The Basics of Feng Shui: How to Live More Harmoniously
The basic concepts of Feng Shui are found in Chinese philosophy: yin & yang, the concept of chi, and the 5 natural element theory. By understanding these primary concepts you will have a basic knowledge of how Feng Shui works. Here is a brief explanation of these concepts:
Yin & Yang
You have probably read or heard from Feng Shui consultants about "balancing and harmonizing spaces," but you probably aren't sure what that exactly means. Well, yin & yang play an important role in this process.
Yin & yang are complementary opposites, such as light/dark and soft/hard. A balance between yin & yang is one of the primary goals of Feng Shui. So by creating a space that has both facets of both yin & yang brings a sense of ease and harmony.
Concept of Chi
Wind and water are the powerful natural elements that shape the earth and provide nourishing energy to support life. Feng Shui (which means Wind and Water) is the art and science of working with this energy, or chi. Chi is everywhere and in everything. Chi is the building blocks of life.
Chi can be either beneficial or harmful. In Feng Shui our goal is to welcome nourishing chi and to deflect harmful chi through siting, orientation, positioning of furnishings and objects, and incorporation of special remedies.
Five Natural Elements
In Chinese philosophy there are 5 elements: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. These elements are within everything in creation.
There are three cycles that bind the elements:
- The "Creative" cycle is nourishing and derived from the natural processes of the rhythms of nature: Wood feeds Fire, Fire creates Earth, Earth creates Metal, Metal creates Water, and Water feeds Wood
- The "Controlling" cycle shows conflict between the elements
- The "Draining" cycle diminishes the power of the elements
When we create spaces, our goal is to work with the 5 Element Theory to create harmony in a space.
There is so much more to these topics. Check out my Course and Events pages to see when I'll be teaching next.
