Landscape Conversations – One becomes two

Posted on August 15, 2015 | Leave a comment

2015-06-21 10.40.36

Renee Lindstrom  & Guest Writer ~ Dyan Grant Francis

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom,
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom &  Dyan Grant Francis individually

Observations of Property

These two houses replaced one house on a corner lot creating two house numbers replacing one.   Each similar yet different!  Different roof lines, one has a garage in front and one appears to have a larger lot.  Each have wood  and grey siding features yet opposite of each other with black framing. Front Doors feature glass windows as does the one with front  facing garage.  The one that does not have a front facing garage, there are two windows.      The wood element  is represented by the rectangular house and window shapes,  metal in the color grey, water in the black trim color and the windows and fire in shape angles of the roof.  The wood side represents the wood element, yet the horizontal angle represents earth.  Viewing these two homes together one can see one is more yang and one more yin.  The roof design and shift in colors to opposite sides of the house and addition of garage change create these differences.    

Numerological House Number

  • Yin house:  1  reflects – new beginnings, independence, one with life, individuality, self-development, creativity,  progress
  • Yang House:  4 reflects – security,  foundation, 4 directions, 5 elements, discipline, productivity, organization, work & service

Read more on the meaning of house numbers….

Cardinal Direction of Front Doors – North-East

A North – East  facing front door is considered a yin and yang balance.

This  is consider the doorway direction of  spirituality and personal growth that represents higher education.  It is  considered an earth element.  

Read more on the 5 elements

Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

These two homes took between one and two years to sell once completed.  This influence could have been human, landscape or a bit of both!  The pre-existing house prior was in the process of having the interior re-constructed when it was blocked by city stop and closure permit.  The original owner lost the property in the process and it sat vacant as an empty shell for a year.  When the property changed hands the house was torn down and a large hole was left where the basement was and  sat gaping for another year.      My curiosity always; how does the relationship with landscape affect human experiences!  Is there a connection to the length of time of the sale of these two homes contingent to the history?  Or is it the story of design and placement  that is creating a new history?

These two homes are minimalist style houses with slight variations in their similar design features.  These variations and placements make each unique.  The corner house appears to be sitting on a larger part of the property and with its high-peaked roof that seems to tower over the second one.  This is enhanced by the lack of a front facing garage and how closely placed it is to the second one.  This house has three sharp angles  to create a missing corner on the upper level of the house facing the intersection it sits on.   This house is the more dominant one of the two and with its number 4 the experience of its occupants may be focused on working and service.  A 4 out of balance may be working too hard.

The second house has a smaller footprint on the property and more than half their front yard is driveway.  This together with dominant siding painted grey and black, metal and water, this  essence is of a more inward and reflective quality.  A yin experience!  There are also three sharp corners, yet visually more subtle with the roof angles and siding choices.  The upward angle of the roof is a slight action statement of  fire,  yet, it is a negative roof line influence, it  suggests stagnant water sitting on the  flat roof gathered by the angle.  While in the first house the angled corners are aimed at the intersection, this one has angles aimed at the large unsightly power pole in the corner of the property.  Again a reflection between the two qualities – obvious and illusive!  The number one in this house represents being one with life that fits in with this house style that reflects a more contemplative lifestyle.

The North-East facing doors of these two houses reflect Yin and Yang balance.  This is a nice example of two homes side by side reflecting both yin and yang.  I suspect an example of spiritual personal growth and higher education reflected by these  two houses could be in the Yang house the dominant occupant may be a University Professor, Spiritual Leader, or Philosopher and in the Yin house they may practice contemplation.

