Feng shui interpretation of “balance
does not always equal symmetry”
On the
Toronto Star dated April 20, 2013, there was an interesting article where the
author, Yanic Simard written about his "new" ideas of arranging the furniture in
the bedroom from the conventional bedroom suites: two side tables, two lamps,
all matching, and change to different size and form of furniture on each side of
the bed and still managed to achieve a “balance” look and feel. The reason that
this article draws my attention is this idea is nothing “new” if he is
following the traditional Chinese feng shui!
For someone
who follow the traditional Chinese feng shui shall know the concept of yin and
yang, which is one of the most fundamental and important theories of feng shui.
Based on this theory, our universe consists of two opposing but interconnected
cosmic forces that shape the universe and everything in it. The yin and yang
accomplish changes in the universe through the five materials or “elements” in
feng shui (metal, wood, water, fire and earth), which produce one another and
overcome one another. Together yin and yang constitute a balance whole known as
Tao or “the way” – the eternal principle of heaven and earth in harmony.
Thus,
achieving goo feng shui results has much to do with balancing the yin and yang
elements in our environment, and it is the appropriate interaction of these two
forces that creates harmony or balance around us.
In the
article, the author basically taking a conventional “symmetry” set up for the
bedroom, namely two matching side tables and two matching white lamps, and
started to throw in different forms, shapes and colors objects/ items besides the bed to
create a “asymmetrical” but balanced look, and even moving the bed off to one
side of the wall and free up space for a miniature home office.
On the other hand, the ultimate feng shui goal is also to balance yin and yang naturally and
instinctively in our homes. For example, we add soft seat cushions to hard
wooden chairs; we paint one wall a darker accent color to keep an all-white
room from looking too bland; we place tall furniture on the left side (yang or “green
dragon”) and low furniture on the right side (yin or “white tiger”). Simply
put, if these two equal and opposite forces are in balance in our interior
surroundings, we feel at peace and in harmony with the universe.
To conclude,
although the “asymmetrical” approach is a good idea as it is basically in line
with the yin and yang concept, but if we look carefully at the finished design by the
author, we can see that there are a lot of conflicting elements
and colors. Furthermore, if we did not factor in whether these elements are auspicious
to the occupant of the bedroom, this will in fact creates a non-balance
environment which is not auspicious to the person in feng shui. Therefore, I will advise that if
someone want to adopt this approach of furniture arrangement in the
bedroom, make certain that it must be also in harmony or balance with your birth
element!
