A How to Guide to Do it Yourself Feng Shui

When putting the unique principals of Feng Shui to good use, you must first carefully observe everything in your space from a different perspective. If possible, try to imagine when you walk into a space that you have never been there before. Next, walk through the room and observe how you feel as you interact with the furniture and objects around you. The idea behind Feng Shui is to use the space to calm, nourish or energize the spirit as "Chi" (or the energy force in everything) travels and swirls about the room creating the desired effect. Observe what feels instinctually "right" and then make mental notes of what to remove from the space, thus beginning to make way for your own personal sanctuary.

We involve the work of the five senses in this abbreviated version of doing it yourself Feng Shui:

Sight: Begin to "clear the space" by eliminating clutter. Use the idea of "less is more"as this stands to allow room for positive change, relaxes the mind and allows you to be your true self. Use a significant picture or piece of art that contains a positive message to become the theme of the room. For example; you might want to keep pictures of your kids in the family room and pictures of your honeymoon with your spouse in the bedroom only. The philosophy behind Feng Shui states: Objects affect the subconscious, as we see them they go to the mind and create an atmosphere within us. With that in mind, make the space functional for what it is meant to be. Try to place only everyday items of the utmost importance that you use in that space, and then see if you can minimize even more.

Sound: Keep a stereo or music player of any type in your space to allow music to flow freely. Music is important because it all affects our minds and our moods. This is something to think about when you are trying to unwind. A small waterfall is excellent to place in a room for "Chi" flow. A water fountain can be placed in the "eight" corner of a room in increase wealth. Find a chart and a grab a compass to find out where exactly the "eight" corner is. A great resource to teach you how to do this is: Liliian Too's book 168 Feng Shui Ways to a Calm & Happy Life as she walks you through it step by step.

Touch: Soft edges are highly encouraged throughout the use of Feng Shui due to the danger a sharp corner brings when one is walking about. It is better for "Chi" to flow smoothly throughout your space and the soft edges offers a more soothing energy flow. Warm blankets and soft furnishings and things like oversized pillows give it a relaxing effect.

Smell: Candles are brought into a space to create energy and warmth. On a more spiritual level they can be used in an altar: Clean a small table off and place only objects that represent a goal, people or to honor "God" and the light within oneself. This will guide you through your meditation, let the smell of the candle trigger a learned response, so you know whenever you smell that particular candle you should start the meditation. You will automatically be calmed as you have programed your mind to be triggered by the scent.

Taste: Feng Shui can be applied to your body and the foods you eat as well. The idea of combining foods in such a way so that you maximize your body's digestive potential needs to be based on the digestive rate of that food. Apply Feng Shui to your life and notice you will sleep, feel and function better.