Why Feng Shui?

 

Do the words ‘feng shui’ bring to mind visions of Chinese symbols and red tassels? You're not alone. In the past 10 years feng shui has almost become a household word, even though most people don't know that much about it. It's kind of like daily horoscopes - everyone knows their Sun sign and reads their horoscope, but few know more astrology than that. And then, how does feng shui work? Is it a mystic art, or a practice in physics? It depends on who you talk to, and how much knowledge of feng shui they actually have. Or don’t have.

To me, feng shui is simply a language I use when I’m decorating. Good interior design is good feng shui. Good housekeeping is good feng shui. The bulk of feng shui is really common sense design. The unusual terms and Chinese cultural symbolisms make feng shui seem mystical. In my writing, I do include traditional Chinese symbols, but I also offer decorative substitutions. Keep in mind, when reading traditional feng shui “cures”, that each culture has its own traditions. For instance, American weddings are full of them. The bride wears white (generally). Wedding rings are worn on the third finger of the left hand. And so on. Americans accept these cultural traditions as status quo. However, in China, white is the color of death, for they cover their dead in white shrouds. It is not necessarily an auspicious color. Therefore, a white picket fence, while representing part of the "American Dream," is considered poor feng shui, partly based upon the color.

Just like astrology, if you look past the surface, you'll find a blend of both of philosophy and science in feng shui. I focus upon the language of feng shui, giving you tools to open your feng shui eyes, and hopefully, along the way, you'll pick up some great design tips that work for you.

So, back to the Why of feng shui? You see and hear the benefits of feng shui billed as "harmonizing" your home. Or some people have heard that they can obtain wealth and health via feng shui. For me, it's that and so much more. Every item in our home elicits a vibrational response from us at some level. Whether we bought it new, adopted it second-hand, or your significant other's mother gave it to you - you have a response to it. Now, just imagine your home filled with items you love, or that hold special memories, and everywhere you look is something that pleases you. Envision each room painted in a palette that feels good to you and has furnishings that comfort you. Imagine . . . a haven, your own personal haven. Can this be achieved without feng shui? Of course it can. But, wouldn't you like to know how to accomplish harmony and balance in your living space without employing an interior designer?

In my next post, we’ll discover ch’i – energy flow – and how it pertains to our homes.