| Interview with Paul Darby |
|
How long have you been practicing Feng Shui (professionally and personally)?
I have been practising feng shui now for nearly twelve years, professionally for about five.
Which masters have you been studying with?
I have a Ph.D and M.A. in Oriental Philosophy, part of my studies being feng shui. I have also studied various courses/workshops with The British School of Yoga, included a course with Master Lee Pak Tin.
Well I think those quals are quite enough, but yeah, I also have a teaching certificate, a diploma in garden design and a Personnel qualification called an MECI, as well as studying Daoism/Buddhism for six years---and being a Dao/Buddhist!
How did it all start? Where did you begin with Feng Shui and what exactly piqued your interest in it?
It all started with me being seriously ill, well bedridden in fact, with ME and using meditation, tai chi, chi chung and feng shui to help myself. My career as a headmaster was over, I was very down and I had a lot of time to fill!!!I should say however that I had studied Chinese legend and poetry when I was 18 and my father was in the Far East during the war, coming back with many stories.
I began with feng shui through tai chi, the movements through the Pa Kua and seeing the applications of the uses of chi within the 'inner landscape'. Its uses fascinated me-I was hooked--and it improved my health, I decided to apply the principles to my environment.
My interest was piqued by selfish reasons really, of wanting to get better-not be in pain and not be without energy all of the time! This now has become a lifelong fascination-my career IS helping people!
What drives you on? Many people might be content to practice simple symbolic Feng Shui but you have chosen to spend time and money studying this subject. Why?
Feng shui drives me on, because twelve years down the line, I am still fascinated and still learning. It is a huge, interesting subject!
Time and money are well spent, every day, through the years, I am increasing my knowledge and learning through application and experience--all the courses, all the qualifications cannot bring you that---only time and a lot of grey hairs!!
What is the Feng Shui scene in UK like?
The feng shui scene in the UK seemed to peak about eighteen months ago, but with the Chinese New Year, interest has been sparked again and I am being asked to give talks, to write features for magazines and to do spots on the radio. I think the 'mad, obsessive' phase has gone and now in a calmer, more informed way, people are studying and increasing their knowledge and interest.
The Feng Shui Society is concerned with the public image of feng shui, quite rightly so, there are still consultants out there charging far too much for far too little and in the process frightening their clients with scare stories and raising themselves up to a 'guru', 'mentor' status. The Society, by the way I sit on the Executive Committee, is trying to regulate and check consultants qualifications and experience, without trying to confine, not becoming a police force---if anyone needs to know more, just contact the Society--they will help, not hinder! The committee is made up from very sincere, caring and clever people-all of whom are trying to ensure that feng shui keeps a good name. Why not join the Society, join the committee and help--express your opinions!
As one of the pioneers of Traditional Feng Shui in UK, how would you say Feng Shui has evolved as compared to say seven years ago?
I do think we are at an interesting stage with feng shui and that within the next eighteen months it will gain the same status as the martial arts, tai chi, acupuncture and yoga. The Feng Shui Society , The Feng Shui Network[Australia] and The Feng Shui Guild[America] as well as any other organisations and consultants world-wide can help in this process by using a strong, ethical, and professional code, welcoming media interest and by dealing with the public in a totally professional manner.
What is the most common Feng Shui problem in UK? (e.g. cultural/religious beliefs, a lack of exposure to Feng Shui among the general public, competition from Feng Shui schools etc)
Feng Shui in some quarters in the UK is still dealt with as a bit of a joke. It has been used in various soap operas in this way, and on TV and Radio, used sometimes as the humorous, 'and finally' item on the news. This is why everyone involved in the 'industry' of feng shui, for that is what it is, needs to be professional, ethical and willing to deal with people, especially the media in an informative and sensible fashion. The other problem concerning the image of feng shui which crops up from time to time, is that people would like to have a consultation performed, but some see it as interfering with their Christian beliefs. The Feng Shui industry needs to explain themselves more fully whenever it gets the chance so that the superstition, the 'magic' is explained through common sense, science, maths and sensible applications, so that people can appreciate that their religion, their faith is NOT being threatened.
Have you worked on any notable projects in UK or are there specific landmarks (natural or otherwise that have special Feng Shui significance?
I have had various notable projects in the UK to do with hospitals, schools, hospices and psychiatric establishments, where the calming and healing elements of feng shui have been put to use, in buildings and in gardens.
I have a special love of a place in the Midlands of the UK, called the Malvern hills, the energy here is extremely special. I do workshops at a healing centre called Runnings Park, internationally renowned, situated in Malvern and the chi there is wonderful- I have also found this to be true in Glastonbury in Somerset and in places set in North Devon and the high hills of Derbyshire and Lancashire.
Any last words for our readers?
Finally, anyone with an interest, amateur or professional, in Feng Shui, do your best to calmly inform and not preach or become obsessive with people around you who are perhaps extremely sceptical. The best way to put people off is to go on and on about something, until they are very bored or frightened by what you are saying---this fanatical approach frightens people.
Live your life through feng shui and when you are asked about your happiness, your energy, explain briefly and 'lightly' about feng shui, then leave it till they come back to you. We live in exciting times- a Happy New Year to you all.
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
| This article is brought to you by |
![Feng Shui Times]() |
Feng Shui Times
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
