My Imrama, my moving soul journey part 3 | Clearing the stagnant energy at your new home

Getting the key was not the end of my soul journey. I thought once I got the key, I just needed to get on with all the practicalities of moving. At that point, we have secured a temporary accommodation as the delayed transaction meant that the renovation schedule was affected as well. However, I could not shake the feeling of having made the wrong choice

I was deeply concerned with the energy of the property. Buying and selling a house is an energy exchange and I know that the exchange has not been the most pleasant and it would require a lot of energetic work to cleanse the residual energy left by the seller.
I thought of reaching out, to explain the reasons that we needed the transaction to take place at the agreed time. I wanted to express that it was not our intention to bring them inconvenience. 

Since finding out about the pregnancy, I’ve enlisted the help of a dog walker as I wanted to prepare my beloved dog, Hendrick, for the baby’s arrival. Shortly after the transaction, I arranged for the dog walker to pick up Hendrick at our new place and we found out that the dog he’s walking used to live here. The beautiful spaniel that’s sniffing in our garden used to live here.

When I saw my Hendrick saying hi to the beautiful spaniel in our garden, I felt a surge of emotions. It could not be a pure coincidence, could it? It meant that I had a way to reach out to the sellers.

The obstacles over the transaction were extremely stressful to me and I knew that the sellers experienced the stress and uncertainties as well, albeit in a different way. I felt that in order for me to clear some of the negative residual energies trapped in the property, I needed to reach out, as peace offering and showing gratitude.

A property holds an immense amount of energies and vibrations and would affect those living in it.

I’m always a firm believer of maintaining a friendly relationship with previous or future inhabitants of our homes as a healthy relationship between the two parties would create a positive frequency that’d stay in the property. 

my boy Hendrick - I feel like he could also feel the energy of the home and has taken a long time than I expected to feel settled!

I thought that’s my chance to clear all misunderstandings. I remembered the seller mentioning that they are fond of cooking during the viewing so I decided to get them a food voucher from a deli. I was wondering between two amount and then decided to go for the higher one. I thought that’d be a good token to show my gratitude as well as my apology - after all, they probably wanted the transaction to be delayed till their own purchase was sorted.

Although I have been very careful with our financial outgoings as both renovation and newborns are both extremely costly, I thought that by gifting the seller the voucher would help with our settling in the new home, hence it’d be worth it.

I thought it’d be worth it. 

The same night my husband discovered the seller’s Instagram account (because the seller and we both follow our dog walker!)  and I was shocked to see how much we are hated. I was right - the hostile energy is clearly present. In fact, it’s a lot more than I originally expected.

I could not believe the words I saw, in a way it confirmed my original suspicion - the post’s caption and comments mentioned that the sellers left the property in a filthy state on purpose as she believed that’s how our souls are. She wrote that she disconnected the doorbell and removed the oven shelves on purpose.

I was devastated, angry and felt majorly stupid for spending money on someone who hated me so much. I simply could not process how much I was hated and disgusted. When I was talking to a tradesman in my upcoming home, I felt utterly defeated, stupid, and hated…I wasn’t sure how I could possibly make the property a loving and nurturing home for my growing baby when the seller put so much hate into us?

I prayed for guidance. I prayed for concrete actions to clear the negative energy. I prayed for ways to turn a place with hatred to a nurturing soul space.

I was then seeing the number 100 a lot….and then I decided to burn incense for 100 days in a row.

I also dived into my own akashic records for guidance, subsequently then dived into the property’s akashic records to clear the negative energy. It was so heavy and I found out from the records that part of the heaviness was contributed by my stress and fear.

I was called to commit to spiritual practice to clear the air, energetically. 

I dived into my spiritual toolkits and looked at what could help me. I consulted oracle cards daily and committed to doing a forgiveness meditation for a week. I turned to Kuan Yin, the goddess of compassion and forgiveness for healing and guidance. I used ho’oponoopono as well as Tibetan singing bowl daily..

I found so much comfort, healing and guidance through all these spiritual practices and that’s when I realised all of these happened for a reason. It’s happening so that I could perfect my craft as a soul space creator. I’ve never ever needed so much time and effort to cleanse the space…and it’s all worth it. 

After 1-2 months of a lot of energy and spiritual works, coupled with the newly designed home as well as Feng Shui activation, I felt fully settled in my new home and I’ve felt a sense of calm that I haven’t felt for ages.

I felt inspired to launch new services that I’m so passionate about. I was able to attract financial abundance that surprised me. Most importantly, I felt I have developed and created a safe, nurturing space to support my pregnancy and my future child. I knew deeply that it wouldn’t be a forever home, but it is exactly where I need to be right now.

 This moving soul journey, with all its excitements, obstacles, stresses all happened for divine reasons…

Every single part of this journey has equipped me to be a better mother, each obstacle was a lesson for me to realign with my soul’s truest callings…and the whole experience was designed cosmically so that I can become a more all-rounded soul space creator so that I can support women on similar transformational journeys, so that I could hold space for others

It's exactly where I need to be right now...

Imrama

4 months after I moved in I’m finally able to share my journey wholeheartedly, and when I’m typing out all these 3 blogs I felt a sense of ease and release, I believed this is the final part of moving journey - to share my voice.

I can’t wait to hear all your exciting moving stories! If you need a soul companion or feel called to share, click the button below, I’d love to know everything :)

My Imrama, my moving soul journey part 2 | Obstacles are instrumental to soul growth

In my last blog, I’ve mentioned how devastated I was when I received the phone call that I would not be able to get the key to my new home in another area in Edinburgh, just the working day before the transaction was due to take place. That weekend was long, emotional, filled with doubts and question marks as I was unsure about my next steps. 

I remembered looking at my more than half-packed home, unable to make sense of what’s happened. Tradesmen were organised, moving company arranged, furniture was supposed to deliver the few days after I got the key….none of this would now take place.

I was supposed to move into my new home a few weeks before Christmas, so that I would be able to fully embrace the much-need seasonal spirits which were so needed after lockdown and the moving stress. I was supposed to move into my new aligned home and started creating the nursery of my child whom I was struggling to connect with.

I needed a home to settle so that I could have space, both physically and mentally, to experience my pregnancy wholeheartedly. I needed somewhere safe so that I could begin to figure out the kind of mother I wanted to be.

The wait was agonising and on the day I was supposed to get the key, more uncertainty arose. All I was told was that a council virtual inspection was organised at the property the seller was purchasing and it would further affect the transaction date. There wasn’t any update on when the title deeds, which seemed to be the cause of the delay, would arrive in Edinburgh.

To put it simply, there’s no certainty of the date that I could move in. All I could do was just wait.

On Monday after I talked to the solicitor, I called the tradesman and furniture companies one by one, rearranging, apologising -  each call seemed to be a vivid reminder of how little control I had, each apology seemed to intensify how uncertain everything was.

The most pressing matter was to find an alternative accommodation, and also came up with a storage solution as we could not change our moving-out date. The most challenging thing was that we didn’t know how long we needed the temporary accommodation for.

It was as if I had no choice and no anchor to my own life.

I felt like I was acting on survival mode; making decisions that seemed to bring convenience and ease for the short term. I was hollow inside on that few days.

I needed an anchor, I needed to take control of the situation.

And then it dawned on me…I could pull out from the transaction because there’s nothing that’s legally bounded that’s why I needed to spend money from my own pocket to sort all the alternative arrangements. I was not protected legally. There was not a binding contract and that’s why even the seller was not fulfilling his side of the agreement, he does not have any legal responsibilities for the damages it brought me.

I felt so vulnerable. 

I don’t think I have ever prayed so much in my life. Equally I don’t think I’ve ever questioned my faith and spirituality so much since I began my spiritual journey around 8 years ago.
I prayed for guidance and the guidance was always “healing” “fall into my arms” “trust”; 

I didn’t get it at all, I was going to be homeless soon, how could I not take actions? How could I rest when things are affecting every single cell of mine?

When you think you’ve surrendered, you surrender more

I started to wonder if I was holding on to this transaction too tight and trying to control every single aspects of the move without allowing the Universe to work its wonders. I started to wonder whether that’s a wake up call for me to loosen my grip, in my work, in my pregnancy, in my home…I always felt that I need everything to work on perfectly according to plan so that I could really shine my light as a soul space creator; I needed to show the world that I could create aligned spaces beautifully effortlessly - and this disruption of my own immediate space just did not sit well.

When you think you've surrendered, you surrender more

Gabby Bernstein

I felt like if I couldn’t even control my own home, I could not show up as a soul space creator. I could not preach what I taught.

I’ve equated my identity to someone who constantly has an aligned, beautiful, soulful home

I have subconsciously created an image of the perfect soul space creator, who created space without obstacles, who moved from home to home effortlessly.

But that’s just an unattainable image I’ve created…it’s like those models with a perfect figure showing off their latest acquisition in 5 stars hotels.

It was just an image.

But I was so much more; I’m a multifaceted soul, I encounter obstacles and rise beautifully, I am a soul that’s experiencing humanness.That’s what I thought. It is all set. I just needed to go through with it..

And this experience is a lesson from the universe. It’s for my growth - although I couldn’t fathom what the purpose was. It was meant to happen 

This realisation changed everything

I began to let go.

I began to see the obstacles happened because I need to grow, I needed to make changes to my life in preparation of motherhood as well as to better work my light as a soul space creator. 

