In a recent newsletter, we discussed the mystique behind feng shui and the relationship it has with western ways of decorating...To Feng Shui Or Not Feng Shui?
That seems to be the burning question!
Should we use Feng Shui? Dare we not? I am no expert by any stretch of the imagination, but what little exposure I have had to it, it appears to be rather superstitious at first glance so I thought I should take a closer look.
I have seen homes redecorated introducing the Feng Shui principles that, quite frankly, leave much to be desired, like taking a small bedroom mirror and moving it over the living room's large fireplace, and buying a little fountain and placing it on a lamp table because they needed the water element represented in that room. That just drove me crazy!
Feng Shui says: Hang crystals in your entry if your stairs face your front door because it will reroute your chi and keep it from rushing outside along with your prosperity. Ok, I can see my chi rolling down the stairs and out the front door. If that is true then why not hang a beautiful crystal chandelier instead.
How about the idea that your chi will run down your long hallway too quickly, taking your health and career along with it, without something to break up the space? Ok, instead of hanging a crystal from the ceiling or placing a plant in the hallway (as they suggest), there is a wide variety of wall sconces that have a reflective element to them like metals or glass. Ah, that looks better!
And I understand that in order for your chi to run freely in your living room you need to have your furniture pulled away from the wall a little bit. Well, nothing new there...decorators have been doing that for years. It does feel better! Could it be happy chi?
What do you do if your kitchen has bad chi? Go out for all you meals? No. Fortunately for us westerners, it looks like we naturally follow chi flow. Apparently, you should never have fire and water on the same walls. You are to separate fire (stove) and water (sink) on different walls (but not directly facing each other) because they're oppositional elements. Unless you live in a motor home, were good to go here.
In Feng Shui, the object is to keep chi moving along in a free gentle way. It is recommended, especially in small spaces, to use mirrors. Ok, I have always placed mirrors across from windows, openings, and in corners to expand space and let more light in...is that the same thing?
What is chi exactly? It is defined as the circulating life energy that in Chinese philosophy is thought to be inherent in all things; in traditional Chinese medicine the balance of negative and positive forms in the body is believed to be essential for good health
Oh, and one more thing! Did you know that food is a fire element? If you want to discourage overeating you should use dishes or place mats in the water colors of black or dark blue, as water diminishes fire. Is that why Chinese food is usually served on black plates? What if you live in Florida...is aqua OK?
After writing this article, it becomes evident that the East really does meet West...at least at some design level. I find I want to learn more about it and I will keep you informed with my discoveries. So with that said, I wish for you a very happy and content Chi!
I now subscribe to the Feng Shui Google alerts and found the
funniest article written by a woman from Gilroy, Ca and I am going to link you to it right here. It is hysterical and I love a humorous approach to any mystery...it helps us deal with it as well and learn from it.
Here is where you can post whatever you want to say about feng shui, for or against it, tips for the rest of us, and so on.
Help yourself!