Personal Perspectives by Dyan Grant Francis

These homes are a good example of the lifestyle choices that we are making as a society these days.  The large corner lot has been subdivided into two small lots.  This has resulted in the demolition of the large home with its history and character, mature trees and old gardens.  The result is two modern, small units placed side-by-side with virtually no side yard between them and no appreciable front and back yards.
With the change in zoning, it becomes a case of ‘in-fill’.  Land, especially urban land, is at a premium and building practices/choices are showing this.  Without knowing the square footage, its difficult to categorize the style as a ‘tiny home’ or a ‘laneway home’.
In terms of 5 Element theory, the initial observations is that one home reflects the wood element (cedar siding and green ‘stucco’), one reflects the water element (blue ‘stucco’ and black trim with some cedar siding).  Their design is complementary and trim colour is black (water) in both cases.  The water element strengthens wood.  The exterior treatment creates a harmonious impression.
The water house has a large stone driveway strengthening metal and draining water to some extent.  The wood house has a small stone walkway and dark stone facing on the street level which is not large enough to significantly drain the wood element.  The landscaping does not either enhance or detract from the key elements of water and wood.

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

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Co-creating with Sacred Ceremony for Clearing and Manifesting Fresh Intentions

Posted on August 10, 2015 | Leave a comment

By Renee Lindstrom, August 10, 201520150810_121721-1

Clearing Space with Invocation

Why & When

Clearing space is different from clearing clutter in your home for the simple fact that space is intangible.  It fills up much like a room fills with junk, yet it is invisible, therefore unconscious.  Clearing ones space at home, office or property could benefit by following the four seasons following the  new moon.  It not four time a year, the second choice would be two times a year; fall into winter or spring into summer.   Finally if only once a year,  spring would be third choice.  However if there is a major rift, conflict or natural occurrence, this intentional clearing with invocation would benefit a transition.

How

Preparing a family or group for a clearing ceremony  I give reminders it is important to know what to fill the space up with. In a clearing ceremony that co-creates with spirit it is important to consider the wishes of the physical participants living or working in the space that you are clearing.    You may wish to have children take part by asking them what qualities they would enjoy filling their home with or the workers in your business.  However, it is important that you include only the people who are creating action physically in the particular space being cleared.   The purpose of clearing and manifesting for the real space is enriched by being present.  The purpose of clearing is to start fresh in the space for those experiencing it and having an openness to those of the past join in person if right, and for new life to enter.

If a focus is to recognize and honor the elders of the past,  one could place an item on the altar to represent the ancestors.   The statement to spirit could be that you are including your elders in the space you are holding, therefore stating  this is your cultural foundation.

It has two equally important parts that includes a focus of ones attention on the inner intention and outer manifestation.  It is book-ended with an opening and a closing.  The ceremonial clearing has five steps in three transitional stages.

Part One – Clarity of Intention

This is the mindful contemplation to clarify the qualities one is longing for.   Recommendation is to turn all thought patterns of what is not wanted into what is longed for.  Spirit cannot connect to what isn’t wanted especially when it is not in for the highest good of all.

If a home or office or other situations where you may not include all the participants, it is a holding of space for them with the highest good for all.  There are circumstances as a business owner or parent where all the needs of the group may be held in the qualities you are longing for.

Part Two – Ceremony

5 Steps for Sacred Ceremony for Clearing and Manifesting Fresh Intentions

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#1.  Create an Alter 

This is  that start of connecting to spirit in a concrete way.  Placement of objects on an altar is a clear manifestation of the intentions of those attending the ceremony.  This altar is set up for this event and taken down afterwards ceremoniously.

#2.  Calling in Spirit

Calling in spirit with an invocation is made in an attitude of  heart-felt respect for all living thing and with spirit.  The purpose is for declaring the intention of the person, or group, that begins with a prayer and  declaration of intention.

#3.  Clearing

Clearing is the physical action to symbolically represent the groups connection to co-creating consciously with the intention of the ceremony and each other in community.

#4.  Filling Space Up

It is important to fill the freshly cleared space up with a traditional smoke or sound that would tap into earlier cultural traditions.  Like the objects on the altar to state the intention of manifestation , it is important to reflect this in the space and not to leave it empty.  Leaving the space empty without inner and outer connection creates a vacuüm that will be filled regardless of being consciously connected to it or not.

