Feng Shui, the art of orienting objects for optimal qi, has gained in popularity in recent years, particularly in BC. BC Living shows how it can add a little zen in your home. At its most basic level, classical feng shui can be broken down into four factors that, together, determine how desirable a location is for the client's needs.

1. Location: Look at the physical area itself. 70% of a building's energy is determined by its location within a five mile radius. Traditionally positive traits include elevation and proximity to water. Elements that are typically avoided are bridges and fast-moving traffic. One Asian investor was said to have bought property based solely from observations taken from a helicopter survey of the land

 2. Building: How is the building set within its location? Some properties just don’t sell because of the direction they face. Traditionally, a south-facing home is desirable because the sun is thought to warm the house and foster strength and health for its inhabitants.

 3. Occupants: In order to do an accurate consultation, Chinese zodiac charts can be used to map out the "energy blueprint" of the occupants to choose the best location for clients’ needs.

 4. Time: When was the building constructed? Houses run in 20-year cycles. Buildings that were made in 2004 will flourish and increase in value in 2024. Of course, there are smaller changes to a house's energy every year, but every 20 those seriously practicing more advanced feng shui will make adjustments such as painting their house or changing their front door.

 Now want to incorporate Feng Shui into your home? Regardless of where your home is and which way it faces, you can incorporate to improve your feng shui.  Here are some tips:

 Declutter! This is especially important for the front door area, the bedroom and the stove area.

 Front door. It should be attractive, bright and welcoming. It should also be free of clutter so as not to impede the qi.

 Space. Qi needs space to flow freely. “If the qi is disturbed, then people are disturbed. If the qi is squeezed into a dark or confined space, then that changes the quality of the qi.

 Light. This is important, which is another reason why south-facing properties are so desirable. Ensure your space has adequate lighting that reaches all the corners.

 Balance. This is based on the yin-yang principle. Everything needs to be in balance in order to achieve harmony. Yes, you want light but not so much that it’s glaring. Warmth from the sun is great, but you don’t want to overheat. Create a space that is well balanced.

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