The practice of Feng shui encourages the idea that we are affected by our environments. They can either uplift and support us, or drain and disempower us. Simply put, our stuff affects our life. The goal of good feng shui is to attract the positive energy naturally circulating in the earth—called chi, life force, or cosmic energy—and bring it into our living and working spaces to support and enrich our lives.
Every area of your life is represented within your space. There is an area for career, clients, travel, creativity, children, relationships, fame and reputation, wealth, family, spirituality, and harmony. We use a grid system to map the energy of a space called the Bagua Map. It’s based on the I Ching—the ancient Chinese divination text—and locates each of the nine life areas in your space. Then, we implement remedies using color, scent, clearing, placement, and The Five Element Theory. This is done to balance and elevate the area of your space that corresponds to the area of your life you want to activate.
Many are under the assumption that feng shui is complicated, and to reap its benefits, you’ll have to invest a lot of money. Actually, neither of these statements is true. Good feng shui is about developing an “intentional relationship” with what you already own and arranging it in a way that harmonizes your space to benefit your life.
Begin by walking through your home as if you were entering it for the first time. See it with fresh eyes and become aware of how each space makes you feel. Notice where your eye goes, and more importantly, where you avoid looking. Take note of the rooms that draw you in and the rooms you try to evade. When you map your home, you’ll discover which area of your life each room represents. I bet you’ll find it both accurate and enlightening! You can download a free copy of the feng shui map to use here: https://interior-alchemy.mykajabi.com/free-map-download.
The good news is that you have the power to shift your home’s energy to become uplifting and nurturing. Here are some simple ways to zap stagnation, raise your home’s vitality, and start attracting supportive, positive experiences using items you already own.
Clear Your Clutter: Too much stuff clogs your life
Everything you own holds a bit of your life force. That’s why you feel so good when you clean out our closet or garage. You’ve just regained some of your vitality back! If you’re feeling tired or depleted, try letting go of anything you don’t use, love, or need.
Bring the Outside In: Stimulate your wealth with plants
Plants are a wood element that represents growth and expansion. To raise the vibration of your home and stimulate wealth, add lush green plants to the back left quadrant of your home, office, or desk. This is where your wealth area is located. Try adding a peace lily, jade tree, or fresh-cut flowers from your garden. Grow a mini herb garden in a sunlit window. Herbs represent the spice of life and can add some oomph to your finances.
Shine On: Add light and oxygen to get lucky
The best-kept secret to good feng shui is found in nature, and it’s free! Use sunlight and fresh air to raise the vibration of every area of your life by inviting it into your space daily. It is essential to open your front door regularly as it is considered the “mouth of chi,” where beneficial energy enters your home. Even if you don’t use your front entrance, make it a habit to open the door daily and get your mail, grab the morning paper, or greet the day. Lucky energy, or beneficial chi, rides on the waves of sunlight and fresh air, so opening doors, windows, and blinds are the best way to activate every area of your life with positivity.
History Repeats Itself: Freshen antiques and used furniture
“Predecessor Chi” is a phenomenon where the energy of the person who used something before you clings to the item and lives in your home. You can think of it as “house karma.” If the previous occupants had good fortune, you would benefit from it, but if they did not, you would feel unwanted effects as well. It’s a good idea to clear any furniture or clothing when you don’t know its history.
You can do this by “smudging” the item with a bundle of dried sage or palo santo sticks. You light the sage or palo santo and wave it around the object, visualizing the smoke carrying any negative energy away. If you are in an office environment or sensitive to smoke, you can buy sage or palo santo clearing spray and spritz your items instead.
Mother Nature Knows Best: Use natural materials to keep your space high vibe
Although there are some fun new building materials, like the trends of vinyl plank floors and synthetic countertops, too much of these faux materials can be a feng shui faux pas! This is because natural materials that come from the earth, like stone and wood, resonate at a higher frequency than materials made from plastics and resin. Consider using green building materials such as hemp, cork, and repurposed wood from responsible sources as an alternative.
Hands-On Feng Shui: Infuse some fresh oomph into your life with the power of touch
A traditional remedy for stuck energy or life stagnation is touching or moving nine items in each room. Nine is the most powerful number in feng shui, representing quick action and successful completion. Touch your photographs and slightly rearrange them. Move a chair or sofa a few inches. Dust off your plants. Wipe down your front door with essential oils or white vinegar and water.
In feng shui, we tap into the power of intention to energize our actions and manifest our goals.
These may seem like simple remedies, but infused with intention, they have the power to transform your space and elevate your life. What we own comes to life with our attention and withers when we take things for granted. Are you ready to raise your vibration and ignite every area of your life with feng shui?
Laura Vida, the founder of Interior Alchemy, is a Feng Shui Expert and Spiritual Psychologist backed by three decades of experience. She offers private and group consultations, workshops, and coaching to bring beauty and harmony into your life—both inside and out. You can find out more at www.lauravida.com and download your free copy of the feng shui energy map here: https://interior-alchemy.mykajabi.com/free-map-download.
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