I’m guessing we all can get a just of what feng shui is. Surely, you’ve heard of it before. It’s more complex than you’d think, but it really doesn’t take a lot of work to improve your life by practicing “the art of placement”.
Feng shui is often viewed simply as this modern, unconventional way for people to justify their interior design choices, but it’s acually based on thousands of years of study and practice. Feng shui is both an art and a science, delving into various branches of scholarly study, including physics, philosophy, astronomy and astrology. It quite literally means “wind-water”, as in Chinese culture (where it originates), these two elements are associated with good health, thus good feng shui means good fortune, and bad feng shui means misfortune. It’s also closely related to the Taoist vision and understanding of nature, particularly the idea that the land is alive and filled with chi, meaning energy.
Sleep is one of the most important things that we need to take care of in order to live our lives to the fullest. So, now that you know a little bit more about feng shui, let’s talk about how it can help you achieve those quality zzz’s.
Your bedroom should be a relaxing, positive sanctuary, free of negative chi and bad feng shui. People typically spend upward of six to eight hours a day in their bedroom, and that time is mainly comprised of sleeping. During this pasive, unconscious state, you’re open to absorbing energy around you more easily. So if your bedroom is cluttered, has to many bright colors and is positioned poorly, your feng shui (and sleep) will suffer.
The first thing you can do is – are you even surprised? – declutter! This will open up more space for your chi to circulate properly. Getting rid of unnecessary things helps people de-stress and feel more at peace with themselves. Besides this, open your windows more often! Let the fresh air come in and create more movement in your room as this also stimulates the energy flow. However, if you live in a city where polution is a problem, you can improve air quality by placing a plant here and there. These create unity with nature, which invites harmony and balance in the home environment. But if you’re a serial plant killer (like me) and can’t keep a plant alive because you forget to water it or you’re unable to because of traveling, then an air purifier might be best for you.
Next, you should really focus on placing your bed in a “commanding position”, facing the door, but not in a straight line with it. This kind of “command center” that you should be going for puts you in a “safe” place and gives you a sense of stability (both physical and metamorphic) because you can spot whatever enters your space. Also, in order to create a balance of energy, make sure you have enough space on both sides of your bed.
Different schools of feng shui have opposing views on mirrors in the bedroom. Some say that they shouldn’t exist at all, others that they’re fine as long as they’re out of sight when laying in bed. Feng shui experts warn that it may cause infidelity in a relationship, and it might also be jarring to see your reflection if you wake up in the middle of the night. Instead, position it away from your bed, so that you can see who’s entering your room, or just stash it on the inside of your closet door.
One fun thing you can do is decorate your room with relaxing colors. Earth tones such as blue, green and brown are best for the bedroom. This is backed up by science too. When the receptors in the retina of your eyes pick up these colors, your blood pressure and heart rate slow down, helping you prepare for sleep. Active colors like red and bright pink can energize you too much, but if you like those hues, try adding touches of peach, coral, burgundy or purple in your sheets, pillows or curtains (rather than splashed across all four walls).
Lastly, and you probably knew it was coming, being such an ancient teaching, electronics have absolutely no place in anything feng shui related. Other than the fact that electronics release electromagnetic energy, even if they’re not being used, they also can unconsciously increase anxiety and stress related issues. So try to limit their presence in your bedroom, instead store them in a room dedicated to their use, such as an office.
Embrace feng shui in your living space and you’ll surely feel much better during your day to day life!
hARTS magazine 