Feng shui to bring balance to Montrose

Erica Lewis Kennedy

Daily Press Writer

MONTROSE — Looking for a little inner-peace or spatial harmony?

Perhaps local feng shui enthusiasts Pat Allin and Belynda Prehn could lend a helping hand.

Feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of geomancy to create environmental harmony, has been practiced for hundreds of years but has gained popularity in the United States in the last few decades.

Pat Allin

Pat Allin moved to Montrose eight years ago. Prior to living on the western slope, she had lived in Germany and all over the United States. Allin graduated from design school in Denver, where she studied interior design. She first became interested in feng shui after reading an article about author Sarah Rossbach in The New York Times. Rossbach, a noted author and feng shui consultant, has studied the art for many years.

“I have only read several books on the subject,” Allin said. “I do not go out consulting but if someone has questions then I can help them incorporate feng shui into other design consultations.” She has written several articles on interior design over the years.

“I have always cared about design even since I was 12-years-old,” she said. “My grandparents lived in Japan and they would send us back things. I have always been fascinated in what people surround themselves with. I am interested in the every day lives of people and why they chose the things they do.”

She is quite conscious of her surroundings and diligent of her incorporation of rugs into her home.

“My living room is very eclectic,” Allin said. “I collect tribal oriental rugs. I like the tribal rugs more than the workshop rugs. I have rugs everywhere. There are rugs on the wall, rugs on the floor, I even have one on the back of the sofa.”

Witnessing a multitude of design standards throughout the world, she said that living in Germany is quite different than America.

“In Germany, their construction is stone on stone. Everything is very solid,” she said. “We do not build things as permanently as they do. Germans have a very different attitude about their homes and they rarely move.”

It’s this type of difference that fascinates Allin. When she lived in Denver she did a lot of consulting for commercial businesses with regard to personal workspace. Many people think feng shui philosophies relate to barren surrounds punctuated with Asian artifacts. However, the practice relates more to striking a balance and comfort for you, she said.

“I think a lot about houses and how people live in them,” she said. “I think about the affordability of housing and I am one of those people who would love to save the world by design.”

Her dream home would be a cozy bungalow detailed with fine craftsmanship and filled with storage space for books and music and comfy chairs.

Belynda Prehn

Belynda Prehn moved to Montrose 18 months ago from Littleton. She retired to the area after working as a flight attendant for 33 years.

Prehn earned a degree in journalism from Ft. Lewis College. After working for the Durango Herald and Denver Post, she said she realized the print world was not for her. She wanted to see the world and embarked on a new career, flying the friendly skies.

During her airline tenure, she worked several years on the Asian flight routes and had the opportunity to learn a lot about the Chinese and Japanese cultures. It was during these travels that her interest in feng shui really bloomed.

“The homes in China are just so completely different than ours,” Prehn said. “Their homes are fascinating. They are very simple and they do not collect stuff like we do. Chinese homes are so small and many live in high rises. It’s just amazing.” She said they do not have the contemporary comforts to which Americans are accustomed. Most homes do not have freezers, washing machines or air conditioning.

Prehn said her own home has always been a project for her and she loves trying to make it as comfortable as possible.

“I love to ski, hike, play golf and be outdoors,” she said. “I just love being outside and to me you need to bring the outside into your home.”

Her new home has plenty of windows, which allow the views of Mt. Sneffles to pour into the living room. Bright accent colors were used among more neutral colors and knick-knacks are non-existent.

“I am always trying to keep the clutter down,” she said with a chuckle. “I love to look at people’s stuff and see what they do. Everyone has their own way of living. There is no right or wrong way to live. Feng shui just teaches us all how bring a little more peace and harmony into the home.”

In addition to her first-hand experience in Asian cultures, Prehn has also read several feng shui books and incorporated the philosophies into her own lifestyle. She and her sister, an artist, have practiced the theories of feng shui for years in both their homes and their gardens, she said.

Despite her hundreds of travel experiences she does enjoy staying home more now and worked to create a home she and her husband both find comfortable.

“The world has so much to teach us,” Prehn said. “But, it is so nice to smell my own pillow every night.”

The Workshop

Those interested in gaining some first hand knowledge can register for a workshop being offered by Allin and Prehn on Feb. 22. For more information, call 249-7047.

“Pat and I are always talking about feng shui (they work together at Asian Antiques and Designs) and we thought it would be fun to have a workshop,” Prehn said. “We thought it would be kind of fun to just give people the tip of the iceberg.”

Allin said the workshop will cover the history of feng shui, how the practice came to America and how one can be in harmony with his or her surroundings.

“By improving your surroundings you improve your life,” she said.