“Humanity models itself on earth, earth on heaven, heaven on the Way and the Way on that which is Naturally So”~ Laozi
Feng Shui, like most things, must be experienced before it can be understood. What is it, you may ask? The term literally means “wind and water” and concerns itself with an energy known as chi. It is an elusive concept that reveals one’s attitude of life by displaying landscape aesthetically. Still not clear? Consider then the art or practice of positioning objects, especially graves, buildings and furniture, based on a belief in patterns of yin and yang and the flow of chi that have positive and negative effects.
The fundamental principle behind Feng Shui is the belief that there are five elements, some combinations of which create a positive cycle and some which are destructive. For optimum Feng Shui, a room would have an equal balance of all five elements: water, wood, fire, earth and metal; none of them, however, being too overpowering.
Putting this concept into practice might involve the following example. If a room has overpowering metal elements, such as modern metal furniture, the effect can be counter-balanced by wood elements, like green leafy plants or fire elements such as red throw pillows or candles. A natural element, candles can provide a good beginning for implementing Feng Shui design in the home.
Feng Shui and clutter are two powerful counter forces because there really is no “should do” when it comes to cleaning out clutter. To live in a house divided against itself (that cannot multiply; much less divide) is and can only be a personal choice. One room, one corner, or one closet at a time is the best way to tackle the heap before your tired eyes. Alternatives of garage sales and “I’ll figure it out tomorrow” really don’t work because they only help to postpone the issue to another cluttered time and place.
Stay tuned for some more thoughts on Feng Shui and your home.