A Look at How to Feng Shui your Home
So, I have never actually tried Feng Shui before or even considered it really but with the new apartment, all freshly painted and what not, I thought why not consider the art of Feng Shui now for our new home.
So, What is Feng Shui?
In it's simplest definition, Feng Shui is an ancient art and science developed over 3,000 years ago in China (source). It is an art and science that essentially shows you how to balance the energies of your home to assure the good health and fortune for the people inhabiting it.
Feng means wind and shui means water. In Chinese culture wind and water are associated with good health, therefore good feng shui will bring good fortune and health (source).
"Feng Shui is based on the Taoist idea that the land is alive and filled with Chi (energy) and understanding of nature Chi, or energy. The ancient Chinese believed that the land's energy could either make or break the kingdom, so to speak. The theories of yin and yang, as well as the five feng shui elements, are some of the basic aspects of a feng shui analysis that come from Taoism" (source).
Honestly, it gets way more complicated and detailed then that but who has time for that. I am just looking for the basics, the Feng Shui for dummies, i.e. where do I put my bed or what colours do I paint the walls, etc. etc.
Honestly, it gets way more complicated and detailed then that but who has time for that. I am just looking for the basics, the Feng Shui for dummies, i.e. where do I put my bed or what colours do I paint the walls, etc. etc.
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| Image Source - I WISH this was my bedroom! |
Let's Simplify this Shall we ...
In Feng shui the focuses seems to be on using the five elements: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal to synchronize and harmonize areas of the home for maximum benefits (source).
In regards to decorating the home, The Spiritual Feng Shui website lays everything out very nicely for me. So here are some tips I got to Feng Shui your home:
The Main Entrance
- Keep it cluster free
- Clean at all times
- Add a Fountain or small plants along the path to the house (water & earth)
- Pathways to the house lit at night (fire)
- Flowers at the entrance are a nice welcome (earth)
The Living Room
- No furniture with sharp bends or corners
- Try not to have too many knick knack objects or decorative items
- No paintings that represent loneliness, violence fear or solitude
- Don't have too many metal appliances, remotes or wires visible - keep them hidden (metal)
- Good to have a warm fireplace (fire)
- No fireplace? Add a warm earthy shade rug to the floor, votive candles and a few good books to the room; they also suggest a fountain (water, earth & fire)
- Have warm lighting, not too bright
- Have cushions that synchronize with the wall colour and curtains
The Kitchen
- Kitchen burners should be so placed so that the kitchen door is visible when you are cooking
- More burners and shiny tea kettle kept on burner, brings health happiness and longevity (metal)
- Keep clutter free, ingredients organized and shut in containers
- Do not keep sharp elements like knives in public view
- I love this one: Taps in the kitchen should not drip as it is said that wealth will flow away! (water)
The Dining Room
- Tabletops made of wood (wood)
- Green is the ideal colour of the dining room
- Food is best served in round or oval plates without sharp edges
- Do not keep many things on the table top
- Chairs are comfortable and roomy
The Bed room
- Ideally located at the back of the house
- Place your bed in a way so that you can see the door to the room
- No mirrors to see yourself sleep
- One book you are reading nearing the bedside
- Keep tidy, clothes neat and folded
- Do not stack things under the bed
The Bathroom
- Keep bathroom clean
- Add candles, bamboo luck pots or aroma oils for a nice ambiance (wood & fire)
- Toilet seat closed and bins shut
- Drains covered when not in use
So, now that I have done some research on Feng Shui I have, so far, learned two things: A - I could have written the book on Feng shui seeing as I am already doing about 92% of what is listed here and B - I want to learn more!