GROWING up in Chinatown in Manila where the environment along Ongpin St., which stretches from Binondo to Sta Cruz, is one amazing strip. Aside from the exotic food and fruits, Chinatown is a haven of jewelry to hardware shops, from dry goods to what-have-you.
Some shops that always catches my eyes are the "Feng Shui" stores that sells almost everything -- ornaments and curios to ward off bad spirits, red and golden trinkets and decorations to enhance and attract luck, love, health and wealth, semi-precious stones and metals, bracelets, necklace and the list goes on and on.
But what is Feng Shui? It is a term used to refer to the art and science (not religion!) of life and space design, thereby creating harmony in the environment we live in, the main purpose of which is to balance the chi (pronounced chee) or energy in the place we live and work. It also called "vital energy," "primal energy" and "the life force."
The designs of our surroundings affect our chi flow. Positioning of doors, windows, beds, furniture, color combinations and other factors can all affect our steady flow of energy. Therefore, for one to attract luck, wealth, conception, good health, serenity and peace, this important energy must flow freely.
Feng Shui is normally tailored to each individual. It can't be same for everyone. Since we are born on different time in this world or universe, one's character, career, luck, health, family and future can be determined by the time of birth. There is a birth chart that the practitioner follow, which would also include the physical environment that person is in. Once all of these elements are put together, several solutions are recommended to balance the chi.
However, if one really thought about it, Feng Shui is basically all about common sense. A few basic example is putting picture frames on top of your bed. If it falls, it could hit you. Or putting a mirror in front of your bed. If you wake up in the middle of the night and sees a shadow (of you!) in front, an accident is waiting to happen.
As what my uncle, Juan, who is based in Manila would say, Feng Shui is not a religion. It is a way of life where we want everything to be smooth sailing, orderly, have peace of mind, enjoy good health and enough wealth for all members of the family.
I remember when I was young I used to have my own room. I just couldn't sleep in the position I was in, so I switched and voila! I slept soundly after that. My uncle visited and asked how I slept. I told him I have to reposition myself. He knew all along that that wasn't my "correct" positioning!
I knew he helped a lot of "childless" couples give birth to not one but more than two children after "repositioning" their beds. But I am sure there were other ways to do it. I am not an expert but I guess listening and being with my uncle when I was young help me understood the better side of it.
Some things I remember that we all have been practicing, consciously or unconsciously, are as follows -- the toilet bowl should not face the street. The toilet or bathroom should be lower than your regular flooring. Stove or ovens and refrigerators and or sink should never be place next to each other, or in front of each other. "Oro, plata, mata" for our stairs. A square, rectangular or oval shape lot is preferred. A house should never face an oncoming street (T-shaped street). Placing of huge mirrors in dining rooms. Two doors should not be in line (example, the main door leading to another door). There should be no stagnant water. Plants should be healthy. Wilted or unhealthy plants and flowers should be disposed. Soft, light colors for our bedroom. Bold colors for living room. Personally, I prefer white and green. Try to analyze the above mentioned practice and I am sure you will come up with a valid, rational explanation.
There are so many things one has to consider. Aside from the fact that there are so many things follow. You can change your luck if you want to. You just have to attract positive energy and be in a company of "positive" individuals. Just because someone is having good luck with a particular "item, ornament or object" doesn't mean it is also going to work for you. It takes more than that.
Again, one should remember that it is not all about fate. To attract good luck, one must do good things. Being God-fearing can make wonders. Following basic Feng Shui guidelines can help, but don't expect miracles. Besides, you don't lose anything if you believe in Feng Shui! (email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com, website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com)