Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Feng Shui

Years ago when I was involved in helping people stage their homes, I studied up on the topic of Feng Shui which I thought was pretty interesting. Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese system of aesthetics which focuses on arranging things in your environment in a way that will put you in harmony with nature and create balance.

This practice is very common with decorators and architects. I am all for achieving balance and harmony and getting rid of clutter to create better vibes. I agree with the overall concept that we are affected by the placement of objects, designs and colors in our environment and that aesthetics can affect one's mood and sense of well being. I believe there is merit to the basic premise behind this practice, but there is also some ridiculous detail thrown in with it as well.

It can get very complicated as it takes an approach of using astronomy and geography to achieve balance and positive energy. A special compass called a loupan (which looks like a trivial pursuit game board on steroids) can be used to help create the ideal life energy. If you are a Feng Shui enthusiast please don't take this personally, but there comes a point when if you have to look up the year you were born on a grid to get the numbers you plug into a compass, then use a protractor to do several other steps to figure out how to decorate your room, it starts to lose its credibility.

I have started my own spin-off discipline of Feng Shui. It's a simplified version called Common Sense and Simplicity. In order to give it a mysterious oriental sounding name, you can call it "No Doy". It doesn't require any astronomical equipment to help you decide what color to paint your room. You just use your brain for simple situations. Don't face chairs into corners or cram more furniture in a room than will fit. It's pretty simple and anyone can do it.

In all fairness to the fans of the real Feng Shui, I have seen many rooms that have been decorated using the basic principles, and I have to admit that I am usually impressed with the results. I'm guessing there's no place for giant neon signs or life size cut outs of Chewbacca and Batman if you are a die hard Feng Shui enthusiast, but at least your house will give off better vibes than most others.

16 comments:

Kristina P. said...

Well, well said. I don't get any of this new age stuff. Or maybe this is old age. Whatever.

Raine said...

I will take that all into account when decorating my spacious apartment! :D

Gwen said...

Hear! Hear!

Debbie said...

I came over from Jeanne on Raisin Chronicles. She said you were funny and I've never known Jeanne to be a liar.
I once got a Feng Shui book in my Christmas stocking. I think that was because I had nagged my husband for years to cut down a huge forsythia bush at the end of our driveway by telling him it was bad Feng Shui. Let's just say the bush is history.

Happy Hour...Somewhere said...

Do they have one of those compass thingies to use in Vegas? I would like to Feng Shui my way to millions please. That would create loads of harmony in my life.

Eric said...

lol @'No Doy'

We don't get enough 'doy' these days.

I sense a comedic phrase I've not felt since...

MJenks said...

I just wish people would learn how to pronounce it.

When I worked in a book store, I'd get countless middle-aged housewives asking if we hand any "Feng shoo-ey" books.

"You mean 'fung schway?'" I'd ask them.

They'd get mad. "No, I said FENG SHOO-EY."

"Right this way," I'd say, whispering "moron" under my breath.

Dr Zibbs said...

A few years ago my friend's wife was reading a book on Feng Shui and I said, "you believe in that bullshit?"

It didn't go over well.

Fancy Schmancy said...

My house is a Feng Shui enthusiast's nightmare... I call it "eclectic"!

HoodChick said...

I'm contributing to your quest for 100 via The Raisin Chronicles - good luck and I'll have to share the No Doy with my interior decorator friend (who probably cringes everytime she enters my house...)

Happy Hour...Somewhere said...

Maybe they were channeling CHOP SHOO-EY. Those damn middle-aged housewives.

Pseudo said...

I just saw some sweedish boys dance naked with flatbread at Raisen's. Apprently to get me to come check out your blog. It looks like fun over here so sure. I'll keep checking you out.

peewee said...

I had a fung shui roommate once who would FREAK OUT on me if I left the toilet lid up...not seat...LID. She said that every time I did that it would "suck money down the drain" and she wouldn't be able to prosper or have wealth.

I SAID "well, okay, but my parents are millionaires and they never put their lid down"

Anonymous said...

Hi, I've come by thanks to Jeanne at Raisin Chronicles. Don't commit blogicide!!! I've tried to join, but Google is acting up today. I'll be back!

Joanna Jenkins said...

Please no blogicide! I'[m follower #74! Just stopped by from I need A Martinia Mom to say hi!

Eve said...

No Doy... a perfect name!