I was talking to my dear friend Tania from museflowerretreat. She has completely shifted my perspective; instead of seeing it as an obstacle, see it as a protection. When there’s rejection, it’s usually a protection.

When you think you have surrendered, you surrender more

I was so fixated on this single property that I didn’t let wonders happen. I was so concentrated on making the move an easy one I forgot that surprises are here to teach us lessons.

I was ready to let the property go. I was ready to just stay in the temporary Airbnb during this soul journey, even I don’t know when a more permanent abode would come

I meditated a lot over that weekend and the two days; finally, a clear answer surfaced. 

Loosen your grip and trust. Trust it’s the correct property but do not be 100% fixated on it.

Love it but also let go of it.

I knew that what I needed is clarity instead of having no answer and no date. I would rather let go of the property than being held hostage in this endless chain. 

I love it but I was ready to let it go. At the same time, I trusted that Universe has my back, that the Universe would provide me exactly what I need, what my family needs

I told the solicitor that I would let this property go if the transaction cannot be done on Friday that week. I needed to free myself from the endless doubts and uncertainties

Then I decided to let it go and surrender; whatever the outcome it was.

And I began to look for properties again on right move and espc

The realisation completely shifted my frequency and I felt a lot lighter. I no longer felt like I was another victim of the property chain but I was someone who made inspired and soulful actions that might be contrary to the original plan.

I was nervous, not knowing how long our temporary living situation was going to be. But I trusted.

And then the Universe responded that the seller accepted to make the transaction on Friday. 

While I was excited and ecstatic about having clarity in my moving situation, part of me felt something was off. It was as if I could feel the seller’s overwhelming anger…

And I was right. On the day of the transaction, I walked past the property with my dog at around noon and saw the sellers loading their belongings onto the van and there seemed to be a lot more in the flat. I felt something was off; from my experience, the property would be more or less empty by noon to facilitate key drop-off and pick-up. I was panicking as I let my anxiety and fear mind overrode my trust in the universe; just a week ago I was told that the transaction needs to be delayed, and looking at the less-than-ready state of the property meant that I was nervous about the transaction would not take place.

I called my solicitor nervously and was told that I’d be able to get the key at 4:30pm. 4:30pm came and it wasn’t dropped off at the estate agent. I waited patiently and finally received a phone call at 5 and frantically drove to the estate agent. I almost could not believe that the key was finally on my hand.

I stood at the entrance of the property and already felt an unbearable heaviness.

Entering the flat, the property felt stuck, antagonistic and hostile. 

As someone who’s so sensitive to surroundings and environment, it contained a lot more hostility than I originally envisioned,

and all I wanted to do was leave.

I almost wished I could have chosen a different one. However, I remembered that Universe always only gives you what you can handle….so I understood that it’s another lesson to learn….

And that’s perfecting my skills in energetically space clearing and something that I’ve been struggling for years..

Patience. 

Celebrating Celtic Festival Beltane at your home

It’s only after I relocated to Edinburgh that I began to appreciate the Celtic wheel of the year. After some research, I find that a lot of the dates or important festivals seem to coincide with the Chinese lunar calendar. Although different rituals are adopted and practised by the two different cultures, I love how both the Chinese lunar calendar and the Celtic wheel of the year pay tribute and respect to the wonders of mother earth.

The beauty of Beltane lies in the fact that it celebrates and honours life. It is the last of the three pagan fertility festivals (after Imbolc and Ostara) and lies on May 1. It’s believed that the veil between the human world and the spirit world grows thin so it’s a wonderful time for us to connect to our spiritualities.

Beltane Fire Festival takes place in Calton Hill, Edinburgh every year. This photo is taken from Beltane Fire Society’s official facebook

My first experience of Beltane was the Beltane Fire Festival in Calton Hill, Edinburgh. While it’s become more of a cultural event, I love that it still incorporates myth and symbolism associated with Beltane, such as May Queen and Green Man. Being so close to fire makes me feel protected and also connected to the sensual spirits. Although covid means that the Beltane fire festival is not returning physically this year, there are still many ways we can celebrate this beautiful festival at home

Start a bonfire

Beltane means Bel’s fire. Fire is traditionally used on the day as a purifier and healer. Bonfires were lit using different types of wood, when the fire was blazing, its ashes, smokes and flames were believed to have protective power where people then take it back to their home to ensure fertility and harvesting throughout the summer months.

It’s a symbolic move to remove the residues of winter and cleansed the time we spent indoors in the dark months - that’s why I feel this year the fire has an additional significance. We’re all ready to enter a new normal after a few months of lockdown and spending time inside. I also see the fire as a welcoming of the sun and newness.

Fear not if you do not have a garden or a fire pit, even lighting a candle with the intention of purifying would be a good way to harness the energy of Beltane

Place flowers everywhere

I’m a big flowers lover and I’d love any excuse to buy and decorate my home with flowers. In Feng Shui, flowers always symbolise new and fresh energy so I’ve always had flowers in my living room. Beltane is about celebrating and honouring our interconnection with mother earth, so instead of just having one bouquet at home, we can put cut flowers in different rooms in our home - even just some petals on your bed to celebrate sensuality! 

Spring flowers such as cous cous, tulips, dandelions are especially connected to the spirit of Beltane as they are blossoming during the period, however, use any flowers that appeal to you. Even just flowers you pick in a park. 

If you’re feeling creative and crafty, you can always make a flower crown and wear it! 

Celebrating your love with your loved ones

Beltane celebrates the union of goddess and god so have always been a popular time for pagan weddings. Since union and connection are important themes in Beltane, why not use this time to honour your relationship with your loved one? It can be so easy to forget how blessed we are when we always have our significant others by our sides, so it’s a good opportunity to express our love to each other.

One thing you can try to do is handfasting - it’s a ritual that involves tying the hands together (ie. tying the knots) using a ribbon. This symbolises the union of the two people. It could be a lovely little ritual to do with your loved one. While you’re using the ribbons to tie the knot, you could either renew your vows or recite writings that are meaningful to the two of you.

If you are not currently in a romantic but is desiring one, you can harness the potent energy of Beltane to manifest your ideal relationship. Take some time to reflect on how you want to feel when you are in a relationship, and you can write it down in a letter as a prayer. If you are familiar with your kua number, you can also put this paper in your relationship corner to double charge your manifestation power

Handfasting ceremonies is sometimes seen as an alternative to traditional weddings - it’s all about celebrating love and union. Photo taken from Keli Tomlin Ceremonies

Do a visualisation exercise

Beltane is all about revitalisation and envisioning good fortune, union and abundance. With the fire purifying any unwanted energy, it’s a good day to visualise future and imagine the future you. If you are thinking of moving, why not use this time to visualise where you want to move to?  How you want to feel in your new home? How do you want your space to support you?

When you visualise, you materialise.

Denis Waitley

If you are feeling uninspired with your current circumstances or current home, visualise a future where you feel fulfilled, uplifted. Observe how you feel during your visualisation and see if you can cultivate the same frequency at your home - perhaps you need to do a more in-depth space clearing? Or perhaps you would like to Feng Shui your home so that your home can support all your endeavours?

It’s my passion to support women in creating soul-aligned spaces and I feel that Beltane is such an auspicious and beautiful time to manifest a truly soulful space. If you would like some support in this transformational journey, send me a message and let’s chat

My Imrama, my moving soul journey part 1 | The unexpected challenges

The word Imrama means journey of the soul and all my moving experiences have taught me that moving indeed a soul journey - when a lot of the time you don’t know the destination; when you decided to move, or when circumstances propel you to move, you aren’t sure where your future home is, you aren’t sure what new experiences are waiting for you. To me, that’s an imrama, and all soul journeys are meant to bring you back to alignment with your soul

Last time circumstances caused me to move as the landlord needed the return of the property. We were ready to purchase, I knew from my experience it’ll be a transformative journey for my family, little did I know of the depth of transformation. 

Soul journeys are meant to bring you back to alignment with your soul

With my experience in Feng Shui, space clearing as well as my regular spiritual practice, I have completed the soulful steps before property hunt and I’ve also employed variety of tools to make sure the property we selected is soul-aligned. I thought that since I’ve made sure all steps and decisions I’ve done is soul-led, that’s my spiritual tasks done.

I couldn’t be more wrong. The Universe wanted me to go through challenges. The universe wanted me to completely transform

Around 3 weeks after the offer was placed, I discovered my pregnancy.

It is a planned one but it came a lot earlier than we expected. Because of my poor health in my early 20s, I was always under the impression that it’d be extremely hard for me to conceive. The Universe pleasantly surprised me but equally, I was unprepared, physically and mentally. I was shocked, scared, confused. 

The first trimester meant I’m confronted with a new set of physical discomforts from new medications, nicotine withdrawal, the usual hormonal changes that came with pregnancy. However, all these physical symptoms are nothing compared to the chatters in my mind - I felt my world was turned upside down, I felt I was thrown into a giant rabbit hole, exploring a Newfoundland on my own. I was lost. 

I didn’t understand why both pregnancy, and moving, two big transformations come at the same time. With my history of bipolar disorder, to say I was worried about my mental state was an understatement. 

I started to doubt if the selected property is the correct one, knowing that the neighbourhood might not be optimal for young families. I was also concerned the property might not have enough space for a baby - the second bedroom was meant for a multi-functional guest room/office when I first made the offer. I looked at my initial layout plan and moodboard and found a lot of decisions need to be changed…to cater for the child inside me. 

