How to incorporate the ancient Chinese lifestyle of Feng Shui into your home during the Covid-19 Era.

2020-2021 have been two of the most unexpected years of our lives. Because we seek comfort and solace in others as humans, living in isolation was definitely not ideal for most. 

Fortunately, as we continue getting vaccinated and begin going back into the office, we start life as we know it all over again. As we slowly integrate back into society, we reevaluate what has been most important during these trying months. For me, it has been realizing that my home is my temple, just as my body is. I keep my body clean and healthy by practicing meditation, doing breathing exercises, and eating right. As I work on my inner self, I remember that the space around me heavily influences how I think and feel. Not only is my body a temple, but so is the home I reside in.

Being at home all day can feel stuffy, especially if you live in an apartment. That feeling of being trapped can quickly bring on depression and anxiety, which most of the time can creep up on you without your noticing. 

There is a solution to this confined feeling, Feng Shui. You have probably heard about it, read about it, or seen some form of it in someone’s home. 

What is Feng Shui?

Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese philosophy that helps people, like you and me, find balance and harmony in the space we live in through spatial design. Feng means wind, while Shui means water. The phrase for this name is taken from an ancient poem that explains that by channeling nature and humanity’s connection, harmony is achieved. The fundamental key to Feng Shui is “Qi,” the energy that binds all living things together. It is said that Feng Shui allows your energy to flow freely throughout your home, which improves your quality of life and the lives of those who step into your balanced home. 

How can I practice Feng Shui?

First things first, do not be intimidated by the many rules of this practice. Many people feel limited because they cannot remember it or think they do not fully live out the way. The purpose of this practice is to simply deflect the bad Qi by adequately arranging the objects in our homes. So, without further ado, here are the basic principles of Feng Shui that will get you started on your path to harmony and balance. 

The Commanding Position of Feng Shui 

The very essence of Feng Shui comes from commanding our energy and what we put out into the world, not by controlling others. The command position of any room in your home puts you in the best place to deal with whatever life throws at you. 

So what is the right command position?

 In any room, the command position will be the spot that is furthest from the door and not in line with it. Place the main piece of furniture in the room you’re working on to see the door. Do not allow it to be directly in line with the door, however. Usually, the piece of furniture is diagonal from the door, facing the door. And that piece of furniture is typically the most powerful in that room, even though there could be several command positions in the room. 

The most important rooms to consider when looking for the command position are the bedroom, living room, and office. The command position saves you from being vulnerable to any surprises that come through the door. 

You also need a strong backing or support behind your back. For example, do not have a window behind your desk because that leaves you vulnerable. By having strong support, you can take command of the room and feel that strong Feng Shui energy protecting your space. 

Remember:

The command location is the furthest from the door.

The command location is not directly in line with the door. 

The command location is facing the door.

The command location has strong backing.

The Five Elements of Feng Shui

The five elements of Feng Shui are Fire, Wood, Earth, Water, and Metal. By incorporating these five elements into a room, you will have a sense of control and composure in your spaces that you have probably never even felt before. In such a chaotic world, a sense of control and tranquility will shift the energy in your home into feelings of happiness, success, pleasure, and abundance. 

“Oftentimes, when we feel out of balance in our home, it’s because one or more of the elements are missing, or there’s too much of an element,” says Jen Boyd, feng shui consultant.

Fire

Brings: Name, Fame

Examples: Fire, Candles, Electronics 

Colors: Red, Orange

Direction: South 

Fire is connected to passion, inspiration, and visibility.

Wood

Brings: Family, Health, Wealth 

Examples: Plants, Paintings of Trees, Cut Flowers 

Colors: Green, Teal 

Direction: East, Southeast

Wood is connected to healing, growth, and vitality. 

Earth

Brings: Education Luck, Romance Luck 

Examples: Earth, Ceramics, Pottery

Colors: Yellow, Brown, Pink 

Direction: Northeast, Southwest, Center 

Earth is related to self-care, boundaries, and sustenance. 

Water

Brings: Career Luck

Examples: Water, Glass, Mirrors, Crystals

Colors: Black, Dark Blue 

Direction: North 

Water is related to wisdom and the connection of humanity to the world.

Metal

Brings: Travel Luck, Healthy People, Creativity, Kid’s Luck

Examples: Metals, Shiny Hard Surfaces

Colors: Gold, Silver, Pastels, White

Direction: West, Northwest 

Metal is related to joy, beauty, and precision. 

The Bagua Map & Areas of Feng Shui 

Bagua translates to “eight areas.” Therefore, the Bagua map represents the energy map of Feng Shui laid out by the floor plan of your home. 

Each of these eight areas represents different life circumstances and areas of your life. Each of these areas is relative to specific shapes, colors, seasons, numbers, and elements. 

To incorporate the Bagua map into your home, try focusing on three areas of your life that need improvement, rather than all of them at once. To strengthen the Qi energy in your home, follow the Bagua map while keeping in mind the five elements, which will help improve your Bagua. The center of the map represents the heart of the home, which flows into all other sectors on the map:

Extra Tips for Keeping Feng Shui 

*Going Vertical 

Integrate vertical shapes and lines in the home. Upright figures represent growth and expansion and create a feeling of height. 

*Keeping Clean

Do not allow clutter in your home. That clutter means the space that energy should be flowing free from. By being clean, you feel a sense of order and productivity. 

*Decluttering the Entryway

The entryway of your home represents the energy that flows into and out of your home. Do whatever it takes to make your home feel as inviting as possible.

*Removing Obstacles

By thinking about how you move throughout your space, make sure that nothing hinders or blocks your way. Clear your paths and allow for flow. 

*Adding Plants

Plants are the complete embodiment of energy. The more plants, the more power. By adding plants into your home, you allow life and vitality to blossom. 

*Incorporating Metal 

Metal helps with focus, clarity, sharpness, balance, and productivity. Try incorporating metals, especially now since we’re working from home.