feng shui, harmony is moving in
Freundin 17 | 2004 | English translation
Page 121
Sleep like a dream, live relaxed: Interior designer and feng shui expert Michael Morten Neumayr shows, how you can call luck into your home by following simple rules
Caption 121
Friendly entree: light, open and clear, that how a hallway should be, so that a lot of Chi (life energy) can flow. Every piece of furniture has its place, with no disturbing superfluous knickknacks cluttering the space. Through its proportions and materials the sideboard (Neumayr Design) underlines the female aspect (Yin) in the room as well as the softly curving (organic-feminine) chair, a design classic by Arne Jacobsen from 1955. The large mirror (Neumayr Design) at the end of the hallway acts as an “energy diverter”. Because it leads the energizing power in the direction where it is desired, so it doesn’t get lost through windows or doors.
Caption page 122
Spa feeling: Bathrooms are seen as sensitive rooms, because one rids oneself of negative chi. In this example, the choice of materials and the resulting harmony of elements corresponds perfectly with feng shui teachings. Taking the morning shower one already gets a first energy kick, because frosted glass is considered water element (water produces vast amounts of the positive life energy chi), which is perfectly reflected here. Stones and concrete vanity, as well as the wood built-ins represent the earth element, which also - through their warm brown tones - create visual warmth. For pure wellness, the wooden built-ins were additionally treated with fine aromatic oils. (Everything by Neumayr Design)
Page 123: Feng shui can be this chic
An oasis of tranquility. In feng shui the bedroom is considered as female yin-room. This means: everything soft warm, subtle colors, shapes and materials belong here - this way one can relax and recharge with new energy. The white fluffy rug, the voluptuous pillows, the flowing curtains and the feng shui bed out of American walnut (Neumayr Design). It’s entirely made without any metal components, the lights are purposefully not placed at head level but higher and the cables have a special coating so a person sleeping is protected against EMR. Important rule to position the bed! Never place your bed with the foot of the bed facing a door! This would be a bad Omen, because following Asian ritual the dead are being carried feet first out of the bedroom. Caution also with vibrant colors (like red walls), because they can disturb the peace. Sparsely used - like the magenta throw or a pillow - the color can be quite vitalizing.
Page 124: relationship heaven
In feng shui communication and harmony play a big role in a living room. Symmetries like lights placed in pairs und the symbol (Neumayr Design) above the credenza, which stands for two humans connected to each other, fortify the power of partnership. The dining table has a central meaning for the relationship of people. It should never be made of glass, otherwise it wouldn’t have substance und precious energy would get lost. Table and credenza (Neumayr Design) are made to exact feng shui measurements. That means, every measurement corresponds to a certain property (positive or negative); 90 x 196 cm (35x77”) stand for power and wealth.
Page 126: feng shui rules of luck
Feng shui at the Hong Kong stock exchange no one would give it a second thought, feng shui at a hip Hollywood shopping center however makes people wonder. Since “The Grove” opened in Los Angeles, with all its boutiques, restaurants and movie theaters, it’s a big success. Two years ago this shopping mall was conceived, strictly following the teachings of harmony - light, air, water and round instead of sharp corners. If you look for esoteric “stuff”- good luck. There is only modern design, color and precious materials, as a matter of fact, the thousand year old Chinese teaching about the construction of environments suitable for humans, their living and work environment find more and more follower, even in the West. Not only stars like Sharon Stone, Kevin Costner, or fashion designer Calvin Klein and Donna Karan consider feng shui, bosses of big corporations, e.g.: Siemens, Canon or BMW, invited feng shui masters into their offices, so that chi can flow and create luck and success.
Feng shui basics
The literal translation of feng shui means “pattern of wind and water”, which basically means “ the universal life energy and how it flows.” The teachings of harmony suggest that everything is infused with this energy. Because nature consists out of symmetrical building blocks, this was basically projected onto our apartments, “our second skin.” According to “Bagua” a system to define life areas in the apartments floor plan, the floor plan is divided into three evenly spaced vertical and horizontal strips and turned so the door faces the lower center of your sheet. The eight outer fields are marked, starting at the entrance, going clockwise into the following sections: career, knowledge, health, wealth, fame, partnership, children and mentors. The remaining center square equals the center of the house, called Tai Chi (a symbol of neutral balance of the elements). If a missing protective wall or aggressive shapes disturb the flow of energy in one of these areas, feng shui tries to balance this by strengthening the weaker areas. This happens first and fore most by rearranging furniture or adding of “empowering” accessories. Feng shui is based on the Taoist teachings of famous Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. He categorized the world in a female Yin and a male Yang, the soft and the hard, light and dark, thus into opposites. Only when they are in good balance, our life goes smooth, says Lao Tzu. In addition to that, there are the teaching of the “5 elements” following which, everything can be allocated to the elements, wood, fire, earth, metal and water, which symbolically stand for cardinal directions, colors and shapes, which again correspond to the properties of these elements.
