Feng Shui and the Art of Intention

by Sharda Chaitanya

There are a ton of books on Feng Shui and ten times more than that on the power of prayer, the law of attraction and how to manifest our dreams and wishes.  And it is only fitting - the topic is endless and seems never to get old.  The over-arcing lesson of LOA is to teach us to become first, aware of our thoughts.  And secondly, to refine them so as to allow for our desire to come forth into manifestation.

For those of us who meditate, controlling what and how we think is an important concern.  Meditation, the initial aspect anyway, is about controlling the vrittis, the waves of thoughts that come in and out on a regular basis all day long. We understand the power of thought and the actual vibration that is attached to differing thought-forms.  And so what we think AND what we do (because action is thought, externalized) carry a unique vibration.  In the parlance of Feng Shui, it is the quality of the Chi which determines the effect of any given action. 

I am of the opinion that Feng Shui is prayer in action.  For me, this is most intriguing; that is, deciphering the "how" behind the "what".  The use of color, or placement of a object or use of a  particular element all have a reason behind them.  There is a part of the Feng Shui teachings that require that we remain silent about what we do when we infuse a cure into a space.  In much the same way that one cannot, so the wisdom goes, spurt out advice or information unless in the right and respectful circumstances that have requested our help and  knowledge. And this applies not only to Feng Shui, but to whatever method of healing or wisdom we want to share with others.  One must be willing and ask to receive in order for the healing or knowledge to have effect.  Ergo, a large part of the effectiveness of a cure is the recipient's desire for results. 

When we perform Feng Shui we are asking, soliciting really, the universe, the power of the omnipresent Chi, for something to change in our life.  Or for assistance, or to end something, to start something, or whatever our heart wishes at that time.  With the implementation of the Feng Shui action, we are demonstrating, in full 3-dimensional reality, that we want this to work for us.  (I need to point our that so much more goes into making Feng Shui work, the topic is massive.  This is just for openers.)  When we apply Feng Shui cures, like any prayer, we are opening ourselves up to receiving.  We open our home, office, business, or any desired undertaking, and our hearts, to Source.  We are asking for attention in a manner much like ritual or an offering to the gods.  When done with reverence and humility, we are sealing our part of an agreement which perpetuates the cycle of giving and receiving.

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The following story of the pillow is not about Feng Shui.  Not directly, at least.  But it made me think of it more deeply, as I am always referencing such events to the unseen mechanism of Feng Shui.  With that, let me tell you what happened.

I've been working on a piece of fiction that involves a character that I could say is my alter-ego.  Not big news that a writer should place him/herself at the center of a story.  But it is some of the most fun I have and I suggest it as a wonderful and creative form of expression and indulgence.  When out and about in the world I find my character reacting or doing funny or unusual things that are, well, fitting for her...

Like the time she was in the coffee shop enjoying the cozy furniture while sipping a hot cup of joe.  She looked up from the book she was reading, a 1,000-page novel, and took notice of the setting, particularly the chairs and sofa into which everyone seems to have melted.  But, she thought, there are no pillows here.  The character contemplates the whys and wherefores of that - perhaps giving it a bit more thought than necessary.  

She decides to buy a pillow and leave it on the sofa at the cafe.  She brings a friend along when she goes to the cafe and leaves it there.  Her friend of course inquires as to why she could possibly be doing this.  She explains that it's fun:  now each time she comes to have coffee and read, she will see how each person is enjoying the pillow.

Etc, etc.  You get the idea.  So here I was thinking about this pillow through the narrative of the character.  Needless to say, the idea came to me when I was at my usual spot having coffee and reading, and where they recently replaced all the old furniture.  Sans pillow.  No pillows here!  But there never were pillows here, so what does it even matter to me?  (Being a Feng Shui person, these are the kinds of things that take up space in my brain.)  About a week later, after working the characters action into the story, I went to the cafe and sat where I always do.  Feeling lucky when it is available, I noticed the area was almost empty. I sit down, get myself situated and look over at couch that mirrors the one I am sitting in.  Behold, placed nonchalantly on the sofa is a brand new pillow!!!  

I was stunned, to say the least.  All thoughts left my mind.  I felt wonderful and wonderfully validated.  One's normal reaction is to say, "I couldn't believe it".  But I COULD believe it.  I realized that my character, and her friend, and her rationale for putting a pillow there were the energy, the thought-forms, that went into my finding an actual pillow in the actual place.  The images and emotions of the story in my head were real, vivid enough to think it could happen.

I knew it meant something for me.  It was a sign:  "keep doing what you're doing".  Stay positive, stay in a vibration of love and unity and keep the visualization of a healthy and enlightened planet always in your prayers.  And it was an affirmation that what I have been asking for is being answered, even if I can't see it right now. 

Because if this is what can happen on a small scale, think about the bigger ramifications.  There's no limit to what we are capable of.  In each moment the pulsations of energy we emit are being received, so why not make them large and amazing and filled to the brim with brilliance and awe.  I can let go now.  It is so clear that I what I am communicating, either in thought or action, is coming back to me.   So wish the best for yourself and the world.  Then sit back, propped up by a pillow, and expect a miracle.