July is the month we associate with the Fame area of the Bagua, the Fire element, red and other sizzling bright colors.
Fame, which is located in the center back third of your home and yard, contains clues to how you’re known in the world, your self-image, and ultimately to the future that you’re creating for yourself—because much of what happens in your future will depend on your reputation and the way others view you now.
If you fear being known, even subconsciously, building your self-esteem and your ability to receive attention is crucial. Attention to your Fame area can help with this—especially since we all have unique gifts to share with the world.
Your home and your possessions mirror who you are now and reflect your current beliefs. Your possessions constantly chatter and broadcast your known and hidden beliefs to the world around you.
Tips for Building Your Future
1 – To change the message you’re sending to the world, first take a hard look at your possessions. Toss out anything that doesn’t reflect who you want to be now and in the future.
You can begin anywhere, but I suggest that, since we’re talking about your future, that you start with the Fame Area. Notice your reaction to both the overall space and the individual items housed there.
Is there anything there that’s not in alignment with who you want to be now and where you want to be in the future? If there’s anything that you don’t love or use, remove it.
- Set aside and carefully store items that you love, but that don’t fit into the space, your lifestyle, or forward the purpose of the room.
- Keep a list of those things that are functional and that you actually use, but really don’t like. Then think about eventually replacing them.
2 – Add the Fire element, if it’s not already represented. Fire adds the spark needed to take action and move forward. This can be in the form of candles, lamps, triangular shaped items, or the color red.
Note that a little Fire can go a long way, so be careful. Homes with many angles and slanted walls usually already have an abundance of Fire, so take that into consideration
Too much fire can contribute to a variety of health and other issues, depending on where it’s are located. For instance, if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, a chronic inflammatory condition, are easily agitated, have anxiety attacks, or experience excessive anger, it’s best to lessen (but not eliminate) the Fire element. You can do this by adding more of the Water element and/or the Earth element.
3 – Add artwork or other items to Fame that either graphically or symbolically reflect your goals.
If you feel inclined, make a vision board representing the future you wish to create and place it in the Fame area. If it doesn’t fit with your décor, place it inside a closet or another place where you can easily view it.
4 – Add plants. In the Fame area of your yard, it’s okay to add thorny plants, such as rose bushes or cactus–as long as they’re not close to your living space. In your home, choose plants with soft foliage so as not to create poison arrows.
5 – If it’s not already present, add play and fun to your life. Playfulness is one of the qualities of the Fire element. Even though this may not look like a Feng Shui tip, a playful attitude ignites the creative, childlike side of the Fire element and will stimulate your future self to enjoy life. Go ahead and schedule it if it’s not there already.
Finally, your future is not limited to the Fame area of Bagua. In Feng Shui we recognize that all of the areas are connected, plus there are many other remedies and enhancements not related to the Bagua.
Think of this month as the time to tune into your future desires, what you want to be known for, and how to ignite your future dreams.
May the sunshine of summer warm your heart & brighten your future.
Suzanne
© 7/1/16 • Suzanne Metzger • Feng Shui Consulting Services