Feng Shui Newsletter and Tips

>> Feng shui techniques can add tranquil quality to gardens | 22 Mar 2010
 PHOTOS  

Gardens can relax or energize you, depending on their design. Balance the energy flow in your landscape to ensure it will be comfortable and harmonious. The Chinese have used this method of design for many thousands of years. It is called feng shui, pronounced "fung shway."

Learning the terminology and concepts of feng shui can help in the understanding of this discipline (see glossary below).

Qi (also called ch'i) describes the energy flow that moves over and around objects and people. Too much is not good; too little is bad. Energy can be blocked by walls or trapped in corners, becoming stagnant. The objective is for qi to flow gently through openings, not be too aggressive (positive) or too passive (negative). Strive for a perfect balance of the two in your design.

Yin and yang describe the two opposing forces that act on qi. Yin is passive and yang aggressive. The common symbol for yin and yang is a circle with a curved line bisecting it, arranged in two colors, one on each side of the curve, with a spot of the opposite color on each side. This is the symbolic goal of balance to achieve in your garden. Too much yin or yang can create adverse effects. A balance creates proper energy and harmony.

Feng shui is the discipline of bringing balanced qi to your life, including home and garden. Translated, it means "wind and water," two forces that have a great impact on Earth. They are considered part of the cosmic energy that the Chinese believe is in everything. Wind and water carved canyons, eroded mountains, determined locations of cities and dictate whether soil will be rich enough to support life.

Front yards represent active yang energy or public space. Yang energy colors are warm reds, yellows, oranges and bright whites. Ideally, front yards should face south because yang energy corresponds to sunlight, a positive force.

Back yards represent passive yin energy, or privacy. Yin energy colors are cool blues, purples and greens. Yin also corresponds to darkness, or negativity -- the opposite of yang, which can be good or bad. Consider them as similar to positive (active) and negative (grounded) electrical charges. A little yang in the back yard and a little yin in the front yard are necessary.

Qi is most active from the west, so use a heavy metal object, such as a sculpture or urn, to calm energy flow from that direction, if possible. Metal is the element of choice because of its weight.

Observance of rigid feng shui principles requires a "story," or explanation, symbolic of every aspect. When principles are applied to gardens, you can take advantage of the environment, ameliorating energy-flow problems occurring from the siting of your house and property.

>> Feng Shui Welcoming Dining Rooms | 14 Sep 2009
The dining room is becoming a less trendy space, as people are using it less often and spending more time in their kitchens. They eat at different times at the breakfast bar, a kitchen nook or in front of the television instead of taking time out of busy schedules for the family dinner. A big trend now is to have outdoor dining spaces for people who live in environments where you can be outside in nature all year round. These spaces can also be created for people who deal with outdoor elements by constructing walls and ceilings. Another trend is to have a great room which is an open plan where the dining and living room occupy the same space. This way guests can retreat to the sofas in the living room after dinner. The sole purpose of the dining room is to bring family and friends together as a social gathering experience. This is an essential room in your home that can have amazing benefits from Feng Shui. Using this space daily can help promote tranquility and wellbeing by permeating positive energy throughout the room. The dining room is an intimate space and should be more closed off from the rest of the home. Your dining room can be stylized to be formal and elegant, or more of a casual feel, depending on the mood you wish to create. You may want to have a dedicated dining room that is more formal, a family dining room that is more relaxing or an occasional dining room space for more informal meals which is generally located within a great room space. Having family dinners is very important to keeping the channels of communication open, especially in our busy lifestyles. Here are some important Feng Shui tips to spruce up your dining room and make it feel more warm and inviting. 

1.  Location. The best area of the home to situate the dining room is in the center or heart of the home. The dining room should not be located at the end of the hallway as this creates inauspiciousness. It should be at the same level or higher than the living room and not located next to a bedroom or bathroom. For convenience, it should be adjacent to or very close to the kitchen to make it easier to bring in food and clear away the dishes. 

