“Everything that appears in the physical realm is always connected with the energy flow at the invisible level.” Nan Lugiq

What a stressful time! No matter who you are or where you are it seems all of us are living under a cloud of stress. Any major energetic unbalance will contribute to this and your environment may be a contributing factor. The key to reducing stress lies in creating a balance between yin and yang and understanding how you handle stress according to the five elements.

In Chinese Metaphysics, everything on earth contains energy. The balance of the energy is called yin and yang, and the characteristics of the five elements are how the energy manifests. The five elements are five fundamental energies in nature and in us, in motion. Put the five elements together, and they define and complete the natural cycles of the world. Water, Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal contribute even more detail to our understanding of the universe and where we fit in the big picture. Observe the transformations in nature that occur seasonally on earth and you will be well on your way to understanding the magnitude of this process.

Co-creation, like everything, else starts at home; and your body is your primary home. How you feel matters every bit as much as what is around you. If you don’t shift the inside, the outside doesn’t make much difference at all. Within the structure of the five elements, there are two fundamental relationships, yin and yang and without the balancing nature of these two relationships, things fall out of balance.

Experiencing each of the below emotions is normal and necessary to live a balanced yin yang rewarding life. They phase in and out of relevance through the seasons and are most helpful when we allow them to surface, acknowledge their message, and move on.

Water: Water’s emotion is fear and all the unknown diversions that could potentially carry us off course. Water is the element representing our career and journey through life – where we are going and where we have been. Water is associated with the colors black and dark blue, midnight, and midwinter. Water relates to communication, resourcefulness, and the fluidity of our path. Water energy is forever shifting and reminds us to expect change and movement on our journey – to go with the flow. The balance to Water is the Earth element. Spend time in nature, stand in your bare feet in the grass, wear earth colors, and put your hands in the dirt either by starting a garden or planting a potted plant.

Wood: The emotion associated with Wood energy is anger as a result of unrelieved stress. Wood is associated with the color green, morning, and springtime. Wood energy represents family, ancestors, and new beginnings – our yesterdays and tomorrows. Like a tree, we are reminded to be anchored, yet flexible enough to weather the storm and still branch out toward the sun and into the future. Because the nature of Wood is to expand, frustration sets in when growth is hindered, energy confined or progress slowed. The balance to wood is the metal element. Do something creative like baking, painting, writing, or any other creative endeavor. Wear colors such as grey and white.

Fire: Fire’s emotion is joy and the passionate, sometimes reckless, abandonment of rules. Fire is associated with the color red, noontime, and summer. Fire energy is brilliant, exciting, and warm. It represents our rank or fame – how the world perceives us and the image we convey to others. Like a steady flame, we are reminded to illuminate the path and share our light while maintaining enough equilibrium to prevent burning out. Overstimulation, anxiety, and restlessness are also the consequences of Fire. Bring balance to fire by adding the water element. Find a stream, lake, or ocean to put your feet in. Wear blue or black. Add a fish tank or water feature to your home.

Earth: The emotion of Earth is melancholy and concern for all beings that need our protection. Earth is the element in Feng Shui that connects all the other elements together. It is associated with the colors brown and yellow, afternoon, late summer, and early autumn. Earth represents our health and our ability to care for and nurture others. Earth energy transforms and, when balanced, keeps us centered, connected, and grounded. Boundaries are necessary to prevent obsession. Balance Earth with the Wood element. Add a green tall plant to your home. Walk in the woods if that is possible. Wear the colors of wood which are shades of green.

Metal: The emotion of Metal is grief and sadness for the inability to reach perfection, hold on, and to let go. Metal is associated with the colors white and gray, evening, and late autumn. Metal energy is smooth, strong, precise, and cool. It represents our ability to define our surroundings and to turn chaos into order. Metal reminds us to contract and consolidate our energy and look inward for many of the answers we seek. Rigidity can rob us of the ability to yield, relax, and forgive. Balance Metal with the Fire element. Wear the color red. Add triangles to your space.

Wishing y’all an abundance of emotions and always-good chi!

Have any Feng Shui questions? Feel free to contact me at michelle@michellecromer.com and sign up for your Power Color or visit me on Facebook at Michelle Cromer Feng Shui.