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Feng Shui - The Art of Placement
by Karen Havenor
http://www.fqhouse.com
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.
Today in the West, the practice of feng shui can advise us
in creating surroundings in which we feel supported and at
ease, whether at home, at work or around the community.
Many of the principles of feng shui are common sense, such
as using natural lighting, fresh air ventilation, and
cleanness to help both our bodies and minds remain healthy.
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.
One principle is the balance of yin and yang. According to
feng shui, these two forces always act together in creating
energy. In balance, there is well-being. However, when one
force dominates, the imbalance can be detrimental. These
positive and negative forces are opposites, yes, but yin
and yang are interdependent. That is, without knowing
softness, one cannot understand hardness. Stillness and
motion, low and high, cold and hot: these are examples of
yin forces and yang forces, which at their extreme can
change into the other. For example, sunstroke can make
victims shiver and ice can feel like a burn. In feng shui,
the object is to balance opposites.
The idea of Chi is another principle of feng shui at work
in spaces that instinctively feel right. Although the
concept of Chi has no precise Western equivalent, it can be
understood with animate things as life force, and with
inanimate things as power, such as the power of weather.
Energy is commonly used as a Western term for Chi. When the
flow of Chi is disturbed in our bodies, it can be restored
with acupuncture. When the flow of Chi is disturbed in our
surroundings, it can be brought back into balance through
feng shui. Proper arrangements help Chi flow smoothly and
gently so that the occupants experience peace and harmony.
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.
Start by clearing the clutter - in your closets, from
table-tops, out of drawers, throughout rooms, the car, yard
and garden, the garage, everywhere. When you're done, 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.
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