Have you ever walked into a room and felt very uncomfortable or stifled? Or, on the other hand have you ever walked into a space and felt instantly at peace and relaxed? How we respond to a place is determined by how the energy flows through the area and around the objects that occupy that space.
In Chinese, Feng Shui translates to “wind and water”.This ancient tradition dates back thousands of years, and is based on designing and placing objects to create harmony and facilitate the flow of life force energy, or chi, within a space.
Over the centuries, several variations of the practice have evolved, but for most, the core principles are the same. In modern times, Feng Shui influences have made their way to the West as well. More people recognize the value of facilitating harmonious flow throughout the home and office. Doing so relieves stress, increases productivity and helps the individual feel empowered.
While auspicious placement of objects leads to growth, peace and prosperity, inauspicious placements can have unintended consequences, attracting negative energies like anger, bad luck and despair. When the energy of a place is not flowing and harmonious, stagnation can also cause anxiety and fatigue.
In Feng Shui, it is important to balance the yin and yang energies (masculine and feminine) to bring harmony. Bagua, the use of natural elements and the directions, also plays a prominent role. Both are used in Feng Shui to form a personalized plan, based on one’s numbers. Developing your plan according to your lucky directions can help draw positive and repel negative energies.
In Feng Shui, all areas have a distinct energy pattern which can be altered to be more beneficial. In Chinese culture, architects and engineers often consider Feng Shui principles when planning and designing everything from buildings to furniture and even street addresses.
So, how can you incorporate some good Feng Shui into your space? Fortunately you don’t have to be a master to reap some of the benefits. There are several things you can do right now to help improve the Feng Shui of your home.
A great place to begin is clearing the entry way of any debris and clutter. This allows the energy to flow freely throughout the home. Place an auspicious item like a Bamboo wind chime outside your door or in your garden area. In Feng Shui, wind chimes are a very popular way to cleanse negative energies. Bamboo is said to attract happiness and good health.
Place a lucky Elephant in your home or office as a power symbol. In Feng Shui, an Elephant with its trunk up is said to draw abundance and good fortune. Place one in your entry way to welcome prosperity.
Start small and gradually introduce other elements a little at a time and see what a big difference it makes in how your space feels and functions.
[…] Feng Shui is an ancient art used to improve and enhance the vital energy of any space. It is used to repel negativity, attract prosperity, enhance spirituality and self-cultivation, and promote healing. Although the practice is rich with many intricacies, there are many simple things anyone can do to improve the Feng Shui of home and office. When positive energy flows freely it improves the overall well-being of all who interact with that space. […]