Ever walk into a strange place and
instantly feel comfortable and at home? If so you are probably feeling
the effects of feng shui, the Chinese art of balance in design and
placement. Pronounced "fung shway", the phrase translates
literally as "wind-water" and is an ancient philosophy
that seeks to create balance between artificially created environments
and the natural elements, including water, wood, metal, fire and
earth. By creating this balance, practitioners believe positive
energy, or "ch'i" is enhanced and brought close, benefiting
those surrounded by it. Followers believe this ch'i will bring prosperity,
renewed vigor, and health, making feng shui one of the more popular
trends to emerge in recent years. More than a decorating strategy, feng
shui can benefit homes, offices, businesses and even cars as the
elements of the earth are brought together in such a way as to balance
negative energy and cultivate ch'i. Using just the basics, an uncomfortable
or impersonal home can be made warmer and more inviting. An unproductive
office can suddenly generate creativity and innovation. And a car
that seems to be a magnet for dents, fender benders and even tickets
can suddenly be rid of its negative current, transforming into a
safe and comfortable method of transportation.
Although the advanced principles of
feng shui relate to the individual practicing it, and utilize such
things as the person's birth date, birth order, wind direction near
the area being studied, and the individual's sign under the Chinese
zodiac, there are some basic ideas that apply to everyone and every
situation.
Water
The flow of water symbolizes
life and vitality. Position water elements such as a koi pond or
small waterfall so that the fall of the wall is toward the house.
This will direct ch'i into the home, harmonizing the structure with
nature. In an office environment, a small, desktop waterfall should
face the occupant when seated at the desk. In any environment the
use of a fish tank can enhance ch'i as fish are considered the universal
symbol of abundance. Many corporate offices design large fish tanks
into walls and conference rooms, utilizing the feng shui belief
that such an element enhances wealth.
Numbers
The number nine (or multiples
of), symbolizes prosperity and vitality. Nine houseplants scattered
throughout the home or office can absorb negative energy and enhance
ch'i. Conversely, the number four is rarely used because the Chinese
word for "four" sounds identical to the word for "death."
Serving four people for dinner? Set an extra place for a potential
visitor, neutralizing any potential negative energy.
Furniture
Beds should never be placed with the foot directly facing the door.
This is known in feng shui to be the "death position"
and should be avoided. Desks should be placed so that the occupant
can face the expanse of the room when seated, commanding and wielding
power. Mirrors with rounded edges soften negative energy while reflecting
positive ch'i. Sofas, chairs and tables made from natural materials
are more comfortable than those with artificial fabrics and hard,
straight lines. In love with the sleek, modern look of steel and
glass? Not to worry. Modern furniture can be softened with soft,
natural pillows or an earthy sculpture of stone or natural mineral.
To enhance ch'i and promote well-being, a room should never be completely
filled with artificial materials and man-made items. Even placing
a bowl of live fruit on a table enhances ch'i.
Crystals
A crystal ball or hanging
crystal is said to promote creativity and healing. Place a crystal
over a chronically messy area to improve order and structure to
the area, while improving effectiveness by increasing the ch'i in
the room. According to many practitioners, placing crystals in the
kitchen improves the healing properties of the food prepared there
and can prolong the freshness of fruits and vegetables.
Vehicles
According to feng shui believers,
using any of the natural elements in a car will promote ch'i and
reduce negative energy. Even the sound of running water, such as
a natural sounds CD playing in the stereo can help. A small crystal
hanging from the mirror can help restore balance between the driver
and the vehicle, preventing some accidents. At the very least, recognizing
that all things carry energy and that energy can be either positive
or negative, can help drivers tune-in to the ch'i of the road, improving
their driving skills.
Whether on the road or in the boardroom,
feng shui provides insight into the natural balance between earth
and environment. If you are searching for greater happiness, health,
prosperity and vitality, practicing these basic principles of feng
shui just may bring you greater positive energy, improving your
relationship with the world around you.- Stephanie Tallman Smith