#5.  Giving thanks to Spirit

Ending the formal ceremony is important and is done back at the altar to give thanks to spirit and express gratitude’s.   This is done with an appreciative attitude in a way that proclaims it is done.  The intention is set and already in action – it is done and already happening.

If you are longing for more information on qualities, clearing techniques and ways to fill space up with intention or would like clearing guidance please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:

Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

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Copyright 2024 Renee Lindstrom, GCFP
Feldenkrais®, Feldenkrais Method®, Awareness Through Movement®, Functional Integration®, are registered service marks of Feldenkrais Guild® of North America. Feldenkrais Method®

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Thinking of a Roof Top Gardens

Posted on August 7, 2015 | Leave a comment

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5 Element Theory is a philosophy based upon connection with nature and a perspective that nature includes both natural elements and their cultural meanings. With this in mind a roof top garden is situated on the top of an image of ones head.  In the design of a building the windows are the eyes and the door is the door and the foundation are the feet.  Therefore the top or roof of the building is the loftier function of achievement and intelligence.

Garden plants and colors are in the element of wood which supports the element of fire.  Fire is a favorable roof element.   However, earth drains fire!  Too much earth will drain the energy out of the fire element and water will extinguish it.

A roof top garden should be one that does not need much watering or hold standing water.  Ideally it would be one that is inviting to come out onto the roof to sit and enjoy alone or gather in groups.  Keep in mind that any sitting areas would be enhanced by adding a roof, ie. umbrella over tables.

One exception could be the roof top garden on top of Fenway Stadium that is supplying the food vendors at the stadium with fresh greens.  The stadium now sells only healthy foods made from this garden replacing the greasy fat foods previously sold  This is a fundamental educative experience!

For more:

 

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

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Sacred Clearing & Intention Setting Ceremony in #yyj

Posted on August 6, 2015 | Leave a comment

PaperArtist_2015-08-06_09-00-16

Sacred Ceremony

Today while planning the best timing and date for an upcoming clearing and intention setting  ceremony, I notice that the the best date falls during the week of considering Ritual in InTouch’s Daily Calendar.  This calendar observes one Universal Values weekly for reflection and integration.   Smile at the synchronicity!

If you are longing for a improving your space & experience please inquire :
renee@insideawareness.com.

Renee Lindstrom offers:

  • movement – Feldenkrais
  • communication –  Value Based Language & Listening
  • landscape – Stimulus of Experience
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
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LANDSCAPE CONVERSATIONS – Moving earth to heaven!

Posted on August 5, 2015 | Leave a comment

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

Observations of Property

This entrance of this new office building faces a four lane road way transitioning into a five lane one at a busy intersection and  a driveway to  a busy strip mall on the other side of it.  The cross walk  to and from the strip mall sidewalk is down the block at the intersection. There is another  strip mall behind and out of view that is disconnected to this new office building.  It has been built on the property on a separate corner separated by parking and facing the other way so that it’s back faces the shopping areas.  The building entrance is slightly recessed and has a large black overhang with vertical bars and windows and the doorway itself is framed with the main floor bank motifs.  The building is an earth shape, has a flat roof and  a mid section vertical extension side with vertical wood strips.  The flat roof has a roof garden.  Off to the side one can see a vertical bar overhang.

Numerological Office Building Number

Cardinal Direction of Front Door – South/West 

An entrance way facing this direction is an earth element.  This direction is considered to be the Love & Relationship doorway and it represents Partnerships.

Read more on the the 5 elements

Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

The building’s shape reflects the element of earth as does the south-west facing front entrance.   This direction is considered the relationship doorway reflecting partnerships.  Numerology suggests this address will focus on community, creativity, and projects. With both together this building and address could be a great place for partnerships and innovation.  The bank is an excellent business for this site, as a bank is usually about  partnering to help people with  creating their dreams!

A few concerns that pop out immediately are; the placement of the address numbers, the black extension over the front entrance, the roof top garden and the front entrance facing driveway of the strip mall across the street.