2. Furniture. The dining table should be in the center of the room since this is the main piece of furniture. Be sure to allow proper clearance around the chairs so people can move around freely. The shape and size of the table can produce various energy patterns in the space. If you have a circular or oval shaped table, this promotes energy to circulate around the space which brings about a sense of serenity and equilibrium. Round tables also encourage conversation. All seating is of equal stature which helps to promote harmony in the home. If you have square or rectangular tables, be sure the edges are rounded. Having sharp edges can create negative energy that can promote ill health while eating. The edges of a dining table can be softened by the use of silk linen coverings over the tabletop. Rectangular tables allow the head of the household to sit at the end, which is considered the power spot and is symbolized by wealth especially if the end chairs are larger. Having larger chairs on the end can promote a sense of discord in the home if other family members feel inferior. Nature energy can be brought into this space with wood tables which symbolizes strength and stability and creates warmth in the space. The trends are natural wood dining tables in more rustic finishes in lighter shades of honey and oak. Painted white tables and stains in the shade of driftwood are taking over some of the darker hues. Other trends are sustainable woods such as mango wood as well as recycled materials of hammered copper. Chair backs should be comfortable to enjoy a leisurely dining experience and to encourage conversation. If you have an extension table, extra chairs can be placed in the corners of the room for when you have additional guests visiting. The same rule can apply to those who live in smaller spaces. Tables with drop leafs can fold down and save space. Chairs should be more versatile so they can be used for the table or comfortable enough to use for lounging. www.restorationhardware.com 

3. Decor. Display and store your crystal, stemware and china in buffets, hutches, sideboards, china cabinets and wine racks. Having crystal in your dining room adds shimmer and sparkle and also distributes energy throughout the room. Displaying centerpieces in the middle of your table rejuvenates the space and promotes wellbeing. Centerpiece ideas include votives and candlesticks of varying heights for romance, aroma, visual appeal and relaxation. Candles also add the element of fire to the space which helps to illuminate your table settings, china and food as well as family and guests. Other ideas include vases with fresh or silk flowers, bowls of fresh or fake fruit which symbolizes wealth and fertility, flat trays with glazed ceramic fruit such as pears, or floating candles in beautiful glass dishes. For connection to the space, place framed photos of friends and family on a buffet or sideboard. Area rugs in bold hues should be situated under the dining table and chairs to help define the space, add texture, warmth and vibrancy that will set off the furniture.  www.wshome.com/shop/home-accessories-decorating-item/candle-holders-sconces/index.cfm  

4. Artwork. Hang artwork of scenery that portrays landscapes, seascapes and pictures of gourmet cuisine that are appetite enhancing images. If your dining space is small in scale, try hanging a picture that has a perspective view to give depth to the room. Adding mirrors to the dining rooms helps to make the space appear larger and symbolizes abundance by making the food on the table appear to be double, indicating prosperity. They also bestow light and energy to the room and promote dynamic conversation. Murals and faux finishes can be a work of art for the walls, but this is currently a trend that is starting to diminish among interior designers.  www.art.com/gallery/id--d207238/canvas.htm

5. Adding foliage. Plants and flowers enhance the spaces energy and add unity and luminosity. Using plants on top of hutches, buffets and china cabinets as well as in the corners of the room helps to transmit the energy upwards. Beneficial plant selections include palm trees and ficus, whether real or fake it helps to bring the outdoors in. You should have a beautiful arrangement in the middle of your table, whether it is made up of fresh or silk flowers and housed in striking vases. This promotes a feeling of unity amongst diners and helps to circulate energy and add splendor and vibrancy to the space. www.simonpearce.com/navSubDepartment.aspx 

6. Color Selection. Colors used in this space should support a healthy environment for digestion. The current trend for dining room spaces is to create an ambiance of more earthy, natural hues. Bright and bold colors are still in, but they are being seen more in accent colors. The key is to showcase your individual personality and give your guests something to talk about. This is a space where you want your family and friends to feel energized, relaxed and comfortable, so chose intense hues and spicy accents. The best color selections for the dining space to stimulate digestion and conversation are jewel-toned reds, light blue, green, yellows, cream and beige. Other colors include soft pastels such as lavender peach, coral and pink which can be great accent colors such as in pillows and drapery. Wallpaper can also be a great selection in this space and is starting to pick up as a trend again, pick more subtle tones, patterns and solids, nothing that is too busy. Great wallpaper selections can be found by visiting your local Frazee paint store. Paint colors to try include Benjamin Moore’s, Bleeker Beige HC-80, Hallingsworth Green HC-141, Covington Blue HC-138 and Sherwin Williams paints, Sequin SW-6394, Henna Shade SW-6326.
www.sherwin-williams.com/do_it_yourself/paint_colors/color_trends/2007/sultry_origins/

