An anonymous reader (whose home I suspect has pretty good Feng Shui) writes: “I don’t understand Feng Shui. I can’t grab the concept of placing items in a certain order or arrangement to bring one peace of mind… I’m not into sparseness. I like things to be neat and in their place but I have things I enjoy seeing, and want them out and about…”

Another reader commiserates: “Like Anon, I don’t get the entire Feng Shui thing either. I am (too much so–ask my friends) organized, and I like my stuff where I put it and can get to it.”

Yep, both these guys are on track already. They don’t need to “know from” Baguan! Hey guys, count yourselves blessed! Someone who needs Feng Shui-ing is more likely to write: “I am despairing with the chaotic state of my basement…” Or “My bedroom is not a peaceful place to sleep in. I’ve got papers stacked high that I can’t file.”

Those who need Feng Shui, are generally among those drawn to it. They know that their mess can influence their mindset.

There are theories of the Feng Shui universe that I basically disagree with, as a writer who loves books and lives with many open shelves of book cases. Yes, they lend a chaotic countenance to my living space. But they represent the thoughts of people I admire and want close to me. Forgive me for accepting myself as a chattering mind in the company of many news sources and opinions.

Feng Shui practicioners recommend placing curtains over all standing book cases. I know a friend who had eggshell-colored canvas covers made for her eight-foot-high bookcases, and when the bookcase drapes are down, the room does seem calmer. But I like my books to shout “Hey, look at me.” So I bow to Feng Shui’s aspirations to greater simplicity, but I go my own way.