Of course, we should learn from our prior actions and not commit the same mistakes we made before. But we should also recognize that positive thoughts and attitudes go a long way to lighten the burdens in our minds, to help us recognize that we may be in a vulnerable position, and to help us do those things that are within our control to help ourselves. Of course, we know that positive thoughts will not put food on the table or pay the mortgage, but they should help us have a clear mind so that we can help ourselves. They should give us hope and faith that so long as our minds, bodies and souls are in balance, then we will make it through any ordeal.
As we strive to remove negativities in our minds, we are in a way nourishing our bodies by removing unnecessary bodily stress and depression. Many of these negativities can cause sleeplessness, depression, worry, anger, and other harmful thoughts and emotions that strain our bodies. Before we can address our greed and self-centeredness, we must ensure that our bodies are healthy and have what it needs (not necessarily what it desires).
IV. The Soul
The mind's ability to provide for our body and to direct its actions towards balance and natural harmony must necessarily focus on the health and nourishment of our souls. My reference to the soul in this article is to the positive emotions and feelings people get from performing a good deed. The good deed, along with hope, faith, and good
intentions, are what fuel the powers of feng shui.
Once it regains control of our bodies, our minds should direct our bodies not to focus so much on ourselves, but on what we can do for others. Helping others, whether with our time, our money or our energies, is helping ourselves rid of greediness and self-centeredness. When we help others, we are helping to feed our souls because of the innate sense of pleasure and happiness we feel in our hearts when do perform a good, selfless deed. Thus, we should have positive thoughts and hopeful attitudes about helping others and giving of ourselves. We do not necessarily have to give a lot of money, time or energy. The important thing is to feed the soul by giving. The more we give, the more feng shui will work for us. The more pure the giving, that is to give for the sake of giving without the expectation of receiving in return, the more powerful the effects of feng shui.
V. Final Thoughts
Don't approach these harsh economic times as something that is forcing us to reduce consumption and spending, but as an opportunity to permanently change our perspective and behavior. Don't spend and consume less because the economy is bad and you may lose your income so you must conserve. Do these things because of a recognition that spending less and consuming less are ways to get back into balance with the natural order of mind, body and soul for sustained happiness and prosperity. Work to put the mind back in control so that the soul can be nourished. The soul's nourishment is the key to enhance the powers of feng shui.