What Even Is Feng Shui? Here's One Master's Perspective

Feng shui is the art of creating an optimal space in which to thrive.

For centuries, it has recognized the major role that your environment plays in your life. With increasing velocity, modern science has confirmed a lot of what feng shui has talked about for ages. For example, curved pathways are classically used in traditional feng shui, and now research has shown that our brains tend to love seeing them more than straight ones. 1The color pink is often used in feng shui to evoke peace and unconditional love in a home, and now color theory confirms that it is relaxing for many people2. You can now find thousands of examples like these as more disciplines start to use design to enhance everything from in-store experiences to hospital stays.

We pick up sensory information of all kinds from our space: Scent, temperature, color, textures, air quality—it all affects us. Even the energies we can't see (like the emotions of other people in a place) can cause us to react, consciously or subconsciously.

Some feng shui relies on steadfast rules, strict compass directions, and other guidelines for creating optimal spaces. 

The way I do it is a little different. To me, the ultimate aim isn't to put feng shui cures into action in specific areas of the home in order to manifest something. (In my opinion, doing that means that you're giving a whole lot of power to a bunch of things that you have no real connection with, hoping they'll come through with some luck for you.) I think that you are the ultimate feng shui cure: Your wishes, your dreams, your love, your passion, and your energy change everything. 

My aim has always been to help people feel freedom, personal power, and a deep connection to a space that's filled with their own intention. I think of it as an art and a creative exercise that's meant to be customized. 

From this lens, I've seen feng shui work in dorm rooms, giant office spaces, every size and shape of apartment and house, and even a school bus converted into a lovely mobile home. There are no limits to where you can create more harmony, balance, energy, and power, and there are so many ways to customize feng shui in this way to suit your style, budget, interests, and core beliefs.

Every step you take to create a place where you can thrive, expand, and bring your dreams to life is feng shui in some way.