According to Wikipedia, the definition of workplace stress is: ‘The harmful physical and emotional response that occurs when there is a poor match between job demands and the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.’
 
With added responsibilities many people are wearing several hats, and working 9 to 5 surely seems like a thing of the past. 

Increased hours are needed just to keep up with the pressures of fast paced technology and social media. 

Remote employees often find themselves putting in more time at home than if there were physically in the office.
 
From a feng shui perspective, environmental conditions such as poor air quality, fluorescent or other harsh lighting, noise, and even work stations that do not have an ergonomic set up, all play a huge part in creating stress. 
 
Peace of mind and feelings of safety are just as important at work as they are at home.

A Room with a View

Desk placement is of utmost significance in office feng shui.  The intention is to feel ‘supported’ at your desk by having your back face a wall (rather than a window or open area).

Having exposed spaces behind us as we work can cause distraction or uneasiness, putting us on guard. 

A way to bring in supportive energy and empowerment is to hang a picture of a mountain or landscape behind you.  

If you are in an open cubicle with a path behind your chair, creating an energetic barrier with furniture or plants will give you a better sense of security. 

Reflection from a mirror or shiny object that is strategically placed can prevent others from ‘sneaking’ up on you.

For any folks who work at home, please be sure to separate your work area from your personal space.  You can designate boundaries easily enough with partition screens or plants.  

Reboot your Body 

Night is yin/quiet energy and day is yang/active energy.  Get adequate sleep to bring your body back to its natural balance of yin and yang.  Insomnia, or excessive yang, is an inability to recharge.  It is important to determine how many hours you need to feel restored and productive.      

Mood Lighting 

Reduce the strain of fluorescent glare by adding a task lamp.  Go online for full-spectrum bulbs as they closely mimic natural light. 

Elemental Balance 

Irritability and anger could be an imbalance of the wood element.  Healthy plants help to mitigate these detrimental emotions.  They also clean toxic air. 

Let it Flow

Water in feng shui symbolizes money.  Add a tabletop fountain or beach scene to the entryway of your space (north corner of the bagua). This yin element also helps to offset yang energies found in work spaces.
 
Got (Good) Chi?

We are affected by the energy in all things.  Clutter breeds chaos and stress.  Organize and clear off your desk.  Give yourself breathing room by keeping only what is used daily.  No piles on the floor, please!  Don’t forget about digital de-cluttering.  ’Out with old’ means ‘in with new’…thoughts, energy, opportunities, etc!  

Get Personal 

Create a sense of belonging at work by having things that you own and love.  The view as you look out from your desk is a main focal point.  Add something motivational or conceal what is unsightly.  Blue reduces tension.  Black is calming. Flowers make us happy.  

Get (Tao) Connected  

Go outside daily for small breaks to reconnect with the natural rhythm of nature. Natural light and fresh air alleviates anxiety.

De-stress through Gratitude

Decrease the negative; increase the positive.  Rather than ruminate on the undesirables, come up with two positives for every negative.

Finally, try to maintain a sense of humor.  What better way is there to relieve tension than a good belly laugh?

Research indicates that 20 million people in the U.S. are suffering from some form of depression.

While this is a staggering statistic to digest, it does not sound so far-fetched when you consider the over stimulating world in which we live.

Factor in that most folks spend their working days in front of computer screens under fluorescent lighting with recirculating air, and it is no wonder that lethargy and despondency are so common. 

It’s time to follow nature’s lead and get yourself outside and play.    

In feng shui, each season is associated with an element. Spring brings in wood energy, which represents new beginnings.   Summer corresponds with the fire element.  From fire comes action. 

Natural light and fresh air can make such a difference in your life.  It can help you increase your level of energy and decrease your level of stress. 

Here are some feng shui tips for getting yourself out in nature. 

If you are in a slump and lacking motivation, there is a cure… sunlight. With its yellow color, sunshine evokes feelings of joy and warmth and releases the feel-good hormone serotonin. Nature is handing us an organic healing drug for free – why not get out there and take it?

Next time you go for the car keys stop and ask yourself if walking or bike riding is a viable option. Every bit of outdoor exercise will energize you.

Look for ways to find even the smallest window of alone time. Dawn is excellent for a short meditation, which can serve as a wonderfully grounding way to start your day.