 7. Lighting. Feng Shui principles advise that light fixtures and bulbs should be pointing towards the ceiling, which is indirect lighting. This will allow light to refract off the ceiling and disperse throughout the space. The lighting will make your spirits will feel uplifted and energetic and provide great ambience. Light fixtures that point downwards, such as pendant and track lights, makes you feel weighted down while you are dining. Lighting selections include chandeliers, bowl-shade chandeliers, semi-flush mount, cove lighting, wall sconces and torchiers which provide up-lighting, warm ambiance and the illusion of height. Table lamps can be used on a buffet or sideboard for additional lighting and ambiance. For a more casual look, ceiling fans with lights can be installed into this space. Candles are a good mood enhancer but should never be the main source of lighting; you should always be able to see what you are eating. Be sure to install a dimmer switch on the wall to set the mood and create a more romantic atmosphere. Windows are another great way to bring in natural light and open up the space.  www.kichler.com/consumer/products/catRoom/DINING_RM

>> How to redecorate your home or apartment to maximize romance | 7 Apr 2009

This pretty-in-pink bedroom is the ideal color scheme for a single person who is actively dating.

>> Clear the clutter, rearrange for better feng shui | 18 Mar 2009

Are you a spring-cleaning fanatic or do you just wish you were?

Clearing the clutter, reorganizing the drawers and even rearranging the furniture can improve your life, says feng shui practitioner Alexandra Shaw. It's about "creating a balance of peaceful harmony, to surround the space and individuals that live there," she says.

 

To give your rooms a feng shui spring cleaning, consider adding greenery, rearranging artwork and refreshing home accessories.

Shaw says that clutter is one of the main reasons people experience energy blocks in life. Therefore, spring cleaning should begin with removing clutter.

Kim Anderson, owner of Divine Decors in Rockwall, says, "The easiest fixes for blocked energy come down to basic feng-shui principles including the theory of the movement of energy within a space. Sometimes bringing in elements such as appropriate colors, wood, metals and water help a room feel more balanced and less cluttered."

Kathleen Clemens, owner of Dallas-based An Inside View, adds that clearing paths by placing furniture effectively is also key.

 

Feng shui elements in this room include a gold color scheme, a fireplace focal point (fire element) and a bar area (water element). Candles on pedestals bring a sense of power to the room.

"Experiment with different furniture arrangements. Repaint the rooms. Find and use only your most interesting objects to accessorize," she says.

Shaw suggests bringing in lucky flowers and plants, such as jade and bamboo, real or silk, to generate fields of energy that release trapped energies and lives. Chimes also can help achieve that because they bring in good energy, the wind element, which helps eliminate energy blockage.

Look around your house – in closets, spare rooms, drawers and even random piles of stuff – and determine what you can toss out this spring.

"Keep only items that nourish and inspire you," Clemens advises.

•Divine Decors owner KIM ANDERSON (www.divinedecors.com) recommends:

Clean out all unnecessary items. Pare down knickknacks: A few items make a personal design statement; too many items make a room feel overstuffed, and your favorite items lose importance amid the clutter.

Don't be afraid to paint. Often paint is the easiest, most affordable way to make a room feel cleaner and more inviting.

Add some color. Basic items, such as a sofa, can take on an entirely new look when paired with new throw pillows with a punch of color.

Add simple elements. Water (a flower vase with water, artwork that depicts water or a running fountain); metal (iron artwork, or gold or silver elements); and wood (furnishings) used throughout the house create a flow of energy that keeps the chi moving, which is important for maintaining a home that "feels" good.

Add greenery. Natural elements from outdoors instantly provide a clean, earthy feel to rooms.

KATHLEEN CLEMENS, owner of An Inside View Interior Design Studio (www.aninsideview.com), suggests:

Renew by rearranging your artwork. It makes a huge difference when you take everything down and start over.

Refresh your accessories. You don't have to make a huge investment; just add new throw pillows to your sofa or bring in new lighting, plants and artwork to freshen a room.

