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Feng Shui Fixes

© M. Williams

Practiced since the Tang dynasty, some 3000 years ago, Feng Shui, the Chinese art of placement, is now gaining in popularity in the Western world as more and more people seek to restore harmony and balance to increasingly hectic and stress-filled lives.

According to the principles of this Eastern tradition, Chi-or life force energy-is comprised of two opposing yet equal elements known as Yin and Yang. These elements embody the principle of opposition and unity. They are positive and negative, male and female, light and dark, reflecting the pattern of the natural world in every created thing. Chi energy is present in the ground we walk on and the air we breathe, and the manner of its movement within our personal environment can have a profound effect on the quality of our lives. Chi that is out of balance or not circulating freely can mean a build up of negativity that results in stress and struggle.

The practitioner of Feng Shui seeks to utilize the positive aspects of this ever-present life force to bring about improvements in health, success in business, increased creativity and motivation, greater vitality, and a sense of general well-being. This is achieved by the careful placement of objects in and around the home to facilitate a harmonic interplay of energies between individuals, places and possessions.

The most successful Feng Shui incorporates the entire environment, taking into account the energies of both house and grounds. But even though such important considerations as the location, orientation and structure of our home may be beyond our control, there are many benefits to be had from making a few adjustments to our immediate living space.

Getting into the Flow
The first step is to de-clutter the space so that the energy can move freely. Get rid of items that no longer serve a purpose-old books, seldom-worn clothes and the like. Move out the old to make room for the new. Every area that gets de-cluttered means a greater range of movement for the Chi.

Next take a look outside the front door. It's a good idea to clear away overgrown plants and trim tree branches that might block the view. This is where the Chi enters your home, and any kind of obstruction in this area inhibits the flow of fresh, new energy. A clear view here is essential to good Feng Shui.

Light also contributes to the flow of Chi energy. Illuminating any area of the home directs fresh energy flow to that area, so make sure all windows are free of cracks and keep them clean to insure the an unobstructed flow.