Spirit of Change - Winter 2008

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Feng Shui for Every Day
By Lynn Taylor
Hello,

I’ve been reading your column in Spirit of Change. My situation is somewhat unique, but applicable to many people who must live in rented space. I have lived in parsonages for the past 30 years. Our space is pre-determined in terms of the shape and location of rooms and entryways. Even the colors and flooring are selected by the trustees of the churches we serve. What can I bring to this? Where should I focus to apply principles of feng shui to a space I have almost no choice about?

Thank you. — Irene

c.s.gray

Dear Irene,

I’ve given your situation a lot of consideration. When I initially read your question I aligned my thinking with your implicit contraction of possibilities, sharing your belief that there wasn’t much you could do with these pre-determined environments. I felt a certain passivity and resigned acceptance; for heaven’s sake it’s been 30 years and obviously frustrating for you.

But, oh! — you DO have choice! You don’t have to be able to repaint or change room shapes structurally. Working with pre-existing conditions is usually required no matter how and where they show up, especially for those who rent — or in your case — occupy, but don’t own.

Oddly the balance and simplicity of both monastic and parsonage spaces can
free you of the damage and drama many experience living in more complicated
environments. Humility, simplicity, equality and intent of focus do not have to
mean gray and drab. Were it so, nature wouldn’t be so spectacular.

There is great power in limits, both positive and negative. Certain spatial configurations are predictors of human behavior. For example, arches in cathedrals and temples cause us to stand up straighter, to improve our posture. Indeed, they activate higher qualities in us. If your domain is a parsonage, intentional ritual is part and parcel of your life. Sanctuary would be an ideal signature for your experience of your space. Accept that you are a guardian of the space designated to be yours. From that perspective meditate and dialogue with the energies present and their needs. Get a sense of the mutuality of your relationship and begin to see the limits as a gift.

What senses most inspire you — what you see, what you hear? What is
beautiful to you, and how can you bring that into your personal space?

What is it that you can’t stand about your space? How could you alter it so that it’s at least neutralized? When you make changes that uplift you, the space is uplifted too. If you improve it, it will speak for itself. Personalize it. These life-affirming changes are powerful. They are beneficial down to our very cellular structure.

It is in the best interest of the church’s trustees that you be healthy and balanced. Everyone is affected by his or her environment and improvements to them can be made with little cost in most cases. If you could initiate a discussion of color, paint selection and so forth among your parsonage co-dwellers and caretakers, more interest might be piqued than you imagine. Approached gently, but enthusiastically, the trustees might feel they have the opportunity to be a little forward thinking in considering these matters. There is much momentum in the “go green” wave these days and it has created fresh focus on all manner of environmental considerations.

If a room seems cold, light it up with lamps and candles and perhaps strands of light adorning a plant or indoor tree, especially during the seasons with less light and warmth. Introduce texture — wall hangings, throw rugs, an afghan for your chair and/or a comfortable decorative pillow. These absorb metaphysical harshness.

Could you create a little garden on the grounds? Perhaps in a space seen
frequently as you enter and exit, or a place visible from shared areas, or a place
you can see from your very own window? If you could obtain approval for this
(or just do it and expect no disapproval) it would be life affirming, grounded,