Feng shui is the ancient Chinese philosophical system of harmonizing structures with the surrounding “invisible forces” that bind the universe, earth, and humanity together. This is known as qi.
While embracing an ancient Chinese art might seem daunting to the average Canadian, getting started with feng shui is a fairly simple process. This ancient art can help you in times of great transition or change, as well as to create a more harmonious and healthy home. Here are a few steps you can take to start letting the energy flow.
1. De-clutter and let the light shine in.
Look around your home and ask yourself if you really need all the stuff you have. Be ruthless. Give away or sell anything that you do not absolutely love. De-clutter every room of your home, including closets, drawers and your garage if you have one. Ask your the rest of your family to do the same. Small space, pared down living is a thing now, and for a reason.
Throw open your windows and sweep out every corner of every room. Get rid of any heavy, dusty curtains you might have and let pure air and light flow in. It does the soul good to lighten up.
2. Define the energy map of your home.
Feng shui bagua (also known as Pakua or Ba-Gua) is the feng shui energy map of any space. To create good energy in your home or office, define the feng shui bagua of your space and balance its feng shui energies accordingly. (c) Rodika Tchi
In feng shui, each area of your home corresponds to an area of your life. Map out your bagua areas in order to ensure you have the correct natural elements in place to circulate healing energy. For example, if you are having money issues, focus your efforts on the southeast corner.
3. The entrance to your home.
Photo via Pinterest
The entrance to your home is your personal gateway through which good energy, called Chi flows. In feng shui, entrances determine the overall fortune and happiness of a family. For example, a red door attracts good luck, whereas a black door attracts wealth.
The foyer of your home is a special place. The chi you welcome in your home is circulated through your foyer area, so make sure this area is free of clutter and is clean and organized. Avoid keeping items such as shoes on the floor and provide hooks or a closet to hang coats, hats and scarves. A comfortable bench or chair will make your space seem even more welcoming.
Photo Via Remodelaholic
Ensure that your foyer is well-lit with an overhead light or wall sconces. Energy may have a difficult time circulating into the rest of the house if your foyer has a wall that is facing your front door. Resist the impulse to place a mirror opposite the door, as this will only bounce the energy right out of your home. Instead, place a landscape facing the doorway to give the illusion of a view beyond the doorway, similar to the effect of a trompe l’oeil painting.
Mirrors are a great way to bring light into a foyer but make sure you place a mirror either side of the main doorway, at a height that reflects the light.
4. Kitchen.
Kitchen by Bellsmith Carpentry and Renovation
In feng shui, the kitchen is the heart of the home and is also the symbol of wealth and prosperity. Take good care of your kitchen and you’ll be taking the best possible care of your finances, career and the future prospects of your family.
As with all other areas of your home, ensure your kitchen is free of clutter. Move appliances off countertops, clean and organize your cupboards and pantry area. Ensure you have good lighting in the kitchen that helps you cook and is relaxing and flattering. Fix any issues with your stovetop or oven and ensure all appliances are in good working order.
If you are building a new kitchen, consider ensuring that your kitchen footprint is optimized for feng shui.
5. Master Bedroom.
Master Bedroom design by House of Jade Interiors
The master bedroom is one of the three most important areas of a home as it is the closest to your own personal energy. As such, your bedroom should be a place of tranquility and calm. Remove all
Perhaps one of the most important rules for master bedroom feng shui is to position your bed in the command position. In this position, you should be able to see the door from your bed, but your bed should never be placed directly in line with the door. This is referred to as the coffin position, and as the name infers, can cause health problems.
Your bed should have a solid headboard and be firmly attached to the bed. This will give you a sense of stability that will ground as you navigate personal and professional relationships. Make sure energy can flow around your bed by keeping the area underneath your bed free of clutter. Use luxurious, natural fabrics that give you a sense of well-being. Keep lighting around your bed soft and focused and do not position a light directly over your bed.
Televisions are a no-no in bedrooms as they distract from the core function of a bedroom, which is rest, rejuvenation and relaxation. If possible, remove anything from your bedroom which does not contribute to this function. Do not use your bedroom as an office. Clean up all clutter, including in your drawers and wardrobes. Use soft, natural tones on the walls and keep artwork beautiful and inspirational.
These basics should get you going with making your home a sanctuary where you and your family find peace and rejuvenation.
