Some Misconceptions About Feng Shui

By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Bonnie_Moss]Bonnie Moss
The ornaments of our house are the friends that frequent it..... Ralph Waldo Emerson
Feng shui invaded the Western world like wild fire decades ago. Volumes of books were printed, experts were coming out everywhere. It is an ancient art of placement. It is not a cure-all that will magically rid your environment of all negative energies, solve relationship conflicts, find the ideal career path, cure financial difficulties and bring to reality dashed hopes and dreams.
I am guilty of clutter- when I first heard of feng shui, my space was a big disappointment. All I can see was clutter, clutter and more clutter everywhere. I bought a book, some relatives and friends added to my growing collection of materials, books and cd's to boot and the internet. Armed with the tools and new knowledge about this magical art of placement, I tackled the ambitious endeavor of de-cluttering... the first step to apply this precious new tool to my life and home.
Years later, my space went through a major re-arrangement, which in truth was just moving " clutter" from one direction to another. Remember, armed with a compass, I re-discovered the role of the 4 Elements, Earth, Water, Fire and Air( feng shui has a 5th- metal). I familiarized myself with the areas of life that this new magical tool deals with. My common sense told me that I could not tackle all the areas at once. BUT- an expert would run you through these in one consultation session, if you are being cheap. I've heard this from people I know who enlightened them with the tools they needed to improve their life, their home environment and bring them career and financial success. But, sad truth, nothing changed- life, home,career,finances and relationships pulsated away as usual.
Into the 21st century, feng shui still is written about, there are new disciples and gurus. There are numerous sites on the web and volumes of books on this topic. There is a compass direction for the areas of life, relationships, career,finance, travel, children etc.- depends on which school of feng shui is at work.
What I fail to notice is the analysis of the who and what is the person like? The financial area can be analyzed, complete with the props feng shui recommends for that area. But- what is the attitude of this person towards his/her career. Is there evidence of smart money management- like no maxed out credit cards, does not subscribe to retail therapy, lives within their financial means. Or is there a preference for the good life with a taste for high-end goods, living beyond their means?
Does the person exude positive energy? It is difficult to apply the principles of feng shui to one with a negative attitude, or is a skeptic. The intention to apply this in one's life has to be genuine. This art does not just address the material and physical needs. It deals with balance- the elements within one's space has to be balanced and in harmony. Too much fire in the bedroom or relationship area can encourage love or passion, but, it can also bring conflict. Do you believe in balance- that moderation is an important aspect of life? Can you look deep inside and deal with your demons? We all have them.
There is a spiritual side to feng shui. It encourages one to see beyond the physical and material world. It raises awareness to forces outside and beyond this physical world. How often is this aspect written about? Applying this ancient art to one's life means a dedication and a commitment. Keeping the harmony in your space is an on-going endeavor. It is about showing respect to one's space, honor it by keeping it reasonably tidy. You may have all the elements balanced, but it is more important that you believe in balance in all areas of your life, that you are at peace and in harmony with the world around you. What is the point to applying this art of placement to your space if you are a workaholic and you are never home?
Feng shui is not a cure-all. Any undertaking in this life starts with the person, goes deep into the core of one's being. It can help hone the good qualities in a person, perhaps awaken these in a skeptic or a negative person. Ultimately, the goal is that positive energy will radiate around the home, in every nook and cranny with the right intention and attitude.
Bonnie Moss writes to inspire and to motivate her readers to explore the depths of their heart and soul and make a difference in this world. She draws  from personal experience and her interest in spirituality. Visit her website: http://goldencupcafe.org
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