Rejuvenating the home

> Learning how to harness the energy flow into your house or office can help enhance the feng shui of the space for the occupants

THE process of controlling the movement of energy (a component of feng shui) is said to have been first conceived during the beginning of Chinese civilisation, as far back as 5,000 years ago.

When energy moves too quickly it invites natural disasters, such as avalanches that crash down the slopes in the middle of the winter, or the rushing deluge from rivers that overflow their banks in spring.

Chinese experts in engineering and achitecture were among the first to devise ways to control such energy flows, to avert disasters for the villagers living along the river banks or underneath mountain slopes.

Energy, also known as qi in feng shui, enters structures in a variety of ways. It can seep in through cracks or vents, or it can rush in through large windows, and it can be generated within a room by electric lights or a fireplace.

Energy can even be produced by everyday human interactions, such as from an argument between two or more people.

The surroundings and the environment have a great impact on our well-being and frame of mind.

Some places we visit make us feel restless, leaving us with a sudden urge to move away.

Yet there are some places that have an inviting feeling of tranquility and calmness, making us want to remain there for a longer time.

The environment we are living in can improve our overall well-being, by generating a positive flow of energy in our homes and offices.

The best way to achieve this is by arranging the five elements around us – fire, wood, earth, water and metal – in places or positions which will create balance and harmony.

The best recommendations for a house to sustain good energy and enhance the luck of its occupants is to recharge or reenergise the space, either by simply moving the furniture around, repainting and refurnishing the rooms, or even by simply replacing the main door.

For those who cannot follow any of these adjustments and changes, they can still get the stagnating energy to move by cleaning the space and removing unused furniture.

The process of recharging the place to activate the energy level is very much a part of ancient Chinese culture, which is often referred to as a “spring clean”, or in other words, an “annual cleansing”.

S.BS.Surendran is an accredited master feng shui consultant and traditional vaastu practitioner. Readers can contact him at lifestyle. fengshui@thesundaily.com.