Feng Shui, the art and science of determining how your surroundings affect you, includes a vast body of theories and practices. But some areas include just good common sense and recognizing that prolonged extremes in your environment could be harmful to your health and well-being.
Under the umbrella of “Yin-Yang” theory, opposites and extremes in your living or work conditions should be avoided or modified.
The word “yin” refers to the feminine principle and environments that are more dark or dormant. While a yin atmosphere is perfectly appropriate for sleep or meditation, it is not ideal for wakeful states. Other aspects characterized as yin include the following:
• Cool or cold in temperature
• Damp or wet
• Quiet and stillness
• Small area or congestive, cluttered
• Subdued, dark colors
• Narrow spaces
• Low ceilings
The word “yang” refers to the masculine principle and environments that area bright and active. Yang environments are often preferable, but there can definitely be a problem with spaces that are too “yang,” causing people to be overly stimulated or irritated.
Yang aspects include:
• Bright, open space
• Loud or lively sounds
• Hot temperature
• Bright or strong colors
• Lots of movement (people, machines, traffic, etc.)
Some yin-yang features can be experienced subjectively and are not necessarily considered extreme all of the time or for every personality type. Finding the perfect balance can mean observing your environment and making sure it is not too yin or too yang for you personally. People almost instinctually prefer calmer energy in a bedroom and more lively features to a living room. But then, based on an individual’s uniqueness, some people function well under pressure, deadlines, and a seemingly chaotic atmosphere. Others need order, cleanliness, and solitude to accomplish their goals.
A yin type personality could describe someone who is quiet, introspective, slow-moving, or serious.
A yang type personality could describe someone who is out-going, talkative, moves quickly, and seems boisterous.
If a person is too yin all the time they could get depressed. If they are too yang all the time, they could become angry. Obviously, balance is the key. We can try to be balanced with sufficient sleep, exercise, and nutrition and then your environment will play a huge role in keeping you in or out of balance.
Some feng shui enthusiasts have gotten the impression that remedies must be mysterious and symbolic. In reality, many feng shui remedies constitute common sense and good design. The easiest of all remedies are the ones which can be used to modify those extremes of yin and yang environments. These are the easiest flaws to recognize as well, especially since they are experienced in an almost universal way by all people.
Author: Kartar Diamond
Company: Feng Shui Solutions ®
From the Feng Shui Theory Blog Series
