The Basic Principles of Feng Shui
The philosophy of feng shui is a practice of arranging the pieces in living spaces in order to create balance with the natural world. This concept derived from an ancient poem that talks about human life being connected and flowing with the environment around it. The goal is to harness energy forces and establish harmony between an individual and their environment
The Commanding Position
This is the spot in a room that is furthest from the door and not in direct line with it. It puts you diagonal to the door.
- The commanding position is where you want to spend most of your time when you are in that room. Feng shui guidelines suggest you determine this dominant position in the room, then place your bed, your desk, or your stove in diagonal alignment.
The Five Elements
The five elements-earth, metal, water, wood, and fire-come from the Taoist tradition
- Typically, the practice of feng shui works to balance these five facets in your home and each of your life areas or bagua
- To incorporate the elements in your life and your home, you have to define where you want to focus your energy
- Much like the bagua, you choose the one to three areas in which you want improvement
- Then, you strengthen your energy by adding the suggested colors or shapes
Feng Shui Bagua Map
A bagua is the feng shui energy map superimposed on the floor plan of your home.
- The Chinese word “bagua” translates to mean “eight areas.”
- Each of the eight areas relates to a different life circumstance, such as family, wealth, or career.
- At the center of the bagua-a ninth area-is you, representing your overall wellness.
The Bagua Areas
The easiest way to incorporate the bagua in your life is to identify one to three areas that need the most attention.
- To strengthen your energy or improve flow in those areas, incorporate feng shui suggestions in that particular area.