The ancient body of knowledge that feng shui contains has been formally used in China for many centuries, but the term has only become a commonly heard in the West in recent times. Is feng shui just another fad in the West, or does it have an enduring quality that can inform us about living well anytime, anywhere? To begin to answer the question, a definition is useful.

Feng shui originated in China , and is essentially an environmental science that is applied to create a proper flow of energy. The philosophy and practice of feng shui is to contribute to the well-being of individuals and communities through the art of placement, for balanced energy flow. All societies possess in some form or another knowledge that feng shui contains.

As practiced today in the West, feng shui can guide us in creating environments in which we feel comfortable and supported - at home, at work, and in our communities. Some of the practices of feng shui are common sense. For example, fresh air, natural light, and a clean environment contribute to the well being of our minds and bodies.

At the same time, feng shui contains other environmental concepts that might not seem so obvious as potentially beneficial or harmful. In fact, some harmful arrangements go unnoticed until we recognize a problem area in our life and take steps to correct the problem. Once our surrounding are properly ordered, we can connect to the energy around us that allows us to experience desired changes for the better.

If you have ever entered a space and felt welcomed and at peace, you have experienced the principles of feng shui at work. Some spaces instinctively feel right, whether by design or by someone with a gift for arrangement. What are some of the feng shui principles that bring harmony to the space?

One principle is the balance of yin and yang. According to feng shui, these two forces always act together in creating energy. In balance, there is well-being. However, when one force dominates, the imbalance can be detrimental. These positive and negative forces are opposites, yes, but yin and yang are interdependent. That is, without knowing softness, one cannot understand hardness. Stillness and motion, low and high, cold and hot: these are examples of yin forces and yang forces, which at their extreme can change into the other. For example, sunstroke can make victims shiver and ice can feel like a burn. In feng shui, the object is to balance opposites.

A second principle of spaces that feel right is the idea of Chi. Chi doesn't have a western equivalent, but loosely can be translated as the life force of animate things, the power of the sun and weather, the quality of the inanimate or of the environment. In short, the energy. When Chi is blocked in our bodies, acupuncture is used to help it flow and restore health. Where Chi is blocked in our homes or other surroundings, proper re-arrangement will get it flowing smoothly and gently once again, restoring peace and harmony for the occupants.

You could find resources online or at your local library that give very detailed and specific instructions about balancing yin and yang or enhancing the flow of Chi. But you don't need to start with books and research in order to immediately improve your surroundings and therefore your quality of life. The most practical and beneficial place to begin applying the principles of feng shui is so simple as to be deceptive in its power. Begin by getting rid of clutter.

Start by clearing the clutter - in your closets, from table-tops, out of drawers, throughout rooms, the car, yard and garden, the garage, everywhere. When you're done, you will feel renewed, and if you like the feeling, then get the books and resources, delving further into the philosophy and practice of feng shui, the art of placement for well-being.

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