Feng Shui - How to Easily Apply It and Live Better Now

Is Feng Shui a buzz-word? Or, does this ancient knowledge contain something that can illuminate and improve modern life? To answer the question, let’s start with a definition of the term feng shui.

Essentially, feng shui is an environmental science used to creating a proper and balanced flow of energy through the art of placement. Feng shui is a philosophy as well as a practice. Although it originated in China, all societies have the knowledge contained in feng shui. Its use contributes to individual well-being and ultimately to that of entire communities.

Whether at home or at work or around out communities, feng shui as practiced in the West today guides us in creating environments that support us and set us at ease. Some feng shui practices simply make sense: natural light, fresh air, and clean environments are good for the well being of both our bodies and spirits.

There are other environmental considerations that don’t usually occur to us as being so obviously beneficial. And, there are yet others that are harmful, but go unnoticed until we recognize problem areas in our lives and take steps to make improvements. When our surroundings are properly re-arranged, we can connect to the energy in the spaces around us, allowing changes for the better to occur.

Have you ever noticed that some spaces instinctively feel right? Whether they were created by intentional design or by someone with a subconscious gift for placement and flow, there are feng shui principles at work bringing the place into harmony.

One principle is the balance of yin and yang. According to feng shui, these two forces always act together in creating energy. In balance, there is well-being. However, when one force dominates, the imbalance can be detrimental. These positive and negative forces are opposites, yes, but yin and yang are interdependent. That is, without knowing softness, one cannot understand hardness. Stillness and motion, low and high, cold and hot: these are examples of yin forces and yang forces, which at their extreme can change into the other. For example, sunstroke can make victims shiver and ice can feel like a burn. In feng shui, the object is to balance opposites.

The idea of Chi is another principle of feng shui at work in spaces that instinctively feel right. Although the concept of Chi has no precise Western equivalent, it can be understood with animate things as life force, and with inanimate things as power, such as the power of weather. Energy is commonly used as a Western term for Chi. When the flow of Chi is disturbed in our bodies, it can be restored with acupuncture. When the flow of Chi is disturbed in our surroundings, it can be brought back into balance through feng shui. Proper arrangements help Chi flow smoothly and gently so that the occupants experience peace and harmony.

At the library or online sources, you can find very specific instructions and suggestions for improving the balance of yin and yang in your environment as well as enhancing the flow of Chi. These two principles are a good place to begin applying feng shui. But without referring to another source at all, the single most powerful thing you can do to improve your surroundings and thereby your quality of life is to clear clutter. It will be immediately beneficial to you.

Pick a place to begin that will give you momentum. In other words, start small and complete the job. Organize a drawer, empty a closet, clear a table top. Toss or give away what you deep down know you should, and then neatly put away the rest. Now, notice how you feel around that clear and clean place. If you like the feeling, continue. Over time, de-clutter everywhere. When that’s complete, if you like the feeling of uplift and renewal that results, you’ve reached the point when it’s time to get the resources and books. Use them to delve into the fascinating art and science of feng shui.