Home   >   Feng Shui for living   >   Tuning In

Tuning In

By on July 27, 2010

Energy travels in waves: light and sound are two forms of energy where this is clear. Feng Shui seeks to improve the flow of energy in a space, and harnessing the power of light and sound can help create a nurturing influx of energy. Given how ‘music hath charms to soothe the savage beast’, as Shakespeare wrote, it might be worthwhile investigating how one can use sound supportively in the home. 

 

First, we want to look at where you have your system. Because corners are generally where energy stagnates, creating life and movement in these areas is essential. Having your speakers set up in corners can help bring energy flowing into the room, creating vibrations and shifts that resonate throughout the space. Smaller setups for iPods and other portable players are best placed where they will not interfere with functional tasks: it might not be wise to sacrifice limited counter space in the kitchen to make room for your music, unless it is the only way that you can survive being in that room. 

 

The music you listen to has a huge impact on your mood, and on more than has been proven scientifically. This is not an exhaustive list by any stretch, but a few suggestions that resonate for me:

 

Classical music is a refined means for you to tap into deeper aspects of being, each different composer helping you access a unique flavour. Piano music supports ample individual accomplishment, while orchestral works speak to big-picture collaborations. Bach is excellent for developing the neuronal connections that support complex tasks like design and mathematics (the Well-Tempered Clavier and Two- and Three-Part Inventions are excellent), while Mozart has a unique blend of emotion with intellect and is now seen as profoundly healing music. Beethoven’s boundary-breaking music motivates one to overcome despite obstacles, while Schubert’s harmonic and structural breadth deepens self-expression. The Romantic piano music of Chopin and Liszt can open up emotional vistas, while Brahms’ symphonies ignite dramatic passion. Debussy’s piano music is a great avenue for exploring boundless creativity (his Preludes are magnificent), while Ravel’s oeuvre for piano fuses crystalline structure with evocative outlooks (look into Le Tombeau de Couperin, Miroirs, and Gaspard de la Nuit). Exposing your children to a variety of classics can help their flexible brains develop more receptivity to complex formulae and grow less inhibited with creative expression. 

 

Jazz has a number of different moods, from the more relaxing, lounge-like which can be a wonderful accompaniment to a candlelit dinner, to the more energizing, free-style expression which can support energy-demanding activities like cleaning the house or getting the kids off to school. 

 

World music can get you in touch with international cultures – a great complement if your decor has lots of souvenirs from many countries – and can be extremely grounding, as evidenced by many cultures’ close relationship with nature and her cycles.

 

Electronic ambient music can be a great sonic backdrop to a relaxing, meditative space. Because we have no visual correlation between the sounds we’re hearing and a physical instrument (if you hear a piano, you might visualize a piano; same for the violin or any other instrument), well-produced electronic music can give you a more direct relationship with the music you are listening to, opening up a new possibility space in your consciousness. Japanese label Dakini Records and Canadian label Interchill Records both produce a wide variety of very listenable cutting-edge electronica. 

 

Finally, for parents looking to help their children focus and relax, I’d always suggest classical music (though not forcing it is important). Slower, melodic music is excellent before an infant’s bedtime (the famous ‘lullaby’ was written by Brahms) – played at soft volume on the opposite side of the room from the child (no wires or speakers close to the bed, please!), it can create a wonderful atmosphere for sleeping. 

 

May beautiful sounds help you always feel at home.

 

Mark Ainley is a contemporary Feng Shui consultant based in Vancouver. A former resident of Tokyo, he consults internationally for home and business owners. He is also a classical music critic and an electronic music DJ. Visit www.markainley.com or e-mail at markainley@gmail.com.

About Mark Ainley

Mark Ainley is a Contemporary Feng Shui Consultant and Emotional Stress Consultant living in Vancouver. A former 5-year resident of Tokyo, Mark consults with clients internationally to help them design living and work spaces in alignment with their goals. He also provides consulting in emotional stress management, as well as in the connection between facial structure and innate behavioural and communication patterns. He can be reached through his website: www.senseofspace.com and www.markainley.com.