Failing autistic school uses Feng Shui to resurrect its fortunes. First published in The Times, how we resurrected the school for the benefit of the children, teachers and investors alike.
Why failing autistic school uses Feng Shui
My first impression of the school was depressing, overwhelming, impossible. A dismal interior environment in beautiful, natural grounds with an atmosphere that was ominous. I was unnerved and afraid that something could kick off at any time in this school. There were clear signs that lifeforce energy (ch’i) was not flowing.
It was impossible to ignore the massive redwood tree directly opposite the dilapidated front door. It’s domineering presence would need to be curtailed with a Feng Shui cure because it was protected and cutting it down was not an option yet it was ‘cutting’ into the life of the school.
I warmed to the headteacher and had empathy for her predicament. She had a holistic view of life and was committed to restoring the school for the pupils and teachers alike. But whatever recommendations I made would have to be executed on a shoestring.
Not that I was ready to report the situation quite like it was to The Times. Our aim in the article was to spotlight the predicament of schools like Heathermount and to demonstrate how Feng Shui can help them without upsetting current investors who might be a little prejudiced against Feng Shui. Here’s how it went.
The school
“Since we started working with the environment rather than working against it, doors have opened,” says Stephanie Lord. “I don’t feel like I’m banging my head against a brick wall anymore.”
An holistic approach to autistic care sets Heathermount School in Ascot, Berkshire, apart. Ms Lord, its head teacher, adopts the same teaching methods as others but believes the environment is just as important as education when caring for children with severe learning disabilities and kept an open mind when she first heard about the benefits of environmental harmony at a business forum.
As well as national curriculum studies, Heatherwood offers a range of holistic therapies for a balanced, calm environment in tune with Feng Shui with yoga, massage, aromatherapy, drama and dance. “We believe Feng Shui has created a less stressful environment and would encourage other schools to adopt this ancient practice,” says Ms Lord.
Inexpensive facelift on a tight budget
A business plan was created for the old school which received an inexpensive facelift. Dingy offices and schoolrooms came to life with vibrant colour. Log fires, fresh flowers, relaxing chairs and colourful throws made it less intimidating. Getting rid of clutter to invite fresh ideas and thinking has worked.
Staff sickness and absenteeism due to stress are almost a thing of the past. Heathermount is determined to be a centre of excellence not only in Britain but in Europe.
In the early days Stephanie did not know from one minute to the next whether there would still be money from the local authority to keep the school running. Once salaries had been paid there was not enough in the kitty to cut the grass on the 14-acre site. There had been numerous hints that Heathermount was not paying its way and the future was bleak.
Everyone benefits from Feng Shui
The hopes and dreams she had when the school was opened by Jane Asher, the actress, in 1992 were evaporating, despite having successfully run schools in Wimbledon and Plumstead, London.
“All my best efforts were being undermined by lack of money and negative people. I felt emotionally and physically drained before adopting Feng Shui. Now I feel invigorated and alive,” says Ms Lord.
“Introducing Feng Shui was not easy. It had to be done bit by bit. Some of my staff did not know what I was doing at first. They saw me hanging wind chimes and assumed they were just nice objects to have around. Now the staff recognise the benefits and are thoroughly behind it. They are changed people and the place has a different atmosphere entirely.”
Feng Shui benefits everyone living and working under the same roof – not just the champion who wisely introduced it, Stephanie Lord in this case. Heathermount is evidence of that at the results that Feng Shui at work can have.
Mary Nondé
Mary is an Intuitive Feng Shui practitioner and committed to creating vibrant living and working environments consciously. She has trained in the Western School of Feng Shui and with Denise Linn, USA and has been working in homes and offices since 1995.
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