In Feng Shui, our homes are regarded as sacred places; therefore it is very important that we maintain our homes, just as we maintain our bodies and our automobiles.

An important step of incorporating Feng Shui into your daily life involves repairing everything that is broken in your home. Oftentimes, we hold onto items that are in need of repair, but never get around to repairing them. How much stuff do you have that needs a screw, a dab of glue, a stitch or two?

Make time to sort through these items and determine what you really want and what you know you will never fix. Determine the value of the items and if it is truly something you want to hang on to, take time to fix it or take it to someone who will fix it for you. If you are ready to part with the item, place it in the trash, sell it or donate it, but get rid of it.

There is much symbolism used in Feng Shui and the more you learn about this art, the easier it will become for you to make these connections. Common problems around the home that may be eased with feng shui include:

•Clutter and broken items are symbolic of clutter of the mind, holding onto the past, and things which no longer work.
•Windows are the eyes of chí (life force energy) and affect your clarity, so replace broken window panes and clean the windows. If you’re having a hard time ’seeing’ things, take a look at your windows.
•Plumbing represents our digestive system, so repair leaky faucets and clogged drains.
•Electricity and electrical devices represent our neurological system, so tend to your electrical needs - you don’t want to ’short-circuit’.
•A sticking door or two doorknobs banging together, can contribute to tension between partners, so ease a tight fit. Tie red ribbons on doorknobs that bang against one another.
•Toilets, sinks, tubs and shower stalls are drains. Connected with the water element, these are symbolic of your wealth. Keep your toilet lids down and close the drain when not to use to avoid the ‘draining’ of your wealth.

The main entrance to your home or building is referred to as the ‘mouth’ of Chí. Symbolically this is where all of the chí enters the building. It is important to keep the main entrance free of clutter and debris. Below are tips to help you strengthen the entrance to your home or office:

•Eliminate obstructing clutter that blocks your path.
•Check for a squeaky door, broken handle, uneven door frame, uneven steps or a broken doorbell.
•Check your doorknobs, repair broken hardware and add oil to squeaky hinges.
•Clean the entrance area and get rid of cobwebs and dirt.
•Make sure the entrance is well lit, as good lighting will create a flow of good energy into your home.
•Make sure that the access from the street or sidewalk to your home or business is clear, so that people can easily see the entrance door.

The important thing for you to remember is that all these things affect the way chí (energy) flows through your home and workplace. Although this energy is invisible, it is there. Feng Shui provides you with the tools to harness this energy and put it to work in your favor.