Charities are looking for donations. Give away items to the less fortunate and revamp with the new space and with additional light.

Box it. If you just can't let go of some items, box and store them.

Let the sunshine in. Clean windows, open drapes and move furniture out of the way to let the sun shine through.

ALEXANDRA SHAW, certified professional consultant with Feng Shui Institute International (www.powerfengshui.info) offers this advice:

Throw out all dried flowers, dead plants or dirty silk flowers. Dead things have all of the life drained out of them and often mean you feel the same about your own life. Displaying them only keeps the negativity around you.

Clean out your bedroom. Is it receptive to love and loving situations?

Fix all broken things or get rid of them.

Start small. Release those things from your life that have no meaning, but that someone else would enjoy. Work only 15 to 30 minutes each day to blast right through that clutter.

>> Symbolism in your home | 18 Mar 2009

>> Feng Shui tips for Year of the OX | 7 Jan 2009

In these uncertain times, Tee Lin Say talks to Feng Shui experts Joey Yap and Geraldine Goh for their take on investing in the Year of the OX.

Joey Yap

Founder and Master trainer of the Mastery Academy of Chinese Metaphysics<

Celebrity feng shui master Joey Yap isn’t just celebrated for his ability to enthrall a crowd of audience with his hillarious feng shui tips and analyze a person’s Destiny Code.

The predictions made by Yap in the year of the Rat have been rather accurate.

Readers who had heeded the forecasts made by Yap in the BizWeek issue of Feb 9, 2008 would have thrived.

Yap correctly predicted that the second half of the year would be worst off, and one should be holding cash come end 2008. He also predicted that oil prices would start their downtrend after the second half.

Hence, what does the master has to say about the Year of the Ox?

Joey Yap

Unfortunately, it isn’t good, as the world’s financial problems are far from over. Why, it’s merely serving starters. Yap is quick to say that it’s not doom and gloom as opportunities abound.

“(The year) 2009 will see the year of the Earth Ox in an earth cycle. As it is earth, what we see is stagnation, and the image is one of a pile of mud,” says Yap.

He foresees dirt emerging, or rather, past mistakes coming to haunt. This is the year to address problems created in the past.

Yap sees volatility in markets, dissatisfaction with how things are done, and retrenchment without reason.

“It will be a daunting year. We haven’t really reached the peak of the problems yet. We are probably one third through this difficult cycle. We haven’t tasted the main dish, and will most likely experience it during the second half of the year. Desert will probably be nearer towards the year-end,” he sums up.

Nonetheless, Yap says not to fret as this is a nescessary cleansing for better times to come.

“It will get worse, but it won’t be bad for everyone. It’s not good for things which have metal elements – financials being the main theme. Metal is seen to be covered by earth, with a lot of dirt piling on it. Therefore, the financial industry won’t prosper this year.”

Yap foresees the first half of 2009 as being “all right”, while the second half will see deterioration.

He says countries will be fortunate if they don’t enter a recession.

“(The year) 2009 is pictured by people pushing other people out. Most likely the people being pushed out are those in existing power. It is good as things need to change for the positive to happen,” says Yap.

On this note, he adds that the financial tsunami needs to happen. The year 2008 up to 2010 will be the rebuilding years, before wealthy times appear.

How do investors armour themselves in such dire times?

Yap says it’s all about preserving what we already have.

“I would say that the best thing to invest in is yourself. Most people have the victim mentality. I want to say this: You are not the victim. That is nonsense. Everyone has the same two hands and two legs and the same 24 hours. Instead of saying you are worst off because the economy is languishing, why don’t you think how you can value add instead,” says Yap.

Hence, under such circumstances, Yap says to do one’s job better, and not to blame other people.

For investments, Yap advocates going long term.

“Look three to four years ahead. In times like these, you cannot make quick gains. My advice is to hold on to cash.

“As a buyer, I would suggest you make your investments and acquisitions in the second half of the year, while as a seller, do it in the first half.

“People need to remain optimistic about what they can do. They need to look out for opportunities. Wait for the market to take its huge fall, then it will be time to go shopping,” he says.

Yap cautions that there will be a little spring appearing in mid-2009, which is in actual fact, a false image.

