energy we can see. They change the flow of energy in a space by intentional selection and assignment of furniture, or by specific placement of a decorative item. Another school, the Compass School, teaches the practitioner to go into a space with what is called a “Lao Pan” Compass (English spellings of all these Chinese terms vary). This compass is used to determine the directional influences on a property in relation to the universe in order to engage the Heaven Chi— the energy we cannot see.
Classical Feng Shui teaches that Heaven, Earth and Humanity energies need to be balanced to attain health and prosperity. These energies are called the “three gifts of energy” or the “San Cai.” Since I am a visual person, I actually like to think of these feng shui energies as a sandwich. The top slice of bread is Heaven, the invisible Chi. The bottom slice is Earth Chi, the Chi we can see. In the middle is the human experience. The relationship between these three layers is the arena in which the feng shui practitioner orchestrates this artful science. The energies of heaven, humanity and earth must be manipulated so that all three interact with each other like a beautiful song. I believe that in order to balance the Chi energies of a property, the most thorough feng shui consultations use both Form School and Compass School strategies. To put it simply, without both the top and bottom slices of bread there is no sandwich!
The Five Elements
Throughout this book I will be referring to the word “element” or the term the “Five Elements.” I would like to introduce you to these “Five Elements” so that you can fully grasp how they factor into my EcoChi concept.
Just as nature goes through cycles of change, so do we. We are the seasons, we are nature and we are the elements. In feng shui, the Five Elements are earth, metal, water, wood and fire. These elements are symbolic of the forces at work within the universe and how these forces impact our minds and bodies, as well as how they affect all other living creatures. The Five Element Theory is also the basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, qigong practices for energy healing, and acupuncture-based therapy.
ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS OF THE FIVE ELEMENTS
| Color | Season | Direction | Weather | Personality | |
| FIRE | Red | Summer | South | Heat | Passionate |
| EARTH | Yellow | Late Summer | Center | Thunder | Dependable |
| WOOD | Green | Spring | East | Wind | Expressive |
| METAL | White | Autumn | West | Cold | Precise |
| WATER | Black | Winter | North | Rain | Adaptable |
Ancient Chinese philosophy teaches us that we have a measure of control over our lives and that by using feng shui techniques we can balance Chi and maximize good luck. However, it is generally agreed that feng shui only works if you are a person who also lives by this short list, which I have named “The Three Points of Honor.” These are:
Educate yourself so that you have clarity in what you think and do;
Understand that we cannot control fate but can create opportunities; and
Undertake good deeds consciously, as an act of free will.
I advise my clients to check this short but profound list before, during and after incorporating EcoChi into their lives and projects. It is important that your core persona be aligned with these three principles, because they are vital to having the best human experience possible. If you do not live with honor, feng shui may not work at all, and certainly will not be as powerful and lasting.
The Green / Sustainability Factor
When you “Go Green and Sustainable” you have made choices that involve participating in an environmentally friendly lifestyle. The intention of these lifestyle choices and initiatives is to create ecological integrity by helping to protect the environment and sustain its resources for future generations. As I studied for my LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) exam, I soon realized how technically complex this subject is. LEED is a green building rating system and independent certification program that provides voluntary guidelines for developing energy-efficient, sustainable buildings. Created by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED concentrates its efforts on improving performance across these five key areas:
•Energy efficiency
•Indoor environmental quality
•Materials and resources
•Sustainable site development
•Water quality and efficiency
In the course of my studies, I followed a rigorous regimen that included the close evaluation of all aspects of new and existing buildings, heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, indoor air quality, landscape, neighborhood development, transportation, water quality and conservation, and more—including “brownfields.” In the United States city planning jargon, a brownfield site is land previously used for industrial or commercial purposes. The land may be contaminated by low concentrations of hazardous waste or pollution, but still have the potential to be reused once it is cleaned up. Lands that require more substantial clean-up are not brownfields.
Misleading Use of the Term “Green”
During my months and eventually years of study in this new arena, I began to notice that many corporations, in their public communications, whether in the popular press or online, used the word green or even just the color green as a marketing tool. There is a term used to describe the deceptive use of green PR or green marketing. That term, “greenwashing,” refers to the practice some companies employ of disingenuously spinning their products and policies to make them appear environmentally friendly when, in fact, they are not. As an informed consumer, your best way to make sure your dollars are buying and supporting safe, environmentally-conscious products, companies and practices is to carefully research all products you plan to use.
As my research and studies progressed, I also saw how integrating feng shui techniques could make Green spaces even better places to live in, work in or visit. With both of these disciplines in play, people within these environments would be more in harmony with the natural world, and live healthier and happier lives. This was all good, but for me something was still missing. I recognized that while I was being taught about energy efficiency, and how to reduce global warming, how to phase out ozone depleting
