Feng Shui (fung shway) literally translates as “wind” and “water.” This ancient art of placement traces its roots back thousands of years to the beginning of Chinese agrarian life when early settlers recognized the need to seek harmony with natural forces in order to survive.
Feng Shui is about the flow (Wind) and the containment (Water) of “chi” in our environments. Chi is the Chinese term for energy.  It refers to the energetic force that moves mountains and keeps us alive. Chi is the energy that pumps the heart. It is the life force spark that turns an egg and a sperm into an embryo. You feel the changes in the weather brought on by the change in the seasons, even though you cannot see the energy that causes the change.

The Chi of our bodies and the Chi of our homes is in a constant state of change. And what we are constantly seeking is balance.

But many of us have forgotten what a balanced life can be like.

We feel separate and disconnected from our environment, from the earth, from each other and from many of our basic sources of nourishment. In an effort to maintain the increasing daily demands, we are encouraged to “jump start” our system with stimulants such as caffeine, nicotine and sugar, creating further imbalance.

The dictionary defines health as optimal functioning with freedom from disease and abnormality. The absence of disease (disease meaning an abnormal condition of an organism or part, especially as a consequence of infection, inherent weakness, or environmental stress that impairs normal physiological functioning.) We know that any illness, or Chi imbalance, affects us physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Although many factors govern why and how we get sick, working with the Feng Shui of your space can assist in creating the necessary energetic foundation to support the process of health and healing.  

Taking responsibility
It is increasingly important for us to be aware of the environmental, chemical, technological and electromagnetic changes taking place on our planet and their effects on your health and many of the chronic diseases we face daily.

Our immune systems provide our innate ability to defend ourselves against disorder and disease, but are slowly but surely being weakened by the ongoing devastation of our planet’s delicate ecosystems. Tens of thousands of chemical pollutants are contaminating our air, food, and water. Lifestyle demands are affecting our emotional and psychic well-being.

We don’t have the time to wait until the ozone hole is mended, the groundwater is purified, and the air is once again free from contaminants. We must initiate the change ourselves. Restoring balance and living in harmony with the natural laws of the universe is felt to be the secret to health and well-being. Feng Shui provides a powerful tool for helping us take responsibility for our health and the health of our planet.

The process begins at home.
The first step is to evaluate your surroundings by observing with Feng Shui eyes; that is, objectively “see” what is and isn’t there from an objective “observer” perspective.
Begin with your exterior environment. What is the overall energy of your neighborhood? Is there a high rate of divorce or unemployment there? Or is it thriving, active, friendly, helpful and vital? Do you feel your chi begin to relax and lift as you approach? Is the journey easy?

Notice if there is a ’Dead End’ sign that daily greets your arrival, conveying a negative, subliminal message. Look for any oppressive buildings or structures that may tower over your home or apartment building. Are there any buildings designed with a sharp architectural shape that directs threatening knifelike energy toward your home? Can you see high-tension wires or large transformers nearby that create exterior electromagnetic energy fields (emf’s)?  The impact of EMF’s on individuals who are exposed on a regular basis is just beginning to be understood.  Studies show that frequent exposure to these potentially dangerous energy fields contributes to a decrease in immune functioning and a rise in the level of certain cancers.

Pay attention to any small waterways. Neglected pools, ponds and wells lead to stagnant water, signaling toxic or unhealthy chi in the neighborhood.

Is your yard colorful and well tended, inspiring and welcoming or neglected and discouraging? Are the trees, shrubs, plants and flowers alive and vital? Look for trees and foliage that may be blocking your front door, thus blocking opportunities. Assess for linear walkways and roads that lead directly to your front door. They can create a stressful and aggressive flow of chi. Is there a wide, welcoming sidewalk to your front door?

Assessing your interior is the second step and will be discussed in the next newsletter.

May you create environments that nourish the expression of your spirit