Feng Shui is the ancient art and science of creating harmonious living and working spaces to support the best wonderful life possible. The believe is that when your living and working spaces are harmonious, they naturally contribute to greater harmony, joy, success and abundance for you.
In the early 1980’s I was very intrigued by this concept, studied it at the New York School of Interior Design, and for several years became a practitioner helping others (and myself) manifest dreams and goals utilizing Feng Shui principles.
This morning, after already deciding to write about Feng Shui, I opened the book Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, to the following quote by William Morris:
Have nothing in your homes that you do not know to be useful and believe to be beautiful.
This is the essence of Feng Shui. Surround yourself with what is useful and beautiful, and only you can decide what is useful and what you find beautiful. Breathnach suggests you browse your home (I also suggest doing so in any space you spend time); browse and really look at what you surround yourself with. Look at specific items and ask yourself, “does it bring me joy?”, “does it make me sad?” “Would I mourn its loss?”
The other aspect of Feng Shui that is important to note is the degree of clutter you have surrounding you. Some people believe that external clutter is a mirror or inner clutter (self-judgement, critical self-talk, chaotic thinking), and the more you declutter either outer space or internally, the more harmonious your life becomes.
What are the Five Steps (Clues) to Success, Harmony and Abundance:
- Accept whatever the situation is, and accept it in as much detail as possible.
- Be clear about your Intentions (dreams and goals) for this life aspect. Be really clear with as much detail as possible.
- Create ways to keep your focus on your Intentions. How will you keep your Attention on your Intention. Take Action towards your Intentions.
- Appreciate something about this life aspect. No matter your situation there is always something to appreciate. This is not denying the challenging situation, nor is it being too much of a Polly Anna. It creates the feeling state that you want to develop – the feeling state you will have when you manifest your Intention.
- Get support – not the kind that keeps you stuck, but the tough love kind that encourages you to go for your dreams.
I can’t really explain exactly how it works, I just know it does if several key principles are incorporated. I consider these the Five Steps of Feng Shui leading to success, harmony and abundance. They are mysteriously disguised in the Possibility Detective’s Five Clues to Unlimited Possibilities.
Have fun with your space, make it delightful! Bring more harmony into your life.
Jan facilitates national workshops for therapists and life coaches. She presents at conferences on topics related to holistic psychology and living your dreams.
