Diane Gallin's Feng Shui blog

Earth Day commemorates a movement in time not too long ago when the deterioration of our natural environment became both evident and measurable, signaling a need for collective change. Once considered the realm of students, hippies and naturalists, 40 years later environmental awareness and personal responsibility for earth’s natural resources remains at the forefront of our global attention, as we continue to explore ways to conserve and sustain ourselves on the planet.

One of the five elements (along with Wood, Water, Fire and Metal) that define the very foundation of all Feng Shui principles, Earth represents the tai ch’i or center of our environment, touching everything we do.  It is associated with the mother, the colors brown and yellow, square shapes, the stomach and digestive systems, early autumn, late afternoon, the northeast and southwest.  Earth energy grounds us while transitioning from one activity to another, providing boundaries for guidance.  It is the place where yin and yang meet – terra firma.

In Feng Shui, the center of the home influences the health and stability of the family.  In the workplace, it represents the core and foundation of the business.  Blocking walls or misaligned furniture, clutter, plumbing, hallways, elevators and uneven flooring can contribute to the erosion of Earth energy. Too much or too little activity will tip the scale of Earth energy in the center of our spaces.  An ideal place for gathering people together and sharing ideas, it is important to provide comfortable places for energy as well as people to settle in the center, and open pathways for smooth transition.

Once we learn to balance our own good health and well-being in the places we reside, Earth energy enables us to care for and nurture others.  Like Mother Earth,  these places will sustain us, providing we carry our own weight.

Happy Earth Day!

Diane Gallin