To discuss a topic as vast as the study of Feng Shui in such a short newsletter is always a difficult task. Several years ago, I first discovered "Feng Shui" while working outside of real estate and I was fascinated to hear its implications on the sale of real estate, particularly relating to Asian buyers who follow its principles. After further investigation, I discovered that the application of Feng Shui was very popular in England (probably given the ties to Hong Kong) and California. Furthermore, many offices and retail stores are applying Feng Shui principles as a way of increasing employee productivity, reducing stress, and enhancing revenues.

Canadians are beginning to investigate how these ancient traditional Asian practices can cause a positive effect on our lives.

If you are a homeowner and contemplating the sale of your home, or if you have had difficulty attracting offers on your home, you might consider having a consultation completed. Earlier in the year, Rozanna Ricardi completed an analysis of my house and I am in the process of making some changes. It will be interesting to see the results (hopefully positive!).

DEFINITION ¹

Perhaps not that well known in North America, Feng Shui applications are being introduced into homes and offices to improve their respective environments. Feng Shui creates a balance between your "energy" and the energy of the environment. Energy (referred to as "chi") is not always a good thing, but must be relevant to the space. By applying Feng Shui principles and remedies, energy can be controlled and harnessed to its optimal state.

Feng Shui is:

1. an information system and practice that originated in the East, although it is trans-cultural and relevant to Canada
   
2. the use of formulae and tools exclusive to Feng Shui as an art and science and incorporating contemporary understandings of how our environment affects us
   
3. the specific use of colours, principles of interior design and architecture, placement of furniture and art, shapes, and applications of other Chinese medicinal principles (involving primarily the movement of energy)

A COMMON SENSE APPROACH

Have you ever walked into a room and immediately felt at home? A feeling of peace and serenity? A wonderful sense that you belong? On the other hand, have you ever had the opposite sensation? Not knowing exactly why a room or space was so unwelcoming (or perhaps overwhelming) and so uninviting. From a common sense vantage point, a room can be completely out of balance. The wall colour could be harsh, cold, or even too "energetic". The placement of the furniture could be awkward. The lighting or artwork inappropriate. Sometimes it is difficult to put your finger on the precise reason that the space "doesn't work". Some spaces need to be balanced or neutralized to correct the room. Hence, it is completely possible to modify a room to enhance the space.

Feng Shui attempts to increase and enhance a space to make you have a greater sense of vitality and energy. It's all about wellness, success, and healthy living.

Some rooms require an addition of "yin": quiet, subdued and muted colours. Closing the blinds, adding candles, removing TV's and other electronics, lowering the room temperature, and adding water features. This is ideal for bedrooms. The goal here is to add stillness and silence into the room.

Other rooms may require an augmentation of "yang" or life: increasing the wattage in light bulbs, adding sounds (like a cuckoo clock or radio), adding shiny surfaces / tall furniture, many doors and windows and more vibrant colours. A dark long corridor or hallway could use more yang.

As a home owner, you can call on the expertise of a Feng Shui consultation to attend your home and provide a detailed report as to the recommended remedies. Many of the corrective steps simply make good common sense.


HOW FENG SHUI RELATES TO YOUR HOME

According to Feng Shui principles, the position of your lot on the street, the shape of your lot, and the landscaping are all very important. No need to worry - landscaping can remedy many "problems" relating to your lot. First of all, the ideal lot is a rectangular lot. A house on a lot that is well protected is most ideal. The least desirable lots are at the end of a "T" junction, near bridges, corner lots, or near bends. Just think of driving your car at night. If the headlights of your car "hit" a house, then some type of remedy is recommended. This could be enhancement of the landscaping through hedges, shrubs and trees - hence, adding a "protective" element to the house. Meandering walkways are more desirable than straight walkways. High fences in the backyard add a sense of protection and security. Feng Shui consultants have concerns over the close proximity of a house to high-tension electrical towers (i.e. negative energy originating from EMF's, electro magnetic frequencies).

One of the most basic tasks you can perform in your home is to de-clutter your space. When looking around your home, are their things you've always disliked? Are there possessions that if discarded, wouldn't be upsetting to you? Some rules of thumb: if you don't like it, if it is broken, or if you haven't used it in a year, simply get rid of it. If you can't bear to part with a possession or garment, box it and store it in your basement. By clearing space in your house, an increase in energy will be the subsequent outcome.

Also, the introduction of live plants and fresh flowers (not silk or artificial) adds life and vitality. In terms of neutralizing the impact of computers and other electronics, spider plants, peace lilies, or philodendrons are particularly effective in absorbing EMF's. Natural quartz will offer a similar benefit of absorbing EMF's.

Furniture, mirror, and art placement is important to create a harmonious setting. Mirrors can be introduced to reflect light, or cure bad "chi" (energy flows). Round dining room tables are preferable to square or rectangular tables as they encourage conversation. At a round dining room table, there is no hierarchical "head" of the table and power relationships are diffused. In living rooms or dens where conversation occurs, placement of seating arrangements to encourage discourse is important. Of course, the placement of any household effects relates specifically to the direction of the house and the location of the rooms. For example, communication should occur in the North East room of your home. To enhance communication, the room colour should be blue, teal, or yellow. Water fountains can be appropriate remedies within the house to redress negative energy flows in the house. The introduction of mirrors to reflect and deflect energy can be beneficial.

In terms of bedroom space, colours and materials should be muted and subdued to create a calming and relaxing environment conducive to good sleeping patterns. Firstly, the position of the bed is critical in the room: one's feet should not be facing the door. Soft rugs beside the bed to step onto in the morning create a positive first impression in the morning. Also, don't store any objects under your bed as it reduces the flow of energy. The bedroom should be located away from the street (cars produce energy) and not above a garage (cars store energy).

Interestingly, the alignment of sewer / waste pipes in one's home can be indicative, according to Feng Shui principles, of good fortune or loss of fortune. "Money down the drain" as we say! A consultation can provide solutions to cure any unfortunate positioning of the waste pipes.

Household characteristics such as the street address, flow and direction of the staircase, and position of the front door in relation to the back door are powerful in determining the overall positive suitability of a home.

Similarly, in terms of your garden, the position of various plants and flowers is said to enhance your life. The east section of your garden is believed to relate to health and family. Gladiolus, rhododendron and tulip are three plant examples ideal for the east section of your garden to enhance health and family life.

Various aspects of your life are identified in Feng Shui as they relate to the ideal place in the house: wealth; career / success; relationships; and communication. Identifying the exact location and taking measures to optimize the space in your home may result in a very happy, healthy and prosperous home for you and your family. Best wishes!

Should you wish to obtain a Feng Shui consultation on your own home, please contact:

Rozanna Riccardi
at (905) 333-9808 or 1-877-372-7888.

* not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale