Feng shui in practice as an art form

To truly appreciate Feng Shui as an art form, you must first understand the concept behind this method. There are several ways to define this term:

• The study of environmental balance,

• Mind, body, and spirit mixed with science,

• Ancient Chinese method of Geomancy (divination by means of figures or lines or geographic features),

• Maximizing the flow of energy, or "Chi," is your environment.

Which definition is correct and most accurate? They all are. It is all in the way it is perceived and practiced. Feng Shui can be practiced in every aspect of the home, office or outside habitat. Learning the method will bring you closer to an artistic appreciation and a greater feeling of positive energy flow in your surroundings.

Feng Shui focuses on the art of complexity using energy, intuition, birth dates, color and numerology. A great deal of personal intuition should not be ignored, for it is all the lifeblood of these practices. If you have the traditional "gut feeling" about something involving this art, go with it because, along with the rest, listening to your intuitive self is of great importance.

This Chinese art of design and placement's purpose is to create "cures" for specific situations in one's environment. For example, placing plants in the far right corner from the entrance of the room (the marriage corner) is believed to help relationships flourish. Another example is to use mirrors to disburse light giving a greater sense of space in cramped areas where energy would otherwise be trapped.

Removing clutter from your life, including negative people, is a must when practicing the art of Feng Shui. Creating order from chaos, cleaning as you go, getting rid of all that is not useful and minimizing is key to being successful in the venture. Not only does this go for your habitat, it also goes for your mind. The act of clearing is a very positive experience, one not to be taken too lightly. You want to create a positive relationship with the environment you are working with and with yourself, especially your dwelling or work space, in order to achieve a harmonious lifestyle.

How this all relates to art is dependant on the beholder. Feng Shui is common practice for many interior decorators, garden designers and landscapers. (Feng Shui is also used in many healing practices due to the high levels of positive energy flow.) Their ability to incorporate this method with their own design methods takes a lot of study, practice and intuition. It is said the best way to learn Feng Shui is reading as you go. This is true particularly for these studies due to all that is involved. Keeping a guide with you as you work your way through your environment and self-clearing is not cheating, it is merely helping you learn the steps better and get a firmer grasp on your goal.

The debate lies in the fact that this is also a scientific practice. There are many who believe science and art have no place with each other, but this is quite the contrary. Yes, there is a lot of math and numbers involved with this practice. There is no denying this fact, but the end result is something of great beauty. That's where the art and art appreciation comes in. Few are disappointed with the results of their efforts because it truly is a more positive environment filled with energy of the like. Interior designers and decorators using these methods or teaching these methods are in great demand from those seeking authenticity, simplicity and harmony in their lifestyles.

There are several books in publication to ease the pain of learning this tireless effort. These days you can also pick up most decorating magazines to find helpful articles, tips and tricks to this trade. Included here are the most commonly used books for those interested in learning, practicing and, above all, appreciating the complexity of this adventurous art form:

• Lillian Too's Easy-to-Use Feng Shui: 168 Ways to Success, by Lilllian Too

• Clear Your Clutter With Feng Shui, by Karen Kingston

• Feng Shui for Dummies (For Dummies), by David Daniel Kennedy, Lin Yun

• Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life: How to Use Feng Shui to Get Love, Money, Respect, and Happiness, by Karen Rauch Carter,Jeff Fessler (Illustrator)

• The Complete Idiot's Guide to Feng Shui, by Elizabeth Moran,Lynn Northrup (Editor),Val Biktashev,Kathy Nebenhaus

This is just the beginning of the enormous selection of books you will be able to find at your local book retailer, library or online shopping site. By reading these books, not only will you learn how to bring good fortune into your life, you will also learn appreciation. However, reading these books will not automatically make you into a master. These techniques take time to learn and understand. Time and patience are the keys, it is up to you to do the unlocking of your potential.