“People will think this spring marks the start of a rally, but no. Things will in fact go down after that. My advice is for investors to ride on the wave of this little spring when it happens. Use this opportunity to sell,” says Yap.

For those feeling very negative, Yap says it won’t be such a bad year.

“You need times like these to expand your empire. Things were getting so expensive, and if you had been preserving cash, now you would have the money to buy and expand. You can’t wish your problems away, but underneath all these lie opportunities. Last time, things were so expensive, but it’s now so cheap. You can make your killing now,” he says.

Sectors that are seen able to preserve cash are the wood-related sectors such as academic related, printing, self-help, teaching. The health industry will also do well. As plantation is wood related, crude palm oil may see a chance of going up again.

It won’t be great for oil, however. Oil is of the fire element. Earth dampens fire. So Yap says its difficult for crude oil to appreciate. Construction prices will also go down.

Currencies, which are defined by the water element is seen to be contaminated by dirty earth.

He says that Asian countries will do better than other parts of the world. Malaysia is also better insulated than other countries.

“(The year) 2010 will be good. It will mark the start of the rejuvenation process. It is like the big sweep. We shouldn’t be that negative because we know at the end of the tunnel it is going to be good,” says Yap.

Meanwhile, as the ox is in the earth cycle, Yap sees earth related problems such as landslides and earthquakes happening.

(Yap will be giving a feng shui and astrology seminar entitled “Thriving in Challenging Times” on Jan 17. Please call 03-2284 8080 for details.)

Dr Geraldine Goh

Founder of the Institute of Tao Studies, Malaysia

Dr Geraldine Goh feels that the Year of the Ox is not necessarily negative at all, and she sees a chance of revival in the second half of the year.

Dr Geraldine Goh

Nonetheless, in a year that is streaked by challenges and provocation, Goh advises investors to do things within their means.

“Having the holding power is extremely important this year,” she says.

For the year, the image she conjures is one where water is lacking and the metal store is closed. In investment terms, metal is represented by the financial services sector.

For things to happen smoothly, there is a need for flowing water into the economy. Water is represented by activity.

Hence, for the year to prosper and pick itself out of the present financial woes, there is a need for recurring transactions, spending and consumption to balance out the water shortage.

“The government’s policy is geared towards spending, and that is the right thing to do. The US government’s lowering of interest rates and pumping money into the system are all positive measures which encourage the flow of water,” she says.

Goh says that once the water element is balanced out, other elements will start functioning smoothly. To thrive in 2009, one needs to have a lot of activities going on.

For instance, the education, motivational and speaking industries are under the wood element, which she says will do well.

Goh says if water nurtures wood, then the store of money will be opened. She sees sectors in the earth and fire elements continuing to do well, as these are necessities.

The food and beverage industry is lumped under fire, while the property sector is earth.

“People will still buy houses and still need to eat,” she says.

She says the outlook for crude oil and crude palm oil are uncertain, as they have a combination of earth, fire and metal elements.

“As long as there is water, a lot of the problems will be solved,” she says.

Meanwhile, in the first half of the year, Goh sees people in authority coming out to contribute in a constructive manner.

People in high positions need to be humble this year, and come down to “earth” if they want to seek better solutions or solve the problem.

There is no place for an inflated ego in the Year of the Ox.

“Policies by people in power will be meant to rectify the current unsound situation. When these policies first come out, people will feel disturbed, shaken and threatened, but the policy will be good to right past wrongs,” she says.

Goh feels that the second half will start flourishing.

“To make money, there will surely be risks. But if you have foresight and you have the money, then make your investments in the first half. You will likely make more money than others.

“Individually, it is up to you what you want to buy. I think it is a good time to invest in areas which traditionally appreciates in the long run. I would still buy property and stock-wise bank shares,” she says.

On the global outlook, Goh says Asia for now is stronger than the Western nations, but it is the Western side that holds more potential. She sees the West leading the eventual recovery in the world.

In terms of investment luck, the horse, dragon, monkey, tiger and dog will be better off. This is especially apparent for the horse and dog, which will have better luck in money making and windfall opportunities.

The dragon and tiger’s luck are in terms of career advancements and promotions. For instance, their hard work or research will see a breakthrough, where the fruit of the hard work is reaped.

