The art of Feng Shui is a philosophy that focuses on balance, harmony, and improving the quality of life. Despite being thousands of years old, it is still relevant and beneficial today. The practice make use of certain Feng Shui products to manage an energy known as qi, or chi using the English pronunciation, which is the essential flow of energy present within and around all objects, both animate or inanimate.
Some of the manifestations of chi according to the ancient art form, starting with the most subtle and ending with the most tangible, include:
Tips When Shopping When shopping for Feng Shui products, some specifics to keep in mind include the image or patterns of the item, the material it is made from, the shape and the color. The color of an object greatly influences the effects it may have on the emotional and physical well being of a person. In Feng Shui, all colors are divided into either the Yin (cool) category, or the Yang (warm) category.
Many products used for Feng Shui purposes are unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are carefully handcrafted by artisans from countries all around the globe. Decorative accents and embellishments you can use are not limited to the Chinese culture or its symbols. In fact, when choosing such products, you should choose one that mesh with or enhance the area where the item will be used or displayed. Here are some popular Feng Shui products you may want to consider getting.
Bagua The Feng Shui Bagua map is a tool used to enhance your environment through the placement of objects based on the four directions- north, south, east, and west, and the five main elements- water, fire, earth, wood, and metal.
The Bagua, also written ba gua, consists of separate squares and is an essential part of the ancient practice. Using this tool, literally any space, regardless of its size, can be divided or separated into the nine areas or gua, with each area corresponding to a specific aspect of life. Bagua may even be applied to certain areas of the home rather than entire rooms, and should always be aligned or oriented with your front door, even if another entrance is used more often.
Ammolities Besides the Bagua map, prosperity stones are perhaps one of the most widely used Feng Shui products today. Also referred to as the Ammolites, these stones are believed to have healing properties and are used by those with emotional and psychological ailments, as well as by those with a desire to heal their spiritual selves in addition to their physical self.
Mirrors Mirrors are another item often used in Feng Shui to remedy different situations such as to "send back" undesirable images, reflect and redirect the path of chi, or to prevent chi from moving into another space. Mirrors are also useful for bringing a space into harmony, enlarging an area or room, and also to promote wealth, good fortune, and positive thinking.
Others Other products may include either specially designed or regular compasses, a variety of organizational tools, and a host of books and guides written on the fascinating subject. Good luck symbols, such as a metal gourd referred to as the Calabash, are also used for promoting longevity and good health.
Other items commonly used in the practice to achieve harmony and inner peace are:
Conclusion Whichever Feng Shui product you choose, do ensure that it matches your needs. If you are in doubt, you can always consult your Feng Shui consultant who can assist you in such selection.
Do you wonder what is Feng Shui? The Chinese philosophy of Feng Shui (pronounced fung schway) has been in existence for thousands of years and focuses on achieving harmony, balance, and exuding a positive flow of energy known as chi. The basic principle of this ancient art form is that the environment in which you surround yourself in will have a direct impact on every possible area of your life. Also called the art of placement or positioning, Feng Shui relies heavily upon the five main elements within our environment, which are water, fire, earth, wood and metal, along with the four directions, north, south, east and west.
The placement or positioning of objects in a room dictates more than just how it might look, or how well the pieces may or may not match the others. Chi and the main concept of the art form recognizes that those five vital elements greatly affect balance and the delicate flow of chi with their continually changing levels of energy.
Each of the elements may interact with each other, either negatively or positively, and each room in the home should have the correct balance of anywhere from three, to all five of the elements. Using your own personality and lifestyle as a general guideline, you can gauge the correct combination of elements that will balance your living space once you learn and understand the purpose and meaning behind each one.
The Five Feng Shui Elements Water: Water has the capability of being both calming and peaceful as in still waters or in a gently flowing stream, or it can be violent and destructive in the case of flooding. Water elements throughout the home renews the flow of chi and is said to rejuvenate both the spirit and body.
Fire: The ever powerful element of fire explodes with enthusiasm and sparks an endless flow of creativity wherever it is. Fire need not be used in abundance, as is the case with other elements, as too much may overpower and remove chi from a room rather than enhancing or increasing it.
Earth: Earth represents a strong foundation, rational thinking, and a sense of stability. However, too much of this particular element may also smother the flow of energy, ultimately counteracting its original, positive effects.
Wood: Wood symbolizes personal development, creativity, and exudes an independent aura of quiet, but strong, unwavering energy. Wood is used to represent the most determined individual who make it his purpose to benefit from this natural element's chi.
Metal: For wisdom and mental strength and maturity, look to the element of metal which also represents wealth and prosperity when displayed in the home.
To begin implementing the tenets of this highly revered philosophy into your own life, you should:
- Familiarize yourself with your own soul, your inner self, and who you really are deep inside when you are completely alone with your thoughts.
- Focus intently on putting yourself in control of your life and the direction it will take as opposed to allowing negativity to influence the path you ultimately follow.
- Train yourself to visualize the flow of chi that radiates from every part of your body, permeating the air and affecting everyone near you, sharing your positive energy and harmonious thoughts with all.
- Fully open your mind and soul to receive a regular return of positive energy from your surroundings.
Put together, you will have a better idea of what is feng shui and as such will be in a better position to appreciate it.
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