Originally appeared on HoneyGood.com.
I live a very busy life. So what can I do to calm down? First of all, I don't like the word "calm" because it's boring! I love my tumultuous life. I am here. I am there. I am everywhere!
I say, "I want my life to be harmonious; I want to be in touch with myself and my surroundings. I need and love to 'simply be!'" In order to do this, I create a peaceful and soulful perspective in my private world.
One of the ways I do this is by practicing the philosophy of feng shui. Twenty years ago my husband and I were visiting our friend in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He invited us to his office and after welcoming us I said, "I feel surrounded in harmony." His face lit up in a big smile, his eyes opened wide and he began to explain to me the philosophy of feng shui, a 3,000 year-old Chinese practice. He went on to explain:
"My desk must face in this direction for prosperity."
"My plants provide me with extra oxygen."
"My office sits on this site because it faces water that gives me peace and serenity."
"My possessions from my family are in the glass case in front of me. They represent love, therefore joy."
"My desk is uncluttered so my thoughts can be clear."
"My watch is on my right wrist, though I am right handed. My left wrist must not have any electrical currents stopping the flow of energy to my heart." (I put my watch on my right wrist that day!)
What is feng shui? It is a way of balancing the energies of a space to assure health and good fortune. But, for me it is focusing on my private surroundings -- my home and my garden. My home and my garden mirror me and my feelings. When I open the door leading into my home or walk out into my garden I am in total harmony with my space. I feel my whole body relax and the woes of the day are lifted from my shoulders. I can simply be.