State Assemblyman, Leland Y. Yee

A Rugged Elegance Inspiration Network Exclusive by Jennifer King

Biotechnology is a respected science in the United States because the FDA requires approval before a drug is brought to market. The art and science of Feng Shui has been in existence for 4,000 years. However, it does not have the West's stamp of approval much like the life sciences industry has achieved. That may change, thanks to San Francisco State Assemblyman, Leland Y. Yee.

Mr. Yee is a Chinese immigrant who wants to influence city planners to consider a building's energy flow, in addition to its flow of electricity and water. We all could use better balance in our lives. If Yee proposes that the California Building Standards Commission adopt standards that would rely on feng shui to create a state of harmony in the building, which effects its workers, and the flow of positive energy, known as chi, throughout the entire city of San Francisco.

However, before reaching the full Assembly for approval, Yee's motion must first pass the committee.

"The structure of a building can affect a person’s mood which can influence a person’s behaviour, which, in turn, can determine the success of a person’s personal and professional relationships," the proposal states.

The ancient art is already popular in California, where developers often consult with feng shui experts. "When we were growing BioSpace and preparing to move into our own building at 11th and Howard we hired Feng Shui expert, Steven Post," said co-founder, Timothy Fredel.

"Mr. Post, who is the first American teacher of Feng Shui helped us select the exterior and interior colors of our building. He helped us appropriately place our offices and our desks. We also went through a formal ceremony with him to clean out "Hungry Ghosts" from past tenants, and to bless each person employed at our company, at the time." "Likewise, when we moved into our own home in 2001, we hired Mr. Post to go through a similar ceremony with us which included throwing blessings to BioSpace from our rooftop."

"While Jennifer and I have moved on to now build Rugged Elegance," Fredel added, "we are proud that BioSpace remains the leading portal for the life sciences industry, and an enterprise software company has spawned from our roots."

"The concept of feng shui is a simple one – to improve your life by improving your relationship to the environment around you," said Mr Yee, who is also a child psychologist.

"Feng shui is an earth science that examines mathematics, physics, geology, astronomy, and architecture, among other sciences."

Mr Yee, who left China at the age of three, added: "It employs the concepts of balance and harmony, and incorporates natural elements to enhance health, wellbeing and prosperity."

"The structure of a building can affect a person's mood," the measure says, "which can influence a person's behavior, which, in turn, can determine the success of a person's personal and professional relationships."

Mr. Yee said: "We need to allow the expression of one's culture. That's why people come to California."

California's $14 billion budget deficit could benefit from the promotion of health, harmony and prosperity through thoughtful Feng Shui practices.

We look forward to following the development of this inspirational plan.

Related Articles:

KGO - ABC7News.com

New York Times

The Washington Times

Feng Shui Experts in San Francisco:

Steven Post, Geomancy/Feng Shui Education Organization, 415.753.6408

Dr. Angela Wu, founder and head practitioner at Wu's Healing Center in San Francisco's Richmond District.

If you are inspired by Yee's efforts please comment below or write him directly at:
Assemblymember.Yee@assembly.ca.gov