Excerpt
PACIFIC NORTHWEST

A dark haired Shaman sat erect. No expression crossed his brow as he reached for a nearby crystal stone laying only inches away from where he sat. He placed it onto a piece of red-painted wood that appeared to be covered in a thick layer of dust. He spoke in a raspy soft voice to whoever would listen.......

There is now, and always has been, a mystical movement of inner energy that comes with the body, ever since bodies were found on the planet, and not just to the spiritually wealthy. This inner energy is experienced by children, housewives, gurus and everyone else. There have been many names given to vibrational energy.

This power energy stored in the body has been called healing energy that turns on at those times when needed to heal you. By giving you physical energy that can move you through a changing time in your life, it suddenly let's you do what you never thought possible. This mystical movement flows through the body when your concentration is deeply focused. This can happen anywhere and at any time, while running, dancing, singing, walking on a mountain top, flying in an airplane, sitting in a church or temple, sleeping or meditating. This mystical flow heightens awareness of oneself in a spiritual way.

It cannot be analyzed. It is simple energy. This spiritual power is programmed for growth and spiritual evolution. This mystical movement of inner energy shifts the body, mind and spirit all at once. It can occur overnight, or very gradually when one is shifting one's reality-gears into another speed ~ creating a chemical state of spiritual growth, right there in the laboratory of the body ~ resulting in a state of well-being, bringing physical and spiritual awareness closer between body and spirit......

The Shaman retrieved his lavender crystal, turned and departed in silence.



The Story ~ I

THE PROPOSAL
through the mystical movement of energies

I would like to introduce you to Airik. Not exactly your run-of-the-mill, off-the-street kind of client. For Karme Chan, Interior Designer specializing in Feng Shui applications, Airik didn't appear to be the kind of client who would be that interested in environmentally friendly interiors. So, I remind you never to judge a book by its cover. One must remember to look deeper.

At first meeting, the rumble of his retro Harley Davidson pulling up to the curb was a head-turner. Parked tightly next to a new silver Lexus, Airik dismounted from his beast displaying full body tattoos, delicately penned in artistic script. His shades were as black as his loose fitting attire. He swept his helmet from his recently shaved head revealing a youthful physique. Karme introduced himself, nervously.

Airik spoke in a soft precise manner, not mincing words or creating any illusion of grandeur. After brief introductions, they relaxed in Karme's studio discussing his vision.
Airik had recently inherited an acreage, a large piece of land with a building. He described the landscape in detail. Karme felt a sense of mystery about this person as he watched his eyes scan his studio, thoroughly. He listened intently as Airik spoke, not liking to repeat himself. Karme wondered why this individual had selected his services. It wasn't until he offered Airik some coffee that he mentioned finding the website. Of course, ... the mystical energy of electronics! (He must have read my book, Fun Schway, the North American way.) Whatever he had read touched his inquisitive mind regarding the subject of Feng Shui.

The phone rang at that moment and Karme took the call. As he spoke, he watched Airik flip through the pages of his portfolio and numerous magazines lying on a nearby table. Airik displayed a very calm demeanor without any sense of urgency. The phone call over, they returned to their conversation with ease.

Airik was thirty-something and lived in Vancouver near the heart of downtown on Commercial Blvd. He was born to one American parent and one Canadian and had lived with his grandparents during his youth. His father played guitar in small groups but included some big American blues bands – in fact, he named his son after Eric Clapton. The land, which they were discussing, had been gifted to him by close Native friends of his father's who were associates of the Hell's Angels. Now, Karme was getting nervous. Another interruption.

Karme excused himself to sign a delivery slip followed by a brief visit from Maria Powers, the Architect with whom he worked. He made introductions.

Airik appeared unconcerned by the numerous interruptions. He browsed through several Dwell publications and liked what he saw. Karme once again returned to their conversation. Airik talked in detail about his property which came with some restrictions. The building needed extensive renovations. Any changes or additions needed to conform to the existing footprint. Karme explained he would apply for any required variances if Airik was contemplating other considerations. He was anxious to view this landmark.

