Is Feng Shui a buzz-word? Or, does this ancient knowledge
contain something that can illuminate and improve modern
life? To answer the question, let's start with a definition
of the term feng shui.

Feng shui is a philosophy and a practice that originated
in China, but all societies have the knowledge feng shui
contains. It is basically an environmental science that
when applied contributes to the well-being of an individual
or community. Feng Shui is essentially about creating a
proper and balanced flow of energy through the art of
placement.

Whether at home or at work or around out communities, feng
shui as practiced in the West today guides us in creating
environments that support us and set us at ease. Some feng
shui practices simply make sense: natural light, fresh air,
and clean environments are good for the well being of both
our bodies and spirits.

Other environmental considerations might not occur to us
so obviously as potentially beneficial or harmful until we
recognize problem areas in our lives and take positive
steps to improve them. When we arrange our surroundings
properly, we are able to connect to the energy of the space
around us, bringing about desired changes and improvements.

Have you ever noticed that some spaces instinctively feel
right? Whether they were created by intentional design or
by someone with a subconscious gift for placement and flow,
there are feng shui principles at work bringing the place
into harmony.

First, there is yin and yang. According to feng shui there
are always two forces acting together in order to create
energy. The positive and negative forces are called yin and
yang. When they are balanced, all is well, but when one
achieves dominance, the imbalanced influence can be
harmful. Yin and yang are opposing but interdependent. For
example, without the idea of softness, we wouldn't be able
to really understand hardness. High and low, still and
moving, heat and cold are further examples of yin and yang
forces. At their extremes these opposites can change into
the other: ice can burn, and sunstroke victims shiver. The
object is to balance the opposites.

A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea
of Chi. Chi doesn't have a western equivalent, but loosely
can be translated as the life force of animate things, the
power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate
or of the environment. In short, the energy. When Chi is
blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to help it flow
and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in our homes or
other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will get it
flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring peace and
harmony for the occupants.

At the library or online sources, you can find very
specific instructions and suggestions for improving the
balance of yin and yang in your environment as well as
enhancing the flow of Chi. These two principles are a good
place to begin applying feng shui. But without referring to
another source at all, the single most powerful thing you
can do to improve your surroundings and thereby your
quality of life is to clear clutter. It will be immediately
beneficial to you.

Pick a place to begin that will give you momentum. In
other words, start small and complete the job. Organize a
drawer, empty a closet, clear a table top. Toss or give
away what you deep down know you should, and then neatly
put away the rest. Now, notice how you feel around that
clear and clean place. If you like the feeling, continue.
Over time, de-clutter everywhere. When that's complete, if
you like the feeling of uplift and renewal that results,
you've reached the point when it's time to get the
resources and books. Use them to delve into the fascinating
art and science of feng shui.

Karen Havenor has made a study of topics related to house
and home.  She is contributing writer of articles for <a
href="http://fqHouse.com">The News about the House</a> ,
your premier resource on-line for information on houses.
Find the archive of articles at: http://www.fqHouse.com/

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