" feng shui category, but that is only because of the nature of books. It is usually more intricate than that. In order to decide if it is a helpful, neutral, or potentially harmful piece, I'd first ask some questions like where is it going to go (according to the bagua and according to the room function) and what is around it for starters. If you live in a very horizontal space or even in a basement setting, and you could use a little breaking up of the downward or flat-like chi by a diagonal line, then perhaps it heads towards the "good" side. If it is right next to your bed (where stillness and non-active-type items are better for sleep) then it may tend to be too much - which starts to fall in the "bad" category. But if everything in this same bedroom is like a chaotic, wild circus, with busy freeform patterns, clashing colors, and a plethora of textures and lighting styles, then perhaps this item starts to bring some sort of order to the space and actually calms it down. In other words, everything is relative to what is around it. Yes, there are many 90 degree angles which pose their own sha chi (or poison arrow chi) situation, but I'd put it back on you to decide if that is too much, given the space and function and location where it will eventually be placed.

If you could create quick changes in your life without moving your stuff, would you try it? Are you a parent, a health care or feng shui practitioner, business leader, coach, or teacher of any kind? Or does your job require you to interact with other people by chance? If so, then this training course is for you!

For many of you who have heard me speak, I have often jokingly said that I wanted my second book to be called "You Don't Have to Move Anything to Change Your Life", to help people understand the power and equal importance of the yin aspect, or the non-physical changes that can instantaneously shift your life for the better. So now, instead of writing the book, I've decided to create a course that deals with the invisible fixes - mostly dealing with thoughts and beliefs.

The Mindful Mastery Training Course is designed to give you the necessary tools to quickly shift your mind (and those around you) from that of an unconscious, reactionary, and limited perspective to that of a results-achieving, unlimited, and action-oriented mind set. This class teaches many of the tools and techniques that I use in my quantum coaching consultations, so you can help unhook the self imposed life limits of those around you as well as from yourself.

Picture yourself not only creating physical environments that support your goals in life with feng shui, but actually addressing the subconscious reasons why those very goals have not been met in spite of all of your dreaming. This course shines the light on the completely undetected thoughts and beliefs that have been working their unwanted magic on you, without you even knowing it.

Once you shed the false, limiting beliefs about who you are, then you can fully engage in your dreams and fully head towards them - without any self- sabotaging undercurrents. This creates the instantaneous, "beyond time, "in-the-present-moment," heaven on earth inner peace and happiness that everyone is scrambling to find.

This training is going to be held in Orange County California in March of 2009 immediately after the Inspired Feng Shui Practitioner Training Course for those of you who are interested in taking both courses.

We are still contemplating the registrant limits on this class. If you are at all interested in this course, please email Jennifer in my office so she can get you on the list. We will then consider this list if capacity issues arise.

PS: See product specials below if this interests you!

I heard the "career counseling gal" (Tori, I believe is her name) on Good Morning America talking the other day about how some jobs are not coming back to America, and for those who find themselves out of those particular types of jobs like manufacturing etc., they need to "re-train" themselves for something else.

This confirmed what I read in Daniel Pink's book A Whole New Mind. (A must-read for anyone considering a career change or for a student wondering what way to go in college.) Mr. Pink masterfully lays out not only a very compelling, well researched, argument for shifting your career towards one of a more "right-brain-directed" type, (thus filling the needs of today's abundant Westerner and saving you from being outsourced) but gives you steps to do so. His three questions he says you must ask in order to know if your job is in jeopardy are:

1. Can someone overseas do it cheaper?

2. Can a computer do it faster?

3. Am I offering something that satisfies the nonmaterial, transcendent desires of an abundant age?

Pink cites a study by Daniel Goldman (author of Working With Emotional Intelligence) who studied the executives of large corporations and deducted "just one cognitive ability distinguished star performers from average: pattern recognition, the 'big picture' thinking that allows leaders to pick out meaningful trends from a wealth of information around them and to think strategically far into the future."

"Well," I thought, "If there was ever an over-arching description of what the Inspired Practitioner Training teaches people, its that!" It is what I consider the ultimate career of the future.

So now, I'm going to update my call to action. If you feel a calling, or have a passion for helping others change their lives for the better, are interested in a career as a feng shui consultant, environmental coach and healthy lifestyle designer OR you wish to re-train yourself to survive and thrive in the new "conceptual age" that is now emerging as the new way to work and live, please feel free to register for this course! Register either for the online course (as I have chatted about above in part 1 of this newsletter,) or at the live training in March, 2009 in Orange County, California. And if you read the Mindful Mastery Training segment above, you can see that we've structured both courses back-to-back, so that you can take them together within one trip!

