I’m back from Amsterdam, and although, as a former New Yorker, I had planned to do some “light” work – like cleaning out my laptop and Google Drive – that was my goal. I had time off, but I still had to be productive, right? That’s the mindset of an overachieving New Yorker, child-of-immigrants kid.
So off I went to Amsterdam with this goal in mind: to sip coffee at a local café, working like a local.
It had been over 30 years since I’d been to Amsterdam, and with my memories faded, the city’s beauty completely took me by surprise. I stumbled upon a canal every other block – and I mean this literally – and the greenery, both city-planned and community-built, was incredible. Everywhere I turned, there was natural, intentional beauty softening and beautifying the front of someone’s home, a corner sidewalk, even the front of a houseboat.
Here are some photos to illustrate – and you know how I absolutely LOVE front entrances, as that’s where you welcome opportunities into your life, so beauty counts!
On another note, here’s something that really surprised me – people live on the FIRST floor (or ground floor, level 0, as they say in Europe). But for the sake of this article, I’ll refer to it as the first floor.
I’m a former New Yorker. We don’t usually seek out living on the first floor unless you have a massive, larger-than-your-dreams backyard. New Yorkers generally think that first floors are not safe. They generally have small or no windows and thus are dark. First-floor homes are where you put bars on the windows and triple-check your locks. You’re closer to the vermin, both large and small, and you definitely don’t get privacy.
But the Amsterdammers? They set me straight. Real straight.
After just one day, I was ready to move into the first first-floor apartment I saw. The outside of these homes were filled with flowers, potted plants, and benches inviting people to sit. And the windows? Huge and sparkly clean windows allowed beautiful light to stream through. They were also barely frosted or completely clear. You could see directly into their homes – usually their dining tables and kitchens – like a street-level slice of life – and no one seemed to mind. People were just enjoying their days, soaking up the sunshine and the energy streaming through those big, open windows.
Dang, what a surprising, and lovely, lesson.
And that’s not even counting the place I stayed. I’m part of Home Exchange, where people swap homes. It’s such a lovely concept – it requires flexibility, trust, and a little adventure. This was my first swap, and it was honestly a great experience. The home I stayed in had the most beautiful view of the canal – and not just of the canal, but was literally on the canal. And the space’s energy? – off the charts! If you want to experience Home Exchange, here’s my referral link . I don’t get any money for it. We both just get points for more home exchanges. Cool, right :)?
Back to the story – the Dutch minimalist approach, while not totally in line with my semi-maximalist personality (yes, a maximalist can be a Feng Shui consultant), really allowed my spirit to ground. Being in such a simple, calm space made me realize how much noise I live with every day. Without the clutter, both visual and mental, my thoughts finally had room to breathe. So while I was technically on a “working holiday,” I came back with something much more valuable than a cleared-out Google Drive. I came back completely inspired.
And now that I’m home, I’ve been thinking a lot about what travel can offer – beyond rest or escape. If you approach it with intention, travel can give you real clarity. The kind that changes how you live once you’re back.
Most of us are so used to “maximizing” our time off – checking off every restaurant, museum, and day trip – that we forget to actually rest. But what if your vacation wasn’t about doing it all, but about noticing what actually lights you up? The textures you’re drawn to, the pace that feels right, the kind of spaces that make you breathe easier. That’s not just a break – that’s information. When you pay attention, you come home with more than memories. You come home with clarity about what you want more of, what you’re ready to leave behind, and how you can start to bring those shifts into your everyday life.
Are you going on vacation this summer? If so, here are 3 tips to take with you to get some Feng Shui benefits, both during and after:
1. Let your environment speak to you
Notice what you’re drawn to – colors, textures, layouts, light. That sweet little café? That wild balcony garden? These are energetic clues. You’re not just admiring beauty; your spirit is responding to something it wants more of. Take notes! You can apply it to your life when you get back home.
2. Pack light, and come back even lighter
Not just your luggage, but your energy. Let your trip be a reset. What are you leaving behind? What can you let go of while you’re away so it doesn’t follow you home? Use the distance to drop what’s no longer yours to carry. Buh-bye unnecessary energy!
3. Re-enter with intention
Don’t rush back into “normal.” Crack open a window. Light something that feels grounding. Unpack with care. Let the energy you tapped into while you were away find a place in your home, and in whatever season you’re stepping into next. Time is your friend.
Feeling the pull to realign your environment – or your energy – after summer? Whether you’re back from a trip or just craving more spaciousness at home, I’d love to help. A good place to start is with a personalized AstroStrategy Session (formerly called the Chinese Astrology + Human Design reading) or a floorplan evaluation – and we’ll go from there.
Not sure what kind of support you need? Get in touch and let’s explore together.
