And once you have a better understanding of how your Qi is reacting to the Qi of your home or office environment, you can take steps to direct that energy in a more positive way.

Front door fix
It makes sense that the entrance to your home would have a significant impact on your life. The door is what protects you from the outside world, and what opens to present you with positive opportunities. First, look at the path to your door, from both inside and out. Is it clear? Second, make sure the door is in good working condition; one that sticks or is in disrepair will impede the flow of energy. And third, look to see if the entrance to your home is attractive, well lit and inviting. As for the door's color, red is a traditionally positive feng shui choice. "It's the color of fire and activation," says Kennedy.

A better bed
The bed represents romance, rest, and ultimately, health -- since the quality of your rest impacts every other aspect of your life. "The placement of the bed is most important," says Elsa Jewett, owner of All in Good Order, a company that offers feng shui consulting and professional organizing. The best position is with the head of the bed against a solid wall and where you can see the doorway while lying down. If you must put your bed under a window (which is not as restful because of the energy flow in and out of the window), Jewett suggests installing heavy drapes. "Close them at night to serve as a barrier and give you a more solid, supportive back wall," she says. And since you want the bedroom to be restful while also representing life, Kennedy recommends painting the walls colors that come from nature -- like blues and greens.

Stove smarts
The place where you cook food is a symbol of ongoing life and health, the heart of your home. But, according to Kennedy, the stove can also be about money. "The stove is a power source," he says. "It is the generator for the house and that also has to do with generating money." So make sure the stove is always clean and in good working condition. Kennedy also suggests placing a small mirror above the stove that allows you to see the entrance of the room while you're cooking. According to feng shui principles, the energy of the cook is connected to food and spread to those who eat it, so you want to make sure it's a peaceful energy. If the cook is agitated or gets startled by someone coming up from behind, that unsettled energy will transfer into the food.

Love layout
Looking to improve your love life? Focus some attention on the back right corner of your home (based on where the front door is). "That is specifically the relationship area," says Jewett. She recommends looking at what's going in that spot -- making sure that nothing is blocking a doorway or window, creating an energy block. And to enhance a relationship, add things in pairs -- like candles or pictures -- to represent a couple.

David Daniel Kennedy wishes to pay respect to his teacher, professor Lin Yun, and the Yun Lin Temple for sharing knowledge with the West.