The ancient body of knowledge that feng shui contains has
been formally used in China for many centuries, but the
term has only become a commonly heard in the West in recent
times. Is feng shui just another fad in the West, or does
it have an enduring quality that can inform us about living
well anytime, anywhere? To begin to answer the question, a
definition is useful.

Essentially, feng shui is an environmental science used to
creating a proper and balanced flow of energy through the
art of placement. Feng shui is a philosophy as well as a
practice. Although it originated in China, all societies
have the knowledge contained in feng shui. Its use
contributes to individual well-being and ultimately to that
of entire communities.

Today in the West, the practice of feng shui can advise us
in creating surroundings in which we feel supported and at
ease, whether at home, at work or around the community.
Many of the principles of feng shui are common sense, such
as using natural lighting, fresh air ventilation, and
cleanness to help both our bodies and minds remain healthy.

At the same time, feng shui contains other environmental
concepts that might not seem so obvious as potentially
beneficial or harmful. In fact, some harmful arrangements
go unnoticed until we recognize a problem area in our life
and take steps to correct the problem. Once our surrounding
are properly ordered, we can connect to the energy around
us that allows us to experience desired changes for the
better.

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.

One principle is the balance of yin and yang. According to
feng shui, these two forces always act together in creating
energy. In balance, there is well-being. However, when one
force dominates, the imbalance can be detrimental. These
positive and negative forces are opposites, yes, but yin
and yang are interdependent. That is, without knowing
softness, one cannot understand hardness. Stillness and
motion, low and high, cold and hot: these are examples of
yin forces and yang forces, which at their extreme can
change into the other. For example, sunstroke can make
victims shiver and ice can feel like a burn. In feng shui,
the object is to balance opposites.

The idea of Chi is another principle of feng shui at work
in spaces that instinctively feel right. Although the
concept of Chi has no precise Western equivalent, it can be
understood with animate things as life force, and with
inanimate things as power, such as the power of weather.
Energy is commonly used as a Western term for Chi. When the
flow of Chi is disturbed in our bodies, it can be restored
with acupuncture. When the flow of Chi is disturbed in our
surroundings, it can be brought back into balance through
feng shui. Proper arrangements help Chi flow smoothly and
gently so that the occupants experience peace and harmony.

You could find resources online or at your local library
that give very detailed and specific instructions about
balancing yin and yang or enhancing the flow of Chi. But
you don't need to start with books and research in order to
immediately improve your surroundings and therefore your
quality of life. The most practical and beneficial place to
begin applying the principles of feng shui is so simple as
to be deceptive in its power~. Begin by getting rid of
clutter.

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 is a frequent contributor to <a
href="http://fqHouse.com">FQ House Newsletter</a> , the
best on-line house information resource. Karen's archive of
articles is found at http://www.fqHouse.com/

This article may be reprinted in its
entirety so long as the authors credits, and all links remain intact.