subject: Feng Shui: The Inside Story [print this page] Feng Shui: The Inside Story Feng Shui: The Inside Story
Feng Shui is the art of balancing and harmonizing the flow of natural energies in our surroundings to create beneficial effects in our lives. It works on both a physical and a psychological level. According to Feng Shui philosophy, our inner and outer worlds are closely linked and they influence each other. They are two sides of the same coin, so to speak.
Ch'i:
Literally, Feng Shui means "wind" and "water". Like wind and water, it involves movement and circulation. The goal is to direct Ch'i, a vital energy that animates all life, through your environment so that its movement resembles a gently flowing stream or a pleasant breeze.
Ch'i (pronounced "chee") flows through everything; the earth, the atmosphere, our homes, our bodies. Health problems can arise when the body's Ch'i becomes blocked. Acupuncturists can clear away blockages in the body's energetic system so Ch'i can flow smoothly and restore health. It's a bit like unclogging a pipe so water can run freely through it again.
In the home, obstructions that interfere with the proper circulation of Ch'I are removed. When Ch'i gets stuck in our living and working spaces, we experience the adverse effects in a variety of ways. Finances may languish, relationships with other people may be limited or unfulfilling, and health may become impaired.
Ch'i that moves too rapidly can also cause problems. With the use of Feng Shui, Ch'i can be directed through our homes and workplaces so that it nurtures our lives and brings health, wealth, and happiness.
Yin and Yang:
Yin is considered to be yielding, receptive, inner-directed; Yang is assertive, active and outeroriented.
The Yin force is present in darkness, water, silence, curved shapes, cool colours.
Yang abides in light, fire, noise, sharp lines, and bright colours.
Yin energy is restful. Yang is stimulating.
When you consider these two polar energies in your home in an even -handed manner, you create a comfortable, harmonious environment.
