What is Feng Shui?

I have been very interested in exploring the topic of Feng Shui as it helps organize our lives as well invite good energy and positive vibes in general.  Even better it can help you make more money.  Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese art of object placement.

It is not a Japanese practice as some people think but it was adopted by Shinto monks thousands of years ago as it was based on the very sensible notion that that living with rather than against nature benefits both humans and the environment. It is all about how to create good energy (also called Chi in China and Ki in Japan) in your life so that you can manifest positive things into your immediate sphere.

 The art and science of Feng Shui also recognizes that our lives are deeply affected by our physical and emotional environments. If we surround ourselves with symbols of negation, contempt and indifference toward life and nature and choose to live in places that are actually repugnant to the human soul than we will attract misfortune.   Hard edges, uncomfortable furniture and clutter create what is called “sha” or “shar” which are the Chinese and Japanese words for “bad energy.”  

However if we trade in noise, concrete, mess and other agitating elements for organization, cleanliness and objects that are an expression of the sweeter things in life such as art, beauty and order, then we will ennoble our souls as well as our environment. 

Objects that symbolize good Feng Shui in Japan include wind chimes, fountains, Koi fish, statues of the Buddha, statues of lucky animals such as cranes and frogs, boulders, bamboo and teapots. The theory is that the kind of energy that we surround ourselves with creates more of the same energy. If we have negative qualities in our homes can become a breeding ground for such woes as cash flow problems and relationship troubles. The theory behind Feng Shui is that some of these problems can be remedied simply by organizing your space so that Chi (good energy) is allowed to freely flow through your life.  T

he literal translation of the Chinese word Feng Shui (pronounced fung-shway) means wind and water.  The combination of these two elements creates good “chi.” In Chinese culture, gentle wind and smooth water have always been associated with a good harvest and good health, while harsh winds and stagnant water have been linked to famine and disease. Therefore, “good” feng-shui has come to mean good livelihood and fortune, and “bad” feng-shui has come to mean hardship and bad luck.  The less clutter and mess you have in your house the healthier it will be because the energy will be much less stagnant. You might be interested to know that the main sector in your home that affects your kids is called the Eastern sector. This includes the Eastern walls and areas in all the rooms of your home. I plan to research this and write more about it in a future blog.