Living in Balance with Feng Shui: Yin & Yang

By Erica Sofrina, Author of Small Changes, Dynamic Results! Feng Shui for the Western World.

Have you ever been in a room that didn’t feel good to be in but you couldn’t figure out what was wrong? Chances are the Yin/Yang components were out of balance. By learning some simple concepts you can arrange each room of your home to support the activities and needs of the people who live there, creating a greater sense of harmony, comfort and balance.

Yin and Yang are at the foundation of the Ancient Practice of Feng Shui. It has to do with the recognition that the universe is made up of opposite forces of energy which cannot exist without each other. They are finely balanced and, like polar sides of a magnet, are innately attracted to each other.

The Yin/Yang symbol depicts two fish gliding together in perfect balance. Each is carrying components of the other; the black fish with the white eye and the white fish with the black eye. They swim together in perfect harmony creating a circle, the most ancient symbol depicting wholeness.

Feng Shui acknowledges that we are ancient creatures who naturally seek balance. If our living spaces are not balanced, our lives feel out of balance as well. By learning to work with the Yin and Yang components in our homes, we create supportive spaces that bring our home into balance, setting up a template that also brings our lives into balance.

The concept of Yin refers to the qualities we attribute to the feminine principle which is passive, dark and yielding. Yang refers to the qualities we attribute to the male principle which is bright, active and extroverted.

Applying Yin/Yang to our Homes

So what does this all mean in terms of applying it to physical environments?

First we identify the use of the room, i.e. is it an active or restful space. Then we incorporate objects, shapes, colors, furniture and art that supports activity or restfulness depending upon which quality we are working with.

If it is a restful room we would want to incorporate more Yin features. In active spaces, we would want more Yang features. The key, however, is to make sure we always have some of both qualities and not an over abundance of either.

Next: Creating a balanced home

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
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Shelly P.

10:57AM PDT on Sep 2, 2012

OKAY!

September 2
send a green star

Jules S.

6:10AM PDT on Aug 8, 2012

good information, simply put...thanks!

August 8
send a green star

Erica S.

10:02AM PDT on Aug 7, 2012

Thank you all for your comments.
Laura, regarding your bathroom, yes I can understand why it would be a more yang or active space for you. It wouldn't hurt to have some things that encourage rest and rejuvenation in the space just as a reminder to slow down, but it is a personal choice.
In terms of your question about the ceiling fan over the bed, it is not something we ever encourage in Feng Shui as the bed should be the ultimate place to thoroughly rest, and having an object with spinning knives over our heads is never going to feel friendly, and will trigger the nervous system to be in fight or flight. If you must have a fan over the bed, and I realize some places are extremely hot, then choose a fan with friendly rounded blades that look like palm leaves. You can get these at Home Depot in the U.S. or search on line. Also make sure the color is white or as light as possible so that it is not a prominent feature in the room. You can also get blade covers from www.solutions.com, this is an inexpensive way to cover the sharp looking blades of an existing fan. They have a rounded leaf-like shape and slip over the sharper looking blades. I hope this helps.

August 7
send a green star

Laura S.

10:33PM PDT on Aug 6, 2012

I don't consider the bathroom to be a Yin space. I can't encourage any lingering in my bathroom, as I'm usually in a rush, getting ready to leave the house. Making it more warm and enveloping would be counter-productive. If I had the luxury of having a large enough bathroom to accomodate an over-sized tub for long soaks, or maybe a sauna for indulging in a steam-bath, then I could see bringing in some softer elements. But as it stands, my bathroom is strictly for getting in, taking care of my "business", and then getting out in a timely fashion. So, my white fabrics & fixtures with chrome hardware were a good choice for me. The wood-tone cabinetry and green counter on the vanity (which came with the place) can stay, I guess. Maybe I should add some plants. If I were to remodel my bathroom, I might consider a rectangular sink and a more angular tub and toilet. I could easily replace the round, filigree-framed light fixture now, though. I never really liked it, but it matches the ceiling light in the adjoining bedroom.

Speaking of the bedroom light fixture, what does Feng Shui say about installing a ceiling fan above the bed? My room isn't big enough to avoid sleeping directly underneath, but I really want to put one in to circulate some of the hot air in the space. I just keep picturing the blades rotating overhead and thinking "That can't be good". Suggestions?