  • The address numbers are not drawing one’s attention to the front entrance but rather away to the far corner.  The building is not on a walking thoroughfare, it is a destination most would drive too and not easy to arrive at.  The number would be seen after driving by in one direction and possibly missed from other directions.
  • The black overhand adds a threatening visual over the front entrance and darkens it.  The threat continues with the vertical bars that extend out even further.  These bars visually look as though they are over the window adding a sense of danger and the need for security.
  • The higher up you go in a building the more it reflects higher aspiration.  For example, the ground level is earth and the top floor is heaven.   If the top floor is being converted into earth for a garden it would be advantageous to keep it simple with a lighter influence reducing the need for water.  Rushing water is considered to wash away higher aspiration and stagnant water dulls the flow of vitality. A tradition in feng shui  is that flat roofs do not do well under four floors.  More on roof styles.

The front entrance faces a roadway with cars rushing by quickly or stopping for red lights.  It also faces an exit where cars would drive up facing it while stopping to turn either let or right.  The cars aimed at the front door would be considered unlucky secret arrows aimed at the door and the thorough fare rushing waterways, also unlucky. This may be the reason for the front entrance overhang.  It may be trying to protect the entrance!  

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com

Renee Lindstrom offers:
Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!

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LANDSCAPE CONVERSATIONS – Side of a Hill

Posted on July 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

2015-06-21 10.40.36

Renee Lindstrom  & Guest Writer ~ Dyan Grant Francis

  • Observations Written by Renee Lindstrom,
  • Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom &  Dyan Grant Francis individually

IMG_20150730_070558Observations of Property

This Art Deco/Art Nouveau Design is located on the incline of a hill facing the ocean and backing into the hill.  It has a large circular design, presumed to be the living area, with an oblong shape off to the right.   All the edges are rounded with no sharp corners.    This home is painted completely white including  the trim.  The front door is a light shade of blue-green with the step leading up to front door grey and black metal handrails. There is a round sphere object at the front door and the door itself has a round window.

The landscaping is growing up and starting to block the front yard and facade, versus trimmed and tailored. The shapes of many of the bushes and plants are mirroring the rounded edges and spheres.   There is a sharp edged wall off the front down to the right that leads to a small patch of landscaping that has more round spheres, blue glass and copper, and a grouping of large boulders.   It also appears to have a bird bath.    The neighbors chimney seems close to the property edge and the houses behind loom over this one.

Numerological House Number

  • 3 reflects – body, mind & spirit,  communication, expression, optimism, fun, creativity

Cardinal Direction of Front Door – West 

  • South East – Wood Element – South-East is the prosperity doorway and it’s direction  represents money and abundance.
  • South-East Facing Front Door 

Read more on the the 5 elements

Personal Perspectives by Renee Lindstrom

A great representation of the Metal Element!  Even the added features continue  the metal theme.  These features are;  round window on the door, the round cutout above the door along the roof line,  the parapet, the rounded corners.  The South-East facing front door has rounded cut outs added as a feature and its washed out light blue/green isso light now it could be classified as metal.  A South East facing front door represents the element of wood and metal and wood are in disharmony according to the 5 Element Theory.

The entrance further highlights metal with grey concrete stairs, black metal handrails and round sphere ornaments leading up to the door.  Off to the right there is a concrete retaining wall that is terraced down to the lawn. The angles of this terrace is a fire pattern and could represent a waterfall.   On the lawn at the base of the terraced wall is a feature that includes more round spheres, large boulders and a round concrete bird bath.   This terracing away from the front entrance to me represents a draining away of resources. Rather than drawing in abundance, it is draining away and pooling in this lawn area!  In 5 Element Theory metal creates water. Too much metal too much water.  Water that represents finances and it is washing away.

Beginning in the 21st Century this property was sold.  I was told at the time and remember hearing something in the news to the effect that the new owners did not move into this house but rather blasted the rock behind it without the Municipality giving them permits.  Damage control was needed.   Eventually they built a large house that now looms over this one.  During construction this house sat vacant and was used by the contractors and construction crew.  The owners had the intention to tear it down, yet the community rallied and had the Community declare it an important heritage home.  It still stands and is now lived in.  Now there is another house recently built that is behind and off to the side that is looming over this property.

