Feng Shui

Feng shui literally translates from Chinese as "wind" (feng) and "water" (shui). It is the Chinese art of understanding how qi – life force energy – moves in our surroundings, and how our buildings, their interiors, and our environment affect us.

Feng shui works on the assumption that the world is driven by unseen forces. The idea behind it is to "unblock" the way, so the forces may flow freely to create balance and harmony in a space or life. An adept feng shui practitioner can suggest ways to arrange buildings, objects and space to enhance the useful, positive qi and control, modify or avoid the negative qi.

The main difference between the practices of feng shui and western traditions is a belief that we as humans are connected to the spaces we inhabit. Believers in feng shui see sacred purposes and mystical meanings behind design – not just artistically appealing buildings or superficially pretty surroundings. They view the world in terms of cosmic energy.

According to the Feng Shui Society , the Chinese have always considered that success in life is dependent upon five main influences, some of which are within our control. These are:

• Fate or destiny
• Luck
• Feng shui
• Knowledge
• Personal factors such as our family, background, actions and choices

The principle of feng shui is to introduce specific positive adjustments and influences so that our surroundings are more likely to support us rather than work against us. Simple, affordable beneficial changes can be implemented in living and working environments through the introduction of sound feng shui advice.

According to feng shui, when you are surrounded by a healthy living environment you will naturally feel relaxed, rejuvenated and inspired. These basic feng shui tips will help you get started with creating a home that nourishes your body, mind and spirit:

• Clear your clutter: Clearing clutter is an essential step in creating harmonious feng shui energy in your home. Clutter disrupts your life and hinders your ability to find peace. Getting rid of clutter will help lighten the load and renew the energy of your home. If you can begin your day with calm, you have a better chance of feeling centred as you go out into the world.
• Remove shoes before entering your home: Make it a ritual to leave the stress of your job, traffic jams and bad days outside by taking off your shoes before entering. Jayme Barrett, best-selling author of ‘Feng Shui Your Life’ explains that doing so is a purposeful way to make your home a haven, only allowing peaceful energy to come inside.
• Invite fresh air and bright light into your house: These two elements are essential for good feng shui energy. Open the doors and windows often, grow an indoor garden of air-purifying plants or use an air-purifier. Allow as much natural light as possible into your home, and consider using full-spectrum lights.
• Make sure all your doors and drawers do not stick: All should open easily and effortlessly. Don’t put up with little aggravations, because they drag down energy – yours and the home’s – in a big way.
• Sleep right: You will miraculously find that you will sleep better at night if your bed is positioned so that your head isn't resting towards the door. Also, refrain from watching television before bed as it drains your energy. Violence and negative news can be absorbed into your subconscious and may cause bad dreams.  
• Decorate organically: Incorporate soothing earth tones or earth materials, such as wood and clay, into your home. Whether it’s in wall colour, bedding, artwork, fabrics or decorative objects – these tones promote a sense of calm and comfort.
• Allow obstacle-free flow through your home: Feng shui is all about bringing nature’s flow indoors. Any obstacles to free, easy movement inside your home or apartment can translate to obstacles in health, relationship or career outside of those walls. The rule of thumb is to leave three feet of open space between all furniture to allow for free flow of energy.