I had a dream the other night in which I found myself explaining the concept of feng shui and how it impacts our lives and homes. Let me share with you how I articulated it:
Our homes are a physical manifestation of both our visible and invisible energy. They are like fractals, reflecting our thoughts, behavior, experiences, and unconscious mind, which together form our energy field.
According to the Fractal Foundation, "A fractal is a never-ending pattern. Fractals are infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales. They are created by repeating a simple process over and over in an ongoing feedback loop."
In his book, Memories, Dreams, and Reflections, C.G. Jung reveals a dream in which he realizes that his home is a metaphor for his unconscious self-expression.
By understanding that our homes often symbolize and mirror our lives, we begin to see the deep connection between our inner and outer worlds. They are intricately intertwined, forming a fractal with an ongoing feedback loop.
With this realization, we can explore how our homes express our unconscious desires and beliefs. For example, how do we feel about our marriage? Start by examining the bedroom and Romance area of the bagua map. What about our career success? Look at the Career area. Our financial stability? Focus on the front door and Wealth area. Nurturing our children and fostering creativity? Check the Children and Creativity area.
These are just starting points, as the analysis of feng shui goes beyond simple explanations. However, noticing these patterns enables us to understand what we truly feel about our lives.
But what do we do when we want to shift a pattern that no longer serves us?
Feng shui offers a way to break free from these patterns within our physical environment, our homes. By making changes to our outer surroundings, we create an opportunity to challenge and transform our beliefs, behavior, and ultimately, our lives. When we shine a light on our unconscious, we empower ourselves to make a conscious decision to change.
But here's the thing: why doesn't feng shui work for everyone?
This question mirrors the inquiry about the effectiveness of therapy. Why doesn't talk therapy work for everyone?
The answer lies in our free will. We have the ability to recognize dysfunction, but we can choose not to take action. Sometimes, we may avoid rocking the boat or fear stepping out of our comfort zone, preventing us from making any changes.
I once had a client who eagerly sought my guidance for a feng shui consultation. We uncovered self-limiting beliefs and connections to dysfunctional relationships during our profound discussion. On the surface, her home appeared flawless with its beautiful interior design, uncluttered space, and high-end furnishings. However, subtle cues hinted at the hidden struggles within her unconscious.
After the consultation, she seemed engaged and responsive. However, she eventually stopped responding to my follow-up emails and unsubscribed from my newsletter.
I understand her choice because I've been there too. When I faced turmoil in my personal life, I sought therapy. The therapist touched upon sensitive aspects of my unconscious, which made me uneasy. Consequently, I stopped going after a few sessions because I wasn't ready to confront the truths revealed or take the necessary steps for change.
However, that therapy experience became the catalyst for transformation in my life. It marked the beginning of my journey, which led me to explore alternative approaches such as astrology, past life regression, and dreamwork.
For my client, perhaps the feng shui consultation was only the starting point of her own personal journey. She will decide if she wants to delve deeper into inner work or choose a different path.
Ultimately, free will reigns supreme.