Feng shui - wisdom or a question of belief?
The teachings are a mix of experience, healthy human understanding, empirical research and calculations, spiced up with Asian wisdom of life. Many of the rules and advice feng shui gives, actually correspond with modern realizations in architecture, ergonomics, psychology or medicine.
Does the Asia-import actually work here?
Yes, because our Master builders previously followed the same rules: They cherished the geometry, the location, the environment; it’s formation, the cardinal directions, and water. Besides that, measurements played a big role. The teachings of the “golden section” (formula for the determination of harmonic proportions) correspond with the (good) Feng Shui measurements. Also our Master builders, were convinced, that houses have an influence on people. Most of this knowledge got lost in the West, whereas in Asia it was passed on from generation to generation.
Can you find good feng shui in our houses?
Yes, very often, because many buildings have good chi without specifically being built to feng shui rules. The simple single family home often meets feng shui criteria, because it follows the important feng shui rule, that it shouldn’t be a missing corner. If chi rushes through our house without any obstructions, the house and we as it’s inhabitants would be drained of energy. The new glass dome on top of the “Reichstag”-building in Berlin (Germany’s parliament) is a horrific example of loss of energy. On the other hand the BMW high rise in Munich with it’s rounded shapes and good footing is a very positive example. By the way: The first feng shui autobahn resting station is located at the A8 (A8 freeway) in Gruibingen.
What does a feng shui consultant do in specific?
He makes sure, that there is a good energy flow throughout the building. To achieve this he determines which element is attributed to each individual, he studies the house and it’s surroundings, the floor plan, the measurements of the house and furniture etc. Everything is measured using the Chinese “Lou Pan” compass. It gives detailed information of how to bring the house back into balance.
How can I find a good consultant?
Studies in the field of architecture, design, medicine or naturopathy combined with a thorough education at a renowned feng shui school should be some of the basic qualifications. A professional consultation costs between 7-20 EUR / sm (15-30$ / sq ft).
What can I do without a consultant?
It doesn’t sound very exciting but it is true: rule number one is tidiness to create a good atmosphere. This means getting rid of clutter, cleaning up, and repairing things, which are broken.
Try to avoid any sharp and aggressive shapes or objects, because sharp or pointy things, feel threatening (to our sub consciousness) and actually weaken (your immune system) in the long run. Avoid plants with pointy leaves or thorns.
Try to avoid as much as you can any irregular L, - or U-shaped floor plans. They make it difficult to achieve a harmonic flow of chi, because they don’t form a closed system.
Why is the bedroom in feng shui so important?
Because we spent a third of our lifetime sleeping in the same position and are completely unprotected. As yin-room it should feature all things soft, feminine and subtle colors. Bright red walls would be much too exciting but if you want to spice up you sex life you can use red accessories or pillows.
Anything that reminds you of work and stress disturbs your sleep, because we wouldn’t able to draw a line between generation and regeneration. Also a mirror in which you can see yourself while lying in bed can create disturbing energy but - because it reflects everything, it can be used in other areas to actually redirect the energy.
The bed should never be placed in a direct line between a door and a window, but best with a solid headboard in front of a wall. This makes us feel protected and gives us a sense of security.
What is needed for the living room and dining room?
Good lighting takes care of good communication and harmony (not too bright, no up-lights)
Symmetries, like table lamps, chairs or plants arranged in pairs support our natural feel and wishes and support our ability to create good relationships.
An exciting mix of materials and colors between yin (soft rugs, pillows, natural colors) and yang (stainless steel, chrome, vibrant colors for accessories) invigorate. The same applies to round shapes.
Feng shui in bathroom and powder room
Cleanliness, fresh air, fresh colors and relaxing accessories energetically elevate the bathroom and powder room. The trend to furnish the bathroom like a room we live in is very much in keeping with the philosophy of feng shui. Aromatic oils in a wooden bowl for example or rubbed on raw wood surfaces, create a sense of wellness.
More power for you office
You feel the best when you can see the door from your sitting position with a solid wall behind you. You can also use a remedy and put a screen or divider behind you to create some backing.
Tidiness and a well-organized workspace are absolute musts. In the evening your desk should be cleared by 60%.
It is advantageous the window is opposite of slightly to the left. This is also in alignment with leanings of ergonomics, because right-handed people will have ideal light condition. (For left handed people the exact opposite)
Barbara Kraus
