Images Play an Important Part in Feng Shui

While working with clients, I help them move their art and objects to the most auspicious places for enhancement and Ch’i flow.  That is because, pictures., symbols, sculptures and other images may trigger subconscious associations for us and serve as psychological motivators. They can be used as powerful Feng Shui cures to encourage certain associations, strengthen intentions, or prompt emotional responses.  For example, a picture of a happy couple makes us think of love and relationship, a trophy connotates fame and success, a picture of an expensive car can be an symbol of wealth and prosperity. 

Of all the Ch’i enhancers, I find that working with colors and art gives you almost instant gratification. Art is the soul of a room; it gives it energy and life, and it is easy to identify how it enhances the Feng Shui of a space.  To enhance the Ch’i in your home, choose art that elicits positive feelings and makes your heart sing. Remember that in Feng Shui everything is alive and is constantly talking to you. What you surround yourself with can nourish or drain you. Therefore, ensure that every art piece in your home is one that you love and that portrays a serene or inspirational subject matter. Art depicting violence, death, distortion, or negativity is not recommended. 

To get the most benefit from art and colors, match them with the function of each room. Choose romantic and sensual for the bedroom, lively, colorful art for the living room, and powerful and motivational for the home office. Use the Bagua map to help you choose the appropriate images and colors that correlate with the goals in your life.   Each of the nine areas of the Bagua is associated with colors and art representations. For example, if you want romance, and your Love and Marriage area is in the dining room, choose images that are romantic and appropriate for your dining area. If you wish to improve your health, and your Health and Family area is in the bathroom, display images that evokes radiant health and vitality. 

                                           

Career Area:

Images - paintings, photos pertaining to moving water (oceans, rivers, etc.), asymmetrical shapes, and black frames    

Colors – black or dark colors

Knowledge and Self Cultivation Area:

Images- paintings, photos representing calm nature scenes (forests, ferns, vineyards, etc.), columnar shapes, and wooden frames    

Colors – blue and green

                                                   

Health, Family, Friends Area: 

Images - paintings, photos representing fresh, healthy vibrant flowers, family, friends and/or you in a healthy state, columnar shapes, and wooden frames    

Colors – blue, green, and floral

     

Wealth and Prosperity Area:

Images - paintings, photos or sculptures representing opulence and wealth, tall round leaf plants, bubbling fountains, triangular, cone shapes, and wooden frames    

Colors – purples, blues, and reds

                                      

Fame and Reputation Area:

Images - awards and certificates, paintings, photos or sculptures representing celebration, animals, birds, stars suns, fire, upward movement, inspirational quotes, triangular, cone shapes, and wooden frames    

Colors – Red

        

Love and Marriage Area:

Images  - paintings, photos or sculptures representing romance, pairs of items, pictures of you and your significant other, pictures of couples, triangular, cone shapes, and wooden frames    

Colors – reds and pinks

                                       

Children and Creativity Area:

Images  - paintings, photos or sculptures representing creativity and whimsy, pictures of children or child art, round shapes, and metal frames    

Colors – whites and pastels 

                                               

Helpful People and Travel Area:

Images - natural stones, paintings, photos or sculptures pertaining to spiritual guides, and/or mentors, places you have traveled to or aspire to visit, pictures of mountains or natural stone, circular shapes, and metal frames    

Colors – white and grey

                                               

Center Area:

Images - paintings, photos or sculptures representing earth scenes, deserts, wheat fields, yellow flowers or trees, rectangular shapes    

Colors – yellows and earth tones

                                     

Look at the art you have in your home. Jackson Pollock said, “A painting has a life of its own.” What is each piece “saying” to you?  No matter how positive and creative you may be in your inner world, if your home or work surroundings are contradictory or present energetic barriers, you are likely to find it difficult to manifest all that you desire. By paying attention to the flow of energy around you, beginning with the images and colors that surround you, you can align your inner intentions with your outer realities to make your life a conscious act of creation.

The Feng Shui "Center" is the Heart of Your Home

How grounded and connected to your center are you feeling right now? Are you at peace with your decisions and comfortable with you life’s flow? If not, what can you do to improve that? Feng Shui can help!

Feng Shui teaches us the importance of balancing the five elements, and enhancing the eight trigrams areas of the Bagua in your home. But the Bagua is made up of nine areas. The "Center" is not a Bagua trigram but is called the “hub” of the wheel – the core of the Bagua. Not one of the eight trigrams but what’s known as “The Center”. This is the most powerful area because it grounds and energizes the rest of your life’s treasures. You can nurture your ability to remain centered through life’s many changes by directly connecting with the earth every day. I call it the HEART of the home.

   

In the Feng Shui  Bagua  Map, represented  as a grid of nine sectors, the Center area is located in the center  of your home/office/business. The Bagua comes from the Chinese philosophy, “The I Ching,” and literally means “eight trigrams.” In the “I Ching” the Center area of your home or business is a neutral place; a perfect balance of yin and yang – a place of peace. 

                                         

The element for the Center is Earth, suggesting the importance of arranging your life around a solid base. It is related to the color yellow and symbolized by the shape of the square or rectangle. Enhance this area when you want to cultivate the experience of being grounded and centered, or when you want to harmonize and balance different parts of life such as Love and Career, or Wealth and Creativity.

