We are in the middle of the Year of the Ox; that slow, steady, hard working energy has characterized most of the year so far. Periodically I take time to really examine my living space to see where I can strengthen the feng shui and, as a result, enhance my lifestyle.

I've had plans to extend the patio area in my backyard for sometime. The goal was to create more balance and make the outdoor living space more functional. This section of the yard falls in the East Family/Health and the Northeast Knowledge area. The design concept has been worked out for some time but, while waiting for an opportune time to move ahead with project, I was bothered by a small section of the yard I called the "dead zone".

This "void" or "dead zone" in the yard is where I've made a mistake. I should have focused on improving this area along time ago because aesthetically it looks lifeless and blank. Certainly from a feng shui perspective it tends toward imbalance and weakness. The area lacks a beautiful focal point that will give it life and vitality. Just glancing at it triggers a feeling of dissatisfaction and emptiness.

After considering how the "dead zone" impacted the feng shui of the backyard as well as the house, I knew I had to find a temporary solution. Up until then, I kept telling myself that the area would be remedied when the patio is extended; all the while I was annoyed every time I looked at it. The solution came in the form of 3 trees and 2 lanterns. I potted 3 trees in grow pots and placed solar lanterns between them to create a finished, balanced arrangement.

Most of us have areas in our home we want to update or improve when the time is right. Avoid making the mistake I did by at least making some enhancement, even if it's temporary. This is especially true if you have an area that is bothersome to you. My solution was to carry the design elements from the rest of the backyard to remedy the area where the "void" was. The arrangement is reusable and dollar wise because I've already started growing the trees that will be planted at a later time.

Another feng shui concept I've developed focuses on the room or area where you spend most of your time. Aside from the bedroom (and perhaps the office) this is usually the family room. Wherever this area is for you, it is "a room of great influence" and it is vital to pay careful attention to the room's balance and harmony. First and foremost, the room should elicit a sense of satisfaction and peace both visually and viscerally. The living space you spend a lot of time in has an impact on your quality of life. A recent enhancement I made to my "room of influence" was to put crown molding in and it created these changes in the room:

* Improved the floor to ceiling or spacial balance * Ambiance of the room was elevated because the "eye" tends upward toward the new design feature * Added a sense of strength and solidity to the entire room

I hope you've gained a greater understanding about the feng shui of your living space and it's connection to your quality of life.

Feng Shui involves the correct placement of objects to allow this energy force to flow more harmoniously. The Western scientific community considers Feng Shui to be little more than superstition. Be that as it may, Feng Shui is believed to contribute to such facets of human existence as good health, wealth, and prosperity. The fundamental belief of Feng Shui hinges on the concept of Qi. Qi is energy force or vitality all living things possess.

The practice of Feng Shui initially involved aligning homes and burial mounds with the sun and evolved to encompass magnetic fields and lunar pulls. The practice dates back over 3,000 years to the Yangshao and Hongshan cultures. Arranging the components of a home or room in accordance with the principles of Feng Shui, therefore, can balance certain energy deficiencies or lags and therefore increase health and prosperity.

The study of Feng Shui involves the exoteric and the esoteric. Deeper study and insight reward the avid student. Once the basic tenants have been mastered, the more philosophical aspects of the art, which involve Taoist and Confucian ideologies, can be better understood. Though these aspects may not appeal to all potential students, it is worth mentioning that well-versed graduates and masters are often more handsomely rewarded for the depth of their knowledge.

It can take years, even a lifetime, to comprehend Feng Shui. You will be charged with understanding not only the space before you, but also the people who will inhabit it. Every client will have a distinct need or energy requirement. You must simultaneously assess the client and the space and create the perfect, free-flowing space.