FENG SHUI@WORK

A McDonald's employee heats a burger pattice at the Goregaon outlet. PIC/rane ashish Picture used for representation purpose only

If you work out of traditional cubicle

We may hate them, but more often than not, we just have to live with them. Or rather in them. Cubicles are here to stay, so, won't it be fabulous if we could actually learn to love them? How is that going to happen?
Just listen in.

>>Aspirin for your soul: For starters, put a mirror on your cubicle wall. A mirror, which is the "aspirin of Feng Shui", is the chosen tool, since it deflects negative chi (energy) and helps positive chi move through your cubicle in a gentle, smooth manner.

>>Fight that stifling feeling: Bright colours will do you wonders, as will landscape pictures and good lighting. If you are sick with the noise around you, quit shouting at cacophonic colleagues and risking social suicide. Place a plant around the area and let it absorb the extra sound. Or, let music do the work. Plug in your iPod or discman, and relax.

If you work while on the move

If you don't belong to the cubicle generation, and are up and about on your feet most of your working day, it's time you used your imagination and spruced up your space.

>>Personalise: Keep the work area around you clean and neat. Also, add a few personal
elements. It could either be a Feng Shui necklace or bracelet. Nobody could object to that, could they?

>>On the go: If you are using a car, choose one in a colour that has good energy. Blue and black are good choices. Do keep your car clean and make sure it's working fine. One aromatic tip would be to add aroma therapy oils to dashboard potpourri. It will relax you, and help you think clearer.

If you work out of home

In the age of freelancing, it's important to make sure your home is favourable for you to work in. If you are a writer, a well-lit desk near a window with a view, should do the trick.

>>How much equipment? Carefully invest in furniture and equipment that will make your work easier. Consider a multi-function machine instead of many devices. And think of using services instead of equipment. For example, voice mail lets you get rid of that bulky answering machine.

>>Go crazy with Feng Shui: Since there is no boss to tell you what to do, take advantage and create a perfect Feng Shui environment. Hang wind chimes on doorways and create a collage of crystals on an available surface.

What the ancient science has to do with relationships

Have you ever quit your job, or contemplated  quitting because you couldn't get along with colleagues? Next time, just smile. Because according to Feng Shui, people are attracted to vibrant, happy, active individuals,
rather than glum, down-in-the-dumps souls.

If you have taken over from someone who has just quit, find out more about that person. If they were unhappy, they could have left their negative chi behind, and that could be
harmful for you.

Relationship sector: The Southwest area of your desk is most favourable. Place a photograph of the one you love there, and watch your gains multiply.

Must do: Always return a favour and help out a co-worker. Never forget the old but true principle of karma — what goes around, comes around.

Top 5 Feng Shui helpers

>>Keep your surroundings free of clutter. Clear the floor, clear your mind.
>>Use colours to bring a balance between the yin and yang.
>>Add music to your space. You can choose wind chimes or play a CD.
>>It's all about smelling something good. Keep a bowl of potpourri on your desk.
>>Use a mirror to deflect negative energy.

5 ways of creating your wealth

>>Know what you want. Set goals and know the reasons why you've set them.
>>Place your desk in a place where your back is to the wall.
>>Place a metal dish with coins on your desk. It helps you remember your goal.
>>Treat people the way you would want to be treated.