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The Feng Shui ‘Fad’ Is Still Growing

A floor plan can tell you more than you think!

I have a unique perspective, studying feng shui as an outsider: caucasian, tall and blond.

As an outsider, I’m referring that I did not grow up with a grandmother or a master of feng shui. Instead, I developed my logic of feng shui from a fresh perspective. I asked a lot of questions, considered the answers, and then asked more questions.

When I called for my first feng shui consultant back in 1998, I was trying to blend a new relationship with my husband, his 8 year old son and my son. There was a lot of baggage to deal with from the past and a lot of stuff to sift through.

The feng shui lady that came to my home, also caucasian and middle aged, showed me how energy patterns work to create a positive flow. Some of the ‘enhancements or corrections’ she suggested at the time were not engaging, but I understood her reasoning. I changed a few things around, and voila; everything flowed much better. I was really impressed and I wanted to learn more!

Fast forward almost 20 years, I have adapted feng shui as a lifestyle and I am properly certified as a Feng Shui Consultant. I still have my notes from that first encounter even though we have moved 3 times since then.

What I have learned in all this time is that every property needs a correction. Each person needs to grow and change annually. And therefore, each home or office needs to change in order to support those needs! We all need to greet each season with changes in mind, to walk into the next chapter of life.

Living in our modern society, we generally don’t get a choice to choose which parcel of land is the best one, nor how to orientate a house on a particular lot. Many of us exist in our homes oriented at the hands of the architects and builders that put them together.

Regardless if the buyer is Asian or not, any potential buyer will buy a home that is well thought-out and has good flow and good energy. Finally, some of the ‘forward thinking’ developers in non-Asian countries are looking at feng shui as an ‘added bonus’ or ‘feature’ for building and selling houses.

Here are a few comments listed in the Daily Telegraph in Australia this week:

“It’s not just major developers who are thinking about feng shui, smaller ones are also becoming aware of the market trend.”

“It’s not just Asians who care about feng shui — many clients come from other backgrounds.”

“There’s been a growth of people getting into it, people want to know ways to make the environment work for them and enhance their opportunities.”

I was delighted to speak for a group of builders and developers last fall, with Trail Appliances here in Vancouver. It was a group of all men, interested in how important it is to set up a kitchen properly, with feng shui. Incidentally, the kitchen is a nucleus of the family. It is a meeting place to nurture the ones you love and should be well balanced. New designs and new appliances can all help to make this function correctly!

Look for Good Feng Shui in Your Home:

1. The position of the kitchen should be carefully considered. This room has the stove (fire), Plumbing (water), appliances (metal) , cupboards (wood) and many squares and rectangles (earth). There is a lot going on. Finding the balance can be tricky to ensure this area maintains strong nurturing energy.
2. The main door is respectfully referred to as the ‘mouth of chi’, where all fresh energy and opportunities can come in. Position the rear exit out-of-site from the main entry door, to avoid good chi-energy from rushing out the back door. This design flaw can be taking resources and opportunities elsewhere.
3. Your main door needs to be visually clear from the sidewalk. To hide the door behind bushes or obstacles will ensure you will not get fresh chi-energy into the space. This space will ensure good transition of benefactors you will need. Keep this area swept and clear at all times; no garbage or junk be allowed to accumulate!
4. The windows of any building are referred to as the eyes of the structure. If they are blocked (vegetation or building materials) or in a bad position, this can bring the occupants bad luck.
5. Bathrooms and toilets are often bad luck. In fact, they are the main cause for resources being lost. Many ‘extra’ toilets are placed into a home without a second thought to the impact/balance on the household. The toilet should never been seen from the main door, the kitchen or the master bed. Basic rules: Keep the toilet seat down and the door closed at all times.
6. The master bedroom should be located in the back of the house. This is where the head of the household has control and it is private. You can place a child’s room or guest room in the front bedroom, as the person staying there is not in charge.

There are many ‘cures or corrections’ for each individual situation. Depending on the family, business, energy flow and the goals of the individuals, recommendations for enhancements can vary. Many corrections can be done in one day, and others need a transition period. (If you were to change everything in your home in one day, it would be the equivalent of moving all over again!)

Feng shui is an ethical practice of logic and function; and it does work! These theories have been around for thousands of years, which is why people gravitate to find out more. There is much curiosity on how this works. Feng shui means wind and water; the things you can see and the things you can’t.

A book reference from ‘Blink’ by Malcolm Gladwell: “The subconscious does an excellent job of sizing up the world, warning people of danger, setting goals and initiating acquisitions in a sophisticated and efficient manner.”

Feng shui taps into that area of subconscious to help you find that harmonious balance in life. Sometimes, it is hard to explain; ‘it just feels right’.

Using a tool called the Bagua, a feng shui consultant can find auspicious areas in your home or office. Although many feng shui practitioners prefer a tangible site visit, they can often tell you exactly what is going on in your home by evaluating your floor plan.

Are you ready to move into the next chapter with good energy and good balance for greater function and productivity? There are many practitioners through the International Feng Shui Guild (IFSG) to guide you into the next chapter of life:

Find a consultant here.

Kathryn Wilking can give you Practical Solutions to Change Your Luck!

As a proud Professional Member of the IFSG, I am re-locating to Simcoe County in Barrie Ontario;I do travel frequently. Let me know how I can help you gain balance and harmony in your life. Kathryn@kathrynwilking.com

All the best,

Kathryn

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About Kathryn Wilking

Author, Home Stager, Feng Shui Consultant

Kathryn has inspired women for more than a decade to take charge of their lives; arranging their environment, home and office, to support a positive, prosperous lifestyle. She provides informative tips and talks to organizations and small groups through her Facebook Group and Blog Posts and recorded podcasts. Contact her today for more info about bringing the practical application of Feng Shui into your space.

Her book, Practical Feng Shui for the Office; never goes out of style!
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