If people like Donald Trump, businesses like Virgin Airlines, and even the producers of Big Brother are using feng shui, you might wonder what this ancient art has going for it; and what it can do for you. feng shui is often misconstrued as a design technique; but this is only one part of the entire puzzle. It is actually an art dating back over 3,000 years, from which modern citizens pull inspiration and guidance.
Using feng shui in your home can, indeed, improve the energy – called chi – and lead to a more peaceful environment. Implementing the elements of feng shui is also a very fun process, incorporating indoor fountains and sometimes crystal pendants or glass gazing balls. However, for the novice home or office decorator, feng shui can seem a bit confusing and downright overwhelming. Here, we’ll lay out a few simple tips for improving your home or office space with feng shui.
The first step in bringing feng shui into your personal space is easy. Before adding anything to your spaces, you first need to empty it. This doesn’t mean that you take all objects out of your rooms; it means that you clear out any and all clutter. In fact, for feng shui to really work, clutter needs to be removed not only from the visible spaces like countertops and desks; but also from the places you like to hide things. Cupboards, closets, garages and even under the beds need to be visited and cleared of all clutter. This might be a task in itself; but it is the very basis of changing the energy in your space for the better.
The second step in following the principles of feng shui is to allow light to come in. Feng shui uses natural elements; sunlight being a major component. Look at your window coverings and determine if you are allowing enough light to come in. Ideally, a home should contain high ceilings and ample natural light. If you’re not opening those blinds every day, create that habit now!
Feng shui incorporates five elements: water, wood, metal, earth and fire. Here’s where the fun begins. You can begin to change energy in your home simply by incorporating some of these elements. However, when you decide you want to go all the way with feng shui, you will need to read up on how these elements work together in the different spaces, as you don’t want to use two elements that offset one another.
Water is an amazing element, aimed to increase prosperity. Flowing water, such as created by indoor fountains, represents the flow of prosperity in a home or office. Other ways to represent elements is through color; water being represented by blue or black. Again, the tiny details of feng shui are important to consider. Painting is good, but it is the effect of running water that makes active change in the environment. Indoor fountains come in a variety of sizes and designs. There is no specific design of indoor fountain that you must incorporate; just find one that appeals to you and set it up on a counter or desk to get started.
There is no need to be overwhelmed in adding feng shui practices into your life. The difference this ancient art brings about are worth the effort it takes to approach feng shui with care.