A Tribute to Reiki Sanctuary, The Third Year - Part One Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Monday, November 07, 2011

If you can’t write it down, you probably can’t pull it off.  It’s hard to go bad when you do good.

I have never really written a proper article to thank Chiauw and to show her our deepest gratitude.  The person, the ID and a friend who contributes to make what Reiki Sanctuary to be what she is.  To make Reiki Sanctuary a sanctuary for souls to grow.  To enjoy for the blessed comfort and deep peace.  To unite and re-unite life with love, serenity and tranquility. 

To thank her to make Reiki Sanctuary to be a renovator's delight - and a beautiful home with all the right qualities that please our senses.  Chiauw, indeed, has done an excellent and wonderful transformation.  She makes a remarkable change to an old 23 years simple 5-rooms old flat to serve us with better function and condition.

Three years have passed and there are still people (mainly readers from a renovation forum) who would ask me to recommend her to do their homes.  There are still families and friends who come to our place and never stop complimenting on the good renovation works.  On the choice of materials, the choice of design and the choice of renovation organization.

Looking back, Chiauw does a very good job.  She incorporates our lifestyle and our needs and blends our idea of a home, which is highly aesthetically pleasing, with her wide scope know-how.  She transforms Reiki Sanctuary cosmetically and structurally.

Perhaps, I should record it that Reiki Sanctuary is an architect-designed.  It is modern and contemporary residence and not an ID created.  This is what Chiauw stands for and this is what Chiauw has been telling us.  It is, undoubtedly, a fact.

She is a trained and talented architect and not an Interior Designer per se.  It is her architectural job that allows her passion for interior decorating to be superbly crafted with high quality finishes throughout.

Reiki Sanctuary has been architecturally designed to maximise into a modern living space and style.  It is classic and timeless.  Undeniably, Chiauw is very knowledgeable and resourceful.  She thinks of all possibilities and very meticulous in carrying out with details.  The end result is to make sure that we live in a practical home, where house chores are made easier.

She puts through the most rigorous quality controls to ensure that Reiki Sanctuary is faultlessly built.  We see it all through her supervision with the plumbers, the electricians, the joiners and everyone that's involved with the renovation.  She makes sure even the tiler, the plasterer and the painter is dedicated to the finest finishes.

She designs Reiki Sanctuary to the very millimeters.  Every single area of our home is a true custom design.  The aim is to deliver the function with the look we love and be perfectly suited to our dream house.  She uses all her experience and expertise to guide us through the maze of design options and create the sanctuary that we desire.

Buying a house is only the first step in creating a home.  It is an heavy investment.  It is a manufacturing capital growth.  Here in Singapore, a well renovated public housing flat sells with higher cash over valuation (COV) on top of the value of the property.

Though it is not intended for us to 'buy-renovate-and-sell' Reiki Sanctuary, she is a home that will house us for many more years.  Still, we must provide for provision for our old age.  We have to factor in our lifestyle and how we want to live comfortably in 10, 15 or 20 years ahead.

Choosing Chiauw to do our renovation is a blessing.  She educates us.  She allows us to make informed choices.  She helps us to solve problems and fixes our decorating dollars wisely.  It is not about how much we spend, but importantly, Chiauw presents it stylishly.

Her wide knowledge on renovation hardware, building materials and supplies helps us to know what are available in the market.  She shows us almost everything, from the expensive high quality to the average.  At the end of it, the intention is for us to know that there are many options to choose from.

Our experiences with Chiauw, therefore, qualifies it into a renovation tip on 'How To Choose an Interior Designer'.  The end result speaks itself - the compliments are testament to her dedicated works.

Though my tips here are not extensive and exhaustive, I hope they provide sufficient basic knowledge.  Here, I will not highlight the importance on chemistry (between IDs and home owners) as it is personal and varied.  Chemistry should be the first thing to strike in the selection for a good ID.  Chemistry should include on communication, the ability between ID and home owner to collaborate and understand on a common language.

Once chemistry is established, there are other considerations.

