Ebb and flow. Out and in. Our products and services stream from us returning in waves of customers and clients to gently lap against our door for more. Out go the goods and in flows the business. There are, however, times of rushing-ebb and drip-drip-flow. You’ve noticed?

If Feng Shui had a middle name, it would be ‘flow’; a smooth and steady expression of energy to generate momentum - personal and professional. To maximize the flow and benefit of Feng Shui, our surroundings must encourage it at home and at the office.

Countless volumes detail Feng Shui office energy. We’ll try just a bit of furniture moving and sprucing to step up the flow of commerce to increase your bottom line.

Just as your bed is the most significant piece of furniture in your home, the desk is equally important to office energy. To place your desk following Feng Shui principles will afford you confidence and comfort, and from that place will spring success.

With a desire for Chi to flow through your office and not be blocked at the doorway, avoid locating your desk directly in front of the opening.

Position your desk as far from the office entrance as possible while still allowing a view of the door. For ages, those wielding power observe all-they-survey most distant from the entry; support to the fore and leadership at the rear. If you are near the doorway with staff behind you they will tend to rule from that command position.

To feel more secure, position the desk with your back to a wall. If the only spot puts your back to a window, use blinds or drapes for the look and feel of solid. Also, leave enough space to push out from your desk and not bounce into the wall behind you.

If you face a wall with your back to the entry, place a mirror in front of you to reflect the doorway and anyone entering while you work to avoid surprises. A co-worker tiptoeing in, placing their hands on your shoulders and yelling “Got ya!” is not good Feng Shui.

Be open to prospects arriving from a variety of possibilities - allow access to your chair from both sides of the desk. To draw attention to your qualifications, display diplomas, licenses and awards in the Fame and Reputation life area.

For clarity and focus, you might consider the ring of a bell as you begin a work session to clear the space and mark the time.

Express gratitude for what you are about to achieve. If you do not have a bell, a clap of your hands is the next best thing.

Clap again to close at the end of your time. If inspired by the multitude of accomplishments during the session you feel moved to applaud, a standing ovation sounds quite appropriate. Invite your staff to join you in self-appreciation.

As you are moving furniture and tending to your office space, be conscious of your intention and express gratitude. A statement like this might be your place to start: “I am grateful to live my life on purpose and allow intention to reflect in the work I do.”

In addition to energizing within your office space, there is another way to affect your business. Pay attention to the front of your house and the Mouth of Chi. The entry to your home is in one of three Feng Shui life areas: Skills and Knowledge (what you know, how you learn), Career (what you do, how you serve), and Helpful People and Travel (mentors, staff, clients, etc.).

Welcome the flow of bountiful business in 2010 and beyond!

In gratitude and with an intention to serve.

Vikki Albers is the creator and owner of Feng Shui at Your Service, a Feng Shui consulting company based in Santa Rosa. She can be reached at 315-1629 or www.fengshuiatyourservice.com.