5 Good Feng Shui Tips for Business Success
Feng shui is about the placement of objects to balance the flow of energy so that you can be your most productive and prosperous. Here's what you need to know about using feng shui in your business.
Feng shui (pronounced fung shway) is the ancient Chinese art of placing objects that will bring either favorable or unfavorable effects; the placement of which is based on the flow of energy in the universe call chi (pronounced chee) and on patterns of yin and yang.
The literal translation for the Chinese words “feng” and “shui” are “wind” and “water.” It is through wind and water that chi flows through nature and the universe. Chi should not be impeded but balanced so that any negative forms (sha chi or “poisoned arrows”) may be offset with positive adjustments.
Yin and Yang is both a symbol and belief of natural opposing yet complementary forces that allows a harmonious universe to exist. Nothing can be totally yin or yang; there will always be at least a minuscule amount of one in the other. Yin, the black side, is characterized as weak, passive, dark, cold, winter and female; Yang, the white side, is characterized as strong, active, bright, warm, summer and male. Feng shui is based upon the yin and yang philosophy.
Declutter Your Desk and Work Space
According to feng shui, work performance and business wealth can be increased by decluttering and establishing order on your desk. Productive chi cannot flow if all that “stuff” on your desk is blocking its movement and cluttering up your mind.
Take everything off your desk and clean up any cluttered areas around it. Put back only items that are used every day, and papers on your desk must be limited to those for one project only. Other items and papers should be placed elsewhere; in file cabinets, desk drawers, and storage cabinets/containers.
Flowers and Plants
Live plants and flowers bring many positive elements into the workplace. Aside from their natural beauty, they improve air quality, unite us with the natural world outside, and their green color encourages personal and business growth. Avoid any cactus or plants with sharp-looking leaves as these may cause sha chi. To bring their positive influences, plants and flowers must be healthy and flourishing. If a plant dies, remove it and replace it with another. Keep in mind it better to have a silk plant than none at all. Just be sure to keep it dusted and vibrant-looking.
Water
Water is the most powerful symbol of money in feng shui. Its sparkling chi energy is beneficial for your health and prosperity but care must be taken to keep water fresh and clean.
Fountains are wonderful but be sure their water flow is not blocked, stagnant or very rapid. Scaled-down fountains that are designed for a desk or small table are a good choice if space is limited.
Another great choice is either a fish tank or aquarium. Consider including goldfish in your tank as gold is a Chinese symbol for money and is thought to attract it.
