Feng shui, which translates as wind-water, is the ancient Chinese art of positioning everything from objects to communities to maximize Chi, or universal energy. This includes the energy found within our bodies as well as the interiors and exteriors of buildings. According to feng shui expert, Rodika Tchi, [Chi][1] is manifested in yin yang characteristics, or the idea that our universe is made up of two opposing yet deeply interconnected forces of Yin and Yang. It is important to identify sources of imbalance and create once again the right amount for those that occupy a particular space and also for the space’s original purpose. For example, a bedroom should be a place of rest and not of entertainment – at least not of electronic entertainment anyway – and there are specific feng shui guidelines you can follow to ensure this. **But what’s the point?** The point is much simpler than it sounds and much deeper than interior decorating trends imply. Some of us invite bad energy into our lives, stress and tension for example, without even knowing it. **By incorporating good feng shui into the way we organize and design, we activate clear, strong, and positive energies in our homes, businesses, and well-being. It’s not about magic or religion; it’s about intention.** For those of you who are curious or just beginning, I recommend starting slow. If you skip ahead to more complex levels, you may get frustrated, which isn’t very ‘feng shui,’ is it? Listed below are some of the basics. Keep in mind that because feng shui is a very personalized practice, not all of these may apply to you. [1]: http://fengshui.about.com/od/glossaryofterms/g/chi.htmThis sounds like common sense, but so many of us have yet to apply it. Though it may take some time and energy to clear whatever clutter you might have, you can save more of both in the long run by taking the initiative now. You can sort your clutter by using a three box system. Box #1: Things you need Box #2: Things you don’t need Box #3: To be determined After sorting your items, designate a purposeful place for the things you will keep and donate or toss whatever you don’t. Energy will flow freely after you’ve completed this process.
If your front door opens up to a wall, hang a photograph or painting of a pathway. This will extend the limits of the house.
Toshi Kasai, a feng shui consultant and architect, recommends placing your bed diagonally opposite the door as pictured. It’s important to avoid pointing your feet directly the entrance. In Chinese tradition, the dead are carried out feet first from the bedroom. Others find this reason outdated but still consider this placement bad due to the unsettling rush of incoming energy at the door. You should create a nourishing, relaxing, and sensual energy in the bedroom, according to Tchi.
According to R.D. Chin, feng shui master and architect, you should place your desk in an empowered position, a place where you can see the entrance from where you are sitting. This enables you to see and think more clearly. Do try to avoid facing a wall as this can stump your creativity and ability to concentrate.
Black stoves are bad feng shui because black represents water. You want to retain the element of fire on your stove. To do this, place a red tea kettle on the top of your stove.
If your sink is opposite the stove, place a green piece of paper in your sink cabinet to diffuse the energy from the water toward the stove. Some people choose to purchase decorative and expensive cures, but there are many perfectly good and inexpensive ways like this one to counteract bad energy and blockages.
According to feng shui author Erica Sofrina, crystal balls are considered to be ‘feng shui aspirin’ due to their potential to cure parts of the home that may be out of balance. Placement of crystal balls around the home will depend on its bagua, or feng shui energy map. However, one common location is by your window as long as there is no clutter there. With help from the sun’s rays, the crystal ball can spread positive energy throughout the home.
Indoor plants are good feng shui for homes and offices. My partner and I were gifted a rubber tree, like the one pictured here, to place in our apartment. Rubber plants are wonderful because they are hardy, meaning they survive with minimal care. They also improve indoor air quality and are considered to be auspicious for abundance due to their round leaves. Other great air purifying plants include: Areca Palm, Bamboo Palm, Boston Fern, Dracaena Janet Craig, Dwarf Date Palm, English Ivy, Ficus Alii, Lady Palm, and Peace Lily.
In traditional Chinese culture, money is associated with water, which we flush down the toilet every day. To cure this, place flowers or a small bowl of pebbles over the toilet cistern and keep the bathroom door shut. Some Western feng shui experts believe that you can keep your bathroom door open if drains are regularly cleaned, among other things.
Crystals, no matter how small, are good feng shui because they bring specific, positive vibrations to any given space. Different crystals have different healing energies so make sure to do your research, cleanse whenever necessary, and put your intentions into the stones before placing them around the house or office. In my own home, I use black tourmaline for its strong protective energy.
Make sure that the items in your home reflect who you are now and not the person you used to be. If you don’t do this, you may find yourself being pulled downwards. Remember, if it doesn’t inspire you, get rid of it!
