Environmental

Our home and work environments are filled with chemicals, pollutants, and particles that are unperceivable and affect our lives in ways many do not understand. These invisible things permeate our world, and can have many negative impacts, so it is our job to be aware of the things we are around and the things we buy in order to ensure they do not negatively affect us. To be sure you and your loved ones are protected from these pollutants and living a healthy life, you must be conscious of several things. Here is a quick list of five ways to protect yourself and your family.

1. Beware of “violate organic compounds.” Most cleaning products, including many familiar name brands, contain harmful chemicals that can escape through their lids and can cause damage if exposed to after long periods of time. In the home, these cleaning products are commonly placed under the sinks in bathrooms and kitchens, or in closets. But no matter where they are placed, these chemicals, once they pass the lids, can create low-level health hazards that become more dangerous the longer a person is exposed. Be aware of which types of chemicals are in your cleaning products and what possible hazards they may present, and be sure to protect yourself by buying products you know will not present these dangers.

2. Know what is in your water. Public water utilities give out the quality test information free upon request. Certain purifiers, like ammonia, require special filters for removal, and could otherwise be harmful if ingested. Read the rest of this entry »

Feng Shui, the Chinese art of placement is making a major revival not only in its native country, but worldwide.

Feng shui, from the Chinese concept of yin and yang, has been practiced for thousands of years. Evidence of the existence of this practice can be found in the alignment and organization of graves in the Yangshao villages from 6000 B.C. There is compelling evidence that suggests that feng shui was not strictly an Asian entity. In prehistoric Europe, the practice of arranging objects and structures to be in harmony with the universe was a relatively common practice.

A popular theory regarding the origins of feng shui suggests that the practice stemmed from ancient shamans who understood the vital importance of strategically placing a village. Areas which possessed mild winds would generate plentiful harvests while harsh winds would stunt crop growth or destroy the harvest altogether. In addition, the placement of a village in close proximity to flowing water and fresh springs would stimulate growth and ensure health, while stagnant water would foster disease and disharmony within the community. As the centuries passed, these shamans correlated their thoughts on wind and water with the teachings of Daoism, thus creating the practice of feng shui.

As a design philosophy, “good” feng shui is believed to promote health, prosperity, creativity, positive social relationships, self-confidence, contemplation, and respect for others. Read the rest of this entry »