What is Feng Shui

Feng Shui has become increasingly popular since the 1960s in western nations for the positioning of furniture; however, in early Chinese civilization it was widely used for the orientation of a building or a tomb on a site. Feng Shui is the belief that, by orientating a building according to the laws of Heaven and the most aesthetically pleasing characteristics of a site, harmony and peace can be achieved. Feng Shui was used for not only prominent buildings such as temples and palaces, but also for tombs and homes. During the cultural revolution in China, Feng Shui was banned but it has made a huge comeback in the land of its origin over the last decade.

Feng shui was originally created through the use of astrology. A number of techniques still used today were developed over 3,500 years ago. The invention of the magnetic compass was a direct outcome of the a desire to simplify calculations for use in feng shui. Many of the traditional instruments are still in use.

Feng shui has gained major popularity in the west but has also often been incorrectly applied. In some instances it has almost be classified as a form of interior design. Because of the difficulties inherent in traditionally practiced feng shui, many people think of it as something for those who have the funds available to hire a feng shui expert. Western companies with properties in China often consult with feng shui experts. During the building of Hong Kong Disneyland the master, Wing Chao, was brought aboard as a consultant. Donald Trump also had a feng shui consultant during the restoration of many of his properties including the Trump Tower.

There a a multitude of different schools of feng shui today – some are shams and some are true to the traditions of the art. Feng shui can be used from the design to the build to the interior of a finished structure. Most practitioners use certain parts of feng shui without going with all the believes – maybe just with the placement of lamps or a bamboo plant in the dining room. Whether you are an adherent of feng shui or not really doesn’t matter – the use of feng shui is never a detriment to a home.

The Feng Shui Office

When people talk about creating their environment in alignment with Feng Shui principles, they usually refer to their living space. However if you, like most modern people, spend half your waking hours at the office, you will want to focus as much energy on your work setting, as you do on your home, and create the perfect Feng Shui office.
Whether work for you is a cubicle, a corner office or a room in your home, set yourself up with the proper office layout to help you take control of your career by taking the Feng Shui path to career fufillment.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  FURNITURE

As in all  but the most basic of Feng Shui tips, keep your office well lit and free of clutter. You’ll want to try for natural light. If possible, position your office desk close to a window but not in front of one. Fluorescent light causes eye strain and should be replaced with softer lighting.
Make sure your furniture is in the “command” position, which means facing the doorway. Having your back to the door as you sit at your desk puts you in a vulnerable position. If you must sit with your back to the door or entry, place a mirror above your desk or next to your computer so you can still observe what is happening behind you. A kidney-shaped desk is best for promoting productivity, inner harmony and should be situated in front of a solid wall.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  BAGUA MAP

Because your office space is such a dynamic place of creativity, thought and activity, you will want to consult a Feng Shui Bagua Map to make sure you are setting up each area of your office to maximize the potential of this space.
The Bagua Map will break down your office into nine areas of energy, in relation to the room’s entrance, and show you how each area influences major life aspects, such as wealth, creativity, knowledge and career. You will want to design your office to make sure each area of this space that affects your work outcomes is taken into account. Work-related areas on the Bagua Map include:

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  CAREER:

According to the Bagua Map, the entrance to your office or space is the “career” area. In order to increase your chances for a long, prosperous and happy career, you will want to decorate this area with the “water” element. Water is one of the five elements of Feng Shui (along with Earth, Fire, Metal and Wood) and can be incorporated by using mirrors, crystals, water fountains and the color black.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  KNOWLEDGE & WISDOM

Immediately to the left of the “career” area is the section of your office that represents knowledge & wisdom. This area should incorporate blue and green colors and Water and Earth elements. Water fountains with stones at the bottom, terra cotta pots and ceramics are great in this area.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  WEALTH

The far left corner of your office, (if you’re standing at the front door facing into the room or space), represents wealth. To attract wealth to your work space or business, decorate with blues, purples and reds in this section of the room. You’ll want to use décor that imparts the image of wealth, such as three-legged toad statues, Chinese coins on a red string or a photo of a god of wealth.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  FAME & RECOGNITION

The top middle of your office (to the right of the “wealth” area) represents fame and recognition. Put yourself on the fast track to being the respected professional of your dreams by decorating this area with plants, shades of red and pink and inspiring items such as certificates of achievement or awards you’ve earned, photos of people whose careers you would like to emulate and other reminders of what you want to be known for.

FENG SHUI OFFICE:  CREATIVITY

To keep the creative juices flowing at work, make sure the right center part of the room is decorated with whites and pastels and incorporates the Metal element, which can be done through sterling silver, brass or metal décor.
These Feng Shui office tips can be incorporated on a small scale for small work spaces or a large scale for corporate lobbies or executive suites. While the office can often be a hectic place of stress, implementing these tips for the perfect Feng Shui office can make it a balanced place of positive energy and achievement.