The things that appealed to me about the property suddenly become questionable; I loved the big windows when I was viewing, but suddenly I was worried about privacy. I loved the G/F main door flat with a small garden at first, and then I found out it crippled me with worries about my family’s safety.

I doubted the decision tremendously. I doubted the vivid guidance I received. I was questioning whether I let my emotions cloud my judgment..

I was worried that if I selected the wrong property, I would not be a good mother.

It’s simply because I knew how important space is for someone’s growth, and that’s precisely the reason I was crippled with anxieties of making the wrong decision.

What kept me going was my realism - the offer was made, we needed to move out of our property. Really nothing could be done. 

That’s what I thought. It is all set. I just needed to go through with it..

And then this deep knowingness allowed me to take a step back and trust the universe; and learnt to manage my anxieties and stress.

When I experienced the lawsuit for my business’ name, I kept pulling the card Imrama from Rebecca Campbell’s deck and that’s when I decided on Imrama Space as a new trading name. This card hasn’t shown itself to me for awhile, until I found out about the pregnancy in the middle of my moving journey.

The card Imrama only confirmed to me that moving is a soul journey - a journey where you don’t even know what you experience, where you’ll go. Or  in my case, when I started my moving journey, I only thought it’d start a new chapter in the way I approached my business, who would have thought it’d be the beginning of motherhood? 

When we sowed the seed of moving, we are sending a signal to the universe that we are saying good bye to a chapter in our lives. Our body and mind are vibrating at a frequency where new happenings will reciprocate, whether you expect it or not. 

Oh, but in my case, the first trimester wasn’t the only challenge..Compared to what I was told over the telephone on November 13, 2020 (Oh I know it’s a black friday!) the nauseas, mood swings were nothing! 

I thought I wasn’t ready for more challenges and obstacles, but the Universe decided to test me. The last working day before the transaction was due to take place, I received this phone call from my solicitor at 4:30

“I am really sorry, but a title deeds of upper chain is trapped at Israel and I’m afraid you are not getting the key on coming Monday”

“So when will I be able to get the key? We’ve given the notice to our landlord?”

“I’m afraid I don’t have any more information right now. Im so sorry”

Are you fucking kidding me?

Just one day ago before this phone call I was pulling teeth at HSBC as they refused to transfer the money from my account to the solicitor’s account as I didn’t have a ID with my married name. Even though I have brought with me my wedding certificate, my ID and I explained that I was told by my immigration solicitor to not change the surname on my ID until I received my visa, the staff simply would not help.

I was on the phone with bureaucratic bank for the whole day while struggling with nauseas. I was so certain that was the final straw and everything would be fine afterwards.

Oh, but no, there’s this - you are not getting the key and I don’t know when you can get the key.

This sentence was repeating in my mind like a negative mantra trying to hypnotise me to the darkest place in my heart and forced me to swim in sea of tears. 

What do you want now? How many more things do you want me to go through?

I remembered I was screaming at my half packed home - where am I going to stay now? What should I do?

I was craving for a cigarette to calm my nerves but I couldn’t - I now have another human being to take care of.

I questioned my guidance and my faith. I questioned my spirituality.

I’ve followed it so obediently the whole time ; I persisted even though there’s a building warrant issue with the selected property, I decided to move forward with the purchase even though my child might need more space. I tried my best to convince my husband even he wasn’t as certain as me about the offer

And now you’re telling me my persistence was worth nothing? And that I needed to go through more?

I was more than furious. I was lost. I was devastated. 

That morning I pulled the card called Crumbling -  my intuition was telling me something’s off that Friday, something might happen, but I didn’t know it’s this - I didn’t know it’d be a complete disruption of my renovations plan and the possibility of becoming homeless. 

But It’s a soul journey isn’t it?…and my soul knows better. I’ll share part 2 of my soul journey next time 

Moving is a soul journey.

a journey where you don't even know what you experience, where you'll go, but know that it takes you to an alignment with your soul

4 soulful things to do before you move into your new home

A property chain is extremely common in Edinburgh, Scotland or other places within the UK. The longer the chain is, the longer it takes for the solicitors to do the paperwork, and hence the transaction date could be months away from the day your offer is accepted. The period waiting for the transaction can be very unnerving as nothing is certain until missives are concluded, which usually is only done shortly before the agreed transaction date.

The waiting time between the transaction date and the date my offer was accepted was around 2 whole months; during that time, I found out about my pregnancy (which has changed a lot of things and affected a lot of decisions) which made the uncertainty more nerve-wracking. 

Flowers is one thing I turn to when I’m restless - appreciating how unique each bulb is, makes me feel grounded

I knew that with my daughter coming, I needed to be more prepared with the new home. I needed to have an inspiring and nurturing space so that I can have a safe, fulfilling pregnancy. And that’s when I sought for guidance through my spiritual practice as well as applying what I’ve learnt as a soul space creator to prepare for the moving in -  I hope these few steps help and support you in this transition period. 

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Letting go of items that no longer serve you

Moving is the best time to declutter your life life. You can decide what you want to bring into the new chapter in your life, and what to leave behind. While I have the professional experience of decluttering spaces, I find it a lot harder when it comes to my own home.

Spend sometimes for self-care while letting go of your belongings..

It’s usually the emotional attachment that’s harder to let go…

Do you keep old birthday/ Christmas cards?
Do you keep old photos?
Do you keep clothes that no longer fit?

There’s no straightforward answer. The easiest way to identify what belongings to let go of is to invite your soul space guide to be with you during the decluttering process, and to listen to the whispers of your soul. You can also touch the particular object and see whether your body expands or constricts. When there’s a constriction, it’s a clear sign that you no longer need the item and can let go of it. 

Take your time and be gentle to yourself. When we’re letting go of things that no longer serve us, we could feel tired and drained. Spend some time for self-care while letting go of your belongings. 

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You don’t need to decide exactly where every single piece will go, but having a rough layout will help the renovation process - and usually makes builders’ job easier!

Preliminarily plan the layout of the rooms

Although you won’t be able to execute your interior design plan fully before you get the key, it is helpful to already plan the rough layout of the rooms. If the seller is opened to it, you can ask to enter the property for measurements which allows you to plan more accurately. 

Planning the layout of your rooms allow you to examine what furniture pieces you are keeping. A console might fit perfectly in your current hallway but struggle to have its own position in the new property, and then you can determine whether to sell or give the console away. Once you move to the new property, you would need to make a lot of swift decisions. Making the decision to give away or keeping furniture beforehand would lessen your stress once you get the key.

Quality furniture is known to have a long lead time; if you plan the layout prior to your moving, you can already collect material sample and order the furniture before your move, so you don’t need live without the said furniture for months! It’s especially relevant if the furniture is a bed or a sofa! 

If you are planning to do an overhaul of the rooms, knowing the layout is key so you can plan the position of sockets, radiator, etc - It’s always best to conduct these activities when the property is vacant to minimise disruption to your daily lives. 

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The importance of space clearing and welcoming rituals 

When you meet a person for the first time, you’d introduce yourself briefly. It is the same when you take over the occupancy of a property - you’d like the property to know who you are and how you want to live. The welcoming ritual is the best way to do it; Through this simple ritual, you connect with the property energetically and it’ll make the subsequent Feng Shui application a lot easier. 

My moving package includes using astrology tools to select an auspicious date for welcoming rituals and space clearing. I find aligning our intention for a prosperous home with the lunar calendar an effortless way to help us settle in the new home

Incense plays a huge role in my space clearing exercise and certain numbers of incense is used during the welcoming ritual

In my experience, no Feng Shui activation can be successful without space clearing. Feng Shui activations rely a lot of intentions and the placements of objects. If the space is stuck and stagnant, any activations would not be as effective. Hence, prior to moving in, it’s super crucial for you to remove any lingering energy of the seller, especially if you intuitively know that the energy is on the negative side. 

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Set Intentions for your new home

There’s a reason why there’s an entire greeting card section devoted to new homes. New home signifies new beginnings and the shedding of old skin. Our friends and families congratulate us on welcoming freshness. However, what matters most is how we want to be in our new home.

How do you want to live, experience, grow in this place?
How do you want your home to support you?

Before we move in to a new home, it is important to set our intentions so we can have a compass to make decisions upon; If your intention is to be calm, relaxed, you’d probably avoid a very vibrant wall colour. If your intention is to establish a successful work from home business, you’d ensure there’s enough space for a desk and also taken work into consideration when applying Feng Shui. 

Let your home support you in your manifestation

Imrama

This is a building from Hong Kong, where I grow up..and I find moving in a busy city even more challenging!

Moving is a soul journey where we experience obstacles, dilemmas, joy, transformation. The time between giving an offer and actually getting the key can be very unsettling - there’d be moments of uncertainty, worries, concern and also a sense of hopefulness and excitement. It’s my mission to support you in this transition period and to make it as joyfully transformative as possible - I truly believe it’s a period of rapid spiritual growth and as a soul space creator, I’m here to support you that. Find out more on here or click the button below and let’s chat

3 things I learnt from moving home during the covid pandemic

Imrama is a celtic word that roughly translates to the journey of the soul, even sometimes we don’t know the destination. When the card kept appearing on my spiritual practice last July when I was facing a potential lawsuit, I thought it only meant that my soul space creation business, working primarily locally at Edinburgh at that time, needed to evolve or that I needed to journey to different parts of my soul to fully grow as a human being. 

