Buzz
Feng shui is a practice focused on optimizing the flow of energy within our homes. Originating from ancient China, it was developed to help individuals align their living spaces with natural surroundings. In modern terms, I describe feng shui as "awareness of space." By paying attention to the details around us, we can cultivate environments that nurture and support us.
One of the easiest ways to start applying feng shui to your home is by correcting five of the most common room arrangement mistakes. Thankfully, these are simple fixes, but if you can’t make all of them, just do the best with what you have.
1. Obstructed Doors
In feng shui, the door symbolizes your voice and acts as the gateway for energy to enter your home. It’s a common issue to encounter doors that can’t open completely, whether due to clutter or furniture blocking the way. Ensure that your doors can open fully and are free from obstruction to allow the smooth flow of qi (life force energy) into your living space.
2. Beds Not in Command
One of the key concepts in feng shui is the "commanding position", which empowers us to take control of our lives, relax, and stay open to incoming opportunities. It's common to find a bed placed out of command. To achieve the commanding position, ensure that you can see the door while lying in bed (with your back against the headboard) but without being directly aligned with it. If your feet are pointing towards the door, you are in what’s called the "coffin position."
To remedy a bed that’s out of command, the best solution is to reposition it. Ideally, place it diagonally (or "kitty-corner") to the door. If this isn’t possible due to the layout of your bedroom or limited space, consider placing a mirror so that you can see the door in its reflection while in bed.
3. Bed Against a Wall
For adults, the bed should have its headboard against a solid wall, with space on either side. While it may seem practical to push the bed against the wall, this disrupts the balance of yin and yang for the person. Even a small 18-inch gap can significantly improve the flow. It's also beneficial to have space at the foot of the bed to allow for forward movement in life. If this isn't feasible, simply do the best you can with the available space.
4. Desk Facing the Window
Your desk represents your career and the hard work you do in the world. While it's tempting to place your desk right by the window to enjoy a view of your garden, this is generally not ideal in feng shui. When your desk faces a window, your qi flows straight out, drifting away from your work. Eventually, the view will become a distraction. If your desk must be placed in front of a window, close the shades while working to keep your qi focused on your tasks.
5. Desk in the Bedroom
Because desks symbolize work and career, placing one in the bedroom can create a shaky work-life balance. You might see the desk before bed, causing you to think about work, or see the bed while working, making you feel sleepy. Having a desk in the bedroom can make it difficult to disconnect from work. Ideally, move the desk out of the bedroom to maintain balance.
However, many people find themselves with desks in their bedrooms due to space limitations. In this case, try creating a visual separation by using a curtain, screen, or freestanding bookcase. It's also helpful to turn off your computer, cover it, or store it away at the end of the day to establish both a visual and energetic boundary.
