Feng Shui Your Home / Tips and Tricks
Feng Shui Your Home / Tips and Tricks
For starting the new year in a mindful and good energy space, here are some feng shui tips and tricks for your home.
What is feng shui?
Feng Shui (literal translation: "wind water") is a traditional Chinese worldview regarding the art of spatial alignment and orientation, and the relationship between humans and their environment. Feng Shui is known to be associated with health, good luck, and prosperity.
- Place your bed, desk, and stove in a command position.
One of the most effective and fundamental principles in feng shui is called the "commanding position," and it basically means that certain objects should be facing the entry door.
The most important objects to place in the command position are the bed, desk and stove.
The main door to the room or space is called the "mouth of chi," and it's thought to be the portal through which energy comes into your home and life. When you are cooking at the stove (or sleeping in bed, or sitting at a desk in your office), it's best if you can see the door but not be directly in line with it. It's best to be diagonal from the door, while still facing it.
Although, this is not always possible, you can make adjustments like placing a mirror such that you can see the door in the reflection while cooking at the stove (or sleeping in bed or sitting at your desk).
- Pay special attention to your entryway.
Your entry and front door represent the way you face the outside. It's how the world see you, like a first impression, so be sure to keep the area clean and clutter free.
This does not mean the entry must be completely empty; rather it's about keeping only what you need there. So, if it's winter, it makes sense to hang your scarf, hat, and coat.
The interior and exterior entry should also be well lit, and the door number should be clean, hung straight and easily visible.
In addition, a nice black rectangular welcome mat to attract good energy.
- Pay special attention to your bed.
We spend many hours sleeping in our beds, so the feng shui of our bedrooms is of the utmost importance.
First, it's recommended putting your bed in the "commanding position" so it's facing the door to your room. You don't want the door to be behind where you sleep, as this is thought to create subconscious stress and uncertainty as you snooze. If possible, there should be at least 2 feet of walking space on the left and right side of the bed, with the headboard against the wall. A solid headboard without bars or holes, fastened securely to the bed, creates stability and harmony.
It's also important to have space available on both sides of the bed. This means that you've made space for your partner (or future partner). Nobody likes to sleep on the wall side! This allows for a nightstand on each side of the bed. The nightstands do not to have to match; however, it's better if they are similar in size.
Finally take some time to make your bed every morning and thank it for supporting you every night. It's a beautiful way to start your day with a little bit of order and peace. That energy can resonate throughout the whole day until your bed welcomes you back to sleep at night.
- Choose your colours based on the 5 elements.
The use of colour in feng shui relates to the five elements of earth, metal, water, wood and fire. The five elements are found in nature and are used to bring in energy to create balance. So, if there's an elemental energy that you require a bit more of, you can add that colour to your space with paint, accessories or even clothing.
- Earth Element: If you are lacking self-care and stability, add more of the earth element. The colours for earth include earthy tones of yellow, orange and brown. A dark brown wood headboard can be used to ground your relationship.
- Metal Element: The metal element (greys, whites, off-whites and metallic tones) can provide more clarity and precision, and a silver metal frame for your vision board can help direct and expedite your goals.
- Water Element: If you'd like to invite more flow or wisdom into your spaces, accents of black call upon the element of water. Try sitting in a black or dark blue chair when you study.
- Wood Element: Wood energy can help to kick start new beginnings and bring life into a space, and teal pillows on your sofa can bring life to the party when you entertain.
- Fire Element: Finally, the red colour of fire energy is magnetizing and can illuminate you when you need more passion or recognition. My favourite way to bring in fire energy is with fresh red flowers.
Feng shui mistakes
- Block doors
Doors are super important in feng shui as they are portals for energy. Take a close look at each door in your home to see if there are any that cannot open a minimum of 90 degrees due to surrounding clutter of furniture.
When doors cannot open, it means that the positive energy coming into your life is being compressed and your full potential is not available to you. It also affects how you experience your life path (literally and metaphorically) and can leave you cramped and pinched rather than expansive and spacious.
Doors also represent your voice in the world, so a blocked door can mean that your voice cannot fully be heard or communicated.
- Leave out broken objects
Broken objects at home can become obstacles in your life and cause stress that holds you back. That broken doorbell that you keep meaning to repair may block you from receiving a visit from something or someone amazing. Dead or dying plants are also a no-no in feng shui.
- Overstuff your closets
Many of us have those "I'll fit into them someday" jeans from high school, but letting go of the clothing that we don't need will give our brains a cue to also let go of other unnecessary things (like harmful people or unnecessary stress).
When we have a full closet, we give the universe the message that our lives are complete and we don't need anything else. It's astounding what clearing a little space in your closet can do to invite magic into your life.
- Neglect any objects or areas
If there are areas or objects in your home that are collecting dust, it may symbolize areas of your life that are stagnant and ignored. If you don't need that object, maybe it's time to donate it. And if there's a room you haven't stepped foot in, maybe it's time to peek inside.
It can be as simple as taking the time to move things around to stir up some good energy.
- Let your windows get too dirty
In feng shui, windows represent the eyes of the inhabitants in the home. When we have dirty windows, we can't see the world around us clearly and can get caught up in our perceptions. Take some time to clean windows regularly and then see how much light and joy come into your life.
- Hang your artwork too low
Believe it or not, when someone has issues with sadness or low energy, often notice that their artwork, photographs, and mirrors are hung low on their walls. The low artwork can bring down your chi. It's also good to fasten frames in two places so the art isn't crooked.
- Store things under your bed
Many of us could use extra storage, but under the bed is not the place for it! In feng shui, it's best to have the air flowing all around you while you're sleeping, so it's a big no-no to have objects under the bed - especially sharp, dangerous items.
Other items to watch out for are shoes, books, or anything associated with very active energy. If you have mementos from past relationship stored under there, it may mean that relationship is holding you back. If you must store something under the bed, make it something soft, like extra lines and pillows.
You might be surprised by how much these simple feng shui tweaks and tricks can help you achieve a more mindful home that allows you to slow down and notice the beauty of the present moment.