What exactly is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient art and science dating back to over 6,000 years ago. Feng means "wind" and shui means "water," which are both associated with good health within Chinese culture. Feng Shui is a system for arranging your surroundings in areas, such as your home, to create harmony and balance with the world around you.

One of the fundamental concepts of Feng Shui is chi, or good energy. It is the constantly changing life force around us making us feel either good or bad in certain locations. The goal of improving your Feng Shui surroundings is to keep the chi flowing gently throughout your environment to improve your wellbeing.

Here are some tools to establish balance in your home:

Lighting. Open the windows often and allow natural lighting in. Use lighting that simulates natural light.

Color. Hues add sentimental content to our lives based on what things we associate with them. In Feng Shui, color is primarily used to represent and balance the Five Elements.

Fire-Passion & High Energy (red, orange, & purple)
Earth-Nourishment & Stability (brown & yellow)
Metal-Clarity & Preciseness (white, metallic)
Water-Ease & Abundance (black & blue)
Wood-Growth & Vitality (green & teal)

Organization. Establish a process for keeping items you truly love organized within your home and eliminate clutter (things you don't really need or want). This creates a free space for energy to flow and bounce off your belongings without being blocked.

Art. Beautiful creations can enhance chi. Choose images and scenes that relate to what you want to see happening in your life.

Plants or flowers. These connect you with the natural world. They are a growing entity, and specific plants can also purify your air to promote chi flow.

Water. An aquarium or indoor fountain can minimize stress and anxiety. As mentioned, it is one of the Five Elements to promote the movement of chi throughout your home.

There are many other aspects to Feng Shui, as it has been desired and studied for many years. By following basic suggestions in your living space, you can take steps in the right direction and see what works for you.

In a good Feng Shui home, each item will project the clear intent for love, healing, and relaxation based off your personal energy. If your home is far from this, don't worry! Change a little at a time, and know that with consistent effort and intention, you can craft a wonderful home to nourish and support you with balanced Feng Shui.