three forms

I spoke recently at a meeting where I was asked to provide some background on feng shui.  Many were surprised to learn that there are actually three main schools of feng shui.  Since they are so different, readers can easily become confused by the seemingly contradictory information.  For a bit more clarity, here are the schools of thought:

* the Form School – the most ancient of the schools which focuses on the shape of our surroundings and animal symbolism;

*  the Compass School – this style uses compass direction and complex calculations related to time of birth and astrological readings;

* BTB (Black Hat Buddist Feng Shui) – this form mixes some Chinese traditions with many other cultures, Western Psychology, customs, symbols, elements and focuses on the power of intention. 

The best advice that I have ever received was to research the various styles and choose the one that resonated with me.  After much reading, I chose to practice the contemporary BTB Feng Shui.  BTB utilizes the knowledge that each area of your environment, whether that be your home, your land, your business or your work cubicle, represents 9 different areas of your life.  Areas that are balanced, have good energy flow and are designed well can result in things going well in that particular area of your life;  if you wish to enhance an area of your life or make changes in your circumstances, you can look to make adjustments to the corresponding area of your environment.  I like BTB’s eclectic and contemporary approach but you may choose differently.  Most importantly though, all forms are equally effective and a wonderful way to create your space and design your life.

yin yang

All parts of our environment can be classified as yin or yang and it is one more aspect that a feng shui consultant will consider when walking through your home or office.  The dark part of this symbol represents “yin” and the light part “yang”;  it aptly displays that we require both extremes in order to achieve balance and harmony.  Yin is dark, cozy, instrospective, slow and calm;  yang is light and bright, exciting and vibrant and we can assess not only our environment, but ourselves in this manner.  What is most fun (to me anyway) is that once we are aware of our own energy pattern (more yin or more yang), we can adjust our environment accordingly so that we can bring about more balance within ourselves.  If you happen to be very energetic, enthusiastic, outgoing and may have a hard time relaxing (yang), having a more yin environment will assist you in your ability to relax - darker subdued colours, candlelight, soft music etc.  If you are sensitive, quiet, introspective, maybe even depressed (yin), a more yang space will assist you in achieving balance (much like someone bringing you brightly coloured flowers will "cheer you up").  In order to achieve a more yang space, introduce objects of brighter colours, open up the curtains to bring in more light, add some mirrors, etc.

Are you more yin or yang?  Is your space assisting you to achieve balance? 

celebrate the day

I was recently invited to a dinner party hosted by a very special friend of mine.  She served wine, champagne and the most amazing meal offered course-by-course and served by her.  We had beautiful silky napkins, china dinnerware, classical music and candlelight.  We ate slowly and enjoyed the conversation.  I admit that while I was there, I thought to myself that I need to seriously step up my game when it comes to dinner parties, but since then I’ve been thinking about the every-day meals that I serve.  Like most young families, we rush around heading from work and school to sports and homework, the tv is on and we’re trying to cram down some food that I’ve quickly prepared before we’re off to the next event.  I have decided to challenge myself to celebrate the day whenever possible.  I am going to use those beautiful dishes even on a weeknight (not that the current saucepan on the centre of the table isn’t a fabulous showpiece), turn off the tv, slow down and enjoy the conversation with those that I love.  I’m worth it and so is my family.

animals in the home

Recently I was asked if having a cat in your home was “good” or “bad” feng shui.  As a general rule, animals bring positive energy into homes.  Before purchasing a pet though, consider how that particular animal makes you feel.  If, for example, you purchase fish to increase the energy in your home (fish also symbolize good fortune, wealth and prosperity) but loathe cleaning the tank, you will enter that room with a feeling of irritation and frustration - not at all what you want.  Choose a pet that lifts you up and brings you joy and that is good feng shui.