Feng shui is the Chinese art of balancing the energies of any given space to assure health and good fortune for people inhabiting it. Based on the Taoist understanding of nature, feng shui centers around the “Chi,” or living energy, found in all things. Feng means wind, and shui means water, both of which are associated with good health in Chinese culture. Therefore, good feng shui

came to mean good fortune, while bad feng shui means bad luck or misfortune.

• Some say feng shui is up to 5,000 years old, while others contend a 2,000-year history.

• Feng shui was initially used to identify safe dwelling places that would allow farming

communities to flourish. • Over time, feng shui was extended to

palaces, government buildings, and other public monuments.

• Entire cities in China (and around the world!) have been designed based on the principles of feng shui.

Getting started with feng shui is even easier than you’d think. Start by cutting back on clutter. Clear everything in your house that you no longer feel

attached to, as it will help to restore positive energy in your home. For items that aren’t quite ready to leave, store them out of sight using a trunk or chest storage.

Similar to clearing physical clutter, you’ll also want to limit bad energy in your home by letting in plenty of natural light. Also take notice of the air quality of your home. To improve air circulation, try buying a few house plants or installing an

inexpensive air purifier.

The five elements comprise one of the basic principles of feng shui. Each feng shui element is represented by a specific color, and is the easiest way to bring more harmony into your home.

• Your birth year signifies your unique element.

All of the elements interact with one another. • For example, if your personal feng shui birth

element is wood, you would be wise to avoid strong fire and metal feng shui element colors and decor in your home.

• Remember that we need all five feng shui elements in our environment, just in different proportions.

The three important areas in your home that establish powerful energy and contribute to your overall well-being are:

• Bedroom: Use soothing colors to achieve balance in the most intimate

room of your home, and banish clutter with the help of shelving. • Bathroom: This should be a calming, healing place akin to a spa. Be

aware of the balance of this room when compared to your overall home. • Kitchen: Create balance with extra storage using a standalone island.

The takeaway to attaining feng shui in your

home is to ensure each room works together, taking into account: • Balance • Light • Color • Energy

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Sources

• http://www.fifthroom.com/shelving/

• http://www.fifthroom.com/kitchen-islands/