Time for Us to Feng Shui
Approximate average reading time is 5 minutes.
In its most literal translation feng shui means “wind and water.” Conceptually, feng shui, which dates from 3000 years ago in China, means to bring man and his environment into balance. It’s about making a house, a comfortable and supportive home where the energy flows freely and smoothly. According to Eastern philosophy, where the energy flows gently through the house, the occupants will feel positive and happy.
Who doesn’t want harmonious surroundings? An oasis in our lives that calms and embraces our spirit, a place that allows us to recharge for hectic days. By following a few simple principles, I pose that it’s time for us to feng shui.
First, clean and declutter. It’s spring, and for many of us that means time for spring cleaning. Space clearing or decluttering is an important principle of feng shui. Clean the dust from the corners and remove those things that no longer truly serve. For me, that means cleaning my closets, taking a closer look at that pile of books that seems to have grown beside my bookcase and nightstands, second thinking the kitchen gadgets that seemed so useful but really weren’t or that I no longer use. Repair what is broken. If it can’t be fixed, let it go. Let go of dead or dying plants. Spiritually, emotionally there is benefit in simply “letting go,” and you may find yourself feeling lighter as a result.
Give some special attention to the main entryway to your home. Think of doors as entry portals of positive energy. Is the entrance way to your home clean and free of clutter? That doesn’t mean empty. It means well-kept and well maintained. Is it welcoming to all who enter? Step outside and clean the door and its windows. Sweep away the webs that collect in the corners outside the front door, sweep the porch, the sidewalk and shake out the welcome mat. Let the sun and all that positive energy flow into your home. If you have a mirror directly opposite your front door, you may want to consider repositioning it. You don’t want to inadvertently reflect out some of the positive energy flowing into your home.
Take a look at the bedroom. Like the entrance to your home, feng shui considers the bedroom one of the most important rooms in a home. Afterall, you literally spend hours every day in it—nearly a third of your life in it. Good feng shui would suggest that the bed be positioned in a command position, ideally, facing the door or, even better, facing but slightly offset from the door. It should not be on the same wall as the door and, it should not be under a window. The bed should have a sturdy headboard with side tables on both sides to lend balance and there should be space between both sides of the bed and the walls. Ideally, there should be nothing under the bed. Most important: no electro-stresses. None. No television. No laptop. No iPad. No iPhone. Areas of work and rest should be separate. The bedroom should be a restful place of dreams and serenity.
We are a modern, technological society. Far removed from those who lived thousands of years ago. In some ways over time, we’ve become distanced from the natural world. The Ancients regarded the heavens, the earth, and themselves part of one system. Modern sciences, which we have become so dependent upon, developed and advanced in isolation of one another. Feng shui challenges us to expand our awareness of the world and the cosmos and to rediscover the balances necessary for our wellbeing. Feng shui allows us to use our intuition to bring order to our lives and exist in harmony with each other and with the natural world.
In a balanced home environment, the five elements of feng shui (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) are all represented. If one is missing, the environment is deemed out of balance. If one is dominant over all others, again the environment is deemed to be out of balance.
Wood. Symbolizes spring, growth, and plant life. Wood is supple and pliable and yet sturdy as an oak. Wood energy is nurturing. Think trees, plants, wooden furniture, decking, paper, green colors, columns and columnar shapes, landscape pictures.
Fire. Symbolizes summer, light, warmth, happiness. Fire’s positive energy stands for honor and fairness. Think of sun symbols, triangular shapes, lamps, candles, red colors, and man-made materials.
Earth. Symbolizes a stable environment where seeds can grow. Earth’s positive energy stands for fairness, wisdom, instinct. Think square shapes, clay, brick, terracotta, cement, stone, yellow, orange, and brown colors.
Metal. Symbolizes autumn and strength. Metal’s positive energy stands for communication, brilliant ideas, and justice. Think all types of metals, round shapes, coins, clocks, and white, grey, silver and gold colors.
Water. Symbolizes winter and water itself—it touches everything. It suggests inner self, art, and beauty. Its positive energy represents understanding. Think mirrors, glass, meandering patterns, fountains, water pictures, the colors of blue and black.
Take a look at your home overall. Are all the elements represented? Do they seem to be in balance? Don’t rush to redecorate. Feng shui isn’t about rushing to re-do. Incorporate changes slowly and thoughtfully. Allow yourself time to feel the shifts in energy as you make changes. Perhaps, in the end, feng shui is about mindfulness and creating a space that reflects the positive energies and harmonizing beauty all around you. Breathe deeply and enjoy.
