Chi Rising
Articles
Feng Shui: The Art of Co-Creation with the Universe
by Dyana Sangraal
from Artislife.com, published in 2001
As a lifelong lover of nature and student of chi (energy/life force), I am continually fascinated by how everything in life connects with the basic premise of Feng Shui—an art that invites us to expand our vision and deepen our wisdom.a
Based on scientific principles that must be understood to be effective, Feng Shui is truly “The Art of Co-Creating with the Universe.” This art encourages a beautiful, harmonious flow of energy and an overall feeling of well-being.
Of course, clarifying goals and intentions is vital in creating good Feng Shui. It’s true that removing clutter is the number one Feng Shui cure. Proper use of wind chimes, water fountains, and mirrors can invite prosperity. And applying Feng Shui principles requires placing everything “just right”—from choosing the right home or business location to selecting the right color of the towels.
But without having inner peace (“Feng Shui-ing” our inner selves), the magic of the external “right” placement quickly fades. Feng Shui is more than a fad, quick fix, or humble attempt at righting our lives. In its fullest form, it’s about understanding from a core level how all aspects of our world mirror who we are.
When we observe well—when we listen for and to the silence—we create peace in partnership with the natural energies and laws of the Universe. The art and journey of Feng Shui begins as we manifest—and keep manifesting—our deepest essence. As a result, we explore our unlimited possibilities, and we co-create with the Universe a beauty and harmony from the inside out.
Dyana Sangraal of CHI RISING has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1996. She is an accomplished Accredited T’ai Chi Instructor and Personal Color Artist who helps clients determine their “true” palette of colors.
Your True Colors
by Dyana Sangraal
from the December, 2003 issue of Equilibrium
It is that time of year again,when self reflection of commitments of past and future fill your thoughts. Images of new beginnings, selective changes, and mindful decisions dance through your mind like sugar plum fairies.
How do you intend 2004 to evolve for you? What will your personal mantra be?
For me, the simpler the better. The faster the world goes,the slower I want to go. There must be balance!
Yes, there’s an easy way to create the peace, beauty and harmony that you long for. You can incorporate ease and grace into your new year by giving yourself the gift of personal empowerment through your true colors.
Imagine these anomalies: a parrot in sparrow feathers; a rose bush with palm fronds; a springtime meadow without the luster, texture and sheen of new life. From sunrise to sunset, lighting also creates a multitude of hues. The seasons of nature possess miraculous ways of portraying complementary hues with perfect texture and ideal form. How boring a colorless world would be.
Personal color enhancement, a concept based on the four seasons, was introduced in 1942 by Suzanne Caygill, founder of the Academy of Color and Seasonal Color Theory. She was the ultimate lover of nature who analyzed flora and fauna through the seasons.
The early 1970s saw a take-off in popularity of the Seasonal Color Theory she pioneered. But because the palettes then recommended were generic and not specific to individuals, this approach created a flurry of excitement without the best results.
The key to color harmony and Seasonal Color Theory lies in the concept that everything has a relationship. Suzanne suggested that each person is “part of all that is” and belongs to the decorativeness of the earth. Thus, you are an essential part of the beautiful and omnipotent plan of universal color, accord and design. You possess a wide spectrum of color possibilities that harmonize with nature.
In fact, when you discover your personal color relationship to the universe and use the energies that flow from it, you set in motion the possibility of personal transformation and realization of your full potential.
Each individual has a specific coloring, patterning, texturing and essence or personality similar to a fingerprint. Physical features taken into consideration are eyes, hair and skin color. Surrounding yourself in your true colors mirrors your innate, natural beauty and suits you like a personal signature. Wearing your true colors can make you feel a sense of ease, peacefulness, amazement and grace. Your inner self and energy will be aligned with your outer self and visa versa. Beauty and harmony will prevail!
The seasons of the year not only reflect a specific array of colors, but each possesses unique personality qualities.
Spring has the energy of being fresh, vivid, buoyant, quick, lively, clear, bright, light and radiant. It is an awakening, a bursting forth. Spring personalities can be animated, cheerful, positive, vivacious, warm and whimsical. The colors—similar to those found in a watercolor—can range from Sea Green to Cobalt Blue. Spring folk seem to have a continual twinkle in their eyes and grin on their lips. Famous Spring personalities are Brad Pitt and Sally Fields.
Summer reflects a gentle, refined, delicate, soft, subdued, blended, translucent and flowing manner. It is a time of relaxation and slowing down. Summer personalities can be artistic, calm, composed, diplomatic, soft-spoken and gentle. The colors—similar to those found in a pastel—can be muted, hazy and undertoned with gray. Palettes can range from Dusty Rose to Violet Brown. Summer types love to lounge in a state of repose. Famous Summer personalities are Hugh Grant and Marilyn Monroe.
The energy quickens as Autumn evolves with a rich, dynamic, earthy, regal, vibrant, strong, opulence and boldness. It is time for the harvest and everything seems to have a sense of presence and motion. Autumn personalities can be assured, direct, energetic, fiery, magnetic, spicy, rebellious and dependable. The colors—similar to those found in an oil painting—can range from Dark Honey to Black Teal. Autumn beings can be in constant movement like the falling leaves. Famous Autumn personalities are Julia Roberts and Harrison Ford.
Winter mirrors a dramatic, intense, serene, electric, vivid, contrast and pure quality. It is a time of being internally motivated and grounded. Winter personalities can be poised, serene, sensitive, courteous, disciplined, aloof, striking, theatrical and sophisticated. The colors,similar to a black-and-white etching—reflect lighting like moonlight. Winters wear black and/or white beautifully and elegantly. They love extremes—from elaborately decadent to severely modern or minimalist. Famous Winter personalities are Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Gere.
Experience a five-hour color consultation in a thorough, exclusive and inclusive manner that reveals your true colors—and your true essence. Chi Rising’s office contains a laboratory of 5,000 different fabric color swatches that include an assortment of textures, sheens, patterns and metallics. Personal colors are categorized and presented in a shopping fan and artistic spread of between 75 and 100 different swatches.
Choose “color” as your mantra this season.
You’re invited to begin your journey of beauty and harmony from the inside out. To schedule a color consultation or arrange for a holiday gift certificate, contact Dyana Sangraal at 575-779-0897. Additional services include: personal style and design, accessory and make-up revitalization, wardrobe renovation, and enlightening shopping excursions.