(The Institute of Tao Studies is located next to the Taman Desa Hospital. Please call 03-7983 0388 for details.)

http://biz.thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2009/1/3/business/2899587&sec=business

>> Harmonious Lifestyle: Usher in the chi | 8 Dec 2008

Feng shui (meaning wind and water in Chinese) is the ancient art of placement to promote harmony, wealth, success and health. Feng shui deals with the location and architecture of buildings, along with interior design

The world over well-known business people and houses like Disney, Donald Trump, Richard Branson, Texas First National Bank and Mutual of New York have all used feng shui to enhance their various projects. A working knowledge of feng shui may even be of great help in real estate transactions.

It goes without saying that we are all affected by our surroundings and the things in our environment. Feng shui is the art of placement and design that helps to create and organise our environments in such a way as to bring about a more harmonious lifestyle.

As ‘chi’ flows through our homes and offices, we benefit from the nourishing energy we receive. It’s only logical to set up our homes and offices in a manner which allows the ‘chi’ to flow freely through our spaces, creating more comfort and harmony for living.

As a first step explore the neighbourhood and see if a property has a harmonious design that gels with the beauty of the surroundings. Check for high-tension wires, environmental pollution, and sewage drains.

The first impression is usually determined by the front door; it could either welcome you or drive you away. Remember all opportunities enter through the main door and the door should exude a feeling of pride.

Feng Shui could be implemented to achieve better value or harmony by following certain simple guidelines. Be it an existing home or a new investment, even if it violates certain basic norms mentioned above, changes can be made through feng shui to restore a sense of balance and equilibrium in our place of dwelling.

Buildings situated close to flyovers cause immense inconvenience to the occupants.

It is said that the ill-effect of flyovers is greater for those who live at the “eye level” of the flyover or below it.

If the flyover appears to cut through the building, it is considered very harmful and one should use dark glass for the windowpanes, which will shield the home from the harmful sharp bends.

If your home is situated beneath a flyover, the structure above your home will be overpowering and a very simple suggestion is to put up lights on the four corners of the house focused towards the under surface of the flyover to symbolically lift the” negative chi.” Feng Shui is not just about organising the interiors or putting up enhancers in place, it is more about practicalities and adjusting ourselves to the environment and surroundings.

S BS Surendran

Master Fengshui Consultant and Traditional Vaastu Practitioner fengshui@fengshuiserver.com

http://www.expressbuzz.com/edition/story.aspx?Title=Harmonious+Lifestyle:+Usher+in+the+chi&artid=T4nR%7C1hwvbI=&SectionID=9R67TMeNb/w=&MainSectionID=wIcBMLGbUJI=&SectionName=gUhH3Holuas=&SEO=

>> Art of healthy living | 25 Nov 2008
 

Feng-shui, meaning wind and water, is a theory of balance and oneness of nature, common
sense, superstition and good taste. It can help you improve any area of life painlessly and effectively. Its principles can be applied to increase the economic, physical, spiritual and emotional health of your family, says Raghbir S. Gill

FENG-SHUI, pronounced as ‘fung-shway’, literally means wind and water. It evolved as a mix of Buddhism, Taoism, Yin-yang theory of balance and oneness of nature, common sense, superstition and good taste. It is an eco-art linking man and his destiny with his surroundings, be they natural or man-made, cosmic or local. It is both an art and science that deals with arranging buildings, rooms, furniture and any single article in the structure, in a way to achieve optimum harmony with nature.

From India Vaastu travelled a long way with Buddhism through Tibet and finally reached China. The Chinese blended it with their thought and practice and adopted it with the name of Feng-shui. Along the way, it imbibed the religious and philosophical theories, rites and disciplines of the countries it passed through. From India it carried compassion, the concept of karma and practice of yoga. In Tibet it picked up magical and mystical knowledge and rituals like chants and charms. Once entrenched in China, it was duly influenced by native culture—Yin-yang theory and Taoism, ancestor worship, animism and deviation.

Many of us are prone to getting jitters on entering a particular building, and an aromatic feeling of pleasantness may seep in on entering another. The less discerning may view it paradoxically, and scornfully dismiss it as superstition. But Feng-shui, meticulously strives to define what elements in our environment serve to depress us or elevate our spirits. It identifies design problems and puts forth simple cures to balance and enhance our surroundings and our lives.

