Feng Shui - The Art of Placement
by Karen Havenor
http://www.fqhouse.com
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 originated in China, and is essentially an
environmental science that is applied to create a proper
flow of energy. The philosophy and practice of feng shui
is to contribute to the well-being of individuals and
communities through the art of placement, for balanced
energy flow. All societies possess in some form or
another the knowledge that feng shui contains.
Whether at home or at work or around out communities,
feng shui as practiced in the West today guides us in
creating environments that support us and set us at ease.
Some feng shui practices simply make sense: natural light,
fresh air, and clean environments are good for the well
being of both our bodies and spirits.
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?
According to feng shui, two opposite forces -yin and yang-
always act together to create energy. When these positive
and negative forces are balanced, we experience well-being.
When one dominates, the imbalance can be harmful to well-
being. While yin and yang are opposites, they are
nevertheless inter-connected. Without the concept of 'soft,'
we wouldn't be able to truly understand 'hard.' More
examples of yin-yang forces include still-moving, high-low,
hot-cold. At extremes, the opposites change into each other:
ice can cause burning, and sunstroke can cause shivering.
The object in feng shui is to bring these opposites into
balance.
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.
You could find resources online or at your local library
that give very detailed and specific instructions about
balancing yin and yang or enhancing the flow of Chi. But
you don't need to start with books and research in order
to immediately improve your surroundings and therefore
your quality of life. The most practical and beneficial
place to begin applying the principles of feng shui is so
simple as to be deceptive in its power. Begin by getting
rid of clutter.
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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