Feng Shui recognises the fundamental importance of balance in our environment, at home and elsewhere, says Juliana Abram.

Life begins at the point of conception. This is true for the life of a human being, the life of a business, the life of a marriage, a partnership, a friendship, a city and even a home.

The concept that our environment can support us in our specific endeavours in life arose more than 6000 years ago in China. It came in the form of what we now call Feng Shui, a science developed over many years of investigation and observation of nature. It is what underpins the interrelationship between us and our environment.

The life enhancing practice of Feng Shui has been introduced into the West in many different forms. But as with anything in life, unless a Feng Shui school takes into consideration the aspects of time, space and action, then it is not what the ancient masters set out to achieve.

Classical, authentic Feng Shui professionally practised can help us connect with the good influences at a given point in time, and avoid, or at the very least, minimise the more negative stimuli. To attract wellbeing and prosperity into our life, we have to create a balanced and harmonious space - this is not only about the use of colour, furnishings, pleasant aromas, beautiful artefacts and soothing sounds. It is much more fundamental. The practices mentioned have been developed to enhance our sensory experience of the environment, but do not fully take into consideration what may already be missing in the lifeforce or energetic template of the home.

A life filled with consistency and stability, good health and vitality, fulfilling, loving relationships and, of course, prosperity and abundance is often considered to be "in balance". The search for balance is as old as life itself and, for most of us, an ever constant process.

Balance is the fundamental state of being which enables us to live life to its fullest capacity and with positive influences. And "balanced" spaces are generally considered to be harmonious. In Feng Shui terms, this means having a home (or business) design which harnesses the universal lifeforce / chi / energy so that it supports us in enhancing our life.

The hub of life is usually centred on the home. The modern home design concept is changing. The indoors is merging outdoors with beautifully decorated homes that make the most of their outdoor living spaces which are as imaginative as the indoors. The separateness that was once created between us, our daily life and the environment seems to be diminishing.

From a Feng Shui perspective, the home design concept is the opportunity to make the best of what we have. Our home and personal space can support us in enhancing and expanding our potential as human beings in a way that is connected and empowering.

A home design, particularly one that encompasses Feng Shui in a responsible way, considers all aspects of our relationship with our living environment, including aesthetics and the way in which we prefer to live life. Feng Shui aligns a person with space so that it reflects our true needs and desires.

By learning about, understanding, appreciating and taking care of the environment, it will take care of us. In this way, having a rudimentary knowledge of Feng Shui principles, paying attention to our environment and making some positive alterations will change the chi or lifeforce so that we benefit in a way that not only enhances our physical and material world, but our mental, emotional and spiritual life.

Feng Shui recognises that the quality of our environment influences our state of mind and our quality of life. For many of us who lead busy and often stressful lives, it makes sense for our homes to be places that nurture and rejuvenate us, providing us with a sense of peace, the comfort of the beauty within the aesthetics of the home and a sense of joy. A well designed home provides nourishment and a solid foundation for growth so that we are well positioned to go forth and be successful in the world. Even without professional consulting services, we are still able to make some fundamental changes that effectively improve our life. In particular, for those of us firmly entrenched in a home, there are at least two main areas that can be addressed and possibly bring about some benefits.

Firstly, the entrance to the home is of critical importance and will dominate the overall influences we experience in life. The principal carrier of energy is the front door and secondary influences are other entry points, and windows. Consequently, keep the area around all the doors clean, tidy and inviting to allow for the improved flow of energy.

Secondly, the correct position of the master bedroom is vital to your sense of wellbeing and your ability to have healthy, fulfilling and loving relationships. If there is an experience of constant arguments with your spouse or dissatisfaction with your love life, don't just grin and bear it - move the bed, or better still, move to another room. If your situation improves, stay there. If nothing changes, move to yet another room.

Make some modifications but...pay attention, be aware and see what change is created. If it's positive, stay with it, if there's a backward trend or no improvement at all, try again.

Our quality of life improves when the lifeforce is well synchronised and balanced within us, our immediate environment and the world at large.