In the Chinese language Ru-shr means logical, reasonable and rational—within our range of experience and knowledge—whereas Chu-shr is illogical, irrational, transcendental or mystic—still beyond the realm of our experience and knowledge. It is an act of faith. Since yesterday’s fiction (Chu-shr) is today’s science (Ru-shr), no wonder today’s fiction (Chu-shr) goes on becoming tomorrow’s science (Ru-shr). In Feng-shui, Chu-shr doles out far greater and more positive results than Ru-shr because its approach encompasses the great universe outside our known world and within our subconscious.

The Chu-shr remedies can go a long way in setting right the things of daily use free of cost or effort, provided there is no manufacturing defect, no mishandling and no tampering with articles. In case the picture of your TV gets blurred, or other electrical fault has developed in the TV set, stereo sound gets distorted, the deck malfunctions, the mixer or grinder refuses to work smoothly, the phone starts giving false rings and wrong numbers, what should you do?

Look out for water in any form, placed near them. Just remove it to help make the appliances work. In case of fridges, the strong insulation between the power and water area keeps it going.

If spending exceeds earning and there are no savings, find out if taps of the house are dripping, or the cisterns of toilet seats are leaking, or water is leaking or spilling or going waste anywhere in the house. Just stop the dripping, leaking and spilling of water to streamline savings and checking undue spending.

If one is constantly under unnecessary strain, tension and pressure at home, the clock or one’s photo hanged directly under the light bulbs and tubes ought to be removed.

If one is under depression and negative feelings haunt, replace the pictures or paintings depicting violence and exuding horror with romantic and lively photos. The photos of dead mortals in the family should be accommodated in the south or west walls of the house.

If there are bickering, heated arguments and shouting amongst family members, check if the floors of the house are chipped, cracked or broken. If re-flooring is unaffordable, then floors may be covered with carpets.

If one feels crestfallen or disgusted, one should look for dead watches, electrical appliances and electronic gadgets that are not working at all, as these should not be kept in the house in open view. All such dead articles should be disposed of or dumped in a box and left in the back corner of the last room of the house.

Mirrors are the panacea of Feng-shui and cure a host of interior and exterior Feng-shui woes. Outdoors they repel the evil Ch’i and provide protection to the inmates. If a road aims at an entrance, hang the mirror above the door. Inside the building it serves many purposes. The mirrors, if placed/hanged so low as to chop the heads of inmates in the reflection, may cause unnecessary headaches and lower the Ch’i of individuals.

Crystals have long been considered batteries of nature. In Feng-shui they become symbolic sources of power and energy. When placed or hung before the windows, they attract more natural light and energy to disperse it throughout the room, thereby providing farsightedness to the occupants and improving their lives.

Lights are powerful Feng-shui cure outside the building. If installed properly outside an L-shaped structure, lights can square up the missing corner. Lights installed at the lowest point of the plot can check the Ch’i and outflow of money. Indoors, light is yang energy if brightly lit and can create a lot of activity in the room. Installing bright spotlights can activate yang energy. The bedrooms where we sleep need more of yin. Therefore, subdued surroundings need to be created.

The light is the visible manifestation of energy and sound is an auditory manifestation of the same energy. Sound vibrations have an effect on Ch’i energy around them. The rasping, coarse or grating sound badly disturbs the regular flow and creates an uncongenial environment, whereas clear, simple and sweet sounds stimulate the Ch’i energy.

Well-looked-after plants, flowers, fish bowls or aquariums in or around homes are one of the easiest ways of generating good Ch’i. Unhealthy plants or dead leaves on them symbolise decay and bring bad Ch’i into the home. If you do not have a green finger, artificial plants can serve the purpose effectively with a periodical dusting or cleaning to make them look fresh. The plants with angular or spiky leaves encourage yang energy and plants with smooth or mix rounded leaves contribute to yin energy. Another way of bringing life into the home is to place a fish bowl or aquarium. Healthy fish with clean and bubbling aquarium will release a good Ch’i into the room. Fish are used to absorb accidents and general bad luck. That’s why dead fish should be immediately removed and replaced.

