A guide to the basics of Feng Shui, Chi and related concepts by a hobbyist. Here for you to take what you like, leave what you don't, but above all, Enjoy.

1. The non-guru’s guide to black hat
Feng Shui By @the_carl

2. Introduction 2
I am not your Feng Shui guru.
I’m just a guy who thinks Feng Shui is very
interesting, and personally find it to be a useful way
to telegraph positive change in your environment.
At Social Forces, we strive to create fun online
experiences for consumers, and believe that a fun
work environment is a necessary condition of the
process that creates these experiences. Feng Shui is
just one tool we use to make that happen.

3. Overview 3
why use feng shui
principles of chi
the bagUa... wha?
it’s all about intent

4. Why use feng shui 4
When planning a space — whether it’s a large space,
like a building, or a small space, like a desk, Feng Shui
is a method of considering your space as a conduit
for your life.

5. Why use feng shui 5
Feng Shui, translated literally, means
“wind and water”. It encompasses:
The balance of things
Positive energy flow
Focus on continuous improvement

6. Why use feng shui 6
What this means for your office:
Enhanced collaboration
Better Usability
Happy people
Constant progress
Success

7. Principles of Chi 7
Chi as White Space
The design concept of white space is very
similar to the concept of chi. It is the “resting
point” you seek in white space — except that
Chi is not at rest — Chi is life energy.

8. Principles of Chi 8
Leave room for the Chi.
(the rule of thirds)
The basic “rule of thirds” in Feng Shui is a
suggestion that a space be 1/3 functional,
1/3 decorative, and 1/3 “room for the Chi”.

9. Principles of Chi 9
Translation: Kill Clutter

10. Principles of Chi 10
Allow for the Flow
of the Chi
Much as the Chi needs space to BE, it also
needs space to get around. This means no
desks blocking the walkway or cords across
the hall.

11. Principles of Chi 11
Translation: No
toe-stubbing.

12. Principles of Chi 12
The Balance of Chi
Chi is about balancing Yin and Yang
— spreading your efforts across the different
areas of your life that need attention.

13. Principles of Chi 13
Translation: Look at the
full picture.

14. Principles of Chi 14
“The power corner”
One of the most interesting examples of Chi
in effect is the “power corner” — in any
room, this is the spot with the greatest
vantage point; least susceptible to surprise.

15. Principles of Chi 15
Translation: Sit where you
can see stuff.

16. The Bagua 16
The Bagua is a “map” by
which you determine what
areas in your space relate to
which areas in your life.
The following are a few slides
that show how we address
these areas in our office.
As you’ll see in these
examples, the beauty of
Feng Shui is that it is
inherently rational — each of
these considerations serves
an important utility to our
front door team in their work.

17. Knowledge Corner 17
Feng Shui:
The “knowledge
corner” is where
we keep books on
our industry and
other learning
tools.
Utility:
We have resources
at the ready and in
plain view.

18. Family Corner 18
Feng Shui:
The “Family”
corner is where we
keep a tangible
reminder of our
family — our client
base.
Utility:
We are constantly
reminded of our
mission to help
these allies.

19. Wealth Corner 19
Feng Shui:
The “Wealth”
corner includes a
large map to
symbolize
something we
value — freedom,
and specifically the
ability to travel.
Utility:
We are always
reminded there’s a
big world out there.

20. Fame Corner 20
Feng Shui:
The “Fame” corner
shows some of our
industry awards.
Utility:
Visitors are
instantly and
wordlessly made
aware of our
credibility.

21. Fame Corner 21
Feng Shui:
The “Fame” corner
shows some of our
industry awards.
Utility:
Visitors are
instantly and
wordlessly made
aware of our
credibility.

22. Creativity Corner 22
Feng Shui:
Our “Creative”
corner includes a
tangible reminder
of our belief in
being creative:
Themed room
names.
Utility:
We are reminded
we stand for a
pretty cool brand.

23. Creativity Corner 23
Feng Shui:
A tangible symbol
of our belief in
creativity and
collaboration.
Utility:
We have an easy
way to share our
work, which
inevitably means
we share it more.

24. Principles of Chi 24
The Five Elements
I don’t fully get into the mysticism of
these specific things, but I think they
serve as interesting guideposts for
how to address things you want to
focus on improving in your space to
improve them in your life.

25. Principles of Chi 25
The Five Elements
★ Fire: Strong, assertive, dominant
Red, fire, candles, lamps
★ Earth: Organization, practicality
Yellow, brown, rectangles, soil, plants

26. Principles of Chi 26
The Five Elements (continued)
★ Metal: Thought processes
Frames, sculptures, clocks, gold, silver
★ Water: Spirituality, reflection, meditation
Water, vases, clear glass, black
★ Wood: Intuition, knowing
Live plants, bamboo, green

27. For the Skeptics 27
Sound like a bit of a stretch?
Like most belief systems, Feng Shui is very much
open to criticism. You can believe in these principles
and use them to your advantage, or you can dismiss
them. My personal belief is that Feng Shui is a useful
system for self-improvement through decisive action
because its tenets are inherently rational and
constructive. Ultimately, Feng Shui only becomes
useful when it is fueled by your intent.

28. The power of Intent 28
Remember these facts about Intent
The boogie-man effect: If you believe in it,
it becomes part of your reality.
Results come from decisive action.
Intent trumps “rules”

29. Now What 29
So... should I tear my cubicle apart?
Feng Shui is about intentional change, and is most
useful when applied constructively.
If you wish, I believe you can use it to guide you in
remembering the importance of balance, energy and
the full spectrum of experiences in your life. Let it
push you to make tangible symbols of intentional
change. Feel free to make up your own rules. But
above all, have fun.

30. @the_carl
Social Forces
SOCIALFORCES.COM