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Before we begin, let’s take a moment to identify just what Qi is and is not. It is not the radiation from your microwave or the burnt smell from an electrical burnout. Those are obvious results that we want to avoid, and we deal with them like any other event, by using our common sense. The burnt oatmeal on the stove is taken outside and the house is aired out. That burnt smell is not good for the lungs or health, but that is not considered negative Qi.

Qi arises from the natural movement of energy arising from the land and waters, from mountains and streams, from hillsides and meadows. Qi flows, much like a river and, above all, Qi pools, forming reservoirs and pools. Feng-shui is about the slow or fast flowing of Qi, where it flows and pools, and how we might take advantage of the movement of Qi near us to live healthier and happier lives.

Some places are filled with Qi, while others are starved for it. In some areas, it pools, while in others there is virtually no Qi movement at all. The art of Feng-shui is about slowing down those areas where Qi is rushing past us too fast, and finding ways to increase the flow of Qi where there is none. Following is one analogy that may help, our life flow.