The curious
ancient Chinese art of feng shui has gained widespread popularity in western culture
and is being acclaimed as a simple and effective means of gaining increased
health, wealth and happiness.
Pronounced ‘feng shooee’, and known as
‘kan-yu’ in ancient China – meaning ‘the law of heaven and earth’, this apparently
astute old art is the ancient Chinese practice of placement and arrangement of
space to achieve harmony within yourself and the environment. Well, that’s the
idea.
Based on the theory that an invisible
energy, called ‘chi’, exists and must flow unobstructed through a household to
produce optimum benefits for the immediate environment and occupants, feng shui
becomes literally the wise arrangement of furniture, architectural and décor
enhancements and the use of colour to produce this effect.
Hiring a qualified practitioner is
best, but the experts agree that it’s easy to apply some basic feng shui principles to assist you in getting
your act together to make your life a touch easier.
“If you want a simple, but highly
effective, start - get rid of your
clutter,” says Terry Cooper, a retired Eastern Cape-based feng shui
consultant.
“Clutter is the books and magazines
left lying about, the untidy mess of useless possessions that accumulate in
built-in-cupboards and elsewhere, the ever-expanding handbag, the numerous
items that do not have a place or are frequently not in their place.
“Clutter obstructs chi and will cause
ill-health, disharmony and bad luck. Throw away, sell or give away all possessions which are useless. If you are ruthless in your
efforts to remove clutter you will be amazed at the overnight results!”
Strong words, and according to the ancient art each
room in the house can be segmented for optimal effect. The process is
relatively simple but does require some commitment. Here’s how to do it.
Divide each room in your house into 9
equal squares. Using the door entrance to the room as your vantage point, the
square in the top left corner is the wealth
and prosperity area. In this area
place all or some of the following: healthy plants with shiny leaves; silk or
fresh flowers in purple, red and blue; a water feature; valuable antique, art
or coin collections; paintings or posters that depict wealth, such as cars,
boats and jewellery.
The left hand column middle square,
below the wealth square, is the health and family area. Decorate with wooden ornaments, items in blue and
green, floral prints, curtains, wallpaper, family portraits and landscape
paintings.
The left hand column bottom square,
below health and family, is the knowledge and self-cultivation area. Books, tapes, study materials; paintings of
mountains and quiet places; items in black, blue or green; photos of people you
deem wise, and inspirational sayings placed in this area, will generate common
sense and personal growth.
Top row middle square, beside and to
the right of the wealth square, is the fame
and reputation area. This calls
for diplomas and prizes; items in red; anything made from animals – leather,
feathers, bone, wool; triangular, conical or pyramidal shapes; candles, lamps,
sunlight; posters and paintings/photos of animals, sunshine and your favourite
celebrities will do the trick.
"The centre square, below fame and reputation and to the right of health
and family, requires no placements. It’s
a neutral square and represents you, the centre and manipulator of your
universe. Stand in this area when contemplating important issues," says Cooper.
Below the middle square, bottom row
middle, is the career area. To
stimulate and develop your work status, arrange for water features; items in
black, navy, blue, maroon, chocolate brown; mirrors, glass, crystal items;
diplomas, certificates associated with your career; posters/paintings of
streams, oceans and lakes.
The top right hand corner is the area
of love and marriage. Keep your relationship fresh and passionate with imagery
or artwork representing lovers; two red silk roses in a pretty vase; fresh
flowers with red or pink blossoms; a male and female figurine placed side by
side or any personal object that has a powerful feeling of romance and
happiness.
Below love and marriage is creativity and children. Children’s paintings; stuffed animals and toys; items in
white and pastels; metallic objects of brass, steel, silver; circular or oval
items should contribute to producing a resourceful and contented child.
Helpful people
and travel occupies the bottom right hand
corner. Posters/paintings of mentors; special places where
you’ve travelled or want to travel; any items in white, grey or black; helpful
teachers, benefactors, clients and customers will all be helpful in sending you
on significant, enjoyable journeys and making judicious decisions.
Cooper adds, “Use common sense. If all
areas in the room can’t be filled, don’t panic. Fill them in your imagination.
Only a minimum of one item per area is needed.
“Most important - don’t forget the
clutter. Remove it and you have more than half the battle won.”
Cooper happens to be my wife and I’ve
witnessed my surroundings undergo rearrangement from time to time and clutter
unceremoniously dispensed with, bemoaning the possibility that some precious
stuff might have been turfed out in favour of good chi. But despite my protestations, and when all is
said and done, I do feel better - and not a little intrigued.
This article first appeared in AbouTime magazine
