If you are looking to connect with the natural world and channel its energy, Feng Shui is worth a try. Feng Shui is a traditional Chinese practice that can be applied to create harmony and balance in your home. I have compiled some practices to help you make your home your sanctuary.
The entrance of the home is called the Mouth of Chi. The entrance is important because it determines the energy for the rest of the residence. The key is to have a well-lit entryway that welcomes occupants into the home. The entrance is like the face of the company, you want to exhibit positivity and maintain that throughout the home.
With Feng Shui, furniture is strategically placed. You may have followed this principle instinctually in the past. The commanding position is located diagonally across from the door, allowing you to see the door without being directly in front of it. It is the farthest point from the door that still meets the requirements above. It is best to have a wall behind you as well. We naturally feel more at ease when we have the security of a wall behind us and a visual of what is entering the room. The bed, stove, and desk are examples of furniture that should be placed in the commanding position.
The Bagua Map refers to eight critical aspects of life including wealth, partnership, fame, family, Tai Chi, children, knowledge, career, and helpful people. When designing your home choose three Bagua you want to focus on. You can choose a room for each Bagua and make design decisions from there. Particular shapes, colors, seasons, numbers, and elements are in tune with each Bagua. For example, maybe you want to focus on family or Zhen in the living room. You can achieve this by incorporating green, blue, or teal colors. A wooden coffee table would also bring in the element that is linked with the family Bagua.
Feng Shui utilizes the five elements: fire, earth, metal, wood, and water for balance. Harnessing the five elements in your home is similar to the Bagua Map. You are encouraged to choose about three areas that you want to hone in on. Say you chose helpful people or children as a Bagua. Metal is the element that goes hand and hand with those. The qualities of metal are efficiency, precision, and beauty. You can embody this with circular mirrors or other metallic objects.
Energy flows, so it is important to avoid blockages. Imagine yourself as Chi and walk through your home. If you sense a disruption in the flow at any point, you can address those areas. To provide a clear path for energy, remove any excess clutter, choose furniture with rounded corners, and arrange it in a way that keeps the room open.
Plants are an extension of nature that you can bring inside to foster your energy. Choose plants with soft edges and no sharp points to ensure that you are not introducing a poison arrow into your space. Plants also embody the element of wood which is associated with qualities of vitality, expansion, and upwardness.
Overall, a positive environment fills all aspects of your life with positivity. Feng Shui has been practiced for thousands of years, helping people reach balance and harmony with the world around them. Try these tips and find your peace in your new home!