Feng Shui. Is it a buzz-word, or is there something in this ancient body of knowledge that can inform and enhance modern living? A definition of feng shui is a helpful place to begin answering that question.

Feng shui is a philosophy and a practice that originated in China, but all societies have the knowledge feng shui contains. It is basically an environmental science that when applied contributes to the well-being of an individual or community.

Feng Shui is essentially about creating a proper and balanced flow of energy through the art of placement.

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.

Other environmental considerations might not occur to us so obviously as potentially beneficial or harmful until we recognize problem areas in our lives and take positive steps to improve them. When we arrange our surroundings properly, we are able to connect to the energy of the space around us, bringing about desired changes and improvements.

Some spaces instinctively feel right, whether by intentional design or by someone with a knack for placement and flow. What are some of the feng shui principles at work in places that give the feeling of peaceful welcome?

First, there is yin and yang. According to feng shui there are always two forces acting together in order to create energy. The positive and negative forces are called yin and yang. When they are balanced, all is well, but when one achieves dominance, the imbalanced influence can be harmful.

Yin and yang are opposing but interdependent. For example, without the idea of softness, we wouldn't be able to really understand hardness. High and low, still and moving, heat and cold are further examples of yin and yang forces.

At their extremes these opposites can change into the other: ice can burn, and sunstroke victims shiver. The object is to balance the 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.

At the library or using online sources, you can find very specific instructions and suggestions for
1) improving the balance of yin and yang in your environment, and
2)enhancing the flow of Chi.

These two principles are a good place to begin applying feng shui. But without referring to another source at all, the single most powerful thing you can do to improve your surroundings and thereby your quality of life is to clear clutter.

Clearing clutter is immediately beneficial to your well- being.

Start somewhere you can succeed immediately, which generally means start small: clear the clutter in a closet, from a table-top, throughout a room, the car, the yard or garden, the garage, anywhere.

When you've cleared a specific space, 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.