Introduction to Feng Shui

If you are in touch with the world of interior design at all, enjoy watching design shows on television, or perusing decorating magazines,  you have likely heard the phrase “Feng shui.” Many have heard this phrase but few know what it really means. 

There is a wealth of information available on-line and in book stores about the study of Feng shui.  There are even classes available world-wide where one can study to become a Feng shui Master.  All over the planet, Feng shui Masters are sought to consult on major architectural projects and are paid big money for their expertise.  That’s how important and relevant this science is.  If you are spending multi-millions on a new hotel,  you want to make sure your energy flows properly.  The comfort of your guests and the success of your hotel depends on it.

Feng shui is not just a passing trend or buzzword.  It is a 3,000-year-old Chinese practice of space planning and placement.  The basic tenant of Feng shui involves balancing a space so that “chi” (energy) is optimal for health and good fortune. 

You might be asking yourself, “How is where I place my sofa going to make me  healthier?”  Well, it’s actually about something you’ve heard me mention several times;  visual balance.  When visual balance is achieved, your brain and your body actually feel more balanced as well.   Your concentration is higher because your energy and the energy of the room are in sync.  It’s a very, very subtle thing, but it is also very real.

I would like to introduce  you to Feng shui through a series of practical articles so that you can apply this tool to your Oconee residence or office.   I feel this is important knowledge for anyone who has a home and wants it to be more comfortable.   

We all have an inherent knowledge of balance.  If we didn’t, we couldn’t walk or maneuver through a room without bumping into walls.  Some of us have this knowledge of balance more refined than others.  It’s similar to singing.  Anyone can open their mouth and sing.  Some sound better than others, and some have magnificent voices.  Some make dogs howl when they sing!  No offense if that is you.  If your balancing act needs work, try applying some Feng shui.

There is a lot of terminology involved in Feng shui such as “Chi” or “Qui”, "Bagua",  "yen", and "yang."  It’s good to know what all this means,  and I’m here to help you apply it.

Let’s start with a small project such as a fireplace mantle piece.  Everyone likes to put stuff on the mantle, right?  Family photos or the kids clay figurines made in art class. Perhaps a softball trophy?  A mantle can become a catch-all in a hurry.  If you have a baseball cap  hanging on the edge of the mirror over your mantle and about 50 objects cluttered on the shelf area... you might be a redneck. Just kidding!  But it’s time for you to apply some Feng shui principles!

Take everything off the mantle and the wall above it, dust it off, and start over.  First, mark the center of the mantle, and the center of the wall over the mantle.  Choose one object, or a group of objects  (framed prints, paintings,  mirror or wall sculpture) to use as your focal point on the wall space and build out from there. 

Balance can be achieved without perfect symmetry.  For example,  if you have a pair of candle sticks, you don’t necessarily have to put one on each end of the mantle.  You can, but you don’t have to.  You can put both candle sticks on one end, and a vase or pretty pitcher on the opposite side of the mantle, as long as that object is of similar scale and height. 

From the outside edges, move inward towards the center.   Perhaps a family heirloom carved box might be placed in the center of the mantle, and fanning out from either side of the box, a series of family photos in frames of similar finish can sit overlapping at a slight angle.

Don’t get carried away.  Just a few objects should adorn your mantle.   For some how-to tips,  I found a really great blog showing some before and after  photos that will help you see what I’m talking about.

I promise you if you spend half an hour on a small Feng shui project like this, you will not regret it.  You will step back and you won’t be able to help but take a deep breath when you see the results.  You will immediately feel the energy and balance I’m talking about.  It’s hard to explain in the written word, but it is tangible and it affects you physically and emotionally. 

Once you get started you will want to feel this positive force all over your home.  Don’t let it overwhelm you.  Consider it a new hobby, and take it in small steps.

More Feng shui tips are coming soon.  Have fun with your mantle!