FENG-SHUI

After a long day, you want to retreat into an environment that is entirely relaxing. Ideally it is not an expensive hotel but your own personal space, your home. It is incredibly important to put a lot of thought into the set up of where you will most likely spend most of your down time, a place of reflection, serenity, entertainment and rest.

A good starting point is to ask yourself this question ''Is there a favorite room or spot in your home to which everyone seems to gravitate?''. How have you cultivated the full potential of this particular area? If there isn't such a space in your home, create one, it is of the utmost importance to your health.

One fascinating discovery I made was exploring how personal taste, functionality and aesthetics can be merged effortlessly using the art and science of ancient Chinese Feng-Shui principles (pronounced fung shway). Feng-shui teaches us how to create harmony and balance around us. By taking a hard look around and opening up our environment to healthy energy (Chi), we can make changes in our work and living space that will create corresponding changes in our life.

Feng-shui, which translates to "the wind and the water," is the Chinese art of correct placement. Experts believe that by arranging our furnishings and decor in a way that aligns with nature, we draw harmony and good health into our lives.

The very basis of this ancient philosophy suggests, small details often overlooked literally, from the placement of everything from the front door to the toilet plays an important part in our overall well being. The Chinese actually employ a Feng-shui master before building or buying a home.

Most Feng-shui experts stress the use of aesthetics and common sense in achieving the desired results and many new home builders seem to be incorporating elements of feng-shui into homes.