Lets be honest: Options for entertainment are scarce nowadays. Aside from hiking trails, beaches and outdoor dining, there isn't a whole heck of a lot to do to get us out of the house. I mean, you could take Spike for that 10th walk of the day but really, even the dog is aching for you to go somewhere so he can have his early afternoon nap in peace. Not to mention, winter is coming, most of our kids will be home schooled, at least part time (I'm not ready!) and the warm days of summer will be behind us, making getting out all that more difficult.
Your home should be a place of serenity in this crazy-ass world. It should be a place of calm that radiates positive vibes and energy in a time when they are seemingly impossible to find. The answer: Feng Shui.
Feng Shui is a Chinese "concept focused on creating a dynamic, healthy, and thoughtful space within yourself and your home by combining three planes of action—mind, body, and spirit—that result in profound change" - The Holistic Home: Feng Shui for Mind, Body, Spirit, Space by Laura Benko
While I'm no expert, here are a few simple tips on how to invite positive chi or life energy into your home to help you feel both energized and balanced:
Commanding Positions:
Location! Location! Location! This is all about where you choose to place major furniture pieces. Pieces like your bed, which represents you, or your desk, which represents your work life, should be placed so that when in use, you can see the door without being directly in line with it. Be wary not to place these pieces in a way that the door is behind you. When you are in a commanding position, you are opening your mind and body to receive positive energy and the best opportunities.
Speaking of Doors:
Doors represent communication and are considered the portals through which opportunity can enter your life. You should be able to open doors at least 90 degrees. If a door doesn't open all the way, then the energy flow is blocked (much like a clogged drain) and you are closing yourself off to possibility. Make sure the swing is smooth and all hardware is functioning. Now get in there and pick up the pile of laundry you've been curating behind the door.
Declutter:
While the actual act of cleaning your home is the pits, don't you feel better once its done? Like, the air has somehow changed and the vibe is lifted? That's because Feng Shui experts believe that the clutter takes up much needed space that energy requires to flow throughout the home. Think about your traffic patterns, the most used routes in your house and make sure to remove any obstacles. Pay special attention to the homes entry, as this is where energy will enter and don't forget about cleaning those the windows: They are considered to be the eyes of your home.
Bring in Nature:
Funny how I always find myself coming back to houseplants! Maybe I should look into a Houseplants Anonymous Group. Anyway....there should be balance to the five elements in your home. Earth, wood, fire, water, and metal should all be represented either figuratively or symbolically. You can pick up some (more) houseplants, get yourself a little fountain to represent the water or even bring in some warm red or orange tones to represent fire. While I wont go into too much detail here, each one of these elements directly correlates to certain areas of your life so give two or three a try!
Earth: Health
Wood: Family, Wealth
Fire: Fame
Water: Career
Metal: Helpful people, children
This is just a starting point. Don't let yourself get overwhelmed or feel like you have to totally overhaul your home today. As with most things, take it one step at a time!
Mini Tips:
Clean under your bed (note to self...). I know! I know! Its great storage but you want the energy to flow all around you.
Clean that space between the tops of your kitchen cabinets and the ceiling. Chi can stuck in those over looked nooks and crannies and promote dead energy (Oh hell no!)
Maximize natural light wherever possible.