FENG SHUI TIPS

Feng Shui and the Spirit of Change
by Stanley Bartlett

There is a new spirit of change evolving around us called Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway). This ancient Chinese philosophy of creating harmonious environments is now becoming almost a household word with even Donald Trump talking about the use of Feng Shui for his New York high rises. TV, newspaper, magazines, radio , and books all abound with this latest and hottest new fad; or is Feng Shui something more permanent?

What is Feng Shui

Let us first explore what it is. Feng Shui teaches us how to create harmony and balance around us. We say "as goes our environment so goes us" and vice versa. This means that if we pay attention to our environment then we will find ways of creating different realities in our lives. Literally translated from Chinese , Feng Shui, means wind and water. This is actually an inadequate interpretation due to the complexities of translating Chinese calligraphy into English. A few symbols in Chinese can tell an entire story. Upon further study we find that Feng Shui is an expression of the oneness and interconnectedness of all things on all levels and all dimensions. This is a key concept in understanding how our essence relates to everything else around us including our environment. As one begins to sense this oneness we then find that it is possible to gather insight from looking at our environment with "larger eyes". We often say that Feng Shui teaches us what we already know.

When you enter an environment your internal computer gathers vast information about our surroundings. Perhaps it is telling you that the front door entrance is constricted and dark, the colors inside are dark and not very balanced and the wall is too close to the entrance as you walk in and it is compressing your energy field. You might also notice the earth energies are depleting your Chi on one side but on the other side of the room you sense that the earth energies are much more supportive. As you continue on your discovery into this space you tune in to the electronic pollution emanating from the electric powerline and transformer just outside the bedroom wall and it makes you feel somewhat irritated. In addition you now realize that the air quality is not too good and that your nose feels irritated and you are about to sneeze. You are also distracted by another irritant as you realize that there is some energy around that makes you feel like there was an argument in the house recently. Most of this awareness is processed deep within your subconscious. The goal of Feng Shui is to help us use this information to arrange our reality in more harmonious ways. Many wonderful stories exist of how people have used these teachings to bring health, prosperity and good fortune to their lives.

Some Feng Shui Tips

1) Clutter and Debris: Get rid of the old and make room for the new. Less is more!

2) Fix and Repair: Windows are the eyes of the Chi (life force energy) and affect ones clarity so replace broken glass panes and clean the windows; plumbing represents our digestive system so repair those leaky faucets and clogged drains; the electrical is our neurological system so tend to your electrical needs; HVAC heating ventilation and air-conditioning represents the lungs and breathing so make sure that the ducts are clean and free of bacteria, and replace the standard air filter with a HEPA filter which is much more effective; a sticking door can contribute to tension between partners in the home so ease a tight fit.

3) Stove: If your back is to the door or entrance into the kitchen while you are cooking then install a mirror behind the stove. This helps to create a more balanced environment for the chef. The energy of the chef is imparted into the food so for this reason we pay special attention to the stove. Also be sure and rotate your use of each burner as this is important for prosperity.

4) Master Bed: Place the master bed in the position with the most commanding view of the bedroom door. We spend about 1/3 of our lives in bed in an open vulnerable state and so it is important that this area be supportive to our being. Our relationship to the doorway into the bedroom is important because the door is the mouth of the Chi (life-force energy).

5) Front entrance: The main entrance to the house or building is the main mouth of the Chi. This is where symbolically all the Chi enters the building. It is important that the main entrance be clear, open and well defined. Make sure that there is a clear even path to the front door and that the hedges are trimmed back. The main entrance is also used for the positioning of the Ba Gua, an octagon, which is superimposed on the foot print of the house. From the BaGua we are able to discern much useful information about the environment and lives of the occupants. It is a powerful tool used to correct imbalances.

6) Lighting: Make sure that there is adequate natural lighting as well as artificial lighting throughout the building. Use full spectrum lighting (found at health food stores, they are light blue/purple on the outside) in key areas where you spend time and then you can mix in super energy efficient low wattage fluorescents for energy conservation. These use only 15 watts of electricity for 60-70 watts of output and they last a long time. Many local power companies offer these at subsidized rates.

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