Feng shui is about how the environments in which we live and work have an effect on our physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Different places make us feel differently. The amount of natural light flooding in through the windows (or the light of a decorative wooden lamp), the colour of the walls, the type of dining chairs, the style of the pictures and ornaments, the presence or absence of living plants in a flower plant pot; – each aspect affects our experience.
Feng shui is the study of the movement of energy and how it moves in patterns, affecting every aspect of our lives. Quantum physics confirms that everything is made up of energy. All physical matter, no matter how solid it feels, is, in fact, only energy vibrating. All around us, in the empty space that we can not see, energy exists as well. Feng shui is concerned with this invisible world, for it is as important to our well being as the world we can see with our eyes.
Imagine, for example, walking into a room after a fierce argument has taken place there. You can feel the tension, in fact you might say that you could “cut the atmosphere with a knife” because there is a tangible feeling of something hanging there in space. Likewise, scientific equipment has now been developed to measure the smallest movement of energy: the lie detector can register the most imperceptible fluctuation in vibrations of energy movement in the body.
Feng shui helps us to understand that our homes are direct extensions of ourselves; they are mirrors reflecting who we are. the places in which we live carry evidence and symbols of our past experiences, thoughts and dreams, and if we want to change and improve the quality and direction of our lives we need to understand how everything around us interconnects. In order to create a new future and make the things happen that we most desire, we have to consider how these might be represented in our homes now. Here, you will learn how changes the interior design of your home will be echoed by changes that are made to your life. Different arrangements will affect the movement of energy in your home and workspace. These will, in turn, be reflected in changes in your wealth, health, happiness, opportunities, relationships and feelings of peace.
The goal of good feng shui is to arrange a space so that “chi”, or energy, can flow harmoniously so that it feels balanced. Energy moves in spirals and waves and we feel more comfortable when we emulate nature by bringing those same curves into our homes. Smooth and soft energy movement helps us to feel relaxed. Straight lines, angular corners and sharp edges do not mirror our own natural movement of “chi”, and so we can feel more stressed.
The relationship we have with a place is very personal as we bring our own unique character to it. Everybody expresses themselves in different ways with distinct preferences of colour, style, fabrics, art, and the nature and amount of their possessions. All these things create different atmospheres and have a different bearing on someone’s life. So, although there are some basic principles to follow in feng shui, remember that having good feng shui is also about creating a home that reflects you and what you want. What has to be considered is what you want to use the space for, whether it is for bringing up a family, starting a new business from home, or beginning married life.
