INTRODUCTION :Series #1

As many who have been attracted to this metaphysical endeavor, at the onset, I also realized that it is so closely akin to things I had previously thought and done for most of my life. Occasionally friends would chide me for my consistent tidiness, and for placing and posting things in what they thought were in superstitious ways. Like the time I displayed my coin collection under the aphorism, ''Time is money, and I need it now'' when I desired a greater money flow...and eventually achieved it.

Over the past few years I have helped many of these same friends to achieve certain goals through a disciplined and artful approach to the space that surrounds and the objects in that space.

Keeping things in order with specific places for special objects since childhood is my natural and intuitive modus operandus. After I focused on an article on this subject in a local homes magazine I was less than amazed at my quick acceptance of a system that can enhance one's life by such simple guidelines for everyday decisions; such as how one places a bed, or remediates the bad effects of ceilings that are too high or low.

I suspected that a myriad of kindred spirits with the adequate supply of direction , wisdom ,and inspiration would be available to me if I would but delve more deeply.

Now my natural mode of managing my environment could be named and identified, and zap!(in a split second of insight) connected to what is known as Feng Shui, the ancient oriental art of placement.

Upon attending my first Feng Shui class, I knew that I was on my journey to locate my true spiritual center. I felt so fortunate to be guided by a true living kindred spirit, Melinda Joy Miller, Director of the Shambhalla Institute. At this institute, my intuitions were joyfully reinforced,broadened, and deepened by this woman of great skill and wisdom. With patience and perceptive tutelage she lead me to comprehend how the principles of balance and harmony of energy(chi), the opposites,(yin and yang) are applied to the art of placement.

She greatly amplified my understanding of how the proper location and arrangement of living and working spaces, and the things within them can strongly effect and enhance the occupants' opportunities for happiness and success.

Time spent with Melinda helped to expand my intuitive and artistic gifts through becoming acquainted with the ancient Tibetan and Chinese masters and how they influenced the development of the American Black Hat sect through its main proponent Lin Yun. Since then the collection and reading of many books and scores of articles, and interaction with other consultants constantly adds to and expands my understanding based on Melinda's gentle and competent guidance.

After many years of teaching art to thousands of people of all ages, creating countless works of fine and decorative art, refurbishing houses, designing interiors, and practicing I'Ching and astrology, I have found a body of knowing and doing that combines all of these practices that can beautify and enhance anyone's life who desires it.

This all encompassing endeavor for me is Feng Shui. Recently I have been invited by the Director of the Dance Fitness Plus organization,Stephanie Wood, to contribute a series of articles to her new web site on the practice of Feng Shui.

These articles will offer ways and means of enhancing the reader's health and wellbeing by by describing how encounters with Feng Shui have significantly improved a client's life.