Good Feng Shui

front entrance

Have you ever walked into a building and felt immediately comfortable?  Whether it was a welcoming home or a well-run business, you are likely noticing the feng shui of the place. Feng Shui literally means “wind water” – the two channels for energy to travel. Where it gathers and disperses plays a big role in the energy of that space.

Buildings also hold the energy of the people who design, build and inhabit them. Surrounding landforms (waterways, roads, mountains, trees and other buildings) determine the amount and quality of chi that enters a space. For example, dead end roads and cul de sacs are considered yin spaces while busy highways are considered yang. They each have merit but it’s important to understand their role in helping you achieve your goals. The year of construction and facing/sitting compass directions of the building influence the energy contained there. Once inside a building, the location of windows, doors, corridors and drains all impact the functionality of a space. Wall color, flooring, artwork, furnishings, textures and lighting also contribute to energy flow and the predetermined human activity within should dictate these choices.

rivers and mountains

While every situation is unique and requires specific attention, there are many ways to incorporate good feng shui into your surroundings, regardless of personal objectives. Here are a few tips to help you on your way:

  • The first step to bringing harmony in your life is to evaluate where you are now. Are you pleased with your current career, relationships, prosperity and health? Are you happy about the direction your business is taking? If not, it’s possible your environment is preventing you from moving forward. In feng shui, we use a directional energy map of your floor plan to evaluate what’s right and where attention should be focused. It’s not unusual for history to repeat itself in buildings where a reversal of fortune such as bankruptcy or divorce has taken place, but you can change the course of that history if you know where to start.
  • Once you have determined where you are now and where you are going, there are specific things you can do to achieve those goals. For example, if you are trying to write a book, pass an exam or launch a new business, it is helpful to clear and illuminate the path to your front door. If a strong relationship is on your wish list, why not organize your bedroom to make room for a partner? Has business slowed since you moved locations or rearranged your workspace? Perhaps adjustments are necessary there.
  • If you tend to dwell in the past and have trouble making changes, clear your clutter. The interval between seasons  is a wonderful time to take inventory of your belongings and remove, repair or replace anything that is broken or that no longer serves a purpose. Donate, sell or dispose of anything that you don’t love. By doing so, you’ll make room for new opportunities to find you.
  • Is your life too hectic – or too quiet?  We engender chaos with disorganization, confusing room layouts and loud, noisy spaces. Alternately, dark, gloomy, still spaces can be overly yin and sap motivation or lead to depression.  The ideal environment inspires creativity and rejuvenation at once. Living and work spaces should encourage conversation, exploration and stimulation, while bedrooms and study areas are best left quiet for restful rejuvenation. Business logos and signs should accurately convey the type of work you do and entice others to trust and engage you. Use feng shui principles to design them.
  • It helps to know your Four Pillars/BaZi personal element. The five elements – water, wood, fire, earth and metal – we use in feng shui to help bring balance to an environment, also imprints us at birth and determines quite a bit about our traits, tendencies and life path. Whether you are the strategist, nurturer, inventor, philosopher or leader, fulfillment comes when you follow the right path. Knowing your element puts you in control of your destiny and I can help you with that.

Feng shui has stood the test of time because it makes perfect sense. Tap into the wisdom of this ancient tradition and you may just discover what’s been missing.

Wishing you peace, prosperity and good chi,

Diane Gallin

wind and water feng shui chop

Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting

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