Feng Shui (pronounced "fung shway") is the ancient Chinese art of placement. The goal of Feng Shui is to achieve harmony, comfort and balance, first in one's environment and then in one's life.
Feng Shui translates literally to "wind-water," the two mediums where life exists.
Feng Shui is used to create a living space in harmony with nature. Careful orientation of furniture can attract good karma or repel bad. While there is considerable skepticism about the validity of Feng Shui, the goals of harmony, comfort and balance are certainly those that to which every HOA should aspire. However, in the legalistic environment that haunt many HOAs, these goals may seem far away.
Many HOAs live under "The Rules." Whether spelled out in the governing documents or concocted by an ill or well meaning board, The Rules are there to establish lines which should not be crossed. Those that espouse the need for The Rules often believe they are ironclad and black and white. When it comes time to smite a rule breaker, there is no mercy.
There are various reactions to The Rules:
To some HOA residents, The Rules have little relevancy because they state the obvious: don't bug your neighbors or let your kids or pets run wild.
Others ignore The Rules because they don't apply (I don't have a dog, jet ski, RV or like to play loud music).
Others don't like rules in any form, so violating The Rules is a crusade. (You can't tell ME what to do!).
Then there are those that go about living the way they do, violating The Rules as they go, because [shouting], "It's my God given right as an American to enjoy my property any way I want to, Amen!"
But after all is said and done, the vast majority of HOA residents just want to live in harmony. Most have learned basic give and take behavior when very young and need little instruction as adult.
Those that didn't learn then are slow to change if they change at all. Thus, the sticking point really is what to do with scofflaws which represent a tiny percentage of the whole.
Feng Shui instructs how to harness the mystical powers of nature. One aspect of Feng Shui that drives skeptics to distraction is that the same end can be achieved by different means. The same furniture arranged in different patterns can produce the same harmonious results.
In the same fashion, little used techniques by HOA boards are mediation, accommodation and compromise. The world is not black and white and neither is an HOA. The board actually has the latitude to make deals when it makes sense to do so. An example of this would be a resident that parks a junk car in his driveway which is in direct violation of the HOA's rules.
The board could do battle with this character and spend endless emotional and HOA capital to win the battle. But win, lose or draw, the guy is still a jerk and likely to engage the board on another battlefield on another day. You just can't win with some people. So, the board can just choose not to play and spend its time dealing with those that are more receptive. The board doesn't need to win every battle. Concession can be the greater part of honor.
With a situation like this, it's in the HOA's best interest not to fight. As the saying goes, "Never wrestle with a pig. You both get dirty and the pig likes it." Let the record state: "The board informed the resident of the rule violation repeatedly, mediation was rejected and the board decided that compromise was in the best interest of the HOA."
So take the Feng Shui approach. Rather than putting up rule barriers that attract challenge, craft "harmonious living philosophies" that attract compliance. Most want to live in peace, so craft an environment where harmony can thrive. Then, simply deal with the occasional tough case. Even Feng Shui homes occasionally have to take the trash out, just not every day. Go you and do likewise.
For more on how harmonizing an HOA , see Regenesis.net
