GAIN POSITIVE ENERGY IN YOUR SPACE

The philosophy of feng shui is a practice of looking at our living spaces and working environment and striking a balance with the natural world. The Chinese words "feng" and "shui" translate to mean “wind” and “water," respectively. This concept derived from an ancient poem that talks about human life being connected and flowing with the environment around it.

In Asian culture, this philosophy is called the Tao, which translates to mean “the way." Taoism is the way of nature and all the basic principles of feng shui reflect nature. The practice of feng shui is deeply steeped in mindfulness, in slowing down and noticing the details in your life so that you can truly experience the present moment. The words "feng shui" are Chinese and translate to "wind" and "water." Wind is our breath, and humans are almost 60 percent water. Wind and water are vital elements for life, as is feng shui!

Historically, feng shui has roots in Taoism and Buddhism. However, elements of feng shui are palpable in every culture across time. For instance, these days we can all feel the difference between a city apartment and a quiet cottage in the county and we understand that our surroundings greatly affect our energy.

By connecting with the spaces around us, we can begin to further relate to and celebrate our outer and inner worlds. Feng shui says that we are interconnected with everyone and everything is alive, that there can be magic in making your bed every morning, gazing out the window, or walking through a doorway.

Lasse Moller

These tweaks promote good feng shui in every room of the house

1. Pay special attention to your hallway.

In feng shui, your entry represents how energy enters your home and your life. We say the front door is the “mouth of qi.” Naturally, the entry is first place to start when you want to create good feng shui in your home. The hallway and front door to your home represent the way you face the outside. It’s how the world sees you, like a first impression. Be sure to keep the area clean and clutter-free. This does not mean the hallway 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 there. The interior and exterior entry should also be well lit (get some bright bulbs on a dimmer!). Lastly, be sure your door number is clean, hung straight, and easily visible. Auspicious opportunities need clear signage to find you! In addition, a nice black rectangular welcome mat to attract good energy.

2. "Activate" your front door.

While we’re in the hallway area, let’s activate your front door. The front door is literally and metaphorically how energy walks into your home. On an auspicious day like your birthday or a new moon, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (the most yang hours of the day), write a list of nine wishes for yourself using a newly purchased black pen on a sheet of red paper. Read your list out loud, and then with respect, mindfully sign the list. Carefully fold the sheet and place it in a red envelope. Securely position your intentions and aspirations above the front door, on the inside of your home. Now, every time you walk through your front door, you are invoking the energy of these wishes so they may manifest in your life.

Minh Pham

3. Place your bed, desk, and oven 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 oven. 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, 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. Understandably, this is not always possible, so you can make adjustments like placing a mirror such that you can see the door in the reflection while cooking, sleeping in bed, or sitting at your desk.

4. Balance out your bedroom.

In feng shui philosophy, your bedroom symbolises you and affects you the most. We spend many hours sleeping in our beds, so the feng shui of our bedrooms is of the utmost importance. Once you get the bed in the commanding position, 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 also allows for a nightstand on each side of the bed. The nightstands do not have to match; however, it’s better if they are similar in size. 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. 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 resonates throughout the whole day until your bed welcomes you back to sleep at night.

Minh Pham

5.Clean Your Windows

Windows symbolise the eyes of the adults in the home. For children, they symbolise their voice. To create good feng shui in your home, clean your windows on a regular basis. Clear, clean windows let in more sunlight. Sunlight naturally energies and wakes us up. Sunlight also vibrantly renders all of the colours and objects that we see. Therefore, our homes become more expansive, vibrant, and energetic when we let in more light. Clean windows metaphorically wake us up to see the world around us with the most colour, clarity, and precision. As a bonus, use non-toxic cleaners whenever possible. One of our favourites is a simple solution of white vinegar, water, and a few drops of essential oil.

6.Be Spacious

Clutter is often in the same sentence as feng shui, but we’d say that feng shui is less about de-cluttering and more about creating space. How do you make your life more spacious? Start with your home. Find a physical spot: a drawer, room, corner of the refrigerator, desk—the size doesn’t matter—and let go of what’s no longer necessary. When you let something go, you create open space to invite a new, fresh opportunity. And don’t beat yourself up if the space gets filled up. It’s how the universe works. Life is not static or solid, there is impermanence. We can joyfully dance with the waxing and waning of our humanity. Our open spaces get filled up, then emptied, then filled again. Always be open to a fresh start. Find a new (or the same) corner to release and create some space over and over again.

Minh Pham

7. Be mindful of COLOUR choice.

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.

If you're 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. 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. 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 energy can help to kick-start new beginnings and bring life energy into a space, and teal pillows on your sofa can bring life to the party when you entertain. Finally, the red colour of fire energy is magnetising and can illuminate you when you need more passion or recognition. A favourite way to bring in fire energy is with fresh red flowers.

Minh Pham

8.Plants Bring Life Energy

In feng shui, plants embody life energy. What does that mean? Well, living green house plants connect us to nature and bring vibrancy into our homes. Green plants are like fresh pressed organic green juice for our homes. Think freshness, health, and vitality. The most important thing to remember is to find plants that you can care for and are appropriate for the space. For example, take your lighting conditions into consideration.

9.Offer Gratitude

Last, but not least, offer thanks to your home. Feng shui is a shamanic tradition that believes everything is alive, including our spaces! The same life energy (qi) that animates you, also flows through your home. Your home is your shelter. Your home gives you a place to rest, nourish, celebrate, and so much more. Offering gratitude to your home is simple. Just speak to your home with a humble heart and say thank you.

Gabrielle Henderson