Stay in touch with nature by creating an outdoor seating area. This little retreat can be a patio, porch or corner of your yard. Space permitting, use it for dining out! 

Find a local park and encourage a friend to join you for daily walks. As it becomes routine, you will motivate each other. 

Start a mini garden, even if it is one planter. Studies reveal that flowers trigger happy emotions. Plant and give yourself a be well bouquet. 

Grow your own…herbs. Basil is not just for fresh pesto, it can relieve headaches. Mint refreshes drinks and reduces hunger. Rosemary helps to improve mental clarity. Parsley is more than a garnish; it is also an antioxidant. 

A vegetable garden allows you to eat foods that are chemical-free. You will find yourself spending more time outdoors as you care for them and watch them grow.

If planting isn’t your thing, shop at local farm markets for fresh produce. There are a variety of benefits including a healthier diet consisting of organic/pesticide-free food, the support of local business, and the social interaction /connection with others from your community as you spend time outdoors.

Check out the stars and take a moonlight stroll. 

What about yoga on the beach?

Just think of all the ways you can spend time outside connecting with nature!

Kailua-Kona is a magical land located on the West Coast of The Big Island of Hawaii.

It was my privilege to spend a glorious vacation swimming with wild spinner dolphins and experiencing the stunning corals, fish, turtles, and humpback whales who call this gorgeous island their home.

The instantaneous bonding of love and oneness that I felt deep in my soul as I integrated with pods (groups) of dolphins in the healing waters of Kona is something words cannot describe. 

These very playful and social creatures are pure love, joy, and wisdom. 

Their cohesive behavior is a clear parallel to one of the most important aspects of feng shui – the Tao connection. 

Taoism teaches us that we are all connected.  From a feng shui perspective, who we are is influenced by where we are, and our interaction and relationship with the natural world is crucial for happiness and health. 

I thought it would be fun to tap into the playful and wise dolphin energy and see what they might teach us about feng shui using the bagua.

Considered a mapping tool, the bagua reveals how different areas in our space are connected to specific aspects of our lives.  Hold it so that the bottom sectors, Wisdom, Self, and Helpful People, are aligned with the entry to a room (as if you are facing towards it and about to step in.) 

If you see an area that you would like to enhance, see tips for incorporating corresponding color and elements.

Using the bagua, feng shui tips that dolphins might share! 

You have all that you need.
Self Empowerment
Prosperity and abundance 
Purple, Red, Green, Gold, Wood, Water 

Respect all of nature, yourself and others. Lead by example.
Future
Integrity and honor
Red, Fire, Wood

Share your feelings.  Choose equality, love, kindness. 
Accept each other.
Relationships
Unconditional love
Pink, Red, Earth, Fire

Let’s get along with others.  Think pods–not being at odds.
Community/Family
Interconnectedness
Green, Black, Blue, Wood, Water

Eat what is in your environment. Support local farm markets. Be aware of your breath.
Mind Body Spirit
Health and diet
Yellow, Brown, Orange, Earth, Fire

Play, be flexible; jump for joy…just because. 
Creativity
White, Yellow, Metal, Earth

Teach and protect the young ones.  Meditate for inner peace.
Wisdom
Clarity and faith
Blue, Black, Green, Earth

Be inspired and fearless.  Do what you love. Allow.
Self – The Journey
Self-actualization and grace
Black, Blue, Water, Metal

Be compassionate towards yourself and others. Smile.
Helpful People
Support and selflessness
Silver, Gray, White, Black, Metal, Water

Let’s learn from these intelligent, non-judgmental, and playful beings.  Feel free to email me with any questions:  susan@balanceyoursurroundings.com

Mohala i ka wai ka maka o ka pua.

Unfolded by water are the faces of flowers. Flowers thrive where there is water, as thriving people are found where living conditions are good.  

Hawaiian Saying

On the East Coast the snow is finally melted and there is but a hint of spring in the air. 

With morning birds chirping and daffodils sprouting tiny buds, I am so ready to trade in my fleece gloves for gardening gloves!

Give me just that little extra bit of daylight and I can already feel my energy increasing as we move from the stillness of winter to the growth energy of early spring.  All these subtle changes are gentle reminders of how much nature affects our behavior. 

Feng shui, literally translated as wind and water, is about how we respond to our environments. Imagine energy (or chi) flowing like wind and water in your home. Through this mental exercise, try to identify places where chi might get stuck.  

