Feng Shui

Explore Feng Shui

WHAT IS FENG SHUI?

Feng Shui translated as “Wind” - “Water” is also referred to as Chinese Geomancy or the use of energy to channel, connect and harmonize individuals and their environment to create balance and positivity. The Wind refers to Breath and as humans are mostly made up of Water, the two life-giving elements function best when aligned. As one’s surroundings have a direct influence on his/her energy both in and out of the home, it is essential that this connection is one that promotes mindfulness and a state of presence.

WHERE DID FENG SHUI ORIGINATE?

Feng Shui is rooted in Taoism where Tao refers ro the “Way” - as it relates to one’s way of being. Feng Shui creates the physical environment to align with this natural flow . It dates back to early 9th Century BC when the ancient Chinese were seeking the most auspicious locations to bury their dead so the ancestors would be happy for eternity. They found that the best locations were positioned with a view of the sun to the south, sloping hills on both sides, a protective mountain in the rear and located close to water. They named the directions Phoenix rising (South) Tiger and Dragon (East and West) and Black Tortoise (North). Over time they concluded that this configuration applies to the living as well so they began orienting their homes, crops and businesses in the same manner to achieve health, success and happiness.

WHY PRACTICE FENG SHUI?

According to Feng Shui experts, when the physical space in the home is balanced, it has an influence on outside experiences like health of body and mind, positive finances and love. What happens inside is directly related to what happens outside. By designing physical surroundings to be in harmony with natural energy flow, one’s career, relationships run at optimal levels.

HOW TO PRACTICE FENG SHUI

Feng Shui maximizes personal space by organizing furniture, and accessories to harmonize the chi (energy flow) of the universal elements of water, fire, earth, wood and metal within the area. When these are aligned and flowing freely within the space, finances, relationships, careers and health will flourish as well.

Water balances emotions and enhances inspiration, Fire stimulates leadership, Wood stimulates growth and creativity, Fire enhances leadership and courage, Earth elements influence stability, strength and security and Metal helps to channel focus, determination and organization. The masculine (Yang) of warmth and social relationships and the feminine (Yin) of coolness and quietude energies should be balanced as well. There are many tools that practitioners use to help determine best placement of color, art, possessions and furniture including the Bagua Map that serves as a floorplan for the space.

Other simple actions one can take include keeping the spaces clean and clutter-free (particularly the front entrance, dusty corners, windows and closets), add life-giving energy of plants, add metal elements for clarity of thought and productivity in home offices, place desk, stove and bed in the “commanding position’ (Facing the door with space on both sides), use colors strategically, repair broken items and remove items from under the bed.