Feng-Shui can help you improve any and every area of life painlessly, simply and effectively. Its principles can be applied to increase the economical, physical, spiritual and emotional health of the family.

>> Flowers and feng shui make a greaat decorating team, | 17 Nov 2008

Feng shui principles can help you select the right flowers, containers, and placement.

Without turning this into a feng shui commercial, watch the video at the end of this entry and you'll get some very practical tips on how to use flowers to help you decorate key areas of your home. I love "conscious decorating," or actually rubbing two brain cells together to get an original and creative idea when you decorate your home, and this video will help you Think Before You Decorate. I promise that this experience won't hurt you a bit, and your interior design will be all the better for it.

I love the way feng shui divides any room in your living space into different zones, each with its own direction, meaning, colors, elements, and purpose. It's a great template to lay over your home when you're thinking of moving the furniture around, finding the best place to display your family photos, or adding the right flower arrangement to completely energize an area of your life that needs a boost.

While you're at it, there are two very good feng shui books I recommend when it comes to decorating. One is by my favorite feng shui design practitioner, DeAnna Radaj, a fabulous Wisconsinite who, if she could only sell her friggin' house, will one day soon relocate to New York City. Her book, Designing the Life of Your Dreams from the Outside In, is a great read. Also inspirational is Beverly Hills feng shui guru Jayme Barrett, the woman behind this "power of flowers" video. Her Feng Shui Your Life book is beautifully illustrated and packed with practical tips.

>> A festive touch for your home | 27 Oct 2008

With Diwali just round the corner, many people are giving their homes a face-lift. That’s because a new look to the home at this time of the year

A festive touch for your home

is believed to bring in good luck and cheer. Of course, renovating your home also gives you a sense of great pride and satisfaction.

KITCHEN
Start with deciding how much you are willing to spend to renovate your kitchen. You may decide you want to do the project in stages. Make a budget. Allow for overruns and unexpected expenses too. One of the best ways to renovate your kitchen is to paint the walls. You can totally change the look of the kitchen in just one day. Try and bring in some new appliances. Don’t worry about getting top-of-the-line or commercial appliances unless you are a professional cook or spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Generally, mid-range products are available that are more than adequate.

Also, try to paint the cabinets or give them a new face. This can be a relatively inexpensive way to renovate. If you have the money, you can even install a new cabinetry.
If you feel like it, put some new flooring down. Consider your family’s habits. If you are on a budget, don’t rule out vinyl. There are also many laminate flooring options available that you can choose from.

LIGHTS
Replace all of the faucets and light fixtures throughout your home with updated models that match. Matching them all the way through gives your home a designer look.
See if you need to add outdoor lighting too. Do you live in a well-lit area on a busy street, or do you live in a corner? If you live in a well-populated area with abundant street lights, your landscape lighting needs will not be as great as they will be in a remote area. There are two types of outdoor lighting -- aesthetic lighting and safety lighting. Aesthetic lighting will illuminate beautiful objects in your yard such as trees, shrubs and decorative accents such as fountains. You could mount aesthetic lighting in the ground – it’ll add a lot of romance and style to your home. Once mounted, be sure that the light is shining upwards as much as possible while shining on some object. This lighting position will allow the lighting to play with shadows and create architectural interest. Try using coloured lights in addition to regular lights.

ROOMS
How about patching and painting your walls and ceilings a neutral colour like beige, pale yellow or off-white? Paint the ceiling the same colour as the walls for the best results.
Don’t forget to add some new paintings to give your home a new look. According to Feng Shui and Vaastu Shastra, the photographs must give out positive vibes. No tragic or death scenes must be put up. And how about putting up some swanky mirrors, that add space to the room. And in smart frames, these look good too.

Get some nice artefacts which needn’t be too expensive. Even some smart, folk toys add colour and magic to the decor. Colour the shelves -- again in some bright colour, maybe, like a blue or green which are really in? Also, put some nice plants to add colour and a fresh look to the room.

OUTSIDE...
Repaint or side the exterior of your home if it needs it. Add new shutters, new exterior light fixtures and house numbers for a fresh appearance. And of course, don’t forget to give a bit of cognisance to the sidewalks, driveway, stairs and porch to complete your home renovations.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Trends/A_festive_touch_for_your_home/articleshow/3623772.cms

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