Written
by: Melissa York
Feng Shui is the philosophy of living a harmonious and
balanced life through the arrangement and orientation of the physical world
surrounding you. In the workplace, success
is what drives operations. This being
said, success, like the air you breathe must constantly be in motion and
flowing around you. According to this
logic, arranging your office to incorporate Feng Shui principles allows for a
harmonious and open flow of success. Within
your own personal space there are multiple things you can do to promote YOUR Feng
Shui:
- Remove Clutter: In order to allow positive flow, your personal work space should be free of clutter – this includes keeping cords well hidden. All broken items as well as items with sharp corners should also be removed from the space. It is believed that this promotes positive Chi (energy) and will improve productivity and creativity.
- Trash Can: Do not keep your trash can under your desk as that suggests that everything on your desk is in the trash. Treat your files with respect as they represent your past, present and future.
- Desk Location: You should be positioned (if possible) facing the door – don’t turn your back on business. This puts you in a more powerful position and allows you to have a direct view of the office activity. If your set up allows, it is important to have a wall behind you for stability. A high back chair is often recommended and although you are facing the door you should not be directly in front of it as this may put you in the path of negative energy.
- Desk Shape: Rounded corners and curves are recommended to increase the flow of energy. Some say a kidney shaped desk is ideal as it aligns your work self with your inner body.
- Plants: Plants are very important in the work environment as they allow you to stay connected to the natural elements. Feng Shui suggests green as a color of creativity and that plants act as a natural toxin filter. Plants should be placed in corners where energy flow may become stagnant. Plants should also have round leaves – all sharp leaved plants and cactus should be removed. Maintaining your plants is essential, all dead and wilting leaves should be disposed of immediately.
- Mirrors: Mirrors are not recommended as they can reflect the negative energy from clients to others in the room. It is important for you to control the energy flow in your space.
- Lighting: Natural daylight is always the best source of light as it aligns the natural with man made environment. Replacing the bulbs in your space with warm light or using a warm light lamp can dramatically increase your mood as well as energy levels and creates less glare and eye strain.
- Water: Water elements are vital to the calm and tranquility felt in an office environment. A small water fountain can dramatically increase the relaxed state of mind while working. Water elements such as fountains and aquariums are important to a natural background setting.
- Colors: Blues, Purples and Reds are supposed to promote wealth; however these colors should be used as focal points such as in artwork (landscapes and seascapes) – preferably across from your desk in direct view of your chair. The majority of tones should be a mixture of deep balanced colors, nothing harsh or bright, think natural – suede, glass, wood.
There are many schools of thought on Feng Shui and many
different interpretations of how the rules should be applied. This is where you must evaluate and determine
what makes the most sense for your space and your working environment. Often it may be impossible to apply all the
rules to one space. As long as you are
able to create a place where you feel inspired and creative as well as
comfortable, then you have achieved success!
You are in control of your Chi (energy flow) and you can create a
balance for the yin and yang of your life.
Here are
some other links to find out more about Feng Shui:
http://www.care2.com/greenliving/the-feng-shui-office.html
Have a question for me??? ASK IT!!!
Melissa's Email
Have a question for me??? ASK IT!!!
Melissa's Email
