Feng Shui

Feng Shui is one of the Five Arts of Chinese Metaphysics. It's a philosophical system of harmonizing people with their environment. It creates an ongoing spiritual discussion between architecture and inhabitants. Focused on the cultivation and binding of Qi (the invisible force that binds the universe, earth, and humanity), Feng Shui is an architectural art form designed at most efficient capture and flow of Qi within a home.

Qi is a movable positive or negative life force. In Feng Shui, just like in Chinese Martial Arts, it refers to energy. Qi in Feng Shui stems from the orientation of a structure, its age, and its interaction with the surrounding environment.

Polarity between Yin and Yang is of utmost importance, as are the five elements of Water, Wood, Metal, Earth, and Fire. Striving to achieve this balance is part of the essential practice of Feng Shui:

Fire indicates wealth and luxury, found in the color red. It should be used minimally as accents. Fire is also represented in orange, which is active and friendly. Perfect for the living room. Same as Red, use judiciously, as orange can easily overwhelm.

Metal is found in white and grey. White is purity and clarity, and this is a safe color than can be used anywhere.Grey exudes a sophistication, used as a design accent as long as it doesn't combine with wood element, as it disrupts wood.

Wood is found in brown and green. Brown brings a nourishing energy, appropriate for the kitchen or a support color for the bedroom. Green signifies healing, and it's most easily displayed with actual plants.

Earth is found in beiges and yellows. Beige depicts humility and stability, and can be mixed with any color. Yellow improves self-esteem and well-being. It's radiant and lively, and is great for a living room.

Blue and Black represent Water. Blue has the calming and soothing effect, perfect for the bedroom and in the living room. Black is the color for money and power, and should be evenly distributed through the house. The color should be used sporadically, because of its overwhelming effect on the soul.

By cultivating the Qi and binding it in your home, you are actively bringing the breath of the universe to guide you towards beneficial, healthy, and auspicious living. Harnessing good chi involves placing objects, arranging furniture, and orienting homes according to feng shui guidelines.

Here are some simple guidelines:

1.) Positioning your furniture is important. Remove all objects that add clutter, especially around your entrance ways.

2.) Incorporating plants, potted flowers, and bonsai trees, as well as pets and fish, will greatly add to the life force of a room.

3.) Lighting and music are major factors, as they add to the overall calmness and clarity to one's spirit.

4.) Choose items that are crafted from wood, stone, or metal, and incorporate water elements into the overall design when you can.

5.) Allow for natural regulation of indoor air humidity and neutralization of air pollutants.

6.) Consider the balance between indoors heat storage and thermal insulation.

7.) Employ solar energy as much as possible.

8.) Use light, illumination, and color in accordance with nature.

9.) Provide adequate protection from noise.

There are many, many more guidelines to Feng Shui, often incorporated into the actual build and design of the home itself, not just the furniture within. However, even following a few of these simple guidelines will begin to open you up to a good flow of chi. The health and mental health benefits of clean and orderly living will invite many blessings and much good energy into your home.