Finding Feng Shui: Improving Your Home
Even though we may not always be consciously aware of it, our environment has a striking impact on our energy levels and mood everyday. In this case, the environment is not limited to the outdoors, but more specifically refers to our indoor environments. Imagine having to perform a large amount of work that requires a lot of concentration in a messy room. Such an environment would tend to make many people feel even more stressed out. This guide will introduce you to the benefits of Feng Shui and how it can be successfully applied in the home or office to create a balanced, serene atmosphere.
Feng Shui is a very ancient Chinese system of laws that are applied to the arrangement of objects and space in an indoor environment. One of the most important parts of Feng Shui is called the Yin Yang theory. This theory accepts that our world is made up of contrasting but linked influences. When translated literally, Yin symbolizes the passive female element while Yang denotes the active, masculine one. In order to achieve harmony, both forces must be combined. The principles of Feng Shui are used to help us create harmony in our living spaces. By doing so, we can then experience a parallel harmony in ourselves. Feng Shui is largely beneficial for the reduction in stress that it helps to convey, as well as helping people to focus their thoughts and actions better. Through clearer thinking and better focus, Feng Shui helps people to achieve further success in their careers, family life and relationships. While some think that Feng Shui is a mysterious practice, keep in mind that its principles are logical and in tune with how our minds subconsciously interpret our surroundings.
Feng Shui practitioners generally identify five major elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These elements are often also associated with certain colors or shapes, and correspond with the stages of a human’s life. Wood, signified by the color green, is a young, active and works best for inducing a creative, flexible atmosphere. Fire symbolizes active energy or passion and can be very motivating. However, too much of the fire element can be perceived as hazardous. Earth on the other hand, lends a quiet, patient, stable feeling and can be represented by yellow colored objects. Gold-colored Metal is often associated with business success in Feng Shui. However, too much of this element can be linked to destructive traits. Note that metal elements can also be white. Finally, Water is an element used to induce intellectual endeavors and communication and is linked to the color black. To determine which element to use, it is best to first think about our goals and what we wish to achieve in a certain room. For example, a bedroom may need to reflect the Fire element for couples with marriage problems, while a very stressed out person may opt for the Earth element instead. One of the most important teachings of Feng Shui is to improve the flow of energy in a room. Look at the furniture arrangement, lighting and décor. Do any of them create a physical or mental block for the types of activities that are usually performed in the room?
The additional resources below provide more in-depth tips on how to create balance in any room by using Feng Shui.
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