I must add that the following tips are strictly based on personal satisfaction and our heartfelt appreciation for Chiauw.  Though not limited, it is to serve as a guideline for other home owners to consider before finally engaging an Interior Designer.

How To Choose An Interior Designer

01.  Certification

There are many interior designers or decorators but very few can qualify for the highest standard of Interior Design.  Those who met the qualification should not only be able to design but also able to understand building codes and project management.

Designing a new home is often a daunting task.  Many home owners have lots of ideas but they are like jigsaw puzzles span all over the head.  They need a good Interior Designer (ID) to help solve these puzzles and able to unite the pieces into a vision.  A good ID with proper certification, either by qualification or years of experience, could easily do it.

Never too shy to ask about their qualification and their experiences.  In fact, it is good to ask to let them know that you are really searching for a qualified person to help solving your jigsaw puzzles.

02.  Design Process

A good ID should have a wealth of experience and knowledge about constructing beautiful homes.  On top of that, ID should be able to tell how to live in them and to provide invaluable addition to the design process.

In the case of Chiauw, she interviews us at the start even before we get to ask about her expertise.  She asks about our lifestyles and about what we actually want in a house.  She leaves us with interior books so that we can have better ideas.

Basically, the objective is for her to conceptualize all that we want for a home.  She goes to the extend knowing which drawer or shelves we will put for sugar and the cooking oil, the tshirts and undergarments, the towels and bedsheets, the brooms and vacuum cleaner and etc.

A good ID should be able to tell home owners the function of each room.  When we ask Chiauw to design us a suspended TV Console in the Living Room, she knows where to place and hide the electrical sockets, yet conveniently located.  When we tell her that we want an L-shaped kitchen cabinet, she makes sure the height of it will not strain our body when cooking or washing the utensils.

These are details that many home owners overlook.  A good ID should highlight them right from the beginning.

03.  Budget

Explain the scope of the renovation and how much home owners are willing to spend upfront.  A good professional ID should be able to accommodate and making adjustments to fit budgets and expectations.

Chiauw uses a combination of fee structures.  There is a fixed fee to develop the initial plan and then cost plus to execute it.

04.  Style And Design

Good IDs should be able to accommodate home owners' tastes even if their personal style is completely different.  That said, there are IDs who have unique approaches that may not mesh with home owners.  Communication is critical when this happens.  Get them to tell the advantages.

Chiauw insists that at certain places, particularly in our kitchen cabinet, she wants to block off dead ends.  We are glad that we allow it.  Her rational makes sense - at such dead end area, cleaning is indeed a difficult chore.

A lot of psychology goes into design a functional home.  Good IDs must anticipate it and bring their talents to the project.  They should be able to contribute to the design process and adds tremendous value for home owners.

A good design is when IDs can provide with the highest quality home design, exceeding home owners' expectations, creating designs to enrich the occupants and producing unique solutions to inspire.

05.  Contacts And Management

Good IDs will be able to inform home owners on the renovation projects.  They can list down, and they should have sets of different sub-contractors to carry out the different tasks.  They should also know how to manage the different subcontractors.  Get them to share their lists of contacts for each task.  Get them to share on their workmanship.

Good IDs will hold your hands throughout the process.  They will bring you to source for materials.  They will advice on their practicability.

The best ID is the one that is transparent with the prices quoted from the different sub-contractors and suppliers.  Chiauw does not deal with payments.  She provides us with the tender prices from contractors and suppliers.

She carefully watches the sub-contractors' works and scrutinise all items purchased.  If we are not happy with the job or with any particular item, she makes sure they correct it at no extra cost to us.

06.  Timeline

Good IDs are able to tell home owners on renovation schedules.  They can give you an estimated time of delivery and hand-over date.


07.  Portfolios

It is important to see the many works of your selected ID.  Also, get the ID to show the works of his/'/her sub-contractors.

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The Logic Of The Universe Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Friday, November 04, 2011

Talk to strangers. Yield to others.  The more love you give, the more love you receive. Yes, it really is that simple.



For the last two months, I had the opportunity to be invited (in my humble opinion) to create the gateway for good cause on the lives of others.  From something I dearly believed to be workable to be shared across.  Where lives could change for the better and life could never be the same again.   Where an overall well being of souls was improved.

