It’s my first real summer in Paris.
I arrived in September 2022, and the summer of 2023? That was the Paris Olympics, remember? Doesn’t that seem like a gazillion years ago? Well, it’s not. It was just over a year ago, and the city was hustling and bustling. I had originally planned to leave the chaos (to Amsterdam!), but luckily, I stayed. Because the city turned out to be so fun.
What I didn’t know at the time was that I was getting a front-row seat to something rare last summer: an unforgettable, high-energy, once-in-a-decade (or maybe even lifetime?) kind of summer, which makes this summer feel even more sacred by contrast.
And maybe you’re feeling that contrast too. Maybe, like me, your body is asking for something slower, softer. A summer that doesn’t come with a checklist. That’s what this August is becoming. A new rhythm, a reminder, a reset. And yes. It’s all connected to Feng Shui.
Last summer, it was lovely to see what the city did to celebrate the athletes, and how they made it affordable and accessible. There were screens set up around the city and “Houses” for certain countries, where for as little as 5 euros, you could be transported to another place for a few hours and soak in their pride and joy.
I went to the India House (twice!) with my friend Rachel, where we ate delicious food, got henna tattoos, learned Bollywood dancing, and even ink-stamped tote bags. So much fun!
Then I had the brilliant foresight to go to the France House on the very last night of the Olympics. What I saw was amazing. Just writing about it gives me goosebumps.
It was an open lawn, filled with thousands of people gathering around a big screen to watch the France vs. USA basketball game. And we know how that ended. I was the only one internally screaming “yay” in a sea of disappointed French nationals. But no one could deny that a great time was had by all.
And of course, since I was one year younger than I am today (ha), I was able to stay up late enough to attend the final hurrah, when they brought out some of the French athletes. I don’t remember all the details, but I do remember the feeling, that rush, that moment, that energy! The French people who left town to avoid the chaos? Some of them later admitted they regretted it after hearing how much fun it was.
So what’s my point, and what does this have to do with Feng Shui?
Well, this year is very different. This summer is, apparently, what’s considered normal in Paris. A very quiet July and August where nearly the entire city disappears at the same time. The exodus is real, and surreal.
I have to say, for a recovering New York workaholic, taking the majority of the summer off, like COMPLETELY off, was completely incomprehensible to me at first. People telling me to “have a great summer” as if they were signing off for the entire season?
What??
But now that I’m getting a taste of it, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Of course, work has its merits: finances, creativity, fulfillment and enjoyment. But nothing beats taking time off to truly unplug and recharge. And I say “really” unplug, because there’s no, “I’ll bring my laptop and work a little,” or “I’ll stay in town to hold down the fort while everyone’s away.”
Uh, nope. Shutters are closed. Signs are taped on doors with their return dates. Practically the whole city stops. Even my gym, that I am still paying for, is unapologetically closed! I almost feel like a jerk to question them, lol. That, to me, is new, and beautiful. In my eyes, this is a true celebration of energy.
Knowing when you need to ressourcer (an amazing French word that means “to resource yourself” or “return to your source”, in my Feng Shui language – refill your energy tank!) – and then actually doing it.
Not just talking about self-care or just thinking about rest. I’m talking about planning and prioritizing self-care and rest. Creating space for it like it’s the most important project on your list, because it is. And hear me out, this IS the most important project right now, even if you have kids. Because I know that you are needing to refill your energy tank, pronto. Remember, put your mask on first? So let me give you permission, with love.
And this month, I’m living it. No rushing and no over-scheduling. I’m practicing energy alignment, rest, and trust. Trusting that rest is productive and that space is strategic. That stopping doesn’t mean failure. It means remembering who you are.
So while last Summer was a celebration of physical energy, movement, and peak performance, this Summer is a celebration of stillness.
And maybe you need some of that too? Maybe the contrast you’re feeling right now, between what your calendar says and what your body is telling you, is your invitation to step back.
Because this isn’t about Paris (fooled you!). It’s about rhythm, seasons, alignment and choosing energy over pressure, again and again.
Remember when I told you Amsterdam was only part one of my European vacation? Well, this time next week , I’ll be somewhere else. Of course, I’m not telling you where yet because, I love riddles. Let’s just say that it’s a beautiful town by the water. And if all goes well, I’ll be splashing around in some fun water activities, without Wi-Fi. I haven’t decided yet if I skip the next two Feng Shui Fridays, as I like making decisions according to my astrological energy, in the moment – so you’ll just have to wait for the surprise!
Until then, here are 3 Feng Shui tips to honor your Summer energy:
1. Stop performing rest, and actually rest.
No half-unplugging. No “just one more thing.” Close the tabs and fully step away. Your energy doesn’t respond to half-promises — it needs a real signal that it’s safe to pause.
2. Create one space that’s completely off-duty.
Clear a drawer, a surface or even just a windowsill. Let it stay empty for a while, with no pressure to decorate or “use” it. That one spot becomes your visual permission slip, a place where nothing is expected of you.
3. Choose alignment over achievement.
Instead of asking, “What should I be doing right now?,” ask, “What feels aligned?” Even if the answer is rest. Or play. Or doing absolutely nothing. Let that be enough.
And now I’ll follow my own advice. I’ll be back in September with new offerings and fresh invitations. But right now, I’m honoring the season, my body, and the quiet I didn’t know I needed.
Because this isn’t just Feng Shui as you know it, just about rearranging your furniture. This Feng Shui is about aligning your space and energy with the life you actually want. It’s about living your values in real time, and letting your environment support that.
If something here speaks to you, reach out as I’m in the early stages of welcoming a few women into the next season of this work — slowly, spaciously, and with deep intention.
Until then, enjoy the pause and trust the slowwww Summer energy. Sending you LOVE and SPACE!
