Feng Shui in a Day

You've heard of it, maybe on television or in trendy magazines. But what exactly is Feng Shui, and how do you use it to help improve your life? Does it require purchasing new furniture? Will I need to hire a decorator? No, none of these are necessary, and you can even incorporate the energizing techniques of Feng Shui into your living space quite easily, by integrating a few simple ideas into your decor.

Feng Shui is a term composed of two Chinese words: Feng (wind) and Shui (water). Water and wind (air) are fundamental, natural elements that flow throughout the world, and our own bodies. Air and water carry life force energy, called Chi. They affect subtle changes in our energy both inside and out, and our perceptions of space and flow are interpreted on a subconscious level. Feng Shui is the art of arranging our living space and home environment in harmony with this flow of Chi. Doing so can create positive and energizing effects in your personal relationships, career, and help you attract prosperity.

Know the Flow. The first thing to know is that Chi moves in a spiral, circular motion. Sharp angles in the arrangement of furniture can disrupt the flow of Chi. When Chi is interrupted by beams or sharp angles or corners it produces "sha" which is a negative energy. This "sha" can cause discomfort, illness or disharmony in the occupants of the space. Start by assessing your space for excess sharp angles. Cures for "sha" could involve placing plants, hanging crystals, or bamboo in the corners or angular spaces to "smooth" the lines.

Positive Feelings Create Positive Energy. The way you feel about your home, the objects and furniture decorating your living space, and even the sounds and smells of your home, all affect your Chi. Walk around your home. Look at the walls, the floor, the furniture, and breathe slowly and deeply. Take note of the things that you don't like, any pictures, knick-knacks, clutter, or colors that displease you. Walk calmly and be aware of your feelings as you move through your space. Are there areas that make you feel uneasy, nervous, or anxious? Are there areas that you feel drawn to, positive, comforted, or happy? Listen to your intuition for clues about the energy in the areas in your home. Directing your attention to creating a positive feeling in your home is the first step towards making your living space a sanctuary of harmony. Increasing the positive Chi in your environment will affect the rest of your life too.

Take action here first. Clean up the clutter, remove the art or items with negative associations. Clean energy is positive energy. Add some bright or feel-good colors like red, which is used commonly in Chinese décor. Red is the color of fire energy, which is energizing. Try a wind chime to cleanse and harmonize the energy in an area. Also, cheerful lighting can brighten the energy in a room. Soft light, rather than harsh light is recommended, and take note of any areas in the room that are dreary and dark. Remember, when you feel good, your energy is positive too. Positive energy spills over into all aspects of your life. Giving your attention to creating positive feelings in your home tells your Chi that you are bringing good energy to your life. This will, simply by your intention and acting on your intention, cause your attitude to embrace the positive changes.

Balance is Key. In all things, one should strive for a healthy balance. Work and play, exercise and rest, and many more examples serve to illustrate this idea of the yin and yang in one's life. Feng Shui embraces the concept of balance as well. It is a core principle in bringing the healthy flow of Chi into any space. What items are balanced in using Feng Shui? Colors, objects and elements are all arranged to create the most ideal balance possible. Look at the colors in the room. Is there a dominant color? How does that color make you feel? Does it go with the other colors in the room, and is there a balance of color in that area? Look at the materials that the objects in the room are made of. Are they all wood? Is there any metal? Are there plants? Strive for a balance. Always check in with your intuition about what "feels good" in its place. Your feelings about your space are the most important for creating the space that is right for your positive Chi. Feng Shui is very individual, even within its guidelines.

Balance the Elements for Harmony and Prosperity. Each area of the room corresponds to an area in one's life. In Feng Shui, there is an octagon map, called Ba-Gua, which is used to balance and energize areas in the room, corresponding to life areas such as health, prosperity, children, reputation, marriage, and knowledge. You don't have to know each of these specific areas to incorporate the concepts of Feng Shui into your living space. A few key pointers can get you started to bringing the Chi into harmony in your home, and in yourself. Adding or moving furniture or decorative objects in certain materials and colors can correct an imbalance and attract positive energy into areas of the room that you identified as negative during your walkthrough.

Earth elements, such as plants, or deep brown tones, are grounding and nurturing. Use these in areas that feel cold or impersonal. The southwest part of a room corresponds to marital relationships, so be sure to include some earth tones there.

Terra Cotta, ceramic, and crystals are associated with Education and Knowledge. Use these in the northeast section of a room, and in areas that make you feel confused or unsure.

Metal objects, and those with a shiny surface, make the energy go faster. Balance areas with soft pillows, or muted colors with some metal to provide balance. Use metal in the west area of the room, which is associated with children.

Water is soothing and energizing. Aquariums and small fountains go best in the north section of the room, where they have a positive effect on career and prosperity. Water is good for stress reduction and increasing positive feelings. Wood is also associated with prosperity, and balances the water elements in the north section of the room or house as well.

Light is also essential, and allows the effects of color and materials to be most effective. Reflected light, such as through mirrors or crystals, is positive, as is soft light, and light that comes through a warm-colored lamp shade.

In a day, it is possible to transform the atmosphere in your home according to the principles of Feng Shui, and bring harmony and positive Chi into your own world.