For the last two months, I was happy to bring change to an environment, to the house of some friends.  Where, with their new faith, new dynamic energy transformed itself.  Though these people felt a little trepidation at entering into 'my world' in the beginning, through the geometric science of Tibetan Geomancy, they traversed their faith  that soon filled with beautiful and rewarding results.

My World, it is an environment surrounded with Tibetan Geomancy.  It is a world where I live with.  It is a world of heaven on earth.  It is a world of miraculous creations.  It is a world of transforming Universal wealth, and infinite abundance, right inside the house.  Inside Reiki Sanctuary where I reside, where I love and where I find joy, peace and comfort.

I am very aware of each sacred places, in its geometric forces and influences, that affects the vibrations in certain places in the house.  Tibetan Geomancy is all about that.  How each sacred places has its unique divination.  How the element of energy within a house is directly connected to the element of the Universe.  How the element of the Universe can affect the element of energy within a house.  How the logic deals with the way in which evidence is used and the conditions of evidence are valid.  Within and far beyond, it carries specific meaning and significance.  I documented My World in "The Tenet Of Soul".

I believe it is my faith that I have for Tibetan Geomancy (and hold it very dearly) that makes it to reveal the intended results.  All these years, with evidences and guidelines on the use of evidence with Tibetan Geomancy, I have never doubted its essence and attributes.  It forces and its influences.  Its powers and how they are generated.

I believe that the nine sacred elements within the geometrical chart of Tibetan Geomancy generate magnetic waves, and vibrations, which is influenced by our spiritual, emotional, mental and psychical bodies.  I believe it transcends the logic of the Universe.   As one of my friend makes this remark 'It is something just hard to explain.  It is something whether to believe or not but it is right there transformed.'

In itself, Tibetan Geomancy is very much connected with the concept of I-Ching, the Book of Changes.  It is a system of divination, cosmology and philosophy.  It centered on the idea of synchronicity - the dynamic balance, the evolution of events and acceptance of the inevitability of change.  Carl Jung, who coined on this term, described "it is about acausal connection of two or more psycho-physic phenomena".

I have been doing, and carrying out the works of, Tibetan Geomancy for more than a decade.  Personally, the best way for me to introduce Tibetan Geomancy and its enormous significance is by pointing out that it, and it alone, provides the answers.

These last two months, through the rewarding works of the Universe which I am very grateful, I have a sudden invitation from six individuals sought the wisdom of Tibetan Geomancy.  I believe it has to do with their personal growth; where each one of them is now fully awakened wanting to discern on the Universal abundance.

It is a state of their Ascension (read my blog entry - "The Ascension".)   To them, they have come to a stage in life where they now desire, upon 'waking-up' (read "Have You Woken Up?), accomplishments through the interpretation of geomantic common sense.  It is only right, for all of us, to get more than we have already had. 

It is not about greed but appreciation.  It is not about the destination but the journey.  It is not about foolishness but awareness on the vast abundance of the Universe.  It is about rightful ownership and gratitude. 

There is no reason why we should not ask for more unless there is the fear that one may overstep with the mark of Life.  It is similar to the way in which doctors examine the human body in particular, from the point of view of what makes it sick and what makes it healthy.  Like the doctors, Tibetan Geomancy looks at all the elements to see how each energy can create and re-create.

The one common thing that we all like, that we are all connected with Tibetan Geomancy is the subtraction of fears.  There is no irrationality.  There is no superstition.  Tibetan Geomancy woks on the positive charges of energy, of thoughts without attracting the elements of superstitions.

With the elimination of such negative forces and influences, Tibetan Geomancy is all about enhancing divination on earth.  It is about raising positive vibes and treating all things being equal, good and those not so good.  It is about empowering our divinity in partnership with the science of the sand.  What is important is our prayers, our intent and our faith.

This writing is about celebrating the lives of these six people who have come to me.  This writing is about celebrating the rewards of their faith.  This writing is about an acknowledgement of partnership.  This writing is about what Tibetan Geomancy has influenced  their lives and the reason for its Just-Is.