Little did I know it also predicted the upheavals, the epic joy, the profound changes I experienced during the transition of my physical home. Moving is indeed a soul journey - when you decided to move, or when circumstances propel you to move, you aren’t sure where your future home is, you aren’t sure what new experiences are waiting for you. To me, that’s an imrama, and all soul journeys are meant to bring you back to alignment with your soul 

As with all soul journey, there were parts that are extremely ecstatic, there were also parts that brought you to confront your fears, your darkness, your anxieties. Owing to the lingering energy of the seller (It was a super difficult sales at the end), it’s taken me a long time to feel settled, comfortable and safe enough to share all that I’ve learnt during moving

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There’s no perfect Feng Shui

Even if you are planning to build your own home, there’s no everlasting perfect Feng Shui. While there are some fundamental rules in Feng Shui, the flying stars changes all the time affecting the energy flow inside a property. Although we each have our own kua number and favourable directions, the frequent changes in flying stars mean that sometimes our space is not optimal even though you might have applied Feng Shui cures before. 

My experiences in property selection and moving means that I know that no single property can benefit from an everlast, all-rounded good Feng Shui. In my personal opinion, I find it a risky and timely pursuit to find the most perfect Feng Shui home because the searching process can be incredibly draining. It’s often when we live there and interact with the spaces for a period of time that we start to understand the flow of the space, and can apply cures to create the most aligned home.

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Our intuition is our closest ally

Scottish property market is extremely fast and a lot of the time we’ll find that we’re bidding a property against other buyers. 

How do you know what’s the correct bidding amount? 
How do you know whether placing an offer immediately is a good idea or not?
How do you know if the property you viewed is the right one?

Even after you successfully bidded a property, there are still countless decisions to make. 

How do you know which tradesman to hire when there are so many out there?
How do you know which paint colour to go for?

what if..you regret it?

The truth is you can spend hours researching or talking to your family and friends, but at the end of the day, there’s no way you can know the answers with 100% certainty. 

I remember the brutal lesson of hiring the wrong builder. He had great reviews and had done a decent job for my friend. The quotation was reasonably priced. I didn’t listen to my intuition and I went with his quotation despite my intuition told me something’s not quite right - I trusted my reason instead of following my nagging feeling. When he started to disappear without answering the calls, I knew that I should have followed my make-no-sense intuition. 

Our intuitions will never betray us. It’s always a compass to bring us back to alignment with our soul. Your intuition might not necessarily give you the exact answer, but trusting the nudges, the niggling will always help us to make more soul-aligned decisions. 

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Be open to surprises that Universe gives you

Anyone who’s moved would know that not all things go according to plan. The more detailed your plan is, the higher chance of disruption. Although sometimes I struggle to get organised because of my ADHD, I have an overwhelming need to plan important events.

Planning makes me feel in control, and therefore, safe and secure.
And I’ve never been challenged so much in such a short period of time.

The beginning of the moving process was quite smooth and we somewhat painlessly identified the correct property and have our offer accepted relatively quickly. I then proceeded to plan the interior design and Feng Shui activations; I arranged builders, furniture deliveries as soon as the transaction date was agreed, and at the same time we gave our landlord notice. 

My plan was to finish all the renovation work within a few weeks of the transaction, and then we could move from our original home to the property. I thought everything would work according to my plan (which already buffered in a few days) so we can move into the new property as soon as the work is done.

We had a deadline to work towards as we needed to leave our flat by the date. I thought everything would work according to my plan….

At 4pm on the last working day prior to the transaction, I was told that the transaction needs to be delayed owing to uncertainty in one of the upper chains. The solicitors had no idea when the transaction could be complete. It could be days, weeks, or months. 

Moving is a soul journey.

that calls for us to surrender to all the beautiful surprises

I was devastated. The uncertainty meant rearrangement of deliveries, delay in renovation and ultimately the search of a temporary accommodation. It’s the same time when we found out about my pregnancy. The pregnancy came unexpectedly early and like all pregnant women, I was confronted with nausea, morning sickness, mood swings and major fatigue.

I buffered in the extra budget; I buffered in extra time. But I didn’t plan the uncertainty, the news of my pregnancy as well as the possibility of temporary homelessness. The transaction became so difficult that I was questioning whether it was the right abode for us. 

It was definitely a soul journey that called for deep faith and surrendering. Out of all the lessons I learnt during moving, knowing the Universe would throw unexpected surprise to you is the most valuable one. Looking back, I realised everything is a blessing in disguise because it equipped me to be a more reliable, more experienced soul space creator. It allowed me to birth the moving programme that has planted its seeds many moons ago.

Had I not decided to surrender and opened my heart to all these surprises, I would not be able to share my journey and birthed a programme that could help women to create their soul home. 

I am extremely grateful for all the hurdles and obstacles that I needed to jump through in the last few months - It is through the process of journeying back to my heart that I polished my skills in space clearing and Feng Shui, so that I’m now a more experienced, compassionate soul space creator.

When Universe says no, it can be a form of protection

Imrama

There are always different lessons to be learnt during the transformational moving period. We often find ourselves confronted with our deepest fears and anxieties during moving, and often it’s also a time where spiritual growth happens rapidly. I can’t wait to share more of my journey. At the meantime, I’d love for you to check out chapter 1 and 2 of my journey. 

If you’re looking to move soon, click here to check out the newly launched moving package to see if you feel aligned, or click the button below and see how I can support you to make it a rewarding journey!

My Imrama, my Soul Journey | 4 ways to make a soul-led decision when choosing a property

I’ve recently shared part 1 of my soul journey where I completed some rituals and some soul-searching exercise before starting property hunting in Edinburgh. Before spending a huge amount of time on helpful sites such as rightmove or espc, completing the exercises that I outlined before enabled me to ride through the journey of property hunting in a calm and soulful way. In a fast property market like Edinburgh, or many other cities in the world, it can be extremely unnerving when it comes to making the decision to place the offer. How do you know whether the property you’ve viewed is the right one? Is it the interior design, the feng shui or other things? How do you know it’s an aligned, soul-led decision? This Part 2 in the Moving soul journey seeks to explore a few ways that you can identify if the property is a soul-aligned one or not.

Edinburgh property market is known to be very fast - and that’s why a soul-aligned decision is more important than ever because we don’t want to make a decision simply because of outside factors.

When I was choosing my first-ever property in Edinburgh in 2018, I’ve only lived in the city for 3.5 months. I had a strong understanding that this will be the place where I grow my roots. I looked at my budget and identified my needs and began to concentrate on a few areas. When I stepped into the home that I ultimately purchased, I felt a strong radiating light filling me. I fell in love with the layout as well as the warm welcome of the sellers - I love the art they hung, and particularly the sage green colour they chose to dominate the living room. I love all the creativity displayed everywhere.

It was a wee bit outside of the budget (considering you always need to bid higher than home report in Edinburgh) so I asked for a sign that I should go ahead with placing an offer when I was walking down the tenement stairs. I walked down the street, passed by a bending cresent, welcoming me is a lovely plant and gift store named Dahlia. I didn’t know such store existed back then! Dahlia has been my soul flower since the beginning of my spiritual journey, and what’s the odds that a store with the name of my soul flower just appeared in front of me, when I’m making one of the most important decisions in my entire life?

I took this photo in Marchmont, Edinburgh on the day after I viewed the flat in 2018 because I simply cannot believe the coincidence

The beautiful plant and lifestyle store Dahlia is now moved to Stockbridge but the interior design and energy of the shop are always so pleasing!

I simply could not ignore the sign back in 2018 and since I moved to that property, I attracted my soul mate who’s now my husband, I also manifested the finance needed to start my own business full time. In reflection, I always saw that property the start of a new, exciting chapter and it was.

My purchasing journey in 2020 was a lot more complicated compared to 2018 - Our budget is smaller this time and we had a timeline where we needed to move as we were asked to move out of our rental property. And since I started as a soul space creator, I became more and more sensitive to the spaces and more in-tune in what I need. - hence a more clearly-defined set of requirements.

Having lived in a north-facing flat with limited daylight during the first lockdown, I was adamant to find somewhere that has more light and ideally a tenement G/F just to get my dog Hendrick in and out easier. I’ve always loved tenement - I love the stories, histories that are engrained into the materials, the inviting high ceiling that allows the imagination to stretch. Having these criteria in mind we began our search. We found the property a few weeks into our search and it’s one of the only 3 properties we’ve viewed.

We visited on an early evening in late summer, I was welcomed by sunflowers waving their bodies in the wind’s company. The seller did a great job in using candles to create an enticing atmosphere; It Is not a big flat but I love how I immediately felt expansive in the space. I felt the cells in my body vibrating and I was secretly excited to explore all hidden corners in the flat. I was filled with this mysterious exhilaration to the point that I don’t think the not favourable feng shui L-shaped layout of the flat mattered (I have since found cure for it)

Candles are always a great way to create atmoshpere and it’s proven that it’ll help to create a better impression in buyers’ mind

I placed a low offer even though I intuitively knew it would not get accepted, it was as if I am expecting a miracle.

But Universe doesn’t work this way. Universe works when we are vibrating at the same level, when we initiate interaction, when we do the work

That’s when I knew I needed to ask for clear guidance and go back to trusting my soul.

