Frequently Asked Questions

Although feng shui sounds like an ancient Chinese secret, it’s really the study of what is in one’s space and how it affects them. The practice of feng shui is thousands of years old, yet the principles can be applied to today’s lifestyle. The ubiquitous nature of feng shui exists whether we apply the principles or not; therefore, it is to one’s benefit to create the most positive, supportive environment possible.

Feng shui pays attention to the messages that our environment is sending out and how we react to them. In an interview Jen conducted with her teacher, Terah Kathryn Collins of the Western School of Feng Shui, Collins explained that “Every second our nervous systems are responding to our surroundings.”

In some situations, feng shui principles can determine why things are happening in a space and offer suggestions to create a better situation through one’s environment; feng shui reviews the interior and exterior environment for clues. The shape of the house/building on the property reveals how inhabitants may experience life. The belongings within the space affect how one feels. Go beyond aesthetics and into conscious living with feng shui.

Feng shui creates a space that feels good and is functional for the use of the room. Feng shui guidelines place belongings, furniture and colors in the most supportive areas of the space, using color and natural elements and materials that support one's goals, dreams and intentions.

Feng shui is not a “fix all” for problems however, implementing intention into one’s space through balancing the five elements, chi (energy) and yin and yang can direct the energy in the space in a new path and therefore, change one’s life – or the life of the business.

What kind of feng shui does Elements of Harmony practice?
Recommendations are derived from Essential Feng Shui^®, which is a Western version of feng shui that places the Bagua, the feng shui map, on a space based on the location of the front door. Chinese Five Element Theory and implementing the natural five elements based on what one needs to feel in balance are a large part of our practice. Working closely with clients to bring awareness to what is actually in their space and how it is affecting their visual and physical fields is an important aspect of the process. Astrology and the compass are not part of our practice.

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The principles of feng shui work through Chi, The Bagua (Feng Shui Map), Five Elements and Yin and Yang.

Chi – The Chinese word for Energy
In feng shui we recognize that everything, even inanimate objects, are energy, therefore, all the items in our environment are affecting us in some way. Because all things are comprised of energy, they can either give-off energy or absorb the energy that is around them. Feng shui works by bringing awareness to all things (belongings, art, furniture, colors, materials, clutter) situated in the space, then discovering how they are affecting and reflecting the inhabitants.

Each color has a frequency and generates different emotions. Feng shui works on a psychological level to select specific colors and elements for areas of the space to balance certain areas of life. Color selections are based on the way different colors will affect inhabitants, how the room will be used and placement within the Bagua. By adding colors that have a positive frequency will bring about a new feeling and attract different intention to the space.

The Bagua is the feng shui map that represents the natural flow of life. The map is used to purposefully place belongings, colors and objects in a room or on property to promote harmony in life. The Bagua can be applied to any environment or surface (large or small) - home, office, retail store, garden or even your desk.

Just like water spins a certain way down a drain and the antlers on a deer spiral in a particular direction, as do DNA strands, life and the universe flows in a circular motion. Feng shui recognizes how this natural flow is manifested within our environments and suggests that by aligning with it, we are putting ourselves in line with what needs to be happening in our life.

The Bagua is a “road map” that represents the nine areas of life; each section is called a Gua: Career/Journey, Knowledge & Self-Cultivation, Family & Ancestors, Prosperity, External Recognition, Love & Marriage, Children & Creativity, Helpful People & Travel, Health.

The Five Elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) are aligned with the four sides and center of the Bagua. Each element is characterized by it’s own color, shape and object, and brings it’s own attributes to the space. Adding a particular element to a specific area of the Bagua aligns the space with the natural flow. A balanced space has all five elements.

Yin & Yang are the balancing act of nature. Yin represents the feminine aspect, while Yang the masculine. In order to feel in balance, we need both Yin and Yang in a space.

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Feng shui is about creating a meaningful environment that exemplifies one's personal style, including colors that uplift one's spirit, arranging furniture with an open, welcoming flow and placing artwork and the belongings with intention. Feng shui is about creating a space that is authentic to one's own style. Feng shui has nothing to do with the Asian style unless you love this look and will amplify you feeling in balance in the space.

Natural Alliances – Feng Shui with Interior Design & Architecture
Feng shui is the natural alliance to interior design and architecture, providing a depth of understanding regarding how the terrain/property, floor plan layout, and design of colors, furniture, artwork and belongings will affect those living and working in the space.

Interior design and archtecture focus on the aesthetics, trends and style; feng shui enhances the design with the natural flow of life, focusing on energetics and intention of the space.

From a feng shui perspective, each area of the space represents a key area of life. Incorporating this knowledge into the design and layout accentuates what the client needs to live/work in balance. The space is reviewed for optimal energetic flow and the perspective of creating positive energy to support the quality of life.

Using feng shui principles in correlation with interior design and architecture creates a wonderfully balanced space – beauty and nature combined. Feng shui balances what looks good with what is good for the space, or really what is good for the inhabitants of a space. The design brings structure, texture, materials, fashion and the over-all essence to the space. Feng shui places one's intention and the aspects of design to align with the natural flow of life.

Elements of Harmony can work with your architect and designer/decorator to ensure that you space is beautiful and balanced.

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Once the feng shui consultation is scheduled, you’ll receive a confirmation email that includes an outline of the items you'll need to send back 48-hours prior to the consultation:

• Intentions Page that highlights the three main areas of your space or aspects of life/business.
• Service Agreement outlining the services provided, cost and cancellation policy.
• Drawing/Copy of the Floor Plan (although the floor plan is not mandatory).
• If a virtual consultation, digital photos and/or video.

Do I need to straighten up my space for the consultation?
It’s best to leave the space in regular condition so that your living/working patterns are identifiable.

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