In Western culture, we often think of time as a path or road we walk on. As we move forward, we leave the past behind and propel ourselves into the future. This view suggests that time is a winding path, full of surprises, where we can’t see what lies ahead around the next bend.
A Different Way to Perceive Time
However, the ancient East Asian concept of time is quite different. Instead of walking along a road, imagine yourself standing in a river or stream. You are always in the present, while time is like the water flowing toward you. In this perspective, if you position yourself facing downstream, you remain unaware of what is coming. Good opportunities might pass you by unnoticed, and unforeseen challenges might strike you unexpectedly — you literally “won’t know what hit you!”
Just Turn Around and Face the Current
But what if you turn around and face the current? By watching the water as it approaches, you gain awareness of what’s coming and can position yourself wisely. You can step aside to avoid obstacles or prepare yourself to catch the opportunities that flow toward you. In this way, good luck isn’t random — it’s about being in the right place at the right time and taking action when the moment is right.
Recall a moment when you were wading through a stream. Focus on the sensation of facing “upstream” and how the water felt as it hit your body and flowed past you.
Now, picture yourself standing in the “river of time.” Imagine the water at a level that feels comfortable for you. Visualize something you deeply desire for your future, as if it were an item floating on a paddle board or floating tray in the river. For instance, if your goal is to own a beautiful new home, envision the key and title resting on the paddle board or tray. Alternatively, if you’re aiming for a promotion at work, imagine your new contract displayed on it.
You can also visualize a miniature version or hologram of your aspiration. Instead of envisioning the key and title to your new home, you can visualize a hologram of your dream home.
You can also use symbols or metaphors for what you want. For example, one of my clients envisions onboarding 500 new clients for her coaching business within the next five years. She imagines an auditorium filled with people and places a hologram of this scene on a floating tray or basket in her river. There’s a neon sign at the top of the stage that states the date by which she wants to accomplish this.
Once you have imagined what it is you want, in your mind, shift your body to the right or left, positioning yourself in the path of what you desire. Then, visualize gently reaching out to grasp it as it approaches you. Calmly halt the movement of the paddle board and take a moment. Reach for the item, and try to record in your mind the memory of what it feels like to attain what you want. Then ask the Creator (or God, Heaven, Universe, Source — choose the word that best fits your belief system) “What is my next best step to get this?”
Awakening Awareness Through Feng Shui
Feng Shui, the ancient art of space arrangement, is one way to cultivate this awareness. By harmonizing your environment, you set clear and healthy goals, reduce fear of the unknown, and remain open to recognizing and seizing the “good things” that come your way.
There are many things about the world that you cannot change — politics, the weather, the economy — but you can change how you meet every moment in your life. You can choose to do this from a place of weakness or from a place of power. Turning to face the river of time is one way to welcome the best life has to offer!
Using Water Images to Attract Abundance
To connect at a very deep level with the concept of facing the future, and to start seeing time as a river that comes toward you, place an image of a stream or a waterfall on the wall next to the front door in your foyer. The water needs to look like it is coming into the home, and not like it’s going away from it. This is an ancient Feng Shui cure to attract abundance, including money. Learn more about this here and here, or take this course.
Want to start learning Feng Shui? Take the class Feng Shui Explained.
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