Oprah and Trump are fans. The Coca-Cola Corporation and Universal Studios use it to increase productivity at the office.David Beckham has its symbols sewn into his soccer cleats.
The Basics
Feng Shui, literally translated as "wind and water," is the 6,000-year-old Chinese art of arranging one's surroundings to enhance positive energy flow called Chi. In practice, it increases awareness of the relationship between human beings and nature, encouraging individuals to take care in organizing their living space.
The philosophy is based on the five natural elements of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water, considered the balancing forces which transport positive influence. By arranging these elements properly, Feng Shui is said to help individuals attain goals and maximize prosperity.
Every living space has its own energy blueprint. While some aspects of your bedroom, common area, or desk may be unalterable, the practice can be applied to most any situation. Contemporary Western practice uses a Bagua, a user-friendly reference chart, which divides the layout of a space into nine sections, each of which corresponds to a specific area of one's life. Imagine placing the Bagua atop your space, always positioning the bottom of the chart with the door or entry of the area. Using it as a map, you can apply the appropriate principles to each section.
Clean Up Time
Clutter is the strongest barrier to Chi. Feng Shui is grounded in simple organization, so move throughout your space and keep only what is necessary. Assign each item you keep to a specific place, arranging like items together.
Map it Out
Grab your Bagua map (there are plenty available online; I got mine from Lowes.com) and start arranging. I chose to arrange my common room in an effort to increase the Chi of my roommates and myself. Start in the upper left corner of the Bagua.
Wealth & Prosperity
Colors: Purples, Reds, Greens
Avoid: Clutter. Keep the trash can far away, or your wallet will empty as fast as your GPA will fall.
Spring Break
