The Feng Shui Office

By Author: Helen Walker
Total Articles: 2
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Many believe that using the principles of feng shui in an office environment will result in a more peaceful, productive environment. There are a few simple things you can do in your office to be fung shui friendly.

Feng Shui, pronounced fung-shway, is an ancient Chinese idea of combining the laws of heaven and earth to improve the flow of air, or energy, called or Chi (pronounced chee). Essentially, it is the idea of understanding the relationship between ourselves and nature to create a harmonious environment. Today, the idea of creating balance through placement has expanded to architecture, landscaping, and interior design.

Many believe that using the principles of feng shui in an office environment will result in a more peaceful, productive environment. There are a few simple things you can do in your office to be fung shui friendly.

Never place your desk with your back to the doorway. This is considered a vulnerable position, and symbolically, business will be approaching through the doorway, and you never want to turn your back on business. Instead, adopt a command position facing the doorway, ...
... ideally in a corner farthest from the entrance. This way you are not directly in line with the flow of energy coming in and out, nor are you forced to look directly out at stairwells, closets, bathrooms, or elevators. From this position you will be anchored by an earth element, i.e. the wall at your back. Generally, mirrors are discouraged (as they can reflect negative energy) but if you cannot face the doorway, place a mirror so that you can see behind you.

It is encouraged that your desk be made of natural wood. If you use your computer to generate money, then place it on the side of your desk that is North or West, if you are in a more creative line of work, place it on the South or East. Plants such as bamboo or a money tree bring good luck, and should placed near the computer to absorb negative energy. A water element, like a fountain or aquarium can be placed anywhere but the West, and any metal item like a safe should be placed in the West or Northwest.

Choose office furniture that is comfortable so that you feel stable and supported. It is recommended you leave 7-9 inches between pieces of furniture. Your storage should be neat and organized because your files represent past, present, and future business, and should be treated with respect. Besides, reducing clutter will improve energy flow. The same goes for cords and wires—these should be tucked away and out of sight.
The best light is natural light. Overhead florescent lighting can be considered too harsh (as well as create glare), so if you can replace the bulbs with warmer lights, do so. Otherwise consider a lamp to provide a softer more direct source of light. When furnishing and decorating, use a mix of light and dark, smooth and rough textures, and hard and soft materials to achieve the right balance of yin and yang. The colors blue and red, or the combined purple, are said to enhance wealth. There is no way to really prove if applying feng shui principles improves the energy flow in your office. But, even if you follow just a couple of these tips, like reducing clutter or choosing comfortable office furniture, you will definitely feel more organized and relaxed.