An Interview with Norma Lehmeier Hartie, Author of Harmonious Environment - Page 3

No.

So, if I decided that my house was unhealthy, how would I begin to change it? And what would be my biggest challenge?

First, make sure there is adequate ventilation. Do a deep cleaning, especially carpets and bedding. Replace toxic cleaning supplies and personal care products with non-toxic ones. If you have carpet, for example, understand that they do most of their environmental damage when new, as in outgassing for a year. So, you can wait until worn to replace carpet and furniture a then make green choices.

Avoid purchasing products that are made from petrochemicals, like plastic. Instead, purchase products as close to their natural state as possible.

Biggest challenge for most Americans is dealing with clutter — we have too much stuff and organizing is a real chore.

Oh gee! You’ve just described my house to a tee. And you are so right about those carpets. My youngest son came down with a bad case of headaches and congestion after we bought our new carpets. It was tough but we got rid of the carpet and his headaches went away. Before I forget, tell me what is the basis of feng shui? You mentioned that earlier.

When creating a harmonious space, think positive, life-affirming energy. The basis of Feng Shui is the proper flow of energy throughout a space. Think: if it feels and looks good, it is.

What spiritual journeys — if any — did you have to work through in order to finish it?

None. What was spiritual was writing the chapter on Harmonious Adjustments, as some of the revelations seems to come from higher sources.

So beauty and the spirit are very important in our daily life?

Yes. A study found that flowers make people happy. What is more beautiful than flowers?

Anything else you’d like to add?

Greening and beautifying one's home is deeply satisfying and not difficult.

True. Sometimes change is not as hard as we think. Thank you so much, Norma, for the interview .

You can visit Norma Lehmeier Hartie at Norma's Blog or Website.

Article Author: Carole McDonnell

Carole McDonnell's short stories and essays appear online and in print, in speculative fiction, ethnic, and Christian publications. She lives in New York with her husband, two sons, and their pets. Wind Follower, published by Juno Books in June 2007, …

Visit Carole McDonnell's author page — Carole McDonnell's Blog