High-rise Buildings and Chi

Authentic and traditional Feng Shui is not merely about hanging chimes and placing a few artefacts. It requires a proper understanding of the space and what the person living in it is seeking in their life.

Understanding the place of dwelling or work—its energy and atmosphere—and striving to create the right balance is the key to good Feng Shui.

Stale air, stillness, and even sickness are quite common in many homes, especially in apartments and condominiums. This is often due to the positioning of main doors and windows, which open into other units and block the flow of fresh air. Such stillness not only creates a Yin environment but also leads to stagnation in the occupants' progress.

Many homes in high-rise apartments and condominiums face situations of either excessive wind or light energy, or the opposite. However, Feng Shui is all about creating the right balance, so any extremes are considered unfavourable. Excessive wind carries dust into the house, so the homeowner has the added responsibility of dusting and maintaining cleanliness. Similarly, excessive sunlight in the afternoon increases heat and causes the furnishings and decor to fade.

However, the advantage of living in high-rise buildings is that you can invite crisp, clear air into your home. Opening two windows simultaneously at least once a week is considered good Feng Shui.

Allow the air to enter your home gently by placing plants or screens to guide the airflow, and never let it rush directly into the building at full force. This usually happens when all the windows in the house are opened, causing air to rush in from all sides and create a swirling effect in the middle of the house, which can be damaging and disruptive.

Ideally, keeping the windows open during sunrise is beneficial, as the energy at this time is pure and crisp. In summer, the energy is positive and strong (Yang), making it excellent to clear the home's energy during sunrise. In winter, you can do the same either late in the morning or early in the afternoon when the sun is stronger. Although the air may be cold, it actually brings fresh Yang energy, which is good for the home. Draw all the curtains to allow the entire house to soak in the sunshine. If you have gardens on your balcony, ensure that the plants do not block the sunlight. Hanging faceted crystals on all the windows, especially the west and east ones, re-energizes the room by creating a spectrum of light through the suspended crystals.

To cleanse a space of all sickness, you can use water soaked in sunlight for at least three hours to swab the floors and furniture, thereby bringing in Yang energy. Additionally, you can use a circular mirror to absorb negative and stagnant energy in the home by moving the mirror around each room so that it reflects the walls and corners. Focus especially on dark corners and seldom-used areas, paying particular attention to toilets and kitchens. After you have covered the entire house, soak the mirror in salt water to cleanse it, as this dissolves the accumulated negative energy. Then, wrap the mirror in a cloth and store it safely. Use this mirror exclusively for space cleansing, and repeat the procedure as often as possible or whenever you notice sickness in your home.