Airik's vision was to create a contemporary structure using as many natural products from the acreage as possible. He liked lots of glass, natural light and an open concept. Karme wanted to look at the magazines Airik held to see what he was attracted to, but Airik didn't offer. Karme explained that his designs combined the energy of the structure with that of the occupant. It had to do with feelings. If the finished product didn't create a positive stimulus, a sense of well-being and love, then the energies of the structure and the occupant were not in balance. The ancient art of creating and living in harmony with the environment was what his business was based upon.

Airik showed he understood what Karme was saying by the glint in his eye and an acknowledging expression. They appeared to be starting off on the same wavelength.

He handed Karme the magazine identifying photos that appealed to him. Karme made mental note of the page numbers for later reference. Their next step was to organize the information for Karme to prepare Airik's Energy Charts from his birthdate (as we always carry with us the energy of the earth from the year we were born). He also needed to know the location of the property.

Airik excused himself to retrieve something from his motorcycle's saddlebags that he wanted Karme to view. He passed Giuseppe, the wide-eyed Italian decorator whose surprised look didn't need explaining. Karme nodded to him as if to say, 'your new client'.

Giuseppe had worked around the studio for several years doing clerical work, decorating, and also staging homes for Realtors and Karme's clients. He was a person who never really knew what profession he wanted to be in, so Karme kept a desk for him, just in case. His Italian fashion sense held a hint of flamboyant style, creating a unique ambiance, but was never overdone. Tall, dark and handsome, Giuseppe held his own.

Giuseppe busied himself with fabric books while waiting for Airik to return. Within minutes, Airik entered and sat himself in a confident manner on the studio's upholstered settee. Giuseppe's interest was piqued as Airik produced an envelope for Karme. It was a CD of his recently inherited property. Karme politely introduced the two while opening the laptop on Giuseppe's desk and proceeded to load it for viewing. As the CD downloaded the photos, the three men gathered together when into the studio walked their office manager, Kristi. Bright-eyed and overloaded with drafting plans which she dropped onto a nearby work table, she inquired, 'What's up'? More introductions and the spirited young woman joined in the viewing. No one was shy in this group.

Kristi had moved from Buffalo to LA, then Seattle to Vancouver. She was a young woman of confidence and by no means without gumption. This creative soul took the long way to reach her goals, but was consistently successful. Kristi's passion for furniture design was to not compromise with inferior construction. While she computerized, built and sold her prize pieces, she also ran the studio with precise authority, always bringing a clear sense of positive energy into their workplace. She stooped to no one while focusing on the conceptual, boasting that women are as accomplished as men. She was living proof.

The laptop buzzed softly to a finish as the screen opened to a picture of a rare vista. The location, Zeballos. Never heard of it! By the look on their faces, neither had anyone else. Magnificent mountain, ocean inlet views with the richness of a deep, royal blue sky backdropped the first three frames displayed. Airik remarked that the property was located at the end of an one-and-a-half hour gravel road drive off Highway 19, several hours from Vancouver. The old logging town hung off the west coast of Vancouver Island, as remote as you could get. He explained his first visit to the town of six streets as one where he felt he was invading the local bears' space, as they would literally walk through the main streets of town. The pictures they viewed were mesmerizing. Airik described his drive from Gold River through the area of Tahsis as quite mystical when he approached Rugged Mountain. It appeared like a land form from another planet. A float plane or water taxi was his next best form of transportation to get to the remote old mining town. His pictures captured the unusual terrain which would appeal to any avid hiker or explorer. And then, the building appeared. Airik expressed a timid smile which stretched across his face.

“Oh my God!” Kristi commented. Its derelict appearance was indescribable. They just laughed. Giuseppe wanted to know if the bears lived there because no humans would.

The thirty-six acre property contained a large, narrow wooden structure that stretched almost sixty feet in length and fourteen feet in width. This was his inheritance, out in God's land, overlooking the Pacific inlet. The roof had more plant growth on the parts that were still intact than the grounds surrounding the building. Only one window remained intact and two structural walls. It appeared caved-in. Kristi questioned Airik as to what he actually planned to do with it. He explained to her, he had a vision. Giuseppe interjected that it had better be a good one.

The phone interrupted once again. Airik announced it was time for him to leave but he would stay in touch. Karme still had to make an appointment to view the property. They exchanged emails and phone numbers, then shook hands. Airik's strong grip confirmed an exciting working relationship.

Within minutes, they heard the familiar rumble as the Harley roared down West 4th into the heart of Granville.