Feng Shui

While I’m a firm believer of the non-existence of a perfect feng shui home, I’ve figured out a few non-negotaible feng shui aspects that a property needs to stick to for myself. To me, it’s not at a cul de sec, not nearing hospital, not facing a crossroad, the position of the main door and the residual energy of the seller. It’s also important to me that the rooms allow furniture to have the commanding position. The way I look for property is to search for a well-balanced property which has energetic space to grow

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Oracle Card

The starseed deck from Rebecca campbell is one of my favourite deck and has definitely supported me the entire moving journey

I have come across Oracle cards when I was teenager but haven’t incorporated it into my daily spiritual practice until mid-20s. I used to doubt my interpretation and wholly relied on the booklet for explanation. The more I work with oracle cards, the more I trust my own interpretation and followed the guidance from the reading. If you have a regular oracle card reading and trust that you can read objectively, I’d highly recommend it as a tool to get some wisdom. Otherwise you can ask a practitioners to do a reading for you. I offered oracle card reading as part of feng shui programmes to gain clarity.

Before I conducted the card reading for myself, I made sure I’m grounded by having my favourite drink (It was coffee at that time since I wasn’t pregnant yet!), cleansed the space with incense. I was shocked by the clear guidance on the oracle card; what it said about my indecision and fear, what it wants me to do, It’s a gentle encouragement for me to take the leap of faith.

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Akashic Records

Akashic record is essentially a library of information about every soul that’s ever existed. You, me or even property has its own akashic records. When we access it, we can gain a lot of wisdom and guidance in making soul aligned decisions. You can access yours once you are taught the way to do it, you can also access someone’s else provided you are given the permission. I didn’t find it appropriate to access the akashic records of the property at that time but I’ve spent some time in accessing mine and knew with absolute clarity that the property I viewed would be my home, not forever home, but home for the time being.

When we access the akashic records.

we can gain a lot of wisdom and guidance in making soul aligned decisons

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Ask for a sign

Everyone’s capable of having a dialogue with the Universe and everyone can live a soul-aligned life as long as we take actions. Asking for a direct sign is a great way to gain some affirmation on whether to proceed with something or not. Again I asked the Universe to show me the sign of my soul flower if I should go ahead with placing the offer. I was strolling in the property’s neighbourhood to get a sense of how I feel at different times of the day, and I then walked into Edinburgh Honey Shop which is just a minute away from the property. I’ve always known they sell great nutritious honey but didn’t know they also sometimes sell flowers! And when I was visiting that day, there were some beautiful, glorious dahlias by the door. My sidekick Hendrick went to sniff at it, and then I knew 100% that the property is a soul-aligned choice and it’s where I should spend the next few years.

The dahlia that I spotted in Edinburgh Honey Shop

What’s your soul flower?

We faced a lot of obstacles during the transaction and during the course of the lengthy negotiations, we also discovered that I’m pregnant. When there were countless changes and hurdles to jump through, I could not help but questioned whether it was the right choice. However, it turned out it’s a test of faith and to trust my intuition, as well as a necessary lesson for me to go through. I’ll share the detail in the next blog.

Now 2 months into moving in our new home, I feel energised, hopeful and I am so excited for the birth of the baby inside my womb, and I’m also looking forward to launching the new feng shui services as well as the moving programme. If you’d like to be notified when the 1:1 moving programme launched, please click here. If you’re in the middle of moving and in need of some support and guidance, click the button below and let’s chat on how to best walk this soul journey!

Moving home is a soul journey which encourages our growth

Imrama

4 Reasons you should name your home

Since I’m going on my soul journey on property hunting, I’ve been spending a lot of time with my soul. I believe that moving to a home, resettling is a big new chapter and sometimes we just need to receive downloads with the Universe - so that we’re one step closer to our true soul home.

It has also got me thinking ways to connect with your home; of course, feng shui and interior designs are great ways as I’ve helped a lot of clients in reconnecting with their truest self through these wonderful tools, but if you are not in the position on hiring a soul space creator, or simply want to deepen the relationship between you and your home, naming the rooms and your home is such an easy way! Why? read on ..

Build relationship and connection

Imagine you meet a tinder date, or meet a potential business partner for the first time, you’d always call that person their name right? And when you become more intimate with a romantic partner, you’re likely to have nickname for him/her. The reason is because the name implies a connection; without knowing that person’s name, she will just be another passer-by in your life.

Your home is embodiment on your outward energy. By giving your home a name instead of just calling it “my home” suggests your willingness to acknowledge its existence as something that will make a big impact of your life, and it also indicates your determination to work with the energy of your home.

Recognise its energy and contribution

Your home is scared. Your home is your temple in 3D form. By naming it, you are recognising its power and energy, and the way that it can nourish and support you, especially at the time of hardship.

This beautiful church is close to my home. The name is Mansfield Traquair. Traquair is named after Phoebe Traquair who spent a long time creating the herculean works - making the church earning the title of Edinburgh’s Sistine Chapel.

Photo taken by Peter Stubbs

A lot of churches and cathedrals are named either after the town they are at, or after a saint. I see it as the people’s formal recognition of the sacredness of these buildings. Your home is sacred as well - its energy would affect you on different levels, from the quality of your sleep to your productivity. When you name it, you can actively have a conversation with your home. For example, before you go to sleep, tell your bedroom “xxx, I’ll need your help to have a restful sleep today, thank you, thank you, thank you”

Pay respect to the property history and function

When you go to a hotel that’s been converted from a historical building, usually you’ll find that the most expensive rooms are named after some individuals. For example, the beautiful Hotel De Crillon in Paris, with suites designed by some of the most celebrated designers in the world, have a suite called Suite Marie-Antoniette & another one Suite Bernstein. The hotel pays respects to those who’ve come before us, and recognise that we are all connected. Besides, regardless of your opinion on the extravagant lifestyle of Marie Antoniette, she was a royalty known for her beauty, and by naming a suite after her associates the suite with the energy of royals - who doesn’t want that?

The elegant Marie Antoniette Suite in this beautiful hotel. Photo from hotel de crillon.

This is the boarding school I went to. It didn’t look as nice when I was studying, but right now you can see how comforting this drawing room is. Photo from school website

Some of the boarding schools still have rooms named after their initiate function, for example, a drawing room. Although the room’s function has changed from a room for girls to advance their artistic skills to be one of social gathering, the name shows an understanding of the lineage between our previous generations to us. And when you acknowledge the ancestors or people who stayed in the property before you, you can get their blessings and protection.

The thing is, we are all connected.

Setting physical and energetic boundaries

Our home is our sacred temple and we definitely do not want uninvited energies to enter. By naming your home, you are creating an invisible boundary between your soulful home and other people’s home. It indicates to the universe that this place solely belongs to you and your family, and you are the owner of it and you have the sole power to decide who’s invited to your sacred space.

I always encourage children to name their bedroom. When you name a room, its energy immediately changes, thus when you enter a room from a communal area, there’s an instant shift of energy. You are protected in your own room, and you have the freedom to decide what activities would be conducted in this room. It also gives the children sense of ownership, which I believe is vital for their sense of self-worth.

I love this door sign from etsy. Calling a room gallery immediately transfer you to a creative state!

Apart from everything that I have suggested, I think naming your home and room is such a fun and creative exercise for you and your family to do. It symbolises you’re on the soul journey together and if your room/home are named correctly, you’ll definitely feel more aligned.

You can name your home when you first enter the property, or anytime you feel you want to strengthen the connection with your space. If you are feeling a little stuck, I encourage you to do the space clearing meditation that I’ve created. I’d be curious to see how you feel!

Let me know what is the name of your home by sending me a message or connecting with me on instagram or facebook. I’d love to hear from you.

4 ways to use your home as support when you are angry

A few weeks ago I experienced racism, for the first time since I moved to Edinburgh. Covid has definitely upset a lot of our usual routines, and with the lack of education some folks were unfortunately convinced that all Chinese-looking (I’m from Hong Kong, but this lengthy topic better wait until another time) people are carriers of this pandemic which has disrupted so many people’s lives.

I was on the way to Tesco in my neighbourhood and an elderly lady stopped in front of me, cough right to my face.

I was shocked.

I was mad.

I was speechless.

I could have initiated an argument but I think the shock was far too big for me to actually verbalise how I was feeling, and I simply didn’t believe such thing would happen in my neighbourhood which is shared by so many different nationalities. It was simply beyond my understanding that at current time of anxieties about this scary disease, someone would actually cough to another person’s face. Even when we are not in covid, isn’t it rather impolite to do that?

There was not much I could do, I carried on getting my groceries at Tesco but I was fuming. I wanted to shout, to scream of this horrifying treatment that I received. And while I was at Tesco, all I wanted to do was go back to my safe space - my home to work through the emotions.

Make your entrance as welcoming as possible

As soon as I turned my key, I felt a new waves of energy diluting my anger. I love the entrance of my home; a bench with macrame cushions, a star map of the time when my husband and I got married. I particular chose the colour blue at that time, knowing that I would want a calming energy to welcome me when I arrive home. And when I was fuming, the entrance helped to calm me down so I didn’t direct my anger to my husband or my dog. Of course, it’s always nice to go home to a dog wagging his tail. A dog really is a blessing isn’t it?

