Feng Shui - The Art of Placement

Is Feng Shui a buzz-word? Or, does this ancient knowledge contain something that can illuminate and improve modern life? To answer the question, let's start with a definition of the term feng shui.

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.

Our Well Being

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.

There are other environmental considerations that don't usually occur to us as being so obviously beneficial. And, there are yet others that are harmful, but go unnoticed until we recognize problem areas in our lives and take steps to make improvements. When our surroundings are properly re-arranged, we can connect to the energy in the spaces around us, allowing changes for the better to occur.

Have you ever noticed that some spaces instinctively feel right? Whether they were created by intentional design or by someone with a subconscious gift for placement and flow, there are feng shui principles at work bringing the place into harmony.

Yin and Yang

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.

Chi

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 online sources, you can find very specific instructions and suggestions for improving the balance of yin and yang in your environment as well as 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. It will be immediately beneficial to you.

About Clutter

Clutter makes a good flow of Chi impossible, so start by clearing clutter out. You don't have to make a huge beginning, just pick an area and go. Empty a closet, or a drawer. Give away or toss what you know deep down will always just be gathering dust. Put away neatly those items you have decided to keep. Notice. Do you feel lighter around that space? If you like the feeling, do it again in another area. When you're done clearing up your surroundings, you will feel a sense of uplift and well- being. That's the time to get the books and other resources to help you to go deeper with your understanding of the art and science of feng shui.

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Articles by Karen Havenor on houses appear regularly in House News , the favorite on- line letter for information about houses. You'll find more articles at http://www.fqHouse.com/



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