Feng Shui Introduction

Feng Shui literally means wind and water. It is an ancient Chinese system about the relationship between humans and their environment. It is about how everything is energy and is interconnected and constantly changing in ways that can be understood. Based on the laws of nature, its theories, principles and techniques offer us a way of understanding how we can create a comfortable environment where we are in balance and harmony, while at the same time we can enhance specific areas of our lives.

The underlying principle of feng shui is chi. Another word for chi is energy. It is an energetic, formative principal that is spontaneously expressed throughout all life. It is the underlying principle of energy linking all things. This principle is common to other traditions as well. The Hindus call it prana, the Japanese call it Qi, and the Catholics call it spiritus. Chi can be of the earth, the atmosphere, or of people. The quality of chi is expressed through form, shape, color, sound and cycles of nature. A lot of feng shui is concerned with ensuring that chi does not get stuck, stagnate, depleted or too concentrated.

The are two types of feng shui to consider in the environments. One is physical, referring to actual visible surroundings, such as landscape, mountains, buildings, waterways and roads, and the interior design of the building. The second type is more abstract, and that is the directional influences, which are invisible, but which have an influence on us as they relate to time and space. When evaluating feng shui influences, it is absolutely necessary to take into consideration both the visible and in invisible energetic qualities of the environment.

What is the goal of Feng Shui?

Its purpose is to align the energies of place, meaning our environments both at home and where we work, in order to enhance our personal chi or energy. When properly aligned, our environments enable and support each of us to live richer, fuller, happier lives as we each actualize our fullest potentials in life.

When feng shui principles correctly, we can increase the energy in those areas of our lives that we wish to enhance, minimize non supportive energies, while at the same time being able to experience a greater sense of overall balance, harmony and contentment. It is, however, not a magic bullet. Feng Shui is only one component in life. It can not overcome all challenges in life, but can give us greater awareness to change the things in life overwhich we do have control.