Author: Shùmù

Yin and Yang are concepts of Taoism that expose the duality of everything that exists in the universe.

This concept is essential for establishing a sense of balance in environments, understanding Yin and Yang is the first principle of Feng Shui. Being aware that the body, the house and everything we live and experience is not isolated, but in resonance with the universe.

The Yin-Yang theory is one of the main theories of all the ancient Chinese schools of thought. Traditional Chinese Medicine, ancient martial arts, Feng Shui, I Ching and all Taoist cosmology are based on the dynamics of Yin and Yang. According to this theory, everything in our Universe is made of two opposing but deeply interconnected forces: Yin (female) and Yang (male).

The interaction between these two opposing forces creates the essence of life around us. One cannot exist without the other, as in their apparent opposition, they strongly support and nurture each other. Yin (passive) is the calm and relaxed energy we need in bedrooms and bathrooms.

We can find Yin energy in smooth and dark colors around us, the soft music, the gentle sound of water or the relaxing images. Yang (active) is the forceful and vigorous energy we want to have in your home offices, living rooms and kitchens. We also find Yang energy in strong colors, bright lights, vibrant music, rising energy, tall plants and fire.

Let’s face it, now and more then ever electronics are a big part of our lives.
But here is why we shouldn’t have electronic devices like television, computers and cell phones turned on in our bedrooms.
It is proven by science that the use of electronic devices in the bedroom further disrupts the natural pattern of the sleep-wake cycle.
The light exposure negatively impacts sleep time, sleep quality and daytime alertness.
As adults we are subject to these influences and our children are particularly susceptible. So in order to keep a good health and productivity, here is what we should do:

• No TV and dim lights two hours before bed;
• Turn phones off or to silent at night;
• Change electronics for relaxation activities such as meditation or reading.
• Take time to prepare your sleep with hygiene rituals and bedtime routine.
  

Reducing electronics at night might be a little difficult at first, but the benefits of a good sleep and a healthier mind and body are worth the change.

A great person once told me: “The wood after being worked becomes useful”.

 The word pronounced Shùmù in chinese is for “tree”, or if separated Shù mù , “plant a tree”. If we go back in time, more definitions appear, all related with this life element that is the tree that becomes wood, that becomes fire, a piece of furniture, a door, a window, a tool, a boat and even a home.

When beginning to study more about Feng Shui and its 5 elements of transformation (Fire, Earth, Metal, Water, Wood), I discovered that my date of birth has a 3 digits code that tells so much about myself: each of them means a specific element and my first number, also called as the essence number, is 4, which is a tree element. Suddenly, I began realizing that this made all sense to me, having a better knowledge of myself, with no judgements just characteristics, as well as with others around, helping me assume the way I like to live my life and who I like to be.

So the name became a symbol of what I truly believe in for achieve a more beautiful life in this Earth, planting ideas for better homes and businesses through Feng Shui and Sustainability.