So many of us spend our lives trying to find a balance. Juggling work, home, children, hobbies - just plain life can be a harrowing task at the best of times. There are ways to help you find that balance and achieve the goals you seek. One way is through Feng Shui. It's not Celtic, but it does involve many of the elements we use in our products - nature energy and balance. We asked an expert, Susan Tartaglino, to help explain this ancient Chinese process to us, and how it can enhance our everyday lives.

So What is This Feng Shui Stuff Anyway?

Feng shui (pronounced fung schway) is about how a person interacts with his or her environment.

Originating in China over 3,000 years ago, the literal translation for feng shui is wind-water.  While there are a variety of feng shui schools with varied philosophies and teachings, basic concepts include the exploration of how connections (tao), balance (yin and yang) and energy (chi) can positively impact our lives. 

In feng shui, the world is defined by the following elements of nature:  wood, fire, earth, metal and water.  Each element represents a season of the earth, has a direction associated with it, along with specific characteristics such as color, shape, and texture.  Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) demonstrates that each of these elements also corresponds to organs within the body and when balanced properly will augment healthy living.  

During a feng shui consultation of your home or office, a practitioner will often use a bagua map.  This is a tool that informs us about what specific human emotions are likely to be expressed in a given space.  It is divided into nine segments (or guas) with each one corresponding to essential life objectives.

The objective of feng shui is to learn how a person experiences a place. By investigating the feelings and reactions that we have to our environment, an increased awareness of our personal space in gained.  As a result, changes in certain patterns of behavior can then be made to assist with achieving personal goals.

Feng shui not only improves your personal life but also your career or business.  Realtors across the county have grown accustomed to seeing significant results from home staging that was implemented with basic feng shui practices and concepts.

Remember, everyone creates their reality based on both their conscious and unconscious beliefs.  Integral contributing factors to the success of feng shui are intention, clarity and belief. 

Susan Tartaglino trained with Feng Shui master Nancilee Wydra and is a certified Feng Shui Professional through the Feng Shui Institute of America. For additional information regarding a feng shui consultation for your home or office or to discuss your home staging needs, please call 732-232-4962 or send an email to:  susan@balanceyoursurroundings.com. For more details about Feng Shui,  go to  Balance Your Surroundings.