Feng shui brings harmony to Beirut

BEIRUT: One car ride through Beirut provides a convincing case that this city, perhaps more than most, needs a little aesthetic harmony.

Skeptics of feng shuis interior design doctrine that physical space affects ones energy, mood and possibly even fate need only sit in the citys blood-pressure raising traffic congestion, filled with undecipherable odors and drab concrete sky rises seldom graced by a glimpse of natural flora.

Although theres little hope the city will be vibrating with the energy of feng shui anytime this century, a series of seminars will help homemakers and designers start harmonizing living rooms and offices around the capital.

This weekend, feng shui consultant and instructor Aoun Abi Aoun will teach a course on the concept and practical application of the Eastern design philosophy. Abi Aoun plans to hold more seminars in January and February, he said.

In general, feng shui is the concept that there are cosmic forces channeled in elements such as water, fire and earth that when balanced promote health and a better life.

The spiritual concept which originated in East Asia more than 8,000 years ago has evolved from a medicinal application to a modern design approach still centered on the idea of promoting human vitality, Abi Aoun said. The way we apply it today is we put everything in harmony, he added.

Practically speaking, this means every space from a garden to a room to an entire building or a plot of land can be assessed, and its architecture, colors and objects arranged according to feng shui principles, he explained.

The result: a space that both looks and feels balanced and is believed to have therapeutic benefits.

The introductory, three-day seminars start with the history and philosophy of feng shui, including its principles. A full second day of classes features lessons on implementation, such as assessing land, reviewing and drawing blue prints, and putting the theories of feng shui to work.

The final introductory course furthers the practical implementation of feng shui and gives attendees more information if theyre interested in continuing their education to become certified design consultants.

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Feng shui brings harmony to Beirut