The art of Feng Shui (meaning the way of wind and water) has been practiced by the Chinese since 3000 BC, and its primary purpose is to bring Qi (pronounced Chee) to human environments, such as buildings, homes, tombs, and almost any man made structure. To do this, by following a law of aesthetics, the layout, decoration, and orientation of structures are positioned according to the flow of the heavens and the Earth, the directions, the environment, time, and space, in order to bring this positive or negative life force or energy into an area. It is a practice which harmonizes that of the seen (our surroundings) and the unseen (energy and intention), which acknowledges the fact that all things in the world are connected to one another in a delicate balance.
Due to its emergence into Western culture, many people are now trying to implement Feng Shui into their home dé©cor, and though it is best to have a master of this art to aid you, there are several things you can do for yourself in order to bring a little Qi into your life. It is in human nature to want a certain amount of living things in our surrounding. This can be implemented by buying plants and small animals. A fish in a tank, fresh flowers, and a floor plant, will easily add extra energy and vibrancy to a rather lifeless environment. If your place feels stagnant or empty, by adding a few living things to your surroundings, you will subtly alter the feelings one has when entering your dwelling.
Another easy tip is to allow fresh air and sunlight into your place. Leave windows open as often as you can, and make sure that they are regularly cleaned. When it comes to Feng Shui, less is definitely more. Having multifunctional furniture, such as a coffee table with storage, will help save on space and also aid in accomplishing this. Having a beautiful cabinet to house objects in your living room, preferably with a mirrored back will not only look elegant, it will also give a beautiful contemporary feel, but make sure not to overfill it! When it comes to your major furniture, opt for leggy and light, instead of bulky. Try using clean lines, and balance the furniture around the room. Remove any excess clutter, and by using boxes and decorative containers, you can leave the essentials stored in easy to reach places. Also, clean your closets, cupboards and storage space, and keep them organized. Just because you can’t see the mess, which obstructs energy flow, doesn’t mean it’s not there!
The easiest way to give your place a boost of Qi is to clean! Focus some extra energy on cleaning the four corners of each room and in making them less cluttered. You can place certain objects in each corner to help bring energies related to the directions into your home. To figure out what placement is best for you, determine your KUA number. You can find out how to calculate this on various websites. Then, after you have discovered which direction means what for your individual needs, place a few power objects in each location.
For your bedroom, in order to create romance, serenity and relaxation, opt for tones in green, blue and lavender. Your bed should be placed in an area of power, honour and protection. This is usually the corner opposite the entryway and if you can position the bed diagonally it’s even better! For the dining room, splurge on a nice table cloth, and instead of a usual flower setting, try a small decorative fountain. There are many different types of Feng Shui, and thousands of things you can implement into the aesthetics of your living space to help harness positive Qi and keep the good energies flowing. With a little research, and by implementing suggested ideas into your dé©cor, you can make your home Qi friendly and bring a little love, money, and success into your life!
