In our world of high speed internet, bullet trains and space travel, it is very difficult to know what our energy level should be. We are in a linear projection where new records are being set that make us and all devices go faster and faster. Western philosophy is in an advanced thinking mode that supports all futuristic endeavors and only looks to the past as record keeping of historical data.
Eastern philosophy, which includes our principles for feng shui, has always advocated a checks and balances mode with a cyclical approach. Yin and yang are the algorithms that establish boundaries and limits. Lillian Too distinguishes between yin qi (chi) and yang qi. It is vitally important that the two are balanced and adapt to our needs. Too much yin qi will result in stagnation and blockages. You will find yourself stuck and unable to keep up with creative endeavors. Too much yang qi will make you hyperactive and lead to adrenal exhaustion.
We must also correlate the energy that flows through our homes with the qi that circulates through our body. Sleeping, eating, exercising, and breathing are all part of the body qi and the energy that fuels it.
To create a checklist for both types of qi, take a leisurely walk around your home and garden and record your reactions:
• Are your paths straight, creating yang qi that will make you speed up? Your pulse can be fast.
• What about your hallways, are they narrow and do they make you feel like they’re crowded? Do you feel tightness in your chest?
• Do all doors open fully or are they stuck midway due to clutter hidden behind them? Do you feel constricted and are your breathing shallow? Or have you experienced joint pain?
• When you open the closet doors, are you in front of full shelves or do things fall on you? Your heart may race with palpitations.
• Is your desk cluttered with piles of papers and files waiting to be processed? Every time you see it, your blood pressure can go up.
• What about dirty dishes in the kitchen sink? Mild nausea can make you dizzy.
• Is your attic filled with years of accumulated possessions? Have you had a migraine or mood swings?
• Is your garage too full to comfortably accommodate your car? Do you feel that the problems in life do not progress smoothly or are not solved?
• Do you have dark corners or unused rooms? Have you been feeling sad or depressed?
Feng shui cures are designed to make us feel better. Here are our recommendations to achieve optimal well-being in your space:
• Assess your needs according to your activities. Body qi is totally interconnected with environmental qi.
• Body qi responds to colors. Blues and purples can calm our energy level, while reds and bright colors will stimulate body energy.
• Music will stimulate or calm the body qi, and fragrances can provoke all kinds of responses in our autonomic nervous system.
• Temperature and light will increase or decrease personal energy responses.
• Food has energetic qualities that can make us feel lethargic or ignite our digestive juices.
• Living rooms and dining rooms, game rooms and media rooms are gathering areas and therefore should have a lot of yang qi. Make sure they are open and shiny. Cheerful decor, uplifting art, music, and pets all create yang qi and uplifting energetic responses.
• Bedrooms should be quiet spaces designed to slow down body qi. New and vital energy is created while we sleep. Adequate rest in a quiet environment will recharge our batteries and prepare us for a new day of work and fun.
• The best cure of all is the art of creating empty spaces. Imagine the glossy surface of an empty desk or transparent dining table with a bouquet of fresh flowers in the center.
• Let the clear images guide you into serious mess for a future of exciting opportunities.