Put the Power of Feng Shui to Work for You…
Putting the Power of Feng Shui to Work for You…
Feng Shui… We’ve read about it in the L.A. Times, seen magazine articles about it, and glanced at the numerous Feng Shui books on the shelves of local bookstores, but most of us probably are still wondering “What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is literally translated means “Wind and Water.” From an old Chinese proverb which relates to where best to locate your home, business, or your ancestor’s grave…” Where the breeze is gentle, the water clear, the sun is warm, and the foliage is lush” The Chinese believe that finding these elements in a site selection will bring about ideal harmony, balance, benevolent good fortune, and thus overall well-being. This is Feng Shui.
As I’ve pursued this “eco-science” both here and intensively in China, I’ve come to feel that Feng Shui is like an old, forgotten language we are now in the process of re-learning. As a realtor putting Feng Shui principles to work for both buyers and sellers, these ancient guidelines make perfect sense, and perhaps this is why Feng Shui is finding such popularity both in Europe and now in the U.S.
Pronounced “fung schway”… it can be described as the art of harmonious placement and balance within an environment, be it a parcel of land, a residence, or office building. Donald Trump sought out Feng Shui experts to guide him in designing the Trump Towers. When the new Denver Airport had such difficulties starting operations and after everything else was tried the decision was made to call in Feng Shui experts. The Espirit Corporation in San Francisco decided to have their new offices “Feng Shuied” to insure a more harmonious working environment which in turn will boost productivity and profits. The list goes on.
Besides cultivating a harmonious and balanced feeling within homes and offices, Feng Shui is foremost tied to the land…it is an environmental science and respect for nature and honoring the “Chi” or life-force of Mother Earth is fundamental to its precepts. Thus it is also highly compatible with the groundswell of environmentalism which is being felt in Europe especially Germany, England, and now here in America.
So, how can you put the power of Feng Shui to work in your own home of office? First of all know that good “chi” or life energy can not move freely where clutter, and uncleanliness are. This is one of the best motivators to clear our clutter, get rid of things or “stuff” that no longer serve us, and allow the beneficial energy, of which all things in the universe is made, to circulate freely
Fix things that need fixing. If a window is broken, replace it. If a door knob is falling off, secure it. If a burner on the stove is not working, get it repaired.
Begin looking at your home or office through “Feng Shui eyes” and begin to notice how many things which have overlooked can be eliminated. Dying plants…give them back to Mother Nature. Old piles of newspapers and magazines..recycle them. Dirty windows and doorways filled with cobwebs and peeling paint…clean and revitalize them. Furniture that blocks your path…remove it.
Feng Shui is not necessarily about spending money and moving the location of your front door if it faces the “wrong” direction. Quite the contrary, Feng Shui is all about living intentionally, using what you already have, being creative, and having a lot of fun in the process! A concept that is thousands of years old which not only stands the test of time, but beckons us happily into a harmonious and balanced life in the new millineum, deserves to be taken very seriously!
Go to your favorite bookstore and begin reading up on this fascinating subject. If you need guidance about where to begin in your selection write or e-mail the author and a list of beginning, intermediate, and advanced Feng Shui books will be in the mail to you.
Have fun and may the “force” of Feng Shui be with you!
