What is bad feng shui? Take waking up and spotting the treadmill in your bedroom that you never use for example. Or your nightstand with that pile of paperwork - aka the daily reminder that you are behind on your taxes. How about that leaky faucet driving you up the wall? These may be first world problems, however, these negative experiences deplete qi...and this is not good.
When we feel overwhelmed in our lives, stress is often the cause. One stressor rolls into the next and if that ball keeps rolling it can wreak havoc on our health. Unless we utilize tools to help us manage (a balanced diet, exercise, regular walks in nature, community, and meditation for example), stress can become chronic if we're not careful.
What can stray us from a balanced lifestyle? Many people don't realize that our connection to our space has a profound impact on our mind and body.
Feng Shui (literal translation in English is wind-water) is an ancient Chinese art form with an abundance of tools to draw from to promote well-being. Think good lighting, healing sounds, healthy plants, crystal therapy and the implication of colour on your mood, and you’re on your way to Feng Shui living.
10 facts about Feng Shui.
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perceptive, if we are unbalanced (chronic symptoms related to stress for example), we are less likely to flourish. Similarly, it is also believed that we are less likely to succeed in life (fix the things that need fixing or take the plunge with that next career move for example) when our qi is blocked, depleted or stagnant according to Feng Shui philosophy.
Therefore, the primary goal of Feng Shui is to enhance qi. Although Feng Shui is a highly complex philosophical system of harmonizing people with their surrounding environment (to promote health, happiness, success and wealth), here are a few simple tips for the Feng Shui beginner:
The practice of placement:
Could it be time to rearrange furniture? If you keep stubbing your toe or notice the room feels stagnant (like you don't want to be in it), then definitely yes.
Another practice is placing objects with intention. Choose photos, crystals, fresh flowers, art or any item that makes you feel happy and whole (and do yourself a favour and ditch the treadmill if you don’t use it!). What would you like to see every day to feel good when you start your morning? This could be as simple as a tidy home, filing your paperwork away or painting your bedroom a qi enhancing color (hint, choose your favorite color!).
Tips on finding the right color in your home.
Declutter your environment:
Let go. Purge, purge and then purge some more. Ask yourself these questions: “Is this object vital to my happiness? Does it make me feel good or does is make me feel bad?” A great way to declutter is to start with three boxes: yes, no and maybe. You will be surprised at how quickly you can fill the ‘no box’ and how much more positive qi fills the room when you clear space and let go of the past.
How to Feng Shui your bedroom.
Keep an inventory of your gratitude:
Be thankful. What are you grateful for? The clothes on your back? The roof over your head? The food in your pantry? Make a list every day of the things that are going right for you. Think of your family and or community and anything else you might be grateful for. Positive thinking promotes good vibes so train your brain accordingly.
Feng Shui is not a religion. Simple elements of Feng Shui can start in the home but these principles can expand into the office, garden, architecture, and most importantly, into the mind. So, keep that qi flowing and happy Feng Shui living. May your space nurture you to your fullest potential!