Feng Shui, which is pronounced Fung Schway, is a Chinese discipline that involve using aesthetics in design and decoration to produce a harmony of energies in a room or building. There are some very deep concepts involved, however most of the surface concepts are simple enough that almost anyone can perform miracles with this discipline.
The base concept is to capture and enhance positive Qi, which is pronounced Chee. The Qi is energy and can be positive or negative. According to this discipline, the wind carries the Qi and it is captured by water. There are certain elements that help a room or building capture the good energy and release the negative.
In order to be Eco-Friendly, slight modifications can be made to the Feng Shui arrangement. Most of these do not essentially alter the Feng Shui, but are rather a choice.
A great example is the choice of water. Most Feng Shui arrangements use an area filled with water, this is where the positive Qi is captured. The only difference when keeping to an Eco-Friendly design is that this water source should be circulating rather than standing.
As opposed to a basin of water, or a standing fountain, you can choose a flowing water source that recirculates itself. Many fountains operate in this manner and still have the same benefits in Feng Shui.
Another example of Eco-Friendly Feng Shui is lighting.Lighting in Feng Shui is supposed to be very soft and not harsh. In order to be kind to the environment, use candles when possible. Candles promote a very nice flow of energy while at the same time use less energy and help your home to be green. If you find that candles and not providing enough light, you can use a mirror to essentially “double” the light of some of the candles. However, keep in mind that in Feng Shui, energy should flow through a room, so make sure that you are not using too many mirrors that reflect toward each other.
Soft and light color choices are perfect for Feng Shui. Many times, when choosing a paint, the ecosystem get forgotten, do not let this happen. There are many paints that do not contain VOCs (volatile organic compounds), and these are perfect for your home. As far as Feng Shui, keep the colors light and avoid dark little corners.
In the end, a general non-cluttered look is great for Feng Shui and while not directly helping the environment, it helps lend an attitude to people that is good and green. Those that do not clutter their home are less likely to clutter the world. Keep your spaces open and clean, like the world you envision around you. Let good energy flow through your home and you will carry this energy with you throughout your day.
Michael Schnippering is the founder of of Feng Shui at Work. He is committed to the true art and science of Feng Shui. Over the years his Feng Shui practice has taken him to various parts of the United States, Germany, France, Spain, Colombia and Argentina.
