Feng Shui: Q & A

AUTISM AND THE NURSERY

Dear Practitioner,

I am due to give birth for the first time in about 3 months, and we are currently setting up the nursery. Two children that I am close to have been diagnosed as autistic in the last couple of years, so that is on my mind. In setting up the nursery, is there anything special we should do to make sure my baby has the healthiest possible environment? Also, we will not know the sex of the baby until birth. What color is best for the nursery in this case?

Concerned Future Mom, Sidney, NY

Dear Concerned,

There are many theories about the causes of autism. A number of these theories are about "overstimulation". This includes overstimulation caused by a chemical imbalance within the brain and overstimulation in the environment after birth. Dr. T. Wahlberg supports this in his "control theory" of autism. Additionally, the work of Barry Neil Kaufman, founder of the Autism Treatment Center of America, proposes that a simple and minimally stimulating environment best allows autistic children to progress out of their symptoms. A nursery that has good Feng Shui would be an environment that is minimally stimulating.

We humans like to think of ourselves as strong, independent, invulnerable and even immortal. The truth, however, is that a human being, at any age, is a very sensitive organism. We are sensitive to the food we eat, the air we breathe, the bacteria that surrounds us, the sounds we hear, the things we observe, the weather, our interactions with others and the natural energies that surround us. As sensitive as we grownups are, a baby is a much more sensitive organism than an adult.

In the womb, a baby lives in a totally sheltered environment. The transition to the outside world should not be an assault on baby’s senses. The transition should be gentle and gradual. A newborn baby should be in a simple sheltered environment with a low level of stimulation. Stimulation should be added gradually over a number of months as the baby shows signs of readiness.

New parents know that a baby’s food should be carefully selected and prepared. They even are careful about the water that baby drinks or that is used in her food. You would never give your baby a dinner of hot wings and cheese fries. (It’s bad enough that some adults consider that an OK dinner!)

The nursery should be protected from bacteria, airborne mold and other pollutants, with an air filter. Choose a filter that has no internal fan or other moving parts.

The nursery should be protected from excessive light and sound. If any windows face busy streets or other kinds of “activity”, sound-absorbing window treatments should be used. Lighting should be subdued and baby should not be exposed to direct sunlight. Stimulating objects, such as a mobile or stuffed animal, should be very limited in number and any faces should be “friendly” and not “scary”.

The crib should be located in a position and direction that is optimal based on the baby’s date of birth. The color of the nursery should be chosen to balance the unseen energies of the room. These factors can only be determined by an expert analysis of the room. Therefore, a Feng Shui consultation for the nursery is very important.

WHERE IS MR. RIGHT?

Dear Practitioner,

I have read your column for years and love your good advice. You often give suggestions about finding a relationship and as of this January, I have started to follow them. I have removed the mirror and computer from my bedroom. I moved the bed away from the wall. The southwest corner of my living room has been activated with a bright light. And, I created a dream board for my ideal boyfriend.

In the short time since making these changes, I have seen a definite uptick in the quantity and quality of men I am meeting.

Here is my question. Where is the best place to meet Mr. Right? I mostly socialize through the internet, and the quality of people I meet has mostly been abysmal. Do you have a better idea that will work in 2010?

T.C., Montague, NJ

Dear T.C.,

You can meet “Mr. Right” anywhere and at anytime. The changes you have made will improve your romance luck and that in turn will help you meet the person that you need in your life at this point. I have two additional suggestions. The first is to become the kind of person that you would like to meet. If honesty is something you want in a gentleman, then make sure you are being entirely honest. If dependability is important to you, then make sure you are dependable. Etc., etc., etc.

Don’t “search” for someone, but do get out and about. Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people. If you get invited to a party or gathering, then go. If you sit next to someone on a train or bus, start a conversation. Be open and friendly to the people around you. They don’t have to be what you are looking for – they can be men, women or even children. Your openness will help generate the kind of energy that will help attract love into your life! Good luck! I have seen the changes you are making produce wonderful results in many people’s lives!

Aaron Lee Koch is a Master Feng Shui Practitioner, and Director of The American School of Classical Feng Shui. He is available for home and business consultations throughout our area, and may be reached at 607-722-8988 or 718-288-1058, e-mail: FengShui@AmeriChi.com, web site: www.AmeriChi.com. As many questions as space permits will be answered through this column. Questions may be e-mailed or mailed to AmeriChi Feng Shui, PO Box 983, Vestal, NY 13851-0983.