Feng Shui, which translates to “wind and water,” involves placing objects strategically within an environment in order to increase positive energy flow and bring harmony. It is founded upon the belief that your environment influences both your thoughts and actions.
Start by clearing away clutter to allow more free movement of energy within your home and then add colours and elements that correspond with different areas of life, using a Bagua map as your guide.
Feng Shui Basics
Feng Shui, which has its origins in Chinese culture and Taoism, seeks to promote balance and harmony within any space. In practice, Feng Shui emphasizes five elements from nature – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – each having corresponding colors and qualities which bring positive energy into a room.
Clearing away clutter should be your first priority in every room in your home. Remove items you no longer require or use and ensure there is enough room between furniture pieces for free movement.
Feng shui requires positioning of bed, desk, and stove in a commanding position that faces either the doorway or front of your house. Feng shui also emphasizes natural lighting in every room; soft lighting can help promote relaxation and restful sleep in your bedroom. Adding color is also key; each element can bring its own distinct energies; green-brown hues represent growth while fiery red hues indicate passion and transformation.
Colours
Starting out in Feng Shui can be challenging and can become very confusing quickly, which is why it’s essential to find a certified Feng Shui practitioner in your area to guide through the process of creating an aesthetically pleasing home environment.
Colors have long been associated with each of the five elements in Feng Shui – earth, fire, metal, water and wood. When displayed strategically they can strengthen each element’s energy.
Purple is a color that symbolizes wealth and royalty. It belongs to the Xun (Wealth) area on a bagua map and can boost self-worth; pink can bring softness and acceptance in relationships; while yellow represents power and stability when used as part of family communication and health and well-being programs in the kitchen. All colors contain both positive and negative energies; it is important that when selecting shades for your space that they balance each other properly.
Focal Points
Feng shui principles focus on harmonizing yin and yang energies to achieve equilibrium and harmony within your home environment. By including elements like fire, metal, water, and wood in your design you can create happy spaces that support physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.
If money and prosperity are the focus of your attention, add decor items that represent this area such as family photos or books to represent it. Or if health is your top concern, decorate using elements from earth such as decor with round or spherical shapes for maximum productivity and growth.
Always ensure your entrance is clear by clearing away any tripping hazards like lamps and end tables near the front door, such as large lamps. Being able to see who comes into your space is important, yet directly facing it makes you vulnerable and exposed. Arranging furniture such as your bed, desk or stove diagonally from the door may help provide added protection while creating an exciting and vibrant space.
Symbols
Feng Shui symbols such as the Smiling Buddha represent peace, happiness and good luck; often placed at an entryway to encourage positive energy. He can help promote a positive outlook while soothing the mind.
Bamboo stands as a symbol of Feng Shui flexibility, resilience and growth. It is often used to amplify the wood element in homes – specifically in the east (family and health) and southeast (wealth) sectors of your home.
Birds are also symbolic in Feng Shui, particularly certain birds with special meaning. Cranes symbolize health and should be placed near the center of your home, while Mandarin ducks represent love; choosing symbols aligned with your goals ensures they become more than mere decorative pieces – they act as conduits of energy that reflect back to you aspirations and goals. A professional in Feng Shui can assist with finding the appropriate balance for any given space.