For more information, contact Jennifer in my office and she'll get the information out to you, and be sure to see product specials this month if you are considering taking this course!

I'm so excited to be able to serve those of you who have signed up for my quantum coaching consultations where we are not only going to explore your physical environment to see where we can change things to bring about life improvements, but we will be exploring the mind for similar things to shift. There are 3 spots left at the special discount rate of $1997.00.

What would it be worth to you if I could get rid of one big problem in your life in less than 4 conversations? I just finished a conversation with a client who said she was getting passed over for promotions "for no reason." Once we started working, we unearthed several limiting decisions she had about actually getting promoted. For one, she believed that if she did get the promotion, she would have to sacrifice some family time. Another one was about her being a woman in the job. There was never any discussion around either points by her employer, they were just "thoughts that she bought from her own mind," without ever questioning them. Those were "the good reasons" that she said she had none of, actually. Thoughts like these are what make your life appear to be limiting, but really it is merely the universe giving you exactly what you believe.

Once we found that belief and did a little work on it, she literally could not think the same way about her dilemma again. She eventually (after about 10 minutes of work) had absolutely no attachment to that thought to the point where in the end she was saying "I can't see any reason why I can't get that promotion now." I've asked her to report to me when she gets that promotion.

My quantum coaching sessions are now structured as follows:

1. One approximately 90- minute information gathering phone session where we identify one specific problem that you would like to solve. (Via phone, or live if you live nearby or if I'm in your city when traveling.)

2. One 90-minute to 3-hour "awareness expansion" (also known as "feng shuiing of the mind") session.

3. One approximately one 60 to 90-minute telephone consultation with regard to your home/environment. (A more traditional feng shui-type consultation to get your home mirroring the "new you.")

4. If necessary, one follow up session regarding any clean up that needs to be done on any of the above work.

If you think this type of coaching sounds valuable to you, I'd invite you to give me a call and sign up. I'm convinced that my coaching will change your life for the better! What would that be worth to you?

This laser-like coaching session is really priceless, as you will soon see. (Your life will actually look quite different to you after the first phone call!) I have chosen to value it at $3000.00. But for the first 9 clients, (6 are currently taken,) I will extend the offer of $1997.00. Sessions will begin September, 2008.

If you are ready for quantum shifts in your life, then please email me

Success Story #1:

Karen helped me nearly three years ago when my daughter was born prematurely and in the neonatal ICU for a few weeks. She was a life-saver. (The nurses and doctors had said she'd be in the ICU for 4-6 weeks, but after implementing the feng shui cures Karen recommended, she was out in 2 weeks! Now she's a very energetic and bright nearly three-year-old.)

Cheryl

Success Story #2:

I have at least two success stories to share, both involving the "tin foil" method:

I was having trouble passing the bar exam after three attempts. I had a baby during the last year of law school and kept missing passing by a few to several points. One night while taking a break from studying, I read Karen's book and immediately implemented the sealing a wish in tin foil. (I also found the "hot cooking bags" also work). I FINALLY passed the exam by more than 25 points!

Flash forward a few years. Our sewer line needed to be replaced (in the helpful people area, no less, but that's another story). Faced with a $7,000 bill, I implemented the silver box/tin foil method. I put the bill in the "hot cooking bag" made by Reynolds and a thank you for having my sewer bill paid in full. Days later, the bill was paid in full from a court case my husband had won!!!

Virginia B.

Success Story #3:

I have been reading and rereading your book for almost a year. I find so much inspiration in it that I am boundless with the successes that I have received. I can't tell you how excited I was to see that your website has been expanded to include these success stories...here is just one of many I have witnessed..... I recently moved to a new apartment building. I am on the 3rd floor; however. there is an apartment above me. Right off the bat all I could hear was loud stomping every night. It was so loud I could not hear my thoughts let alone the TV. I prayed that this noise would stop.

