Guest writer Syvia Bennett explains what Feng Shui is and how it can benefit us.
Origins of Feng Shui
The origins of Feng Shui, which literally means ‘wind and water’, go back at least 4,000 years in Chinese history. They embrace the Taoist philosophy of living in balance with the universal flow of nature and cosmic order. Its foundation is that the arrangement of our surroundings has a real effect upon our own lives and our well being.
The ancient understanding of Feng Shui came about by Masters studying the characteristics of mountains, valleys, rivers, and natural features of the landscape. Its principles were used to find places where inhabitants would flourish and enjoy good health, family harmony, happiness and abundant harvests.
Those Masters also observed cosmic influences, wind movement and dragon lines- earth energy pathways. They chose locations where they could have a balance of yin and yang and they made sure that beneficial Qi would be harnessed whilst harmful Qi was minimised, so that people lived in greatest harmony with their surrounding natural environment.
Feng Shui is a healing art and environmental science combined with ancient metaphysical wisdom. It is not magic, superstition or religion.
Qi
Qi is the dynamic life force that exists in everything. It radiates from everywhere real and abstract in the universe - energy from the earth's magnetic field, the position of the planets at any given time, sunlight, cosmic radiation, the shape and density of both living creatures and inanimate objects, colours, textures, buildings, the movement and quality of air that circulates around us and the flow of our thoughts and feelings.
The nature of Qi depends upon its circumstances, which in turn influences how a place feels and how we feel in it. When Qi circulates freely in a gentle curving movement and settles calmly it is called Shen chi and it nourishes us. But if it is forceful or stagnant it becomes unsupportive or Sha Qi. Feng shui practitioners understand how the atmosphere, or Qi, of a building influences our thoughts and feelings and how to change it in a way that helps people to feel happy and flourish.
Yin & Yang
Yin and yang are the way of heaven and earth. All things grow, develop then diminish perpetually, sensitively balanced and in a continuing exquisite flow of transformational movement. The concept of Yin and Yang is rooted inTaoist teachings, reflecting the traditional Chinese philosophy that everything in the Universe has two interfacing forces which symbolise dynamic co-existence, constantly interacting, evolving and creating change.
For example, the length or position of a yin shadow will change as yang light moves its position at different times, but it could not even exist at all without the presence of light as well. The harmonious interaction of yin and yang brings a calm sense of balance to any environment. The Yin-Yang symbol is also called the Tai Chi.
Feng Shui Today
Feng Shui today is a powerful means of transforming your interior and outside surroundings and enriching your own life. Feng Shui is also influencing modern architecture and interior design, as trends move to favour uncluttered, flowing surroundings and natural materials to create a peaceful atmosphere and easy going living.
The five natural elements of water, wood, fire, earth and metal form the core of feng shui. When they are used creatively and placed in certain specific locations, these elements can enhance good fortune as well as helping places to feel good. Colours, mirrors, crystals, lighting, plants, water features, textiles and surface finishes are all vital to feng shui today. Using them meaningfully invites a nourishing dynamic to occur in places, as incorporating those principles becomes a harmonious experience.
You may have experienced feeling a sense of peace and well-being or being uneasy as you walk into a room. Our surroundings tell the story of who we are and where we are at in our lives. An experienced Feng Shui consultant can identify these signs and will help to realign their influences for the better. When we relate comfortably to our environment we feel happier, more secure and balanced, so we are more likely to experience the positive outcomes we wish for.
Sylvia Bennett.
Sylvia Bennett founded her consultancy Feng Shui Living in 1994. She is a leading Feng Shui expert, consultant, writer and teacher. Sylvia is also an environmental designer and an affiliate of the RIBA. Based in London and Devon, she practices all over the UK and internationally. The Feng Shui Society has honoured her with a Life Fellowship for her outstanding contribution to the establishment of its professional practice standards and the development of Feng Shui in this country. You can contact Sylvia via her website: www.fengshui-living.com
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