Giuseppe gathered his samples, toolbox, and files making his way to the door for his real estate staging appointment. Before leaving, he wanted to know if Karme would actually venture off into the wilderness of Vancouver Island. Kristi was more adventurous, anxious to dig in and discuss it, but knew that would have to wait until their regular Friday morning meeting. It was Tuesday giving Karme ample time to prepare Airik's Energy charts. Lots to do and think about.

Karme breathed deeply, his usual three times to focus on the situation. This put him in touch with his feelings and he had a good feeling about the prospective client. He always went with his gut-feelings about a person or job. He smiled, knowing it would definitely be an adventure, but there would always be Maria nearby, his LEEDS accredited Architect, whose insight into difficult situations was marked with wisdom and feminine intuition.


THE MESSENGER ~ I
who speaks of known wisdoms

~ Kundalini
is the seat of absolute knowledge.
~ Kundalini
can be considered the oldest known science.
~ Eastern practises
are designed to awaken the dormant energy resident in all creation (especially living beings). This energy is known as Kundalini.
~ Kundalini Energy comes with the body.
It is a power energy that is stored in the body, waiting to be released.
~ Kundalini Energy is present
at the base of the spine in a 'triangular' bone called the Sacrum (known as a sacred part of the body).
~ The root word of sacrum
is the Latin and Greek word meaning 'sacred'.
~ The Sacrum is symbolized
by the sign of Aquarius and by the Holy Grail (container of the water of life).
~ The ancient Greeks noted that it was the last bone
to be destroyed when the body burnt and attributed supernatural power to it.
~ Sacrument - “means of divine Grace, a holy mystery.”
There are seven sacraments in Christianity.
~ Chakras
are the primary centres of electromagnetic energy in the body.
~ Seven chakras rise from the Sacrum
area at the base of the spine (earth) to the top of the head (heaven). These spirals of energy relate one to another.

~ The base chakra is known
as the first of seven chakras, situated at the lower part of the spine, and carries the energy of the element Earth.... indicating a new meaning of the enigmatic inscription on the ancient Emerald Tablet...
.'You shall separate the earth from the fire, the subtle from the gross, suavely and with great ingenuity and skill. Your skillful work ascends from earth to heaven and descends to earth again, and receives the power of the superiors and of the inferiors. So thou hast the glory of the whole world – therefore let all obscurity flee from thee. This is the strong force of all forces, overcoming every subtle and penetrating every solid thing.'
~ Kundalini Energy within the human body
was considered by the sages and saints to be the highest knowledge and both Chakras and Kundalini have been vividly described in Vedic and Tantric texts.
~ The ancient headdress,
as seen in historical art depicting the Aura of the head as seen on Biblical characters, is Kundalini vibrational energy.


The Story – II

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Another drizzly forecast was called for the week. Maria ventured up the hill nearing Karme Chan's second floor studio in a funky part of Vancouver. She wore a trendy yellow slicker and plaid boots and carried a laminated briefcase.

Her own office was located in the design district near Main and Alexandra Streets, where she enjoyed the mixture of retail, restaurants, office and fashion establishments. Karme's new location was eight blocks from her condo. He was glad to escape the hype of street people and drug users in Vancouver's east end. It had been difficult to attract new clients there, not to mention the dark evenings and chronic car break-ins. The reasonable rents and large warehouses of the old area were attractive to designers, architects and small businesses, until one's safety was threatened. Every city has its problems, but Crack Alley or Red Zone in Vancouver was downright frightful, and a surge of powerful negative energy had spread out from its core.

Maria tucked her petite Fendi umbrella into her oversize satchel and scaled the eighteen steps to the Studio. It was approaching 8:30 when the first call of the day came. One of Karme's contractors was on site and needed a key to enter a client's home in order to finish sealing the grout on the bathroom shower tiles. She explained its location, reminding the installer to add a corner porcelain soapdish fifty-two inches from the shower base. He reported he would be finished before noon.

The decaf beverages were brewing in the back as Kristi approached with her steaming half-mug of coffee in hand. Karme followed in her footsteps with his cup of tea, chatting briefly about clients' invoices to be prepared, purchase orders to be placed, deliveries to be picked up and bills to be paid ~ the typical office necessities. She maintained a rigid routine and immaculate office for Karme but always kept time for her furniture designs.

