Fast Feng Shui

August Greetings!

From early this month until mid-September, the energy is beginning to quiet and is an expression of strong earth. (This is in contrast to July, which was dominated by the Fire element.)

Based on the I Ching’s connection to Feng Shui, the Bagua area of Relationship is strongest now with emphasis on the qualities of stability, peace, and providing support to others—all Earth qualities.

If you’ve been living in harmony with the seasons, you will naturally bring in a softer manifestation of last month’s “play” energy combined with the earthier qualities of the present cycle.

If the earth element is out of balance for you, either personally or in your home, resist the strong urge you may be feeling now to collect and keep stuff. Keep in mind that good Feng Shui loves simplicity!

This month’s article, “Fast Feng Shui” is about making certain adjustments that are easy and in harmony with all styles of Feng Shui.

To quick start your Feng Shui, I’m going to cover three areas, which will give you a lot of “bang for your buck:” The Front Door, Your Bedroom, and The Kitchen. (Please don’t get the idea that other rooms and areas aren’t important.)

1. THE FIRST AREA I WANT TO FOCUS ON IS THE FRONT DOOR.

This is the main mouth of chi and where direct opportunities enter your home. It should be inviting and easy to find. Other doors are important, but don’t have the same impact as your architectural front door. Therefore, it’s important to use your front door, even if you have to make a special effort to do this. There should be an unobstructed path from the street to the front door. It’s best if your pathway curves gently. Good Feng Shui always mimics the curves and softness that we find in nature.

Although plants and trees in general add chi (energy) to your property, avoid blocking the view from your front door with a tree or a bush. From the street, people passing by should be able to see at least part of the front door—or, if your property is large, they should have a clearly marked path to your entrance. The area both inside and outside of your front door should also be clear and uncluttered. The ideal is to have a wide entry area with ample room for coats and shoes that are used regularly.

2. YOUR BEDROOM IS ANOTHER AREA WITH A HIGH PAYBACK.

This is the space where you heal and nurture yourself. The Master Bedroom is considered to be a RELATIONSHIP AREA, even when it’s not located in the Relationship area of your home.

All bedrooms should observe the following guidelines:

• Placement of your bed should be in the command position. Your bed should be on the wall furthest from the door where you can still see the door, but not directly in front of the door. If you are unable to do this, position one or more mirrors so that you can see the door.

• Your bedroom should be as clutterfree as possible. This means that anything that is not related to sleep, relaxation, or romance should be removed. Also anything you don’t use or love needs to go–even piles of books. I’m not speaking about the ones that you’re presently reading.

• Keep electronics out of the room.

If possible, do not plug in anything next to your bed. Unplug everything not being used.
If you watch TV in bed, cover it before going off to sleep.
If you need to have a cell phone or portable phone turned on, place it several feet away from your bed. If you must have a phone close to your bed, consider installing a landline to limit your exposure to EMFs.
Fountains are not recommended for bedrooms. If you have one, keep it several feet away from your bed.

• If your living space is small and you must use your bedroom for several functions, cover anything you’re not using when you sleep if possible. Screen off, cover, or put away computers, paperwork, exercise equipment and anything that can unconsciously distract you from sleep and relaxation.

Conversely, when you’re awake and using anything not related to sleep, screen off your bed, if you can.

• Although measuring the electro-magnetic field of bedrooms is an important part of the on-site Feng Shui consultations I offer, I recommend that the source be eliminated whenever possible, even if they fall within “safe” levels on my meter.

3. THE KITCHEN IS THE THIRD AREA I WANT TO MENTION. Nourishment and wealth are connected–regardless of where the Wealth area is located in your home.

• Cooking and using the stove are considered vital in Feng Shui. When I go into a home where it’s obvious that no one cooks, I know that there’s a problem.

• The oven should be used and at the same time be clean (I know that’s an oxymoron for some of us!). Also, rotate the use of the burners and use them equally.

• Store your knives out of sight. Having knives displayed on your counter can set the stage for potential conflict.

• Have some open counter space in the kitchen. This corresponds to your ability to be creative in the kitchen and is related to your health and well-being.

• Finally, to increase your vitality, add a healthy plant to your kitchen.

If these three areas are already in good shape, ask yourself what other area can use a quick fix–and go for it!

Namaste,

Suzanne