As we transition into spring, it is a perfect time to inventory our homes, clear any blockages, and rid ourselves of anything that is no longer needed or useful.   Starting slowly, here are some areas to focus on.

Getting the Skeletons (etc) Out of the Closet

Sort through clothes and footwear and give away/donate anything that you haven’t worn during the winter season.   This includes belts, hats, gloves, scarves – even jewelry.  A general rule of thumb is that if it hasn’t been used in the last year, it’s time to go. 

Need some motivation?  Remind yourself that letting go of old things only opens the space for the new.

Slaying the Paper Tiger

You can do it.  Get rid of that daunting pile.  I have to tell you…in a typical scenario of the shoemaker’s kids having no shoes, a year or so ago I came upon a giant bin of ancient bills and miscellaneous paperwork that was somehow hidden in a far away corner of my attic. 

I was stunned to find such cords to the past.  It was a trip down memory lane, for sure, and often times not exactly pleasant.  But, the joy and liberation I experienced going thru hours of shredding every little piece of paper was simply indescribable.  It was like I was deleting and rewriting history.    

Living by the Book(s)

We all have favorite books that we go back to over and over and continue to learn from.  But, beware.  Some books have a way of finding a spot and refusing to budge.  If you are holding onto too many of them, perhaps you are limiting yourself to the certain belief system they represent  Maybe you are too rigid in your thinking, which could prevent you from seeing different perspectives. 

Keep the ones that you use and recycle/give away the others.  Keep in mind, there’s always the library.  Separation anxiety?  Go visit them. 

Food for Thought

When was the last time you went through your pantry, kitchen cabinets or refrigerator?  If you happened to have a weak moment at a can-can sale, make a much needed donation to your local food bank.  Also, check use-by dates on all that stuff  hidden in dark places. 

(While you are at it, take into consideration kitchen gadgets, you know the ones that sounded so fabulous in the infomercials.)

Is the Medicine Worse than the Malady?

Toiletries have a way of reproducing themselves.  Bathroom closets and medicine cabinets are huge breeding grounds for clutter.  This adds stress to a room that is meant to make us feel refreshed.  From a health risk aspect, check for expired medications and makeup that may be outdated.

Again, don’t forget those abandoned lotions and potions that didn’t  quite do the trick.

Gearing Up for Spring

We’ve been insulated all winter breathing recycled air.  As the days become warmer open the windows and circulate fresh air.  This will help to release any stale chi.

As human beings we have a natural affinity to nature.  Make it a habit of taking walks.  Your body and soul will be grateful.

Mother Earth goes thru the process of change without resistance.  Follow her lead and make the changes necessary to create a space that has free flowing energy. 

Use the decluttering approach of feng shui to free your home…and mind of useless clutter.

In feng shui, the element for this season is water.  With its introspective energy, water is considered yin. 

In a quiet state, we turn inward and nurture ourselves as we prepare for the approaching newness of spring. 

Emotionally, a new year offers a clean slate.  What better time is there for a little life review?  No pressure; no declarations.  Just some suggestions for potentially improving your lifestyle.

Change Your Mind

Negative thinking is very detrimental.  It keeps us stuck in old patterns and behaviors.  Make it a point to really listen to your thoughts.  Remind yourself that each thought is powered by you, and only you can change them to become the person you want to be! 

Change Your Space

The simple act of adding or removing something in a personal space frees up energy, space and time for new things to come in.  Everything has a certain vibrational energy.  Lower energies come from things that are unwanted, unused, broken and unloved.  Releasing what no longer serves you brings in positive energy and a true sense of renewal. 

Change Your Eating

Alter your diet so that it aligns with the season. Warm the body by eating hearty soups, stews, whole grains, root vegetables and squash.  Avoid cold liquids and food.  Being in harmony with the natural world helps us to maintain good health.

Change Your Pace

Follow nature’s lead and slow it down.  Stress wreaks havoc on the immune system.  Get adequate sleep to restore and replenish your body, but be sure to connect with nature by spending time outside in fresh air and sunshine.  Find the balance.

Change Your Routine

Clutter causes stress, potential health issues, de-motivation and lethargy.  Its stale energy prevents us from moving forward in life, making it harder to make necessary changes and accomplish goals.  Eliminate things that are not important.  Releasing stuck energy will get you out of a rut and inspire you to do the things that do matter.

