There's a recognizable energy in the Flowerbud offices. Incense sticks and scented candles burn steadily. Small fountains trickle in the background. On the bookshelves, gardening handbooks, e-commerce commentaries and Dalai Lama verses rest gently against one another.
Our furniture and accessories propagate serenity in a workplace that's often anything but. Only recently have I learned that many of these elements are intentional, part of an ancient Chinese art form called feng shui.
I first heard of feng shui when Alice moved into her new office. A decorator helped her with deliberate placement of her furniture. Everything seemed to be very angular and sparse, and I noticed various new trinkets around the room, including a cool little beige marble fountain. All clutter—the stacks of papers, files, faxes and other telltale signs that used to expose her as our president—were removed from her vicinity, neatly tucked away behind her in a green metal credenza.
Feng shui literally translates to "wind and water," nature's strongest forces. The practice of feng shui is considered an art form (and a science in some circles), resulting in a harmonious existence with an environment. It's mainly concerned with placement techniques and planning—from skyscrapers to desk chairs—that create a sound, prosperous living space.
At first glance, the only thing that seemed to separate Alice's new semi-sanctuary from the rest of the offices was the noticeable absence of flowers. I looked through one of her feng shui books and noted there was no mention of fresh flowers. I was alarmed. Were the rest of us guilty of bad feng shui?
But I later learned that in feng shui, fresh flowers bring good ch'i, which is "the breath of nature," or positive energy. The most significant flower is the Peony, which represents honor and good fortune. Chrysanthemums are said to symbolize happiness and laughter, and Orchids represent good taste. A blue Iris bears the same purplish color that can bring wealth.
Those who already understand the principles of feng shui may realize the effects created when flowers are placed in different sectors of a home or office. Flowers in an eastern location can improve relationships and prosperity. A southwestern placement can energize a love or marriage. Flowers in the south are said to enhance a role in the community, and a northern placement may further a career.
If fresh flowers are considered good feng shui, it stands to reason that dying flowers or dried flowers are bad feng shui and can bring bad energy. Be sure to remove flowers as they die and observe the natural senescence of a mixed bouquet.
It turned out that Alice's flowers simply hadn't arrived yet on my first visit to her new office. Since then, I've noticed she's had a fresh bunch each week, and she seems to be drawn to the red colors, which are probably enhancing her good fortune, fame and marriage. She's inspired me to create some order in my own environment (my desk has been clean for almost a week now, Mom), and I'm enjoying a fresh rush of ch'i every day.
-by Ashley Denham
Flowerbud.com Editor
