The art of feng shui originated in China more than 3,000 years ago. While an ancient philosophy, it works exceedingly well in modern life. The premise is simple – when you spend time in spaces that make you feel comfortable and at ease, your outlook is typically more optimistic.
Feng shui is not just an ancient philosophy, but a practical tool that helps you focus on the energy or chi in your environment. When incorporated into home design, it creates balance, flow, and beauty, all of which enhance your and your family’s comfort, safety, and overall sense of ease.
The Key Principles
The following four components provide a framework for creating harmonious living spaces:
Chi, or life force, is a fundamental concept in feng shui. It is believed to flow through everything – from spaces to people to objects. Feng shui practitioners use several tools and techniques to enhance the flow of chi, as it’s thought to bring positive energy and harmony to a space.
The bagua map is a key tool in feng shui. When laid over a blueprint of your home, it helps practitioners understand how to optimize the different aspects of life, including health, wealth, career, and relationships. Each section of the map corresponds to a specific area of life, and by focusing on these areas, you can create a more balanced and harmonious living space.
The five elements – wood, fire, earth, metal, and water – are associated with certain qualities, colors, and shapes. When balanced in a room, they create the perfect recipe for a cozy yet energized space. This balance and harmony can bring peace and tranquility to your home.
Yin and Yang characterize complementary yet opposing forces that create wholeness when balanced. Yin embodies darker, feminine, and smaller qualities, while Yang represents lighter, masculine, and larger aspects of your home.
Feng Shui Tips
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Declutter: This is always the first step! Get rid of broken or unwanted items and organize your closets and belongings. Think of it as giving your home's energy room to dance.
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Fix broken things: Replace burnt-out bulbs, fix squeaky doors, and repair or remove items that no longer work. Broken or damaged items bring your home’s energy down.
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Beautify your entrance: This is where abundance and positive energy enter your home. Make sure your front door opens easily, and your entryway is welcoming and clutter-free.
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Bring nature in: Live plants, especially ones with rounder and softer leaves (such as the money plant), nourish and bring beauty and serenity to your space.
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Avoid sharp angles: Choose flowing, curved lines over harsh angles in furniture where you can, as sharp corners are believed to create negative energy.
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Incorporate the elements: A mix of wood, fire, earth, metal, and water in each room is one of the most effective ways to create balance in your home.
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Minimize technology: When possible, store electronics out of sight and keep cords tidy.
Unsure where to start? Pick one room or space that bothers you the most and dive in. Be open to new ideas, but ultimately, do what makes sense to you. It’s important that your home reflects your personality and lifestyle, so follow your gut and surround yourself with items and artwork you love. And don’t be afraid to change things up regularly to keep the energy moving.
Janie is studying at the Western School of Feng Shui and completing her final projects to become certified as an essential feng shui practitioner.