Look for good drainage. If water accumulates anywhere, make a drainage system one of your first landscaping priorities. In Feng Shui, there is an association between stagnant water and a stagnating career.
If you are selling your home, pay special attention to energising the environment with positive, uplifting Qi. Opening the windows to bring in fresh air will help.
Traditionally, the ideal location would have a mountain at the back and an open view with water at the front. When purchasing a block of land, look for one which is an even shape (square or rectangular), with a pleasant outlook.
Those of you who are designing and planning a new home or renovating project have a perfect opportunity to implement good feng shui from the beginning.
Autumn is considered the season for letting go of that which no longer serves us and is an aspect of the metal element. Just as deciduous trees shed their leaves in preparation for winter, in Feng Shui terms, autumn relates to letting go of the old and making way for the new. It is also associated with creativity and new projects.
Keeping in mind that we are aiming to achieve balance in our home whilst creating a sanctuary that is individually pleasing. A yin space is calm, still soothing however, in the extreme can be too cold, stark or bland. Yang refers to activity, bright, warm colours and an overabundance can be frenetic, hot and agitating. What suits you will depend on your individual taste with function of the space being an important factor. A living room is more yang, a bedroom that is yin supports sleep. Pattern is an effective tool to use when you are looking for that finishing touch.
Colour has a powerful effect on our well being, and is an excellent tool to bring balance (referred to as yin/yang in feng shui) into a space. The following suggestions are general guidelines, so keep in mind your individual preference when selecting colour.
Lighting is an important feng shui tool, for energising a space and improving well being. If you are building or renovating, keep in mind the following when planning electrical updates. You'll appreciated the extra time and effort you put in.
Feng Shui is often described as the art of placement. Upon hearing this we usually think of tangible, solid, visible objects such as furniture, plants etc. Of equal importance to our environment is the unseen. If you have varying ceiling heights in your home, try closing your eyes and feel the difference.
A feeling of inertia or overwhelm can be a sign that our 'Mountain' aspect is not up to par just as much as consistent ceaseless striving does. Previous tips have already pointed out the importance of stopping to rest. Try looking to the opposite to find clues to balance things out. Remember, we need balance for harmony and well being. Inertia is remedied by movement, and yes, it can be difficult when the scales have tipped to the extreme!
In the coming year, nourishment will play a significant part in our well being. Obviously there is a relationship to food here, however diet is just one aspect of nourishment as a whole. Think of how you can nurture your most precious asset, you.
As we move into the year of Mountain, stillness becomes important. This means stopping to reflect, and recharging our batteries on a regular basis.
Much has been said about 'bad luck' in relation to toilets in terms of feng shui. In olden times, wealthy chinese would have servants to remove rubbish and bathing water (they had no bathrooms). Obviously things are different today, however, you may want to keep the following in mind.
In terms of feng shui, exposed overhead beams create 'down bearing' chi. This is more pronounced if the beams are dark, made of large and heavy timber or steel girders.
Mirrors can be used as a very effective tool for enhancing your environment, however, they must be used with care, and in moderation. Always remember to check the reflection from all angles. It must be pleasant, as a mirror will activate and circulate the chi generated from this image.
Traditionally, Christmas is a time for sharing. In terms of Feng Shui, the element Earth relates to giving and receiving, and is not limited to the festive season or birthdays. Giving in the strictest sense, means doing so without expecting anything in return.
Plants are one of the best feng shui "cures" available to us, yet they are often overlooked, even by gardeners themselves! Plants enhance energy, regenerate fresh air, absorb noise and solve a number of architectural problems.
Living Chi is important to our well being. Some examples are pets, people, plants, fresh flowers, fish, birds, butterflies and lizards.
The purpose of practising feng shui is to create an environment that benefits you. Take the time to list what energises and relaxes you, so you can be guided by this when taking steps to enhance your home. Engage all your senses when planning your future well being.
Two characteristics of the wind element are abundance and blessings. Take a moment to identify what these mean to you. If your answer is money, think again. What would more money enable you to have or enjoy more of?
In ancient China, it was preferable to situate the home in a location that had open space and a gently winding river in front, backed by a mountain to the rear. Today, roads take the place of the rivers. Good visibility to the street is recommended.
Spring is related to the element of wood, and is the season for new growth and expansion. If you haven't already done so, a thorough spring clean is essential. This is the first rule of Feng Shui. Decluttering moves stagnation and allows Chi (energy) to flow naturally.
The arrangement of furniture in living areas affects the social life of the household, especially relationships with friends and relatives. The placement of sofas, chairs and coffee tables can either enhance relationships or they can create conflicts. Good arrangements always ensure that none of the chairs or sofas have their backs to the door or entrance to the living room. Nor should the chairs be too close to the coffee table and other chairs; in general, arrangements should attempt to simulate the eight sided Pa Kua. The L shaped arrangement is actively discouraged, unless the furniture is placed against a corner of the room. This is because this shape resembles a prison arrow, which is not conducive to the smooth flow of chi. You should also avoid having doors opening onto furniture. This is because the flow of Chi into the room will be blocked. It is better to have the door opening onto an empty space.
Clearly defined entrances convey stability and strength. What does your entrance convey to you and about you? There is a link here with your sense of self, life journey and career.
Sound emits a powerful energy. It can be most effective in breaking up stagnation (a room which feels too heavy or still) to re-energise or include relaxation.
Feng Shui tips are provided by Lesley Vink (Dip. Applied Feng Shui - Design, member AFSAA). A partner in FS SOLUTIONS, and a practitioner of Applied Feng Shui.
For further information, or if you would like to engage the services of a consultant, please contact Lesley on Phone 0500 502 660; e-mail fs_sol@aus3.com; or visit FS Solutions website.
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