Then by chance I logged onto your site for something to do and bingo....up popped these success stories. The one about putting small mirrors facing the floor above caught my eye. I raced out the next day to buy several. I placed them in all the rooms of my apartment and I promise I am not making this up....the stomping and heavy walking completely stopped that same night. I will hear the person on a few occasions, but it is not any where as loud as it was. Bless you for being in the right place and providing this advice. I truly understand the concept and your talent for putting it to a level the common person can understand is profound....thank you thank you

Here's the link to report your success story. (It's at the bottom of the web page) Feng Shui Palace Success Stories

I'm offering a $500 discount coupon good towards either of my two training seminars (or $1000 towards both) to everyone that completes a telephone consultation (that only costs $495.00!) in August and September! That way, if you have any issues about raising the funds to take the courses, they will be handled! See you in March!

Contact Jennifer to schedule your telephone consultation and enroll for training seminars with discount!

A reader wrote in asking whatever happened to the affirmations that used to be in the newsletter each month. So I thought I'd bring some of my favorites back for this newsletter:

1. The universe is conspiring to make me happy!

2. I fully and deeply accept and love myself!

3. Abundant opportunities are always available in my life!

4. I have the perfect living space for me!

Get grilling! But do it in a healthy way...with good grill chi! Here's one way to clean your grill. Preheat the grill to high, and brush the grill with a brass-bristled brush. Next, fold up some paper towels in a tight square and dip it into vegetable oil and rub it across the grill grate bars using long-handled tongs. Repeat, changing the paper towels as necessary until the grate has a bright sheen from the oil and the paper towels are clean after wiping the grate.

If you have any interest in me coming to your city for a consultation or a lecture/speaking engagement, please contact my assistant Jennifer at 714-508-9935.

August 8-9, 2008

I will be available for on-site consultations in over the course of these two days. Each consultation usually takes between two and three hours where you will end up with a priority list of changes to be made that are specific to the results you are requesting. The consultation fee is $699.00. Please contact my office at 714-508-9935 or email Jennifer to set up a consultation time.

September 5-6, 2008

I will be available for on-site consultations in Phoenix over the course of these two days. Each consultation usually takes between two and three hours where you will end up with a priority list of changes to be made that are specific to the results you are requesting. The consultation fee is $699.00. Please contact my office at 714-508-9935 or email Jennifer to set up a consultation time.

September 26, 2008

Bothell, WA

From 7:30 to 9PM, I will be providing a mini workshop entitled First Steps on the Feng Shui Path at East West Bookshop on Bothell, WA. Registration fee is $10.00. To register and for directions, contact East West Bookshop at 425-487-8786.

September 28, 2008

From 1 to 5 PM, I will be giving a Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life workshop at East West Bookshop in Seattle, WA. The registration fee is $39.00. For directions, and to register, contact East West Bookshop at 800-587-6002.

October 8, 2008

Carlsbad, CA

I will be speaking at the Mind Body Spirit Business Networking Dinner Meeting. My talk title is Position Yourself for Power and Prosperity Using Feng Shui. I will also be signing books, etc. To register for this event and for location and directions, contact Debbie Donovan at (949)515-8727.

October 9-10, 2008

Ojai/Santa Barbara, CA

I will be available for on-site consultations in the Ojai and Santa Barbara areas over the course of these two days. Each consultation usually takes between two and three hours where you will end up with a priority list of changes to be made that are specific to the results you are requesting. The consultation fee is $699.00. Please contact my office at 714-508-9935 or email Jennifer to set up a consultation time.

October 20, 2008

Los Angeles, CA

I will be available for on-site consultations in Los Angeles. Each consultation usually takes between two and three hours where you will end up with a priority list of changes to be made that are specific to the results you are requesting. The consultation fee is $699.00. Please contact my office at 714-508-9935 or email Jennifer to set up a consultation time.

November 19, 2008

Costa Mesa, CA

I will be speaking at the Orange County Mind Body Spirit Business Networking Dinner Meeting. My talk title is Creating RE-Rooms that Rock Using Feng Shui! (RElax, REvitalize, REcreate, REstore, etc.) To register, and for locatin and directions, contact Debbie Donovan at (949)515-8727.

March 2-3, 2009

Houston, Texas

I will be available for on-site consultations in the Houston, Texas area over the course of these two days. Each consultation usually takes between two and three hours where you will end up with a priority list of changes to be made that are specific to the results you are requesting. The consultation fee is $699.00. Please contact my office at 714-508-9935 or email Jennifer to set up a consultation time.

Southern California

When I'm not traveling or writing, I am available for on-site commercial or residential consultations. Call 714-508-9935 to check availability and to book an appointment time.

With intentions of being of service,

Karen

If you are having trouble reading this newsletter, please go to the newsletter that is printed online at Feng Shui Palace Newsletter