Friend (A)

Friend (A) is the most eager of the group.  She wants change, for her and her family.  Somehow, she is now awakened with intuition for something good to happen but just not sure where to begin.

She internalizes Tibetan Geomancy.  She has faith in it.  Immediately after my sharing, she takes charge.  She goes around to clean up clutters in her house religiously.  She becomes conscious of her own thoughts, her life and cause and effect.  She dons her house with meaningful intent.  Basically, she allows her soul to be in partnership with the forces and influences of all the sacred spaces in her house.

Two days later, she receives the rewards (and counting):

01.  Her husband, out of the blue, was given substantial salary increment.  It is not the time of the year for him to be getting it.
02.  Her immediate neighbour of 18 years knocks on her door to give packets of nasi bryani.  It is unusual as the neighbour has never, all throughout the years, showing such kind gesture.
03.  Her relationship with the family has changed.  She feels there is more communication and there is more family bonding.

Friend (B)

Friend (B) is the daughter of Friend (A).  A young mother to an Angelic child, she feels her working life has come to an end.  She quits her previous job as a Nurse.  Today, she feels that she has become redundant and unemployable.

Few days after she takes charge to raise Tibetan Geomancy in her house, she receives calls.  There are job opportunities waiting for her, whenever she is ready.

Friend (C)

To me, Friend (C) has everything.  She holds good job.  She has a big house and a happy family with two young children.  Life is full of contentment.

When I asked her why she was very much interested in Tibetan Geomancy, her reply was 'Why not?  Life evolves and one should continue to find more meaning.'

Today, she is filled with more blessings:

01.  Her relationship with her immediate boss has changed tremendously.  According to her, 'We have now become friends and closer.   Surprisingly, we have started to confide with each other.'
02.  Everyone in her office, including her subordinates, is 'friendly' now.
03.  Her trading commodity is making more profits.
04.  "I feel happier these days.  I feel it."

Friend (D)

Friend (D) is funny.  When she called me to learn (and embrace) Tibetan Geomancy, she has no house yet.  She has just sold her previous flat.  "You must guide me and tell me what this Tibetan Geomancy is."  She believes that she will find a house when she puts her faith in it.

"I know I will just find on the day I start looking."  True enough, the day her house agent brought her to view houses, she found one immediately.  The price and the Cash-Over-Value were much below her initial budget.

Friend (E) and Friend (F)

These two were 'tag-along'.  As they mentioned "Time is not right yet".





Two days ago, I added an element in one area of the house.  At the same time, I bought Money Plant to hang outside Reiki Sanctuary.  I made a prayer and at the same time to prove to my partner that Tibetan Geomancy worked.

Yesterday my partner received a job offer to oversee two months project in Amsterdam.  The pay was good.  Regrettably, my partner turned the offer down.

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You Are Still Loved, My Dear - Part Two Written by : Reiki Sanctuary Date : Tuesday, November 01, 2011

The more you do for others, the more others do for you.


There are three(3) parts to 'You Are Still Loved, My Dear'.  This is the second and the first was written on 28 October.  I intend to write a simple 'How To' for the last installment.  It will be about how to go to  places where we frequent whenever in Bangkok.

You Are Still Loved is, basically, a series of write-ups about our trip to Thailand.  There are many other similar blog entries here in this blog - Thailand - A Celebration Of Life.  Basically, it is all about our purchases for Reiki Sanctuary.  Thailand, and in particular the capital Bangkok, is a place where we would get most of our house decors.

As written previously, I mentioned that "The good thing about shopping in Thailand is always the spring cleaning in Reiki Sanctuary that follows after the trip.  It is a chance to re-organize and re-arranging old and the new things.  It is a chance to tidy up and wipe clean inside the closets, the wardrobes and all the drawers that were not touched for months.  Ultimately, it is about clearing clutters."

There is much truth to that.  Somehow, a trip to Thailand is marked with a 'religious' conviction that follows it.  It follows with a strong internal desire where it fills me with an energy that I just have to carry through.  It is about re-embracing Reiki Sanctuary, not because she is neglected.  It is about cleansing her, not because she is daunted.  It is about re-vitalise her energy.  It is about re-making of a vow towards a heavenly state of being.  It is about Create and Re-create.

