Feng Shui. Is it a buzz-word, or is there something in
this ancient body of knowledge that can inform and enhance
modern living? A definition of feng shui is a helpful place
to begin answering that question.
Feng shui is a philosophy and a practice that originated
in China, but all societies have the knowledge feng shui
contains. It is basically an environmental science that
when applied contributes to the well-being of an individual
or community.
Feng Shui is essentially about creating a proper and
balanced flow of energy through the art of placement.
As practiced today in the West, feng shui can guide us in
creating environments in which we feel comfortable and
supported – at home, at work, and in our communities. Some
of the practices of feng shui are common sense. For
example, fresh air, natural light, and a clean environment
contribute to the well being of our minds and bodies.
Other environmental considerations might not occur to us
so obviously as potentially beneficial or harmful until we
recognize problem areas in our lives and take positive
steps to improve them. When we arrange our surroundings
properly, we are able to connect to the energy of the space
around us, bringing about desired changes and improvements.
Some spaces instinctively feel right, whether by
intentional design or by someone with a knack for placement
and flow. What are some of the feng shui principles at work
in places that give the feeling of peaceful welcome?
First, there is yin and yang. According to feng shui there
are always two forces acting together in order to create
energy. The positive and negative forces are called yin and
yang. When they are balanced, all is well, but when one
achieves dominance, the imbalanced influence can be
harmful.
Yin and yang are opposing but interdependent. For example,
without the idea of softness, we wouldn’t be able to really
understand hardness. High and low, still and moving, heat
and cold are further examples of yin and yang forces.
At their extremes these opposites can change into the
other: ice can burn, and sunstroke victims shiver. The
object is to balance the opposites.
A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea
of Chi. Chi doesn’t have a western equivalent, but loosely
can be translated as the life force of animate things, the
power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate
or of the environment. In short, the energy.
When Chi is blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to
help it flow and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in
our homes or other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will
get it flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring
peace and harmony for the occupants.
At the library or using online sources, you can find very
specific instructions and suggestions for
1) improving the balance of yin and yang in your environment,
and
2)enhancing the flow of Chi.
These two principles are a good place to begin applying feng
shui. But without referring to another source at all, the
single most powerful thing you can do to improve your
surroundings and thereby your quality of life is to clear
clutter.
Clearing clutter is immediately beneficial to your well-
being.
Start somewhere you can succeed immediately, which generally
means start small: clear the clutter in a closet, from a
table-top, throughout a room, the car, the yard or garden,
the garage, anywhere.
When you’ve cleared a specific space, you will feel renewed,
and if you like the feeling, then get the books and resources,
delving further into the philosophy and practice of feng shui,
the art of placement for well-being.
Karen Havenor contributes to FQ House, offering valuable
free information to help you enhance your home. Karen’s
articles can also be found at FL Lamps and FT Office.