Change Your Need to Control

Loosening the reigns and trusting in the universe empowers us.  The process of letting go brings in clarity and focus.  We can then trust the decisions we make as we choose what and even who we want to live with.   

Change Your Life

Winter is all about reflective yin energy.  Use this opportune time to assess what works in your life – both literally and figuratively.

May you experience peace, balance, excellent health, prosperity and love in 2011!

I identified the problem to be that I was both wired and tired at the same time – a strange cycle of somewhat opposing feelings.  This deduction made me think about yin and yang, which are described in feng shui as the extreme opposites of each other. 

Yin is considered quiet/cool energy and relates to winter, while yang is more active/hot and is associated with summer. 

It turned out that taking into consideration the possible implications of a yin/yang imbalance brought me right to the heart of the matter. 

Because I am a warm weather person I have a tendency to let cold winter weather lessen the time I spend outdoors, which is exactly what I was doing. 

It was like my body just wanted to tap into the yin-like energy of winter and remain quietly inside, but on the flip side it craved that vital connection to nature and just knew it needed to get out there and feel more alive – hence the wired state.

I decided to go for it and got bundled up preparing myself to spend the day outside. I started by raking leaves and it wasn’t long before a sense of peace kicked in.

Just taking in the sun and filling my lungs with fresh air snapped me right out of my lethargy.  Sound and activity from chirping birds energized me and brought in the liveliness of yang.

Feeling the cold and solid earth beneath me satisfied my need for yin as I kneeled to clear out flower beds.  I was amazed to realize that the very thing I was avoiding (being outside in the cold) ended up to be what grounded and balanced me. 

As I gathered leaves from around my lavender plant, it graciously released that distinctly soothing aroma to instantly calm me.  What a simple and beautiful offering. 

I felt so restored and rejuvenated that when I was done with the leaves I went and took an extended walk on the beach! 

The Taoist philosophers were certainly onto something.  Working hand in hand with the rhythms of nature, feng shui not only teaches how important balanced yin/yang energies are, but also reminds us that the Tao connection – our interaction and exposure to the natural world – is essential for overall health and happiness. 

How blessed we are to be gifted with the healing properties and wonders of nature.

Accepting the change in seasons and learning to appreciate the beauty each one has to offer is a way of honoring nature and trusting in the natural rhythm of life. 

In a state of surrender, I was recently clearing my deck and bringing in plants to protect them from the cold.  I was alarmed by one’s broken branch, but my concern soon turned to intrigue as it allowed me to notice the beautiful intricacy of the leaves.

It got me thinking about how Mother Earth is constantly nourishing us and tending to our senses.  She paints a beautiful landscape through flowers, plants, shrubs and trees.  She feeds us with fresh fruits and vegetables. 

She heals our bodies through herbs and essential oils.  She offers aromatherapy that soothes us and awakens our olfactory senses.  She lets us walk all over her as our feet get massaged in ocean sand or fresh cut lawns.

We can learn a lot from her unconditional love.  Why wouldn’t we reciprocate by being loving and respectful in return?  Learning to respect nature and all things will inherently teach us how to respect ourselves and others. 

Feng Shui is about connecting with and imitating nature to maintain a balanced flow of chi (energy.)  Taoism is based on the desire to live in harmony with the natural world.  Combining the two led to the discovery that having comfortable and harmonious environments helps inhabitants to survive and thrive.  

We know that it is detrimental to stay in relationships that do not support us.  Similarly, when we consider that everything is comprised of energy, we can understand that surrounding ourselves with clutter or objects that are broken, unused or neglected creates an unhealthy environment. 

When we increase our awareness and take care of the objects in our space, we are demonstrating respect and gratitude, which brings in positive energy.   

When we choose to clean, paint or rearrange furniture/furnishings, we bring in new energy, which sets the stage for making desired changes in our lives. 

A key aspect of Feng Shui is the ‘tao’ or way of being in tune to nature.  Just as Mother Earth nourishes us, we can learn to show respect for all things – animate and inanimate – and create spaces that support us physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. 

Just think about the positive effects this could have on a global level.  I like this quote by John Muir:  “When one tugs at a single thing in nature, he finds it attached to the rest of the world.”

