| Many of the principles of Feng Shui originated as survival techniques. Our cave dwelling ancestors knew that it was important not to turn one's back to the cave entrance. If you did, a beast could devour you, or, a rival tribe could steal your fire, your food, and your family.
It was in this way that the idea of positioning the bed and the stove and the desk so that the door to the room can be easily seen was born. In this placement, one feels able to relax and "let one's guard down".
DO TRY THIS AT HOME OR OFFICE:
Take a room that has only one entry and place a chair in the middle of the room with the back facing the door. If you have other people around, ask them to give you some time to settle into your room, but eventually have them move around in the hallway outside the door and come into the room occasionally without telling you when they are coming in.
Now, sit in the chair so that you are unable to see the door. Sit there for a while, try to get a sense of the ch'i energy surrounding you and pay attention to how it feels. Now, try to read a magazine.
Notice how you feel. Do you feel uneasy and unable to concentrate on the magazine? Is your mind constantly wandering to the activity in the hallway and on alert mode so that you won't be startled when someone comes into the room and surprises you?
Ok, once you've experienced that feeling, turn the chair around to where you have a clear view of the door as you sit and read your magazine. Notice how you feel. Is your posture more at ease? Are you able to focus more intently on the task of reading the magazine? You have now witnessed the importance of placement for peace of mind based on the principle of survival.
Can’t arrange your office with a view to the door? Next best thing: a mirror strategically placed so you can see the door.
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