How to Prepare for Autumn with Traditional Chinese Medicine & Feng Shui

Looking at the modern day Ba-gua Map you’ll recognize the four seasons that correspond with the directions; North (winter), West (autumn), East (spring) and South (summer). 

We have entered into the season of autumn which is about harvesting what we planted in the spring (literally and intentionally). The air is cooler and drier; and there seems to be more clarity of vision, both externally and spiritually.

During autumn; creativity, refinement, minimalism, and our connection to nature is highlighted. The emotion associated with Metal is sadness and this is not a bad thing. We are simply saying goodbye to the warm carefree days of summer and are preparing for a time of self-reflection in winter. Its also important to embrace this time with the ability to let go of the past that no longer serves you and create space for the new. Your personal manifestation of this could reveal its self in the form a new job, new friends, a new relationship, new ideas, etc. The intention of creation will focus on what you focus on. 

To further assist with our physical alignment of autumn, do your best to eat foods that flow within the season's energetic frequency. It’s suggested to eat warm, cooked foods that include spicy or pungent flavors from time to time. Below is a quick food template to consider. If anything, see this as an opportunity to try new ingredients that take you outside your comfort zone.

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Fruits:

Concord grapes

Niagara grapes

Pears

Apples

Vegetables

Broccoli

Brussels Sprouts

Cabbage

Carrots

Cauliflower

Meats:

Duck

Pheasant

Rabbit

Venison

Wild Turkey

Collard Greens

Italian Parsley

Fennel

Jerusalem artichokes (a/k/a sunchokes)

Kale

Kohlrabi

Leeks

Fish:

Atlantic Mackerel

Bluefish

Monkfish

Native Oysters

Pacific Salmon

Red Snapper

Scallops (bay and sea)

This list suggestion is by Integrative Cancer Answers

Mushrooms

Onions

Parsnips

Peppers

Potatoes

Pumpkins

Shelling Beans

Turnips

Winter Squash

• With all this noted, I also invite you embrace connecting with Mother Nature more (i.e. hiking, walking, kayaking, bike riding, having a picnic outside, etc).

• Allow yourself to indulge in the practice of mediation and give yourself permission to relax. For some this may be easier said than done, do your best to lay off the sodas and juices and drink more filtered water. This is a great simple way to help your body detox.

• And to top off your autumn season, implement some modern-day foundational Feng Shui principles, such as with organizing and decluttering your home.

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Laura Cerrano is a Full-time Certified Feng Shui expert with 20+ years of experience. She provides bi-coastal consultations and workshops for residential, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies, and healing facilities. She is currently conducting research for her upcoming book that focuses on bridging the gap between the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui and modern day science to establish the practice of Feng Shui as a credible form of health care.

The Revitalization of Penn Station with a Twist of Energy Enhancements

Photo by Laura Cerrano

How many of you Long Islander’s commute through Penn Station in New York City? Upon arrival and departure, how often do you observe your surroundings in Penn Station? If not often, I invite you to take a brief moment to witness the unique thought process behind the transformation. 

Gov. Andrew Cuomo gave the green light to revitalize Penn Station and the Farley Post Office across the street in 2016. He announced Vornado and Skanska won the bid for the redevelopment. Reviewing the proposed designs online and physically being in Penn Station, you get a very clear sense for where their sparks of inspiration evolved from. 

photo by Laura Cerrano

Have you heard of Feng Shui, Bau Biology, Biophillic Design, and Environmental Psychology? These may seem like separate 'design' practices, yet each one conceives similar principles. “let the outside in,” create a more soothing atmosphere during high paced foot traffic, literally and visually create the illusion of a more open and airy space, and use lighting that replicates being outside vs tiring the eyes and mind.  

Whether deliberately or just by not saying, these developers have tapped into a wonderful collaboration ofEastern and Western arts and sciences to better the overall the experience and energy flow for commuters and employees.

Yes, this is a digital screen with an image of blue skies and clouds.

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Laura Cerrano is a Full-time Certified Feng Shui expert with 20+ years of experience. She provides bi-coastal consultations and workshops for residential, real estate developments, Fortune 500 companies, and healing facilities. She is currently conducting research for her upcoming book that focuses on bridging the gap between the ancient wisdom of Feng Shui and modern day science to establish the practice of Feng Shui as a credible form of health care.