Feng Shui. Is it a buzz-word, or is there something in
this ancient body of knowledge that can inform and enhance
modern living? A definition of feng shui is a helpful place
to begin answering that question.

Feng shui originated in China, and is essentially an
environmental science that is applied to create a proper
flow of energy. The philosophy and practice of feng shui is
to contribute to the well-being of individuals and
communities through the art of placement, for balanced
energy flow. All societies possess in some form or another
the knowledge that feng shui contains.

Today in the West, the practice of feng shui can advise us
in creating surroundings in which we feel supported and at
ease, whether at home, at work or around the community.
Many of the principles of feng shui are common sense, such
as using natural lighting, fresh air ventilation, and
cleanness to help both our bodies and minds remain healthy.

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.

If you have ever entered a space and felt welcomed and at
peace, you have experienced the principles of feng shui at
work. Some spaces instinctively feel right, whether by
design or by someone with a gift for arrangement. What are
some of the feng shui principles that bring harmony to the
space?

First, there is yin and yang. According to feng shui there
are always two forces acting together in order to create
energy. The positive and negative forces are called yin and
yang. When they are balanced, all is well, but when one
achieves dominance, the imbalanced influence can be
harmful. Yin and yang are opposing but interdependent. For
example, without the idea of softness, we wouldn't be able
to really understand hardness. High and low, still and
moving, heat and cold are further examples of yin and yang
forces. At their extremes these opposites can change into
the other: ice can burn, and sunstroke victims shiver. The
object is to balance the opposites.

A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea
of Chi. Chi doesn't have a western equivalent, but loosely
can be translated as the life force of animate things, the
power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate
or of the environment. In short, the energy. When Chi is
blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to help it flow
and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in our homes or
other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will get it
flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring peace and
harmony for the occupants.

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.

Clutter makes a good flow of Chi impossible, so start by
clearing clutter out. You don't have to make a huge
beginning, just pick an area and go. Empty a closet, or a
drawer. Give away or toss what you know deep down will
always just be gathering dust. Put away neatly those items
you have decided to keep. Notice. Do you feel lighter
around that space? If you like the feeling, do it again in
another area. When you're done clearing up your
surroundings, you will feel a sense of uplift and well-
being. That's the time to get the books and other resources
to help you to go deeper with your understanding of the art
and science of feng shui.

Karen Havenor is a contributing author to <a
href="http://fqHouse.com"> FQ House </a> , the
favorite resource letter about houses.  Visit
http://www.fqHouse.com/ for additional articles by Karen
Havenor.

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