Tip Sheet 6: Positively charge your business with Feng Shui

Our urban work environments expose us to many sources of negative energy and these can leave us feeling tired, sick, frustrated and unmotivated. With poor ventilation, the widespread use of synthetic materials, and an abundance of electrical gadgets in our work environments, this negative energy becomes intensified.

But whether you work in an office, shop, factory, café or clinic environment, there are positive things you can do to subtly improve the quality of your workplace, and hence the quality of your work experience.

Traditional Feng Shui principles of harmony can be effectively applied to our modern work environments. Feng Shui optimises good health and fortune by influencing the quality of Qi (life force energy) in our living spaces. If our workplaces have qualities that are life-giving and nourishing, our personal health and wellbeing are enhanced. This provides a strong foundation for a business to be productive and successful.

Some negative influences in our surroundings are difficult if not impossible to remove. Electro-magnetic radiation (EMR), is one such example. Common to many workplaces, EMR can cause lethargy and tiredness, and impair our ability to concentrate and think clearly. Although EMR is difficult to remove, we can reduce our exposure to it by turning off electrical equipment (including computers), when not in use.

Use a low-radiation screen. Avoid sitting adjacent or close to electrical equipment, especially battery chargers, transformers, lifts and elevators. Drink plenty of spring water during the day to help to both clear toxins from the body, and avoid becoming dehydrated from artificial air conditioning.

Mobile phones are particularly lethal sources of negative Qi, especially when used next to the head, and worn close to the kidneys (and ovaries). Use a hands-free device to enable you to talk with the phone a good metre from your head, and minimise time on the phone.

Almost all work environments are constructed and furnished with at least some synthetic furnishings, carpets, toxic paints and glues, and plastics. Together these emit a cocktail of toxic fumes into the air we inhale. It may not be possible to refurbish your workplace with natural materials, but you can wear silk, wool and cotton clothing, and natural cosmetics to help to strengthen and align your body’s energy fields.

Negative Qi can also be caused by conflicting messages in your workplace. Clashing colour themes, sharp edges, overhead bulkheads and beams can all create disharmony. Ensure your colours and décor, and your logo and signage, have a consistency and harmony in their message. Avoid mixing too many functions in one room. Consider replacing artwork, to refresh and reflect anew your company goals.

Optimise natural light in your workplace. Our bodies need sunlight to produce vitamin D. When additional light is required, use incandescent lighting. Fluorescent and quartz halogen lighting can drain energy, and deplete vitamins from the body.

Introduce live plants into your workplace. These are particularly beneficial sources of life force energy. They are aesthetic and keep us connected with nature. Some species are extremely effective at removing toxins and positive ions from the air. The Peace lily (Spathiphyllum), Aloe Vera, Gerbera Daisy, Philodendron, Spider plant (Chlorophytum), and the Umbrella plant (Schefflera), are just some of the common indoor plant species that improve indoor air quality.

Feng Shui always aims for just the right balance between the person, the place and its function, and the time period. A stagnant work environment, caused by poor ventilation, grime, clutter and overcrowding, can result in a stagnant business. If the weather and windows will allow, ventilate naturally with real air and sunlight. These are life enhancing and replenish stagnant Qi.

Recharge your workplace by lightening up. Throw out clutter, and revitalise your Qi by cleaning and polishing, and improving air circulation.

Install an ioniser to help to purify the air. Burn uplifting, cleansing essential oils to change the energy around you. Rosemary, sage, frankincense, lemon, peppermint and fir needle are excellent for this. Such cleansing activities are particularly appropriate for the warmer months.

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Kerry Tabor is the Principal of Feng Shui Environmental Design, a Melbourne-based firm that integrates Feng Shui with environmentally sensitive, health conscious and holistic design to offer tailored advice for new building designs, renovations and refurbishments, property appraisals, and assessments for existing homes. See their work at www.fengshui.net.au, email kerry@fengshui.net.au, or phone 9399 2449 for more details.