The cushion with macrame textures immediately create softness and calmness to the entrance

Get comfortable with cushions, throws

Sense of touch is extremely important when it comes to nourishments and supports. Grab your loved cushions, throws and lie on the sofa for a moment. Get extremely comfortable and cozy, allow your emotions to released through your sense of touch. Do you feel your fingers agitated, or shaking? Or do you feel the need to move your body to settle in? Take note of what your body is telling you, and then if you want, just throw the cushion as hard as you can - symbolising the anger is out of your body!

Candles to bring in new energy

There’s something extremely powerful about the fire energy that candles carry. Traditionally in feng shui, candles put in certain directions are thought to be bringing in abundance, opportunities. And candles are always used in a lot of religious and spiritual rituals. I’m sure candles mean different things to different people - but when I was in an angry state, I like to light up a tea light candle in a candleholder that reads “Root Chakra” - it’s a confirmation that I’m safe, I’m nurtured, I’m at where exactly I should be.

Looking at the candle wax growing longer and longer, until the point the frame diminishes is almost a recognition of my feeling, and when the smoke becomes part of the air - it’s like the feeling has been released and let go. This is my go-to tool to release my anger or disappointments.

Meditate facing the wisdom direction

Everyone has their own kua number and there’s specific wisdom direction. When an unwelcoming feeling surfaced in my heart, I’d like to meditate facing my wisdom direction to obtain guidance from the universe. Every single action in our life is a soul lesson, and part of our soul journey. Rather than letting the anger consumes us, let’s see what this lesson can teach us - and facing your wisdom direction whilst doing it offers you cosmic support, as well as allowing you to be in touch with the spirits easier.

After a short meditation, I was able to reframe the experience - it is a lesson to teach me to forgive, and it actually ignites the fire inside me to educate the public about the importance of treating everyone equally. (Well, I’m a libra who really values justice and equality). If you feel drawn, you can also pull an oracle card while facing your wisdom direction. My experience is, my intuition and my ability to receive download always increase when I face the wisdom direction.

As you’ve brought some of the anger energy into your home, you don’t want it to linger, so perhaps it’s a time to do a space clearing meditation (I’ve created a free one for you which you can download here)

You’ll feel much lighter after this!

The truth is, I used to be very angry all the time - I blame the hectic lifestyle of Hong Kong, or the fact that I just feel suffocated in the space. However, I begin to realise that anger happens for a reason, a lot of the time we are actually angry about part of ourselves. I invite you to look into the anger at the comfort of your home, because that is part of soul journey, and it will take you closer to your true soul essence.

Want to see whether your space is supportive enough? Click the below button and book a complimentary soul space assessment call

Making peace with the Scottish Weather at home

It’s one of those days that the rain just never stop. I look outside of the window, thinking it has stopped, so I quickly get changed and take Hendrick out. The minute I opened the main door of the tenement building, of course, it started raining again. How glorious our Scottish Weather is

A lot of HKers are thinking to leave home because of the horrible political situation there, and a lot of people have reached out to me, asking me if Edinburgh is a good place to stay. A lot of them cite the famously unpredictable and wet Scottish weather and it seems to be a reason that deters people moving here.

There’s a Chinese quote that really resonates with me since a young age, it basically translates to “You can’t change the weather but you can change your mood”. Yes, a we have a lot of rainy days in Edinburgh, however, we can make use of interior design to make peace with the occasional discomfort during the darker days

Use colourful, uplifting curtains

I think a lot of the time in Edinburgh we have Gluggavenour (Icelandic word: window weather). I love looking at the raindrops on the window, witnessing the changing rhythm of the rain, contemplating if or when rainbow would come out. It’s a well-known science that lack of light can bring a decline in our mental health, so we can definitely brighten it up by using a colourful curtain. The contrast of a bright curtain with the dark palette outside would create a beautiful and interesting vignette

Snuggle up with throws

What would you like to do on a dark, cold, rainy day? Snuggle up in your sofa! Invest in quality throws, cushions that give you a sense of comfort. I always love a soft wool throw which provides me with such coziness. Together with a mug of warm coffee and an engaging series (just finished little fires everywhere!), a rainy day doesn’t seem too bad. Also, if you are an animal lover but circumstances don’t allow you to have a pet, a cozy throw would offer psychological comfort too!

A statement wallpaper

A client of mine lives in a beautiful converted apartment with large window overlooking the river. The north facing window means she does not get as much natural light as she hopes. Plus the famously wet and dark weather in Scotland means that we might need to spend more time indoors than we thought. But who said we can’t bring the bright nature in?

A statement mural wallpaper does not only provide a wow factor to any rooms, it also creates a very different atmosphere. I love to use a nature inspired mural wallpaper as I think it gives us affinity to the beautiful Mother Earth. If you choose a wallpaper that features l, that’ll bound to cheer you up on a wet day!

I am recently in love with all wallpapers at Woodchip and Magnolia and have already used it in a few projects. Imagine having this beauty at your home - you probably don’t even notice the horrible Scottish Weather.

Let there be light

There are a lot of smart lighting systems in the market. In short, smart lighting allows you to adjust the intensify, brightness, colour of light. There are countless options, and of course you can even control some with your voice! With such a system, you have a lot of control on the lighting at your home and you can brighten up your home on a gloomy day. Or you can even create a dreamy atmosphere by adjusting the colour as well.

If a whole new lighting system is too much, it never hurt to add a cozy reading lamp by your side table to make it more atmospheric. If the lack of sunlight really bothers you, a SAD lamp is a good investment. It definitely helped my first year in Edinburgh when I was still adjusting to the long winter

Activate Feng Shui

Your mental health is part of your overall health

and it should be given the same attention

Feng Shui is about creating harmony between you and your environment. A lot of my clients feel more connected, supported, uplifted by their home after raising the vibrations. Its so crucial for you to vibrate at the same level of your home. If you really struggle with sadness during the winter months, perhaps it is time to see explore your personal health direction. Remember, you mental health is also part of your overall health,
and it should definitely be given the same amount of attention.

Lessons from the dog

I’ve taken quite sometimes writing this blog. The rain just does not seem to stop. When I first started the article yesterday, I felt that I was not aligned with the energy that I hope to project. So I stopped and meditated as I trust that I write what the Universe wants the world to hear, and yesterday just did not seem to be the correct timing.

One thing about being a dog mum is you need to take your dog out regardless of the weather. On a rainy day, this usually pleasurable activity can become a troublesome one when you need to dry your dog and yourself after the walk. Today Hendrick and I went out during the rain. Despite my opposition, I could not say no to this cute face, so I wore my wellies and raincoat, and went to the park.

Of course, we were the only one there.

While I was so irritated by the raindrop on my glasses, and the stickiness of my clothes, Hendrick was having the best time chasing his ball, rolling on the grass. He was not bothered by the rain. He behaves exactly the same way as a sunny day; he still tries to catch the ball by jumping high, he still runs towards me happily and triumphantly whenever he catches the ball. And when he’s tired, he was rolling in the grass, completely unaffected by the dirty mud. That’s the moment I realise the Universe has sent my dog to teach me a lesson; do not let the weather changes your day. Let everyday be the best day in your life.

Let
everyday be
the best day
of your life

And then when I came back home and restarted this article, everything just flows because I’ve finally made peace with the Scottish Weather, with the help of my very inspiring dog.

Interior Design and Feng Shui as a Soul Journey

Before I’ve decided to rebrand as Imrama Space, I’ve done thorough research on what Imrama actually means. I worried that as an uncommon celtic word, Imrama might fail to translate my brand essence, especially among the many talented interior designers in Edinburgh and in the UK. The more I researched on it, the more I’m drawn to this word - meaning voyage, journey, even though you are not sure what your destination is. I can’t shake the feeling that this is basically the faith we require before we embark on interior design or feng shui.

The beauty and the power of any soul journey (whether it’s a pilgrimage or a lovely meditation by spiritual teacher Rebecca Campbell) is that you never quite know what you’ll experience. You keep an open heart, take the leap of faith, following the guidance from Universe to reach a place - most of the time you don’t even know what that place is!

And isn’t it what interior design and Feng shui is?

Although you can hire interior designer who can do realistic 3D rendering, or create beautiful mood board, they are all imitations, and projection of what you’ll experience. How you will eventually experience when the furniture is moved in, wall is painted, accessories are placed can so often time be drastically different. The decision to design or Feng shui your home is a courageous one, because the result is largely unknown - so please give yourself a big round of applause when you decide to embark on this journey.

You keep an open heart,

take the leap of faith,


following the guidance of the Universe

Imrama means voyage in sea

You are embracing new vibrations

The courage to have a newly designed and Feng shui home should not be undermined. Firstly, you are welcoming new changes, new vibrations. Change is scary, but you are doing it. That definitely deserves opening of champagne!

New discoveries about yourself

Secondly, you are bound to experience new-found knowledge about yourself, your family, your soul home, mysteries of the universe while undergoing the design soul journey. When I started any project, I take the time to understand my clients, and so often I hear something like, “I never thought about that before! That’s very interesting”.

To learn and unlearn knowledge about your desires can be quite intimidating, especially when you thought that your understanding of yourself is complete and thorough. The thing is, do not let it scare you. You are foreverly growing, foreverly shedding the old layers. All these new discoveries about yourself help you to manifest a most-suited live

Trusting the process

Whether you hire an interior designer or not, there’s no guarantee the outcome will be exactly how you visualise at the beginning. When it comes to redecoration and renovation, many things could go wrong. For example, you might realise that a particular wall requires major plastering that is out of your budget, prompting you to make an alternative decision. It requires so much trust to the Universe that the end result is what you need.

