by Karen Williams

Created on: November 29, 2009

Feng shui ("fung shway") is a Chinese art that studies people's relationships to their environment, especially their dwelling or workplace, in order to achieve harmony with spiritual forces believed to influence all things.

I became interested in feng shui while living in Oregon, and I bought some books on the subject. Noting my enthusiasm, people gave me books on feng shui, as well. Then I followed the books' advice and made various adjustments in the way my home was decorated, furniture placement, etc. Nine years ago, when I moved to Florida, I used the principles when looking to buy a house: no L-shapes, no garage taking predominance, etc. I wanted the chi to flow through my home, but not too fast. And I didn't want the chi to get bogged down, either. I applied feng shui type remedies such as hanging crystals where there were areas of my home that weren't optimum. I made a point not to buy houseplants with sharp leaves. I applied feng shui principles when hanging pictures and mirrors.

And then I met up with the teachings of Abraham-Hicks, and I decided that there are really no viable rules as to the best way to live or decorate or evoke life force - it's all about what feels pleasing to each individual. I gave my feng shui books to a friend who was interested in the subject, I let go of do's and don't's, and I started focusing on simply decorating my home in ways that felt good to me. I became my own expert.

So, I would say that if you find this art to be fascinating and applicable, delve into it and try out its principles. You could consult with a feng shui practitioner, as there are many who are deeply appreciated by their clients. If, on the other hand, you find feng shui leads you to a place of feeling dogmatic and overly concerned with what you shouldn't do, then ease up.

I've come to believe that there is no intrinsic benefit in arranging your environment in any way other than what feels good to you. For instance, even though I personally love my surroundings to be neat, tidy, and organized, I've known countless people to whom that is not important and who absolutely thrive while surrounded by clutter. (Well, they thrived until well-intentioned spiritual friends kept telling them that the clutter was hindering the manifestation of their desires and they had to rid themselves of it post haste.)

While it's wonderful to create an environment that gives us joy, our surroundings are not the main thing. OUR THOUGHTS about our surroundings are far more important. OUR THOUGHTS about everything are paramount. If you want to get the most reward for your efforts, keep gently nudging your mental focus towards things that please you, soothe you, thrill you. And then watch the world around you, including your home and workplace, reflect your increasingly joyful state of mind.

And if you find yourself blithely rearranging the furniture or hanging a crystal or two, hey, it's all darn good.

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