Feng Shui (pronounced Fung Schway) literally means wind and water. As these words suggest, it implies flow and containment. We want optimal energy flow -- not too fast (threatening), not too slow (stagnating), and places for it to pool and collect so that we can reside in its nourishing vitality. In this respect Feng Shui can very much be likened to acupuncture for environments.

Feng Shui is commonly described as the ancient science of placement -- the art being in its application. It's an evolving system of information used to enhance the quality of any environment and empower its occupants. As a transformational tool it re-defines, re-balances and builds a foundation for harmony and success.

Once Upon a time we lived with the support of a mountain behind us, embracing arms alongside us, and a gentle footstool to rest our feet upon as we gazed out to a body of water just below and in front of us. Nowadays surrounding buildings might provide us with backing, or with walls behind us while we are at our desks, in our beds, or on our couches. Nearby street configurations might act as rivers of opportunity or perhaps, unfortunately, adversity, if they are aimed directly at your house.

Ideally no harsh angles confront us, such as severe roof lines from a neighboring building aimed at our front door. Ideally, surrounding buildings don't tower over us, dwarfing our efforts in life. These are examples of forms that can be interpreted from the perspective of Feng Shui, then corrected and balanced with appropriate adjustments or "cures."

Once inside our homes we want life's good energy (chi) to meander happily and nourish every space within. Long straight lines such as corridors are best re-directed with a crystal to slow down and disperse accelerated chi flow. Strategic placement of floor plants can introduce a slight undulation and re-direction of chi that is equally effective.

Artwork on walls can help this condition, as can texture. Absorbing rugs can "ground" a fast moving condition. Selections such as these should be chosen because they are appropriate in the space, don't distract from its function, and blend well with the aesthetic of the occupant.

A common situation where this extreme shows up is in intersection points of long, straight corridors in institutional setting such as (unfortunately) schools. Can you sense why these areas might be places of confrontation? They could easily be transformed with a few Feng Shui techniques! In addition to obvious allowances for health and balance, hallways represent life's transitions. Keep yours unobstructed to avoid becoming stuck.

The main entrance, even if it's not the one you usually use, sets the tone for your home. Make it beautiful. Let it "entrance" if you choose. Clearly define your entrance. Allow opportunities to find you. Remove any decaying plants, old shoes, clutter, partial obstacles. Use easy-to-see numbers (not in a descending design) so that the postman brings you every check and happy announcement that is trying to find you. Be sure the door can fully open. It's your "mouth" of chi. No collections of recycling or laundry behind any door in your house for that matter! Your home needs to fully inhale -- as do you.

Once inside, correct any split-vision entrances. An example is an up and down staircase or a partial wall juxtaposed with a long-range view. Direct the eye first to one view in some way. The famous Feng Shui master Professor Thomas Lin Yun suggests hanging a mobile of $100 bills to one side. That will be your immediate focus as you check to be sure they are all still there. Use your imagination to instruct chi to first focus in one way, even if you simply distract the eye. Perhaps a large urn could be used as an umbrella stand placed to make it easier to use the "up" staircase instead of the "down" in those split level entrances.

Remember, there are no absolutes. Your circumstances may require creative solutions. That's the art of placement.

___________________________________________________________

Lynn Taylor, lecturer and teacher both locally and internationally, practices Feng Shui in the Tibetan Black Sect tradition of Master Thomas Lin Yun, as well as drawing from most of the major schools of Feng Shui. Lynn's approach is highly intuitive and inspirational. She consults with homeowners, businesses, real estate brokers, architects, builders and interior designers.

Boston Feng Shui
Phone 617-924-4205
email: lynntaylor@bostonfengshui.com