It is same with Feng shui. Even though you hire the most successful and celebrated Feng shui master in the world, it is not possible to have a clear key performance index like in the corporation word. Say if you are attracting abundance, you wouldn’t be able to know if it comes in the form of clients, investment gains or a new child. You just never know, all you can do is surrender to the process and trust that whatever comes is what best serves you at that very moment

Ultimately, it is your journey….

Oracle card from Gabby Bernstein. She had a wonderful article on spiritual surrendering

Because there are so many unknowns, the soul journey of interior design and Feng shui is an exciting one, yet terribly nerve-wracking, and that’s why as soul space co-creator is needed. I tend to see myself as a soul space co-creator rather than an interior designer or feng shui consultant, because this is your own exclusive journey. My role is help you create a new canvas in life using my experience and skills. I can help you by guiding you through meditation and oracle cards, offering you practical advice, and emotional support but ultimately it is your journey. and it will be a very beautiful one.

If you would like to find out more how I can support you, take a look at my packages or book a initial complimentary call with me. Looking forward to helping you to reach your soul home!

Connect with the wisdom of your home when you move in

Now that the property market in Scotland has reopened, I see that a lot of us are planning to move houses. The lockdown has made us reconnect with our home, and prompted us to reexamine our relationship with our home, and undoubtedly come to review the interior design and decoration in our home.

These are some questions that people came to ponder during lockdown, whether you’re in a historical city like Edinburgh, or in a metropolitan city like New York.

When we view a property, we can feel the energy it embodies

1. Do I feel uplifted by my home, by this land?

2. What is missing in my home?

3. What energy would I like to invite to my home?

4. Where do I want to move to?

5. What environment would help me grow?

When we view a property, whether virtual viewing or physically present in that space, we can usually feel the energy it embodies. The energy left by the previous inhabitants, the energy by the land itself, the energy of the city it is in. Before you decide to curate your home and making purchases, it is always beneficial to connect with the wisdom, spirits, energies of the home. If you don’t know the design direction, the first thing you should do is not to mindlessly scroll on Pinterest, but to quietly hear the wisdom your home is telling you.

The way to hear the wisdom is to spend time with it. In Feng Shui and Chinese culture, we often select an auspicious date when we completed a purchase (rent) of the property, move into a property, or when we start to renovate, this is a respect for the beings in the land, as well as welcoming good fortune.

Simple home initiation ritual

I find that it is extra potent if we complete a simple ritual and ceremony to connect with the wisdom on our home on one of the auspicious day. When we receive the key to the property, take a look and notice any energy. How does your body feel? Is there a room where you don’t feel comfortable?

There are different kinds of incense. Pick whatever you feel drawn to. When I performed a ritual for others, I usually tune into the person’s energy. When I perform one for myself or family, I just use classic Chinese incense

The ceremony is really simple. In the 4 directions of your home, light up an incense, give offerings such as fruits, chocolate (whatever that represents abundance to you) say a prayer. I always find the best prayer is the one that comes from the heart. If you know your personal kua number, pay particular attention to those directions, and make a prayer according to what that direction represents

Give thanks to those who have previously lived in the property, the land

Whether you believe or not, the energy of the previous inhabitants of the house could linger for a longer time than you thought. Some would find a Feng shui master to perform a ceremony, but I find that acknowledging their presence, their experience is sufficient most of the time.

Give gratitude to the piece of land the building or the house is situated; for thousands years, countless spirits, human, and energies have been there. In a way, it is like you are a new employee, and it is just normal for you to introduce yourself to the other colleagues. It is the same concept

Engage in a conversation

This might push you out of your comfort zone especially if you are sceptical to spiritual practice. However I find it very helpful for us to get insights and guidance on interior design, where to place certain things. Just tune in to the energy, meditate and see if there are any messages come across. The spirits have wisdom for you to connect.

This is especially useful for those who have no clues or who are indecisive about how to create a soul space, the message always comes from the heart. And there’s no harm to ask for guidance.

Moving is exciting and can be quite overwhelming at the same time. I have moved 3 times in the last 2 years and every time when I connected with the wisdom, I feel protected, inspired, ultimately making the soul space curation a lot easier.

If you are moving and in needs of some Feng shui consultation or interior design package, send me a message! Would be lovely to know your soul space journey.

Cure cosmic homesickness for Mintakan in your home

With all the retrogrades going on, I feel inclined to turn inwards. Together with the sun in nurturing motherly Cancer, I come to reflect on the importance of home. Not only the physical house but also the idea of home - Where we belong, where we originate, where our soul comes from.

While I was shuffling the work your light card by Rebecca Campbell, the card Mintakan jumps out. Mintaka is one of the brightest stars in the constellation Orion (some 1200 lightyears away from the earth, and it’s easily visible to the naked eye. Although the concept of incarnation from another planet might be intimidating to some, I think it’s a universal human need to have a sense of belonging and so often empaths need a truly safe home to recharge. With this card appears, I feel it’s an invitation for us to look into the cosmic homesickness, to reflect the origins of our soul, and to cure and accept the homesickness, right at our home, our safe soul space

The Mintakan card that I pulled from Rebecca Campbell’s Work your Light Deck

The way to cure this cosmic homesickness for Mintakan is not to create a dreamy space by going overboard with spirituality-inspired decors, instead, it is to create a nurturing and safe space that allows you to explore your deepest soul.

It is to accept that we are here right now, to be present with all the insecurities, uncertainties, weirdness, awkwardness, Follow below steps see if you feel more a sense of home

Journal what a sense of belonging looks like

If you feel you don’t belong, why? List out all the experiences, encounters that make you feel like an outsider. Back at boarding school I channel my anger, discomfort to my writings, and put my longings and desires to writing. I think already I have sowed the seeds of how I wanted my future home to look like back when I was struggling to fit in

Gather support at your home using decor items

I’m a major sucker for throws. Even today, the hottest day of the year, I cover myself with throws as I feel held and supported. As if it is the magic carpet from Aladdin that helps me transport elsewhere. There is also a little jellyfish paperweight that provokes sense of wonder every time I look at it, almost like a crystal ball that can hypnotise me to another realm.

It sounds very woo woo, but never underestimate the power of your senses. When you truly tune into it, it can bring you joy, safety, wonder and sense of belonging

A Meditation corner can be as simply as a few floor cushions, with your favourite plant.

accept that we are here right now, to be present with all the insecurities, uncertainties, weirdness, awkwardness

Sketch your ideal home

When I start an interior design project, I ask my clients questions on what their dream home look, colour, furniture, energy flow. Although it might not be possible for you to completely renovate your home at the moment, by sketching it out or visualising your ideal home, you are one step closer to bring yourself truly home. Alternatively, do a vibration board and starting from there, you will begin to paint a picture of a safe, nourishing home

Connect with your spirit guides at your sacred corner at home

We are all humans and there is just so much we can do. Since I find spirituality, the knowledge that I am not alone and I have the support of spiritual guides, divine, God (however word you feel suitable to call the power that is bigger than us ) is the most comforting at all. When I am feeling disconnected with the environment, with the news around me, I go to my sacred corner and connect with them, pray, meditate.

It is a universal human needs to feel a sense of belonging

Where do you belong?

I created this sacred corner during Summer Solstice. And today, when I am feeling the yearning of belonging, I pray here

My sacred corner is not like a fortune teller’s tent, indeed it is extremely ordinary. A rug from cult furniture, several cushions, my comfy throw. Sometimes I’ll light an incense, or candle, and then I’ll just lie down on the floor, say my prayer and feel the sweet nourishments from the divine and let my whole heavy self be held by my guides

If you identify as a Mintakan like me, I hope the above suggestions would bring you closer to home. I pray that you know that you are not alone, sisters or brothers. We might be in different part of the world, but we probably originate at the same source. Know that you are not alone, if you want a chat, I’m here

Mirror, Mirror, Who am I? Exploring mirror in feng shui design

A lot of people have a love-hate relationship with mirror. We need it to make sure our appearance is presentable before we go out of our house, so it’s a necessity. Equally, the mirror displays our imperfection, reflecting what we dislike about ourselves. I’m always a little scared of mirrors, I always feel it’s a confrontation and I am not comfortable with the messages she’s telling me. I know that I’m not alone in this and mirror really does have an erring quality into it, and that’s why it’s such an important object when it comes to interior design and Feng Shui.

Mirror enlarges a space

With its reflective nature, a mirror can enlarge a small space. That’s why you can often see the use of mirror in a hallway or in a small apartment. Immediately space feels a lot more expansive and an enlarged space usually create extra comfort.

A mirror has reflective surface, doubling whatever it displays, what are your mirrors doubling? Harmony, or argument? Definitely questions we need to think about

One of the positions a mirror is recommended by Feng shui is placing it in the dining room. Dining room is where people gather, where happiness is enhanced. It is also where food is shared. By having a mirror there, it’s reflecting the food that you have on your table, meaning you are doubling your abundance. That being said, since mirror is essentially doubling whatever you have, be careful with the guests you invite to your home. It’ll be great if you share a similar vibe and have a happy occasion, the mirror would be doubling the happiness! Equally, if they are bringing in negative energy (chi), the negativity will double and linger in the space.