I enjoy a morning ritual of yoga and when weather permits I take my practice outside to my deck.  I find that connecting to nature immediately upon rising is a nurturing and grounding way for me to start my day.

At the break of dawn one morning, my auditory senses seemed to be more tuned in than usual as I became keenly aware of an amazing orchestra of sounds.

Against the soothing backdrop of water flowing from my fountain, there was the harmonic toning of crickets, the mewing sound of a catbird and the distinct cawing of crows.  Their individual contributions made me realize the impact that sound has on our experiences. 

A goal of feng shui is to engage our senses and become more aware of our environment.  By doing so, we can analyze how the energy in certain spaces make us feel, and incorporate beneficial changes.  

It is said that the sound of our mother’s body is the first sensory experience we have in the womb.  Before it can see or smell, a fetus can hear.  I think this is pretty amazing.

The use of bells and wind chimes is common in feng shui, primarily because their vibrations serve to change energy and purify a space. 

Research indicates that various types of sounds such as the human voice, music, drumming, lapping ocean waves and chirping birds all serve to heal the body.

Conversely, because we absorb the energy of sound, an environment filled with TV violence, loud/irritating noises or negative words can have detrimental effects including a rise in blood pressure, muscle tension and stress.

Consider the emotional impact that sound has on you.  Like most things in life, balance is the key. There are times you need the lively chatter of conversation as you connect and laugh with family and friends.  Other times you may need stillness so you can gather your thoughts or concentrate.  

Technology can be quite distracting and can lead to stress. Turning down the noise in your environment will help to turn down the noise in your mind. 

Check out CDs that use nature as instruments, or open the windows and let the real-time sounds of the natural world bring in a sense of community and calmness to your environment. 

Nature offers free sound therapy – what a shame if it falls on deaf ears.

Sensing energy fields is really what feng shui is all about.

Crystal therapy is a tool used in feng shui to help keep chi moving throughout a space.

As conduits of energy, crystals can project, receive and reflect light, helping to revitalize and cleanse our environments.

A goal of feng shui is to imitate nature.  By working with crystals we can make a connection with the spirit of nature and create spaces that are nourishing and healing.

Reportedly, the use of crystals for healing purposes goes as far back as Atlantis.  Ancient Egypt and Rome, as well as the Mayan civilization have also had many uses for them. 

Interestingly, there are over 200 references to crystals in the Bible.  Just about every culture around the globe has tapped into their power to support physical, emotional, spiritual and financial health.

What Makes These Treasures So Magical?

Science teaches us that everything is comprised of energy and that every object or thing has its own personal vibration.

Crystals are the visible expression of minerals.  Our bodies and diet are composed of minerals, which is why we resonate with certain crystals and can experience physical and/or emotional healing when they are placed within our energetic field.

When the human body gets sick or feels out of balance emotionally it changes our vibrations, but crystals are set in their formation so their vibration is stored and does not change. 

Acting as a healer, they generate and absorb energy from our etheric bodies. Crystal energy neutralizes negative vibrations, brings in light and raises the overall frequency resulting in a natural healing power.

Using Crystals as a Feng Shui Tool

Because crystals are alive with energy, their mere presence can enliven a space.  Bringing in light and energy to keep chi moving is very beneficial since unhealthy stagnation of chi can result in lethargy, depression or even sickness.

The bagua is a grid that correlates various areas of our homes with aspects of life.  Consider the magnifying impact that crystals have on the flow of energy and you can either hang them in a window or place them in locations (based on the bagua) to activate and enhance specific energies.

Please see the following examples of crystals and bagua placement.

Amethyst - purifies the aura; encourages spiritual wisdom.  Prosperity (red) left rear.

Garnet – stimulates passion, creativity and purpose.  Fame (red) central rear.

Rose Quartz – the love stone.  Helps to open and heal the heart.  Relationships (pink) right rear.

Jade - powerful stone for healing; aides in health issues.  Family (green) left center.

Citrine - attracts abundance and increases self esteem.  Brings in joy.  Health (yellow) center.

Clear Quartz – probably the most well-known stone.  Energizes a space creating balance, peace and harmony.  Children & Creativity (white) right center.

Lapis Lazuli – expands your senses; brings in awareness and balance.  Skills & Knowledge (blue) front left.

