This is an excerpt from Jen’s book, The First Guidebook for Feng Shui Enthusiasts
Qi – pronounced “chee” (and often seen spelled as “Chi” in the West) – translates into English as “energy.” It is one of the most important concepts in Feng Shui.
Qi governs all things in the universe. It is an ever-present force that is in a constant state of flow, circulating and permeating in and around you everywhere. Indeed, it connects all living things – the human body, nature and the changing of the four seasons, the stars above, the Earth, and the Sun.
In simple terms, Qi is just the flow of energy. It is a natural, dynamic occurrence that feeds and creates life. Without it, there is no life.
This abstract energy is not visible to you and me, of course, but it is mani- fested in everything you see, touch, smell, feel, and hear. (I’ll give you an example in a moment.)
Although individual Qi has its unique composition and quality – growing, expanding, retreating, or passive – you are connected to and influenced by it, no matter its form. This is why Qi is the core essence of the practice of Feng Shui. The energy of your environment and surroundings directly impact you, your mind and body, your house’s fortune, your relationship with other family members, your luck cycle, and your personal endeavors. This is a notion many people intuitively “get,” but not always at first. I encourage you to stay with it and keep grappling with the existence of Qi.
You can find the concept of Qi in many cultures. Vedantic philosophy, Hindu religion, and the practice of yoga, for example, refer to Qi as prana. In the West, it is called life force or vital energy.
Although it may remain a mystery to people who need to see to believe, the idea of Qi is in everything, and it’s the key to accessing the world around
you. It is the underlying foundation, or gateway, to understanding your relationship with your environment, body, mind, other people, and all liv- ing creatures.
For instance, Western astrology analyzes how the movements and positions of the planets will affect you energetically; Acupuncture and Ayurveda medically diagnose and treat sickness by identifying energy blockages or imbalances in the body; and scientific experiments continue to prove the powerful existence of energy, not just among living creatures, but also in space.
That’s where Feng Shui comes in!
The goal of Feng Shui is to harness the naturally occurring cosmic ener- gies from your environment – yes, Qi – to bring positive influences to your life’s endeavors.
The First Guidebook for Feng Shui Enthusiasts, buy it now on Amazon.com.
