Valley woman finds value in ancient Chinese art

Creating an environment of free-flowing positive energy is the goal.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Donna Bristow became interested in feng shui about 20 years ago when she saw a program about it on TV, but it wasn't until she moved into her home in Canfield about 12 years ago, that she began to seriously explore its healing benefits.
"Something just didn't feel right," said Bristow. "So I began taking classes." Bristow now is a certified practitioner through Carol Bridges of "Nine Harmonies School of Feng Shui" in Indiana.
Feng shui is the ancient Chinese art of arranging objects in your environment to optimize the flow of energy and create harmony and balance. It works with the natural laws of nature to attract the things that you want with ease. Translated, the words literally mean "wind water."
Very basically, the area to which you apply the laws of feng shui will be divided into segments that make up the "bagua."
As you face your home, from the back to the front, and left to right, the segments are:
Prosperity, fame and reputation, relationships and love, family, health, creativity, children, skills and knowledge, career, helpful people and travel.
Within each of these segments, certain colors, objects and elements are believed to enhance that particular area of one's life.
According to feng shui, the "fame and reputation" area, which also represents self-esteem, is connected to the element of fire. So, red would be a good color for this area. Wooden objects would enhance this area, because wood feeds fire. Water puts out fire, so you would not want a fountain here, and if you are planning a house, do not put a bathroom in this section. This would be good for a fireplace, but not an aquarium. Pictures or statues of fiery animals, like tigers or dragons, would work, but not dolphins. And mirrors reflect like water, so keep big ones out of this area.
Elements
The five elements -- fire, metal, water, wood and earth -- play a major role in creating a feng shui environment. Bristow told of one of the early problems with their house in Canfield.
"We had a two-level pond put in our back yard," she said. "You know how sometimes things just seem wrong? The workers dug it in the wrong place, and it was also outside the wealth area of the home. It would never hold water, and when there was water in it, it flowed away from the house. And at the same time, money was flowing into the household, but flowing out just as quickly."
As Bristow learned about feng shui, she began to fill in the pond by hand. Since the prosperity bagua is next to self-esteem, she said she started to feel a return of inner strength. They eventually added a sun room to enhance the fire element in that area of the house.
Bristow said she was at first very shy about sharing her feng shui knowledge but now is eager to work with others through workshops and lectures, and as a personal consultant. But even before she works with your space or dwelling, she has a wealth of tips to get you started in creating an environment that flows with positive energy.
"I don't recommend horizontal or vertical blinds," Bristow said. "They slice the energy as it comes in through the window. Shades that roll up are better. Cloudy mirrors are like looking into shadows. And some houses have old medicine cabinets with two mirrors. When you look into them, your face becomes fractured." She also doesn't recommend coffee tables with glass tops that have sharp edges, because she says they send sharp energy toward you.
Your entrance
"It is important that you enter your home through the front door," Bristow said. "Some people always come in through the garage entrance. See what is feels like to enter your house as a guest. Is it welcoming, or is there clutter that exhausts your energy before you get through the front door? If there is greenery in the house, make sure it is fresh and healthy. I personally don't like dried flowers. Silk is OK, as long as they are kept clean. If you have mirrors, make sure they don't reflect clutter. Remember, mirrors double whatever they reflect."
"If you wish to create or enhance a relationship, objects should reflect warmth and nurturing," Bristow added. "Have things in pairs, like two lamps, two pillows. If you are in a relationship that is not working, this arrangement will also help end it."
Ultimately, Bristow said she believes that her house in Canfield was a tool for her own journey. She has just moved into an apartment in Boardman and said that her life changed rapidly and positively upon completion of the house, and that the house sold quickly and easily.
"I always said, 'When I finish that house in Canfield, I'm going to move on,'" Bristow said. "It provided a foundation for me and nurtured and supported my growth. Where I am now seems so normal and so good. My feet are planted firmly."
XLaughing Crow is a practitioner of holistic healing. She may be reached at laughingcrow@neo.rr.com.