No man is an island. And western culture is notorious for denying our intrinsic link with the physical world. By no means purely mystical, the art of Feng Shui is simply an acknowledgement of the importance of the spaces through which we move. Consciousness of these vital forces goes beyond interior arrangement, as most people associate with this practice. It is actually a method of defining, and improving, onešs place in the universe at large.

Venture beyond house walls and feel the lure of nature and the outdoors. The need to be connected to the vibrant, pulsating aspects of life looms large, no matter how we deny it, or are unaware of its power. A garden is the quiet or yin, for the bustling activity, yang, of the home. The land can feed the soul, so make your most special corner of the world sumptuous. One way is through diversity. Even small changes, with bursts of surprise, brings a feeling of largeness and expansion. What is dessert without a dollop of whip cream, champagne without a sweet strawberry? Only in places of extreme hardship does barrenness rule, from deserts to polar caps. A world of such starkness lacks variety, texture, color and life.

So too does a lawn composed simply of grass and common shrubs. Picture instead colored hills of wildflowers and create a corner of the same for yourself. Make neighbors of heather and bamboo or let a red geranium burst from an unexpected corner. Nurture this wealth of life around you. The quality of care we give to other life is a reflection of how we care for ourselves. Neglect breeds neglect, depriving us of richness and joy. Now step out into it! Make a winding path that gently meanders a journey, no matter how short the tour. Instead of reducing awareness to a single vantage point, it will expose you to its entirety.

To step into the scene is to find a place of quiet and center. Because only by hands-on experience can we truly take part in a moment. Finally, provide a place of repose. To be uninvited to sit down is to feel as a stranger, uncomfortable and formal. Standing, we are always visitors, instead of an integral part of our own world. Your surroundings should radiate safety, union with the earth, and a deep understanding that our place on this planet is dear. Let your intuition free, and if it feels right, honor it.