Originally this house had a perfect placement.  The hill behind protected it’s back and the front faced a body of water.  Now with the land leveled and it being built up behind this placement no longer has the powerful position it once held.

As a practitioner I would want to talk to the current residents to inquire about their experiences and relationships to find out if they match up to the qualities they are hoping for.  It there is a need for balance I would give consideration to the dominate metal features  and my primary focus would be to introduce some of the other 4 elements and stop the flow of water away from the front door.  I would like to investigate the larger sphere shape in comparison to the block shape as well.

On another day I may like to address the  thickening landscaping  in the front which could be an attempt for privacy along a scenic route along the ocean.

Renee Lindstrom

Personal Perspectives by Dyan Grant Francis 

The uniformity of white is the first feature that I notice about this home.  There is no colour contrast or enhancement to add character or interest or diminish the intense metal.  It is stark, cold and ‘loud’ against the natural colours of the hilltop.  However, the curved shape of the home introduced the element of water which drains metal.  The structure of the outer stairs on the hillside is akin to a waterfall…strengthening the water element and again draining metal.  While the colour seems to be most influential, the shape of the structure matches it and begins to create harmony.

The earth element is introduced in the low, flat shape of the building.  While earth creates metal, this feature appears to be secondary in importance to the water’s effect in controlling (draining) the effects of metal.

The fire element is introduced in the placement of this home on the hill.  It is high, hot and exposed.  The effect of the fire element, in this case, brings warmth to the coldness of the metal element.  Fire destroys metal in the destructive cycle of the 5 elements, so this placement is an important feature to increase harmony and balance for this home.

Completing the elements, wood is found in the perennial bushes and shrubs that surround this home.  Their colour and shape offer contrast as well as protection from the harsh winds that flow off the ocean that lies at the bottom of this hill.

Renee has provided good insights into the history of this home and how the changes have affected the elemental balance.  When doing this type of analysis, history is critical for understanding the effects of the changes made by the people who own the home and how that influences the 5 elements of a building.

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.  Renee Lindstrom offers:

Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

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*Contact Dyan Grant Francis @  The Maturing Edge

More on the Language of Nature

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Art Moderne & Art Deco Designs mirror Natures Metal element perfectly!

Posted on July 30, 2015 | Leave a comment

Art Deco & Art Moderne

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These popular designs of the early 20th century (1920-40) reflected the age of manufacturing.  They embraced  the advance of technology and exemplified the age of luxury, glamour, and exuberance.  This design heralded in social and technological progress.

Art Moderne and  Art Deco designs are very close.  Art Moderne has rounded vertical lines while the Art Deco has angular horizontal lines. They both have the appearance to be made out of one block that is broken up with a rounded feature. These  geometric shapes are often embellished with patterns  inspired by Native American art which included; chevrons, terraced,  floral and sunrise patterns.

Materials used were stucco, concrete, smooth-faced stone, and Terracotta. Often steel, aluminum  and glass blocks were used decoratively.  Windows are arranged in continuous rows to streamline the buildings appearance.  Roofs are flat and often  have parapets, or design to accentuate a corner or entrance.

Art Deco and Art Nouveau is an excellent reflection of Natures Metal Element.  with the the rounded angular edges and rounded features.  These styles are usually white stucco which is a metal color and material!  The technological era exemplifies the qualities of metals richness of jewels, minerals, steel and oil!

The vertical angular Earth Element shapes would support Metal and the continuous window alignment reflects the Element of Water.  The sharp terraced angles and patterns in the features would reflect Fire.  Read more on the Element cycles of harmony and disharmony.  

If you are longing for a personal consultation please inquire privately:
renee@insideawareness.com.  Renee Lindstrom offers:

Indoor & Outdoor Landscape Life & Wellness Consulting & Coaching which enhances relationships, emotions and flexible movement awareness!
Workshops and Events

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