The Arc of a Circle 

Lately I'm inspired by the shape of a circle. Maybe it's the hectic pace this Water Dragon year has engendered that leads to thoughts of slowing down. Linear paths are fine for getting where you need to be, but something about the circuitous shape of a circle draws you in and invites you to linger, even if only for awhile. Circles represent continuity since they have no beginning and no end.  They lack direction or agenda and serve to contain energy, not disperse it.  It is no coincidence the yin/yang symbol lies within a circle, embodying the concept of completion. The round face of the traditional clock links midday to midnight then circles back to start over again.  Ancient Chinese coins have square holes in the center of a round circle to represent the connection of heaven (circle) and earth (square.)  My round lo pan compass indicates potential and possibilities, not destinations.

In my Feng Shui consultations, I always look for the balance of design details in buildings.  Lots of rectangle shaped furniture, frames, angled walls, beams, hallways and columns lend a certain amount of rigidity to an environment.  In residential settings, family members tend to be dutiful and task oriented with a predisposition for organization.  Boundaries are respected, but communication and flexibility are often a problem. In business environments, the very structure of the organization is impacted by the configuration of spaces and the arrangement of furniture within. Linear rows of offices along a straight hallway reinforces hierarchy and rank but hinders cooperation among employees.  I often recommend adding round shapes to a client's surroundings and the results are always positive. People who are challenged by healthy personal relationships or have trouble connecting with coworkers notice improvement when energy in their surrounding flows in spiral patterns.   If you live or work in a predominantly linear environment, 

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In Feng Shui, the center represents the health of a building and its occupants. It provides safe harbor as well as fertile earth for a gathering of ideas.  As the days grow longer and busier this month and your sphere of influence expands, spend time connecting with others and invite them into the arc of your circle. 

Wishing you good ch'i,

Diane Gallin, CFSC