- Feng Shui - Improving
Your Indoor Spaces
- by Kerry A.
Francis
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If there are two elements of
Feng Shui that can be modified and
improved at your beck and call they are – the presence,
quantity, visibility and health of indoor plants and the
lighting of your home or living area.
Plants can fill spaces where
qi is absent or hide sharp corners
that generate the secret arrows of sha qi. Large plants will
also slow qi down. It is important to choose what works well
for
your local area and follow your own cultural traditions when
it
comes to indoor plants. A flourishing plant, not a sick one,
improves your Feng Shui, and what is considered a lucky choice
by some cultures may be considered unlucky by others.
Feng Shui plants vary from region
to region, but there are some
basic well held standards with which you can never go wrong.
The choices of plants that traditionally are considered to create
harmony are first the impala lily. The impala lily is the
“flower of wealth and prosperity” and is well placed
in your
living room or near the front of a shop or business. Next in
line is the “money plant”. This evergreen plant is
guaranteed
to bring wealth as well as long life. On top of that the “money
plant” is effective in offices and home as well as business
studies. Cactus plants are well known to ward off “evil
spirits”. The chili plants symbolized growth and wealth.
Lastly
it can be said that at Chinese New Year, the Chinese bring plum
blossom into their homes as it represents growth and renewal.
In
the same way indoor plants with red, yellow or orange flowers
will add colors and yin to a room. |
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The next element to consider,
that you can change or vary to improve you personal Feng Shui
is light. Light represents education. Light represents energy.
Best of all natural light is good Feng Shui. Artificial lighting
can help adjust the qi in dark or difficult spots. However take
special care that the artificial light that you set up or arrange
creates a similar stabilizing effect as natural light. Ensure
and insist that you have a balance between the two – natural
light and artificial light.
If you can take care that glare
from the outside is softened by drapes, curtains or blinds. In
a similar manner harsh overhead lighting can be oppressive whereas
table lamps create soft pools of light and overall make a room
feel much more relaxed/ an upward facing floor lamp can and will
help stimulate qi in dark corners or sunken rooms.
Even if you honestly think that
you have done all the work you can possibly do to increase the
lighting as well as indoor plants benefits of Feng Shui there
are always additional touches to add just a bit more. It’s
all synergistic. Washing a wall with light will bring energy
to an area. Candles will add yang qualities to a yin area
It’s all an effect that
will work together. Indoor plants will enhance, build and channel
the positive forces in your living and working areas. Well chosen
lighting will best serve to accent and focus those vital energies.
Feng Shui. |
