We’d like to welcome, once again, our monthly Guest Contributor, Debra Duneier, creator of the EcoChi System, a new design approach for living to help you: establish and materialize your goals, nurture your health and bring you greater harmony and prosperity.

Just as nature goes through its cycles of change so do we. We are as much a part of the seasons as the leaves that fall from the trees during autumn, the white snowflake crystals that magically fall from the sky in the winter, the rebirth of the early grass in  spring and the fire of the sun on a summer’s day. Autumn is the perfect time for us to prepare ourselves for changes that the season of winter brings. Here are some easy tips that will help you enjoy this moment and the seasons to come:

1. Add passion and excitement to your life by adding the colors of autumn, such as red, yellow and burgundy to your home. These colors have a stimulating Chi (energy vibration). Energize your space with a decorative pillow, scented candle or a throw in these colors for lively entertaining.
2. As the season changes it is important to change your energy which is called chi in feng shui. Technology makes it easy to be plugged in wherever we go, so visit a public library, park or café. Head out to your favorite locations to improve your chi, ignite clarity of thought, boost your creativity and elevate your mood.
3. The best way to achieve an uncluttered, clean and organized space is to plan a dinner party. With the party date in mind cleaning up can be a fun and effective project with anticipation of the upcoming event.
4. We spend about 98% of our time inside so it is easy to forget our connection to the outdoor world. Bring nature’s elements into indoor spaces with pines cones, fresh flowers, stones or crystals.
5. If you don’t already have a pet think about adopting one as you prepare to spend more time indoors. Studies show that having a pet can lower your blood pressure and ward off depression. A well cared for pet adds life force into your home which makes for good feng shui. Other added benefits are unconditional love, smiles, laughter and cuddles too!
6. Eat local, seasonal produce. Autumn brings us beautiful fruits and vegetables with the rich colors of yellow, orange, red and green. The more colorful your plate, the healthier you are eating.

Start using these tips today. Nurture your home… and it nurtures the home within!

related: previously on altCon, How EcoChi Found Me.

Debra Duneier is an accredited LEED® Green Associate, Certified Eco-Designer, Feng Shui Master Practitioner, Creator of EcoChi® and Author of EcoChi: Designing The Human Experience. For more about Feng Shui and Debra Duneier visit ecochi.com