The studio was small and most of the wall-space was enclosed storage or catalogue shelving for samples. The flooring was constructed of cork, washed in a light olive green stain. The cabinetry and walls were painted in an 'almost ivory' shade, and floor-length lined textured drapes on walnut wood rods with rings were sewn from an art nouveau fabric of the same colour mix. Kristi had designed the contemporary seating. The desks were constructed from thick Brazilian granite tops on walnut bases. The work table had a colour co-ordinated laminate surface placed on top of storage shelves which provided an uncluttered appearance. Finishing touches included the eclectic French settee, potted greenery, a six-foot dark walnut-framed mirror and a large selection of interior photos.

Maria prepared her files for their weekly Friday meeting. Kristi turned the phones over to messaging as they patiently awaited Giuseppe's arrival.

At 9:02, the man-of-the-hour arrived for the 8:30 meeting, dressed to kill in the latest designer styles and footwear. How could you not like the guy? He was definitely in a world of his own. Kristi rolled her eyes with a smile, took his jacket and pulled out a chair for him. She prepared his coffee and announced, “Anything else, my master?” then added, “One more stunt like this and you are out!” He was not quite sure which way to look, missing her point completely, being consistently late for meetings. Nevertheless, he smiled and sipped from his cup, artistically extending his baby finger.

Their list of clients was reviewed and discussed in detail, bringing everyone up-to-date on the nine projects. They consisted of six decorating jobs, two renovations with additions and one new construction nearing completion. Prospective work, without deposits, included an elaborate kitchen design with product specifications, two bathroom designs with renovations, and one custom home design with project management. About half-an-hour into the meeting, Giuseppe turned his pad over to a clean sheet. He wrote across the page, The Dragon and tapped his pen numerous times announcing he was ready. Giuseppe was ready for Airik.

Maria smiled, knowing they began each major project with a compatibility pact about how they felt regarding the client and the project. Karme, along with the others, picked up his pen, and began making notes as he brought everyone up to date.

The pictures of Airik's property had indicated to them what they had to work with. The design would not just be for Airik, but for the town of Zeballos.

Kristi had a good feeling about the project. She thought of Airik as a person of few words, but who knew exactly what he wanted to accomplish. The remote property was an area of remarkable beauty and tranquility. She viewed the idea as an adventure, whereas Giuseppe's idea of excitement and adventure would be Miami or New York. His feelings were quite different, as he was more concerned about finances. Could Airik actually afford to pull off such a feat? Maria reminded him that on a project of such magnitude they always had a credit check completed. Finances would be the least of their worries. He was hesitant, but said he did not have any strong negative feelings. He explained that the name on the cover of his file, The Dragon, was chosen from viewing one of Airik's tattoos.

Karme presented several pictures taken from Dwell, the publication that Airik had shown him. They were having a hard time visualizing the Arthur Erickson style of stone and glass contemporary facade as one that Airik would have selected. They had all imagined a different Airik, except Maria, who thought of him as a person whose peaceful mind would naturally enjoy the environment of an uncluttered space.

Kristi pictured a large, log cottage-style structure on the property. She appeared confused. Giuseppe remarked that the whole picture of Airik and a Frank Lloyd Wright kind-of-thing did not go with Harley Davidson motorcycles and body tattoos. He contemplated the bigger picture, but it didn't compute. Giuseppe thought Airik was a bit rough around the edges.

Kristi beamed a big smile and raised a finger announcing that it might be a great showcase for her new furniture designs, always looking for an opportunity. They roared with laughter as she liked to find the positive in a negative situation.

Karme opened the red client folder which sat in front of him containing Airik's Energy charts. Airik, like everyone, carries with him the energy of the earth from the year he was born, all his life. According to the ancient art of mapping the mystical movement of outer energy, June 1976 was a Yang Fire energy year. Maria explained that Fire was an energy of... warmth but with intense outbursts. It was also an energy of clarity, illumination where the power exposes something that is hidden.

The Earth's energy from one's birth-year was a person's outer energy. The other statistic needed was Airik's natal element from his birthdate, calculated from the Pa Kua charts which represented his inner energy.

Karme handed Kristi the chart of a nine square grid known as the Lo Shu or magic square. He announced that according to the calculations, Airik's Pa Kua number was six.