Of course, this heavenly state is personal.  To me, a heaven is a place that is very organized, where all things are put together into an orderly, functional and structured whole.  It is an environment which is very tainted with all things neat, clean and beautiful. 

It should be the case for Reiki Sanctuary.  As much as I believe in the comfort of this heavenly state, it shall be my obligation to accomplish as expected.  It is a partnership to undertake to care for each other.

The presence of God should not only be dominantly thought to be in the church, in the mosque, in the temple or in a holy sacred place.  God, as much as I believe, is everywhere.  Should I want Him to reside closer to me, and within me, I must make sure Reiki Sanctuary encompasses the requirements.

Our last trip enacts the part of the conviction.  Afterall, we want to celebrate our blessings.  We want to rejoice an occasion to live here.  We want to remember the journey and how our souls have been kept safe.  It is an appreciation to be housed with love, peace and joy.  Importantly, it is a sanctuary that keeps our faith for all things good.

We bought few things (again) this time but, definitely, not so much compared to previous trips.  Still, we ended up with checked-in luggage of forty-two kilograms between the two of us, not counting the hand carried.

Pictures Galore

These two were an interesting buy.  It was a casual visit to a nearby shop, near our hotel, as we needed to get a socket adapter.  These candle holders caught my eyes.  In fact, I eyed a black one too but another customer grabbed it before me.  Unfortunately, I could only manage to grab these two as that was what left in stock in the shop.

Hand-made Stainless Steel vases

Hand-made decorative Stainless Steel tray.  We were lucky to visit this shop (next to 4-faced Buddha) and there was something for us.  What I liked about it was the high quality of stainless steel used.  The end product was light and safe (since the magnet did not stick to it).  We were told by the owner that stocks had temporarily stopped because the factory (in Ayuthaya) could not make anymore because of the flood.  There were limited items when we were there.

I am just into these things .. from big to small.  It is nice to use it to lift up another deco items.  Plus, it is beautiful made.  Plus, it is cheap!

Ok lah, nothing fantastic about these but they definitely make tissue boxes look nicer.  Come in many assorted colors.

Awww, little doggies .. hehe, we just loved them!  Found them in Index which was the local version of Ikea.

I called these the 'Pretty Trays'.  Could not resist not getting such lovely things when I saw them lying hidden in one shop.  Only these two were available ..  guessed it was meant for Reiki Sanctuary.

One of the crazy things, in our purchases this time round, was buying pouches - big and small.  It started off with an idea to organize our traveling toiletries where we could separate the different items.  Little did we know, these pouches soon became an obsession when we went to Chatuchak Weekend Market and found out how 'dirt' cheap they were.

The Little Ones

The Medium Ones

The Large Ones

Since it was shopping in Thailand, do get the Thai things too!

Imported yet rather cheap

I am very excited with this next item. Somehow, it 'talks' to me.  It speaks of the many things that life is offering.  It speaks of the many things one can expect.  Each branch, each twig, each clutter .. they symbolize the many aspects of Universal Abundances and all waiting for the right prayer, the right want and the right opportunity.

What a pretty simple decor

"THE TREE OF ABUNDANCE"

Handmade from wires.  Immediately resonated with my soul the moment I saw it.

At last, something that we had always wanted to do was done.  We accomplished our wish to have our portraits hand drawn.  Something that could remind us and to bring a smile on our face.

We had always admired these Thai artists, where they could replicate a photo and yet looked so real.  Though we felt ours were not done perfectly, we walked away from the shop felt happy.  The good thing, it was priced reasonably.

The artists finalizing our portraits.

Yes, this entry will not highlight where all the purchases are being placed in Reiki Sanctuary.  It is intentional not to show them since I want to do a pictorial video (yes! show-off) for Reiki Sanctuary's third anniversary.

We can't ask for more.  Right here, right now, right at this moment, we are just thankful for everything that life has offered.  It has been a celebration of life. "Thank You!".

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