If you’ve ever needed to clear your working space before being able to work productively, you’ve experienced a basic principle of Feng Shui – the ancient Chinese method of creating a harmonious environment.
Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) literally means “wind and water.” An ancient Chinese study that dates back about 5,000 years, Feng Shui seeks to promote good health, prosperity, and well-being by examining how energy, qi, pronounced “chee,” flows through a particular environment such as a living space, building, or even a city.
Feng Shui applies basic principles that include an understanding of the theories of polarity: of Yin, feminine and passive energy, and Yang, masculine and dominant energy, along with a balancing of the Five Elements – water, fire, wood, metal, and earth. Also considered is the physical relationship between natural environment and the magnetic field, East and West compass direction points.
As an ancient mode, a Feng Shui practitioner consults a person’s Chinese horoscope, uses a compass, and performs calculations according to the basic principles to determine the energy characteristics of a space, and what aspects are out of balance. Once it’s clear what energy is unbalanced, a solution is offered that will equalize the energy, providing a more positive atmosphere.
In China, Feng Shui is broadly taken seriously as an art and science, and has even helped in the planning of communities, from private residences to public buildings. In deciding on landscape, architectural features, placement and style of furniture, colors and decorating schemes, and the locations of environmental features (plants, paths, etc), Feng Shui helps to create a more pleasing ambiance, and has even been credited with increasing business and cooperation. It’s believed that a person’s fate is determined by how favorably his or her surroundings are laid out.
Feng Shui Decorating Tips
Feng Shui aims to create spaces that are in harmony with their surroundings. In Western culture, interior designers attempt to create a happy and harmonious environment by carefully selecting an agreeable arrangement of the elements in a home. They might begin by choosing a functional furniture arrangement, and then adding decorative elements, like color, texture, and lighting to create a pleasing environment.
- Reduce Clutter: As you’ve probably noticed, it’s difficult to think clearly in a cluttered space. Clutter is thought to interfere with creativity and productivity, and signifies stagnation and disconnection, which can overwhelm or confuse. If you have trouble sleeping, it could be because of the clutter both under and around your bed. To sleep peacefully, energy needs to flow smoothly around you. So remove the piles and stored items near or under the bed before hitting the sack.
- Have a Balance of Yin and Yang: When decorating your space, balance light and dark colors, soft and hard surfaces, and smooth and rough textures in furniture, flooring, and accessories. For instance, to encourage a ‘masculine’ environment use metal, but to balance this, add feminine or softer energy, by incorporating plants, natural ceramics, and water.
- Add a Bit of Nature: Setting up an area with a few plants can add a little life to your place. According to the Chinese system of aesthetics, plants bring energy, wealth, and good luck into a home. Scientific research has shown that plants reduce indoor pollutants in the air, and can lift a mood. Plants, like bamboo, cactus, or jade plants are easier to care for, and don’t require much water or sunlight.
- Stay in Control: In your bedroom, is the door easily seen from your bed? Feng Shui suggests the best spot to place your bed is one where you have the widest view of the door: against the wall opposite the door, but not in line with the door. Now, you’re energetically in command of your space. Also, any electronic devices – TVs, computers, stereos, clock radios, and cell phones – are said to be disruptive to peaceful sleep and should be moved at least eight feet away from where you sleep.
- Color and Light Your Space: Decorate your area with colors that will invigorate and inspire you. Colors, such as bright yellow and green, will strengthen and are associated with rest and renewal. Light your living area, especially with sunlight when possible, to energize yourself.