Mirror in bedroom

We need to be extremely careful about where to place the mirror in the bedroom. Since it’s doubling whatever is reflecting, you wouldn’t want it to face the bed as it is inviting other people to be present in the bedroom. No one would want it as bedroom is an intimate place between you and your partner. Besides, a lot of us will feel quite startled to look at our own reflection when we suddenly wake up in the middle of the night.

Very often there’s a need to place a mirror in the bedroom as our clothes are also stored there. I’d always recommend a mirror that’s not too overwhelming, perhaps something with a rattan frame as it projects peacefulness and bring in an earthy energy. I’d also recommend you to place it in a more discreet position where it does not face your bed directly. If there’s no other place for the mirrors to be placed but facing the bed, make sure you cover it with a cloth at night so that your sleep would not be disturbed.

This is not what a soul space should be although the overall atmosphere is nice! Don’t have your mirror facing your bed.

Mirror on top of fireplace

Fireplace is often the focal point of a home. Traditionally it’s where people gather and conversation is exchanged. The general rule of thumb is to avoid placing a mirror on top of the fire place. Mirror is a water energy, and fireplace is fire energy. The two might clash creating conflicts. In my previous home in Edinburgh, I have placed a mirror on top of the fireplace as I was still not pursuing Feng shui back then, and I’ve never wanted to spend my time in the living room…now I know why!

That said, a mirror on top of a fireplace might be beneficial if your fireplace is in a certain direction, based on your individual kua number.

Mirror on top of fireplace is generally regarded as a clash of energy in feng shui. However, it can still work if your fireplace is in a direction that’s good with your kua

I like this mirror in oak wood from John Lewis. It’s very versatile and I always love bringing a bit of nature into home

Mirror is scary, but at the same time I find it very fascinating. It’s the reflective aspect that’s fascinating. What do you see in the mirror? Do you see a beautiful you? Do you see someone with flaws? When I looked at the mirror this morning, I see someone with flaws, but I love her wholeheartedly. Perhaps take sometimes in front of the mirror, see what she tells you. Send me a message, or book a discovery call. Would love to know what your mirror tells you.

My home teaches my something surprising: Acceptance

As an interior stylist, you’d think that my home would be perfect; the right colour, the right combination of textures, the impeccable flow of energy. Sometimes when I scroll aimlessly on instagram, I’m amazed at how perfect other interior designers’ homes are. Whether they are in Edinburgh, in Dublin, in the state, these interior designers seem to have the perfect home. Everything is just spot on. The correct wallpaper, the carefully curated storage solutions, put it simply, it’s just together.

My dear interior designer fellow told me “Comparison is the thief of Joy” It can’t be more right. The whole time since I decided to work solo as an interior designer, I’ve tortured myself on an endless journey of comparison, and ultimately suffocating myself with a massive heaviness of inferiority.

Part of the reasons is I just couldn’t seem to take a good picture of my home to post on social media. I would not dare to use the hashtag #myperfecthome when I put the pictures on. Firstly, I rent so there’s a lot of limitation I need to work around with when I designed my home. Secondly, I moved into my husband’s bachelor pad after we got married, and in a crazily short timeframe. So I wouldn’t say it’s a well thought through interiors.

Does it mean that I’m not a good soul space creator? No. It simply means that I didn’t execute this project in the same manner I usually would. When I worked on my client’s project, I tended to put way more effort, from mood board curation, to floor plan planning, etc.

Yeah…so I have not been putting up pictures of my home. One huge thing that bothers me is the wood chip wallpaper.

I mean, wood chip wallpaper. Yup. No single interior designer would live in a flat with wood chip wallpaper.

But, do I love my home? Oh yes, wholeheartedly. And I know that staying here is the best for my family right now.

And today while I was chatting with a reader of my blog, I came to realise that our home can teach us a big soul lesson: Acceptance.

Finally, today, after moving in for more than half a year, I’ve accepted the wood chip wallpaper that has bothered me. And indeed I’m so grateful for it; because it has taught me a valuable lesson both as a soul led entrepreneur but also an interior designer. Sometimes, we just need to accept. Without acceptance, we could not live a soulful life, we will always struggle to feel safe, balanced, peaceful.

Comparison is the thief of Joy

I’ve spent some time today reflecting on this wood chip wallpaper; its awkward texture, its sneaky look that is just on your face all the time. I wondered why on earth it would be popular in the 1980s. I can’t see how it can be beautiful, I just can’t. But instead of constantly telling myself that my home is not instagrammable because of the wood chip wallpaper, I should just accept that this wood chip wallpaper is a component of my home, but it does not define my whole home, my aesthetic sense, my value and identity as a soul space creator.

So here it is, my bedroom with wood chip wallpaper. Colour painted in French Gray from Farrow & Ball. Bed from John Lewis.

Actually, when I tell this wood chip wallpaper, “hey you, I know you’re here to stay. I know I won’t be able to change it. I accept you” I feel an immense sense of relief. As if I’ve begun a new relationship with my home, and with myself. I felt that I’m way more connected, and I suddenly find that my vases and books with the wood chip wallpaper at the back can actually be quite interesting.

More importantly, I feel much more at peace with my home. I’m just not bothered with it. I love my home. There’s no more holding back.

And yes, once I decide to accept it, I’m posting the picture here, and my Instagram. Acceptance gets you to the next step in your life at your home. Trust me, when you accept the imperfection at your home, the energy instantly shifts, and your home would become a stronger shelter for you.

So, please completely remove the idea that there’s a perfect home, perfect interiors or perfect feng shui. PERFECTION JUST DOES NOT EXIST. Accept what you can’t change, and you’ll find the inner peace that we so need, and I would love to see you have a healthy, beautiful relationship with your surroundings.

What makes me

First (Proper) Blog since I relaunched this website in January, 2019.

Finally. After spending a long time thinking what to write.

Then a dear friend of mine that I should write about how my background and my experience affect my interior design style. It’s my one year anniversary in Edinburgh on Saturday.. It was my yearning for space and my passion for creating personalised interiors that brought me to the Scottish Capital.

I was sitting quietly, reflecting on my growth and changes and I come to realise how much my childhood, my heritage affect my interiors style

Victorian Harbour in Hong Kong, where I lived before relocating to the Scottish capital. The busyness, the streets, the human connection have always inspired me,

Smart use of space

HK is one of the most expensive and packed city in the world. The average home size in Hong Kong is 484 square feet (45 square meters) so since childhood I’m taught to be clever with the use of space. I don’t recall having a home with dedicated study/ storage space. Utilising every space possible has been crucial to a comfortable living. As much as I dreaded it, I had no choice but to place boxes of letters, photos underneath my bed that I customised. Extra blankets, beddings are always stored at the top drawer, fully using all the height.

Although I’m now in a city where space is less scarce, this is still a very useful skill. I’m almost trained to organise things in a certain ways to maximise the sense of space. No one wants to go home to see things lying around. Just adding a drawer or a small box in the cupboard (and a bit of self discipline!!) could create a peaceful space without clutter

A set of storage boxes are useful to place things that are rarely taken out. Also, this set from Beautify is also very pretty to look at :) Making you more inclined to sort out your things !

When I was living with my parents we built a bar tables. To increase storage space we make cupboards next to it where we can also use the counterop for displaying bottles

The need for Sanctuary

As one of the economic centres in the world, Hong Kong is truly a city that never stops. Shops open till 9, if not 10pm everyday. Stress is basically something that everyone deals with on a daily basis. Everyday when I was on my commute, trapped in the MTR with my body right next to someone’s shoulder, I longed for the moment in my bedroom where I could recharge. It’s the busyness, the distractions that makes it even more important to have that moment, that space where you can feel truly connected, inspired. Because of my busy working life back home, I understand fully the importance of creating a comforting, calming, inspiring space and that’s what I wish to help my clients create the sanctuary

Image by Unsplash

People at heart

I’m fortunate enough to work with interesting people globally. Going to rural village in Thailand opened up my eyes - they have a different attitude to art, life. They brought their beliefs into crafting some of the most beautiful ceramic vases I’ve seen. The different shapes and colours are almost a symbolism of humanity. In the design industry, it’s key to form a harmonious relationship with people, and space. To me, design is really about people;, how to inspire, energise them? How to make them happier when they are upset? I guess it’s also my background in an international busy city like Hong Kong that makes me put people in front of everything else. An interiors will only be a good one if it is actively interacting with the people within. As cliche as it sounds, does it spark joy?

Ilse Crawford is my all time favourite designer. She designed the Cathay Pacific first-class lounge in Hong Kong. She carefully considers the needs of airport passenger and create a place for them to relax and recharge

Fusion of different styles

Hong Kong is a mixture of old & new, eastern & western. We have old Chinese styles temples dated hundred years ago, and every year there’s seem to be a new tall skyscraper entering the already-busy Victorian skyline. I grow up watching both local and western movies and I’m intrigued by both Eastern and Western culture. I like how both cultures interpret nature in a very different way. This uniqueness affect my style - I really like to mix different features from both culture. For example, I like to put a traditional Chinese urn next to some western handcrafted ceramic vase with victorian pattern. As long as you give some careful thoughts while curating the collection, the result is often a very pleasing one (of course, you can hire an interior stylist! contact me if there’s anything I can help!)

Photo credit: One King’s Lane