This month's focus takes a look at the element of wood, one of the five elements (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, and Wood) that Feng Shui takes into account in the overall balance of one's surroundings. Inside, wood's impact is a part of overall interior felt both visually and physically. Outside, it. impact on the landscape can change the overall look and feel of a home or office
Feng Shui creates a balance with the elements in our environment.
In spring, plants and trees remind us of new growth. Imagine for a moment it's morning, you're sitting outside, enjoying a fresh cup of coffee, and taking this opportunity to reflect on how good life really is. With everything in bloom, one can feel the connection between oneself as a human being and the natural [or created-natural] environment that this new cycle (spring) has created started. The cycle of growth is never-ending. What was planted one or two years ago seems to be growing more than ever. Every new bloom, sprout, and leaf has a calming effect on one's soul. It is tranquil, and without fully realizing it, these trees, flowers and plants block our neighbors from gazing into this little piece of earth we call home.
Wood is one of the five elements and probably the most uplifting.
This feeling comes from a balance of the five elements used either inside or outside. Balanced correctly, this feeling of tranquillity can be maximized. Feng Shui permits us to calculate the optimal use and placement of the five elements to provide an energy balance for the home or office. Without its use, the placement and use of the five elements is a "hit or miss" proposition and the results regarding how we "feel" are the same - "hit or miss." How is the element of wood introduced into the environment when it is called for after applying the principles of Feng Shui? The first question to answer is 'what is considered to be the element of wood by Feng Shui?' In short, a living tree or plant.
Outdoors, the use of trees and plants is the normal choice for the wood element. Thus our landscaping (i.e., plans - inclusive of the type of plants and placement thereof) are used to introduce the wood element. These plans can be used to keep the flow of Chi (unwanted energy) from entering the home or office. For example, blocking the Chi from the virtual river created by streets and the accompanying traffic is a desired effect of the landscaping. Many aspects have do be put in consideration when planning the landscape.
Indoors, the wood element can be introduced through the use and placement of living plans. It is preferable to use living and breathing plants since they are more adept in purifying, redirecting or slowing down Qi (energy) and actually filter the air we breathe, but there are other means of introducing the wood element into the interior or exterior environment. How? Through the use of color.