Black Tourmaline – dispels all forms of negativity.  Also mitigates negative vibrations from the electromagnetic fields of computers, TVs, etc.  Career (black) center front.

Moonstone – new beginnings; encourages positive change.  Helpful People (grey) front right.

Crystals absorb both positive and negative energy.  Therefore, it is important that they are cleansed prior to use, and on a regular basis.  Cleansing new crystals will reset its vibration so that it matches yours, and not that of previous owners. 

There are several techniques for clearing including placing them in water with sea salt, burying them in the earth or infusing them with sunlight or (full) moonlight.  Be sure to inquire as to the best cleansing method for your specific collection.

Learn to tune in to the subtle, yet beautiful earth energy of crystals. Clearly express your objectives to them through meditation.

Set intentions and be strategic about the areas in your life that need some improvement and let these precious gems work for you.

And don’t forget…you can apply the bagua map to add a little magic to your garden.  I am sure these elementals will be grateful for the opportunity to re-connect with Mother Earth and Father Sky.

My yard backs up to a bird sanctuary that is home to a forest and a wetland habitat.  As a feng shui practitioner and nature lover, I spend joyous hours reaping the benefits of  my environment while offering appreciation and taking in the wonders of Mother Nature.

One cold winter day, my dearest friend and I were sitting in my kitchen as she lovingly provided her support during a potentially challenging time (which thankfully turned out to have a positive outcome.)

All of a sudden she stood up and excitedly exclaimed that she just saw (what she thought was) an eagle.  She is an avid birdwatcher so even though this sighting would be relatively uncommon for the area, I pretty much believed her, and with good reason.

I swiftly grabbed my binoculars as we both ran for the deck.  At just the right moment, we were feasting our eyes on not one – but a pair of adult bald eagles as they were landing, in all their majesty, on top of an osprey platform in the sanctuary. 

Apparently, they were house-hunting and liked what they found because these first-time renters chose that platform as their nursery.

How blessed I felt!  For the next few months I was honored with the extraordinary privilege of observing the fascinating behavior of these awesome birds of prey on a daily basis.

One of the most important aspects of feng shui is “the Tao” or concept that we are all connected.  My eagle watching opportunities allowed me to experience this connection firsthand.  I became keenly aware of the vital life force of creation.

On an individual level, seeing and actually feeling  the  grace and strength of those eagles brought me into total alignment with feng shui, as I considered just how meaningful and important it was to have feelings of connectedness to the outside world.

As part of a community, guided by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Division, I was proud that we were all doing our part to show respect to this beautiful pair, who were very sensitive to human disturbance during the critical time of nest building, while educating others on how to compassionately and reverently give the new parents well-deserved privacy.

From an ecological standpoint, I was thrilled to have them as neighbors since it was a good indicator of the health of New Jersey’s environment.  Their mere presence signified positive energy/chi!

Feng shui is about getting in touch with our surroundings.  As we learn to sense the chi in all things and open our minds and hearts to what is around us, we can create spaces that are balanced and supportive.

I was taught many things while watching those spectacular birds.  In flight, they reminded me that freedom is our birthright, and that we can find the courage to reach new heights.

With intense stillness, they would spend hours perched in a tree exhibiting absolute patience and fortitude.  Clearly, they knew all about being in the present moment.

When nesting, they demonstrated sheer perseverance and unhurriedness as they (jointly) incubated their eggs with fierce dedication withstanding inclement wintry weather conditions.  Confidently and inherently, they understood how to abide by the laws of nature.

Unfortunately, as fate would have it, after more than a month of dutiful nesting it was determined that the egg(s) were not viable and there would be no babies this time round. 

This saddened me very deeply, but then I thought of the valuable life lessons being offered:  Experience Joy Now.   Respect Nature and All Living Things.  Just Be.  After all, the essence of feng shui is to follow nature’s lead to bring harmony and inspiration into our lives.   

Note:  During the 60′s & 70′s, bald eagles suffered due to the rampant use of DDT and other dangerous pesticides.  It is reported that the banning of DDT in 1972, combined with the legal protection they received from the Endangered Species Act of 1973, positively affected bald eagle recovery and comeback.  In 2007, they came off the list of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants, but are still protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and the Bald Eagle Protection Act.  May we learn from our mistakes as we continue to respect them, and all of God’s creatures.