THE ART OF FENG SHUI
by Ida Cullen

Just as artists are gifted with their unique perspective of the world, so too are those that are able to look at their environment through the perspective of feng shui. And, just as art is able to stimulate, inspire, and calm us, so too does our environment stimulate, inspire, and calm us. Feng Shui, which translates as wind & water, is a 5000-year-old system, which attends to the effects of place on the human condition. It seems simple to state that what we see, hear, smell and touch has an effect on us. However, in today's complicated, hectic, technological world our ability to discern the different elements in our environment has suffered. It's just not necessary any more to listen for the quiet footsteps of an approaching tiger. Today, we live with so many distractions, commotion, and interruptions that we frequently forget to smell the roses let alone pay attention to what direction our bed or desk may be facing. Feng Shui reconnects us with our immediate environment and reminds us of how profoundly we are affected by all that surrounds us.

As artists we have learned to observe the world closely. Our visual, auditory, and kinesthetic senses are highly developed. However, how aware are we to the connection between our surroundings and our ability to be creative? Is it possible that the space we work in is responsible for the "writer's block", or the blank canvas with no vision? Could that pile of clutter in the corner really have an impact on our ability to compose our next tune?

Utilizing the techniques of feng shui in one's environment can enhance and encourage artistic expression in ways that are both subtle and profound. It begins by creating balance in one's space, one of the most important underlying concepts of this ancient art. Balance, as referred to here, is more than arranging items symmetrically. When feng shui practitioners refer to balance they are looking at the flow of chi, the combination of yin and yang energies, and the presence of the elements of fire, earth, air, and water energies. This can be accomplished in actuality or symbolically through color and shape. Placement is another key technique that is used. Usually some kind of compass or symbolic map is overlaid onto a space assigning meaning to different areas or directions. Thus, it may be that the north might correspond with creativity and the east with the ability to earn money or attract resources. A trained practitioner can help you to find which areas in your space affect which areas of your life. Once these areas have been designated it becomes easy to see your personal environment as a microcosm of your life and thereby initiate change where you need it.

It is important to remember that Feng Shui is more than just the techniques. It is also a philosophy, a perspective with which to view one's life and a way to connect with one's true Self. Feng shui establishes the interconnection and interdependence between all that exists in the physical, visible world and the subtle, invisible, nonphysical world. The masters of ancient China performed their art of Feng Shui with reverence and ritual. Their task was to help align life on earth with the greater movement of the cosmos. And, it is through this alignment that good fortune will flow into their lives.

Therefore intention and timing become critical components of Feng Shui practices. Clarity of purpose, belief in the practice and a sense of honoring the present moment all become powerful pieces of the overall practice. And, as is true to all spiritual paths, the changes we make within ourselves affect those around us in subtle ways as well. The more we can become awake, aware, and conscious of ourselves, the more impact we have on those we interact with.

In order to apply the practices and principles of feng shui it is important to first analyze the space, as it currently exists. It is useful to look at your surroundings with a critical eye, as if you were an alien from a distant planet. Establishing emotional detachment from what surrounds you is a helpful first step. The culture we live in has formed tremendous attachment to material possessions. This is reflective in our homes and workplaces. And our fondness for 'things' has created environments filled with clutter. Feng Shui "cures" will not work if you can't see them. So the first step is to remove and eliminate clutter and create some empty space to encourage a circular flow of energy. Clutter, to the eyes of a practitioner is more than piles of stuff in the corner. Clutter is the absence of empty space. Rooms filled with furniture, walls filled with pictures, shelves packed with chatchkees, all combine to create an environment that is cluttered, not to mention what is going on behind closet doors, under beds, or in the attic.

Feng Shui recognizes that there is an emotional connection linking us to every single, individual item in our environment. And so look around your rooms…. just exactly how many items and things are there? And where did they come from? And who gave them to you? And what is your relationship to that person? And is this, truly, something or someone that you want to stay connected to today? Many times we have forgotten where our things came from, at least in our conscious mind. However, part of our brain remembers. And if that original connection was a negative one, that negative energy stays attached to the item and pervades your space, albeit unconsciously.

Art can be very useful for Feng Shui. If, in fact, art imitates reality, then it is quite useful and even fun to use art objects as symbolic representations of what we would like to bring into our lives. And, if we 'artfully' place those objects in the appropriate locations using intention, timing, and ritual, those same objects can act as magnets drawing energy and positive chi to areas of our lives. For instance, let's say that you would like to improve your relationship with your family. You would like to experience more loving and nurturing energy in your life. What type of object or picture could you find that would trigger those types of feelings? Perhaps scenes in a garden with lots of red and pink flowers. Or perhaps, you could place items that are heart-shaped in pairs in the appropriate corner. You might place sculptures of people in loving poses nearby. The important thing is your creative expression in finding items that resonate with your deeper wishes and desires.

© Ida Cullen. All rights reserved.

If you would like to learn more about Feng Shui and/or arrange for a consultation I can be reached at Time & Space Consulting, 560 Main St. Suite 2C, Loch Arbor, NJ 07711. Telephone: (732) 531-9013, or by email.

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