Let's face it, cubicles are a way of life for those who work in the halls of corporate America. While some people enjoy the denlike security of working in a small space, others wish for a workspace all their own, a place in which they can work uninterrupted on a project, and even kick the door shut for a conference or two. Of course the reality is that there are often too many workers sharing too small a space, leading to the necessary construction of cubicles.

“Cubes” don't have to be confining spaces, however, especially in terms of creativity. It's all in how you approach your surroundings, and the quality of the intention behind your décor. So many cubicles are left stark by inhabitants who have never gone beyond hanging a memo on the wall, let alone given thought to placing a plant, a mirror, or anything that employs the principles of feng shui. Don't be bland; show some life and know that when you “claim” a space, you can improve your work attitude, which could also have the added bonus of helping you keep your job or even be promoted later on. Here are some tips for surviving life in the cubes:

Watch Your Back …

Always be sure you can see who is coming up behind you. Unfortunately, most cubicles are designed in the weakest feng shui position there is, forcing your back to its entrance. So, you'll need to devise a way for yourself to keep from being surprised. You may be interested in the Dilbert mirror that attaches to a computer and says: “Warning–Objects in the Mirror May Appear More Annoying Than They Are!” (It's okay to have a sense of humor in feng shui, you know!)

You will want to place a small mirror at an angle that will allow you to see behind you. An eye on your entrance keeps you from feeling vulnerable to potential backstabbers or even well-meaning people who could otherwise make you jump out of your chair by seeming to sneak up on you.

… And the Door

Make sure that you can always see an entrance. If you can't see one from where you sit, suggest to the office manager that they purchase a mirror to position on the nearest corner wall, so that everyone can see who's coming into an office and who's leaving. Such an addition is not only good feng shui, but it's becoming increasingly necessary in these days of heightened office security due to the unfortunate risk of workplace violence.

Protective Walls

If you are in direct line with a door, create a barrier. Being in the “line of fire,” so to speak, will keep you always on the defensive. The lack of privacy is bound to make you feel like you're always being watched. You could do something as simple as placing a plant near the entrance of your cubicle, or even perhaps create a small screen using drapery or beads. Of course, you'll need to comply with office policy here, but there are ways around every negative situation using the Black Hat Sect of feng shui. Be solution minded! (Note: If you have a particularly nosy boss, hang a piece of stained glass with an all-seeing eye on it–your boss will get the message then for sure!)

Cubicles don't need to be oppressive, uncreative workspaces. Although they can present design and décor challenges, from a feng shui standpoint, there is nothing that cannot be corrected using cures such as small aquariums, plants, or even hanging crystals. Be sure to update your surroundings when anything about your job or the company changes (like your title due to a promotion or a new company name as a result of a merger). Do a space clearing each time!