I think one of the best ways of illustrating the principles of feng shui is to share some real-life examples. So here is one:
A few weeks ago, I was called by this man Rick to help him feng shui his living space. He lived in this facility with many other people and many of them had recently gotten sick, so since I do a lot of work with health, he called me.
Land Feng Shui
Ninety-percent of good feng shui has to do with the land. If the land is good you have a great foundation for health and prosperity. Rick told me that the building is among a great forest with a natural stream in front. Perfect! Lots of natural, positive chi is great for a home. It helps support life and vitality.
In addition, the building is set back among a great clearing that provides the space to grow crops. The situation of the building is what we call “good form” in that you can see approaching enemies, or negative chi and feel secure and empowered. However, the building does not have the “tortoise” or mountain formation behind it to provide protection, but we can work with that.
As I approached the property, I noticed a lot of people also approaching the property, too. They smelled and looked pretty bad, so I hoped they didn’t live there! Thankfully, they didn’t because no one was letting them in. Just me.
Entry
The entry is one of the most important spaces when reviewing the feng shui of the property. You want people (and positive ch’i) to feel welcome and honored.
However, with this property, there were a multitude of fences and barbed wire. I certainly didn’t feel welcome and I’m told that neither did “the Governor” or he would have joined the community, rather than chop off Hershel’s head!
Balance of Yin & Yang
When I enter a client’s space, I look for a balance of yin (feminine energy) and yang (masculine energy). Good feng shui homes will have a balance of these two opposing, yet complementary forces.
On one hand, Rick’s home was definitely too yang (too harsh)! I recommended that he get some area rugs to warm up the space and cut down on the echo. Also, the windows were bare, so some billowing window treatments would help create a more cozy space.
On the other hand, the building was also too yin (too dark and drab). Perhaps bringing in some artificial lighting and painting the walls something bright…wait, I think I see that they attempted to do that…but is that really blood!
This building was turning out to be a nightmare!
Bringing Nature in with The Five Elements
The five natural elements are wood, fire, earth, metal and water. This building has an abundance of earth (concrete) and metal (bars!).
To help support and calm the occupants, I always recommend bringing in plants. In addition to bringing the color green (vitality) to the space, plants also add fresh air. So, I recommended Rick get some large potted plants. A water feature, like a fountain or aquarium would also be nice. In fact, I’m told that the Governor has a really nice aquarium in Woodbury that they can borrow for now. I suggest they do that since I don’t like my clients to have to spend much money on additional items for their home.
We can bring the fire element in with some animals. I see someone had attempted to do that, but a dead, splayed out and pinned up squirrel on a board is a nice try, but I wouldn’t recommend it.
One Last Question
In my consultations, I ask clients certain questions to help ascertain if this space will be supportive for them. “Can you tell me something about the people that lived here before you? And why did they leave?” Rick says that the people that lived here before were all hardened criminals and they got sick and died! But they never left, and in fact, one of them was coming up to greet me now!!!
“Leave now!” I told him. And he did! I am so glad he listened to me. I look forward to seeing his new home and hopefully, he’ll call me to do the feng shui again.
Note: If you are not a fan of The Walking Dead, you certainly didn’t get the references I made above, but hopefully you learned a bit about feng shui! If you are a fan, please let me know of any other ideas to incorporate into the blog post. I would LOVE to hear it!
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