ARIEL JOSEPH TOWNE
“The Feng Shui Guy” Releases His First Book """""""""""""" """"" """ " " " """ """
I find hope in the darkest of days, and focus in the brightest. I do not judge the universe. ~ Dalai Lama
Beginning with the early dawn, I will radiate my cheer to everyone I meet today. I will be the mental sunshine for all who cross my path. ~ Paramahansa Yogananda
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Ariel Joseph Towne
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By VICTOR FORBES In 1977, when Fine Art Magazine was SunStorm, Long Island’s Newspaper of the Arts, we opened an art gallery/headquarters in a shopping plaza in Hicksville where some memorable exhibitions were held. In need of signage for our front, we sought out our friends Crystal and Joe Towne. Joseph was a kind-hearted soul who was steady as a rock. The beautiful Crystal was the light of the world. A butterfly afloat in these spheres, wielding at the time a paint brush to express her abundant optimism and all-encompassing love, directed not just at Mr. Towne, but to all with whom she came into contact. Even today, the thought of this beautiful creature with the sparkling eyes and blissful demeanor brings comfort, peace, and a smile knowing that somewhere in Paradise she is enjoying this page about her son’s important new book. Crystal and Joseph came with ladders, a makeshift scaffold and a long rectangular canvas on which they painted the words “SunStorm Galleries” and the image above, which we managed to salvage and hold on to for all these years. It was recently restored to its original vibrancy by Ita Lew Bullard. Ariel Joseph Towne grew up into a handsome young man, making a name for himself as an actor and now as an author with Serene Makeover: Inner Edition out in time for holiday gifting in electronic and print format. Ariel made a beautiful dedication in the book to his mother, which we reprint here: Crystal Star Towne (mom, spiritual advisor and jedi teacher): I feel you 62 • Fine Art Magazine • December 2012
around me as I meditate on and write these pages. Thank you for the many adventures we had in our short time together. Thank you for always teaching me by example. I am still unfolding the deep wisdom contained within our many conversations. I love you always and forever and a day. In his extensive tome on the ancient life-style art of feng shui, the author describes it in a single word: “balance.” This balance of energ y within a space can be achieved, he maintains, not only by “moving your stuff around,” (the most well-known form of this concept) but by getting your inner self in order to allow the good energy you’re welcoming into your home to affect you. “The definition of feng shui,” he concludes, “can easily be applied to another environment: You.” Primarily concerned with feng shui for your “inner house,” or the application of traditional feng shui principles to your intellect, emotions, energetic body and physical body, Towne clearly delineates methodolgy and practical principles to “schweng the fui” of your mental, emotional, spiritual and physical sides. “Intentions,” he maintains, “are the seeds that grow into the gardens of our experience… So the next time you are asking to receive, make a little space for grace to add a little extra into your coffers.” Visit http://www.thefengshuiguy.com
Dedication To Miles Meilinger, (1946-2012) Whose inner light shone so brightly. I’ve known Miles since I was one and one half-years of age. He was an incredible storyteller, musician, artisan, businessman, father, husband and friend. It’s because of his love for his wife Judy (and vice versa) that I came to believe that having a lifelong relationship was possible for me. When Miles hugged me, the worries of the world suddenly disappeared. He was part of my extended family and I am grateful for his humor, his wisdom and his presence. Miles was someone who found the good in any circumstance and never seemed to let life’s challenges dampen his spirit. He lived the expression: “Your outer reality doesn’t have to dictate your inner experience.” Miles has been showing up recently in several of my meditations… and I know that distance will never affect our closeness. Miles, thank you for being you. —ARIEL JOSEPH TOWNE