News from Wind and Water Feng Shui Consulting

March Madness

Have you noticed how quickly time is passing? I know it has more to do with the level of activity around us than the actual passage of time, but life seems to be moving along at quite a clip. Technology keeps us up late chatting with friends around the world, "breaking" news is available the moment it happens (regardless of how newsworthy), and multitasking is the new norm. Even social media experts advise shortening the words and phrases we use, for our attention spans are not what they used to be. Work follows us from the office to the airport and home again via laptops and smartphones. How wonderful to never miss a call from a loved one or important message from a client. But it doesn't leave us much time for contemplation.

The natural world cycles energy differently than the energy we create ourselves, ebbing and flowing throughout the day in measured sequence. No matter how hard we try manipulating, nature moves at its own pace. Observe the sun easing into the sky each morning, behaving as though it needs coaxing. Overhead at noon, it gets to work eliminating shadows and illuminating our work, growth and play. At days end the sun slowly falls from the sky, blanketing earth with darkness, preparing us to settle down, rest and heal. Plants and animals obey the rules and retire for the day, but humans have so much more to do.

Both western and traditional Chinese medicine acknowledge that emotional stress in a person's life contributes to "dis-ease" and physical illness. Too much stimulation causes anxiety and the eventual breakdown of immunological defenses. Feng Shui teaches that environmental stress impacts the look and feel of our surroundings and our ability to adapt to them. Too much or too little energy (whether natural or man-made), an imbalance of elements or disruption in the flow of ch'i creates instability at home or in the workplace. Balancing the yin and yang of a space is important. Electronic equipment, bright lights and dramatic artwork stimulate conversation in the gathering room of a home, but interferes with rest in the bedroom. Zen fountains, soft music and pastel colors create a peaceful environment suitable for a physician's waiting room, but won't motivate your staff in the sales and marketing department.

An important feature of the classical Chinese garden is the entrance. The gate is purposely made smaller so that you must slow down to enter. Like a labyrinth, you are required to walk through in single file so as not to be distracted from the contemplative nature of your visit. Take the energetic pulse of your typical day this week and measure the balance of yin and yang energy around you. If you are feeling hurried and stressed, go for a walk outside, turn off the overhead lights and slow down the rhythm of your music.

Wishing you good ch'i,

Diane Gallin