To enhance your Center area inside your home:

• Art in earth tones (yellows, rust, browns)
• Items made of ceramics or pottery
• Items in the yellow color spectrum
• Ceramic tiles, bricks
• Rectangular shapes 
• Quotes pertaining to feeling centered and grounded
  
  

                                    

 To enhance your Center area outside your home: (Especially important if you have a U shaped home)

• This is an ideal area for a courtyard or atrium   
• Garden art and statuary in ceramics
• Ceramic tiles, pots and benches
• Items, flowers, plants in the yellow spectrum
• Square or rectangular shapes   
  
                                                                                                                                                                                           

The Element of the Center:

The element for this area is Earth, which is represented by the soil.  When In balance in your home it enhances a feeling of being grounded, balanced, organized, and stable. Too much earth makes you overly disciplined and conservative, while too little brings on feelings of spaciness and chaos.

 It's time to get grounded! Hanging s simple earth tone piece of art will begin moving the Ch'i paving the way for a more centered life.

                                        

Blessings 

 

Creating a Gateway to Your Feng Shui Paradise

In Feng Shui one of the most important areas of your home is your front entrance. This is called “The Mouth of Ch’i” or where the positive life force energy enters your home. From the outside realtors refer to this as “curb appeal.”  It is recommended to somehow create a “gateway” for people to enter, using an inexpensive arbor and colorful flowers. This can also be a gated area, or just a border of healthy flowers. It gives people the illusion that they are entering into a special place, setting the tone for a special coming experience. In Feng Shui the flow of energy is very important, and the gateway establishes how the flow of energy or Ch'i enters the garden.

                                   

Create an entrance or gateway that is enticing, with views of a comfortable path leading inside, with hints of warmth, protection, and enjoyment ahead. Remember that every structure within the garden creates its own energy, therefore it needs to be structurally sound, inviting, and beautiful. 

                                      

This size of the gateway should be proportional to the house. Gates should open inward and be symmetrical, friendly, and inviting.  If using vines on your gateway, keep them trimmed to keep them from engulfing and blocking. Finally, as in everything in Feng Shui, always keep your gateways in good condition, to avoid negative energy from entering. 

                                        

                                       

Some sort of accent, such as a small water feature, a statue, a bird bath, or interesting plants should be a part of the entry experience.  There should be a nice flow to the entry without sharp turns.  Another suggestion is to put something that moves in front of your house: a flag, windsock, whirligig, and or fountain. Movement attracts attention and draws people in.  Look at your home from various angles to ensure that the first thing you see is uncluttered, engaging and beautiful.

                

Welcome to your Feng Shui paradise!

Strengthening Inner Feng Shui Through the Hawaiian Ritual of Forgiveness

Having just returned from the Zen of the Hawaiian Islands, I was exposed to the ancient Hawaiian philosophy of Ho’oponopono, causing things to move back into balance. This Zen concept means that when you are in balance, nothing is off. This is perfectly tied into Inner Feng Shui. 

In Feng Shui you strengthen your center when you connect with your inner self, creating a harmonious environment to live and work.

Your life unfolds based on how you think. If you think the positive thoughts, then life unfolds accordingly. If you think negative thoughts, then life unfolds accordingly. Controlling your thoughts is one of the most difficult things you can do, because the mind, left to its own devices can randomly jump from one thought to the next. One thought makes you happy; another makes you sad, another thought starts you worrying about something that only “might happen”. 

                                   

Whenever you are having difficult thoughts that are non-productive and stressing you out, it is time to take control of  them and focus on happier ones, expressing gratitude. The practice of Ho’oponopono will do just that,  and you can do it in just four easy steps. 

Just stop to take a few deep breaths, find something of beauty as a focus, and repeat this mantra to yourself: 

                                                            I am sorry.

                                                            Please forgive me.

                                                            I love you.

                                                            Thank you.

Let your light shine, with calmness and peace. 

Blessings

                                          

En-trance Your Ch’i and Your Guests with Feng Shui

Spring is here! My flowers are blooming, and I’ve just had my front door and walkway repainted. I’m ready for the positive energy to flow my way. Why was this such an important step?  I went out of my way to spruce up the front because in Feng Shui the Entrance Foyer is one of the two most important areas of a home; the other being the master bedroom.

The Entrance Foyer is more than just the entry way inside your home or business. The area leading up to your front door, the actual threshold itself, and the area immediately inside your home or business (the foyer) are all considered part of your front entrance. This area is critical – this is the place of your guests’ first impressions and where the vital energy, called Ch’i, enters your home.  The word “entrance” means to “en – trance” your guests and welcome them with beauty. By making your entrance fabulous you also attract and nourish the Ch’i entering your home.

 Most of the time, your entrance can be in one of the three areas of the Bagua’s entrance quadrant.

Entrances and the Bagua

The Feng Shui Bagua , is represented  as a grid of nine sectors.  The Bagua comes from the Chinese philosophy, “The I Ching,” and literally means “eight trigrams,” with the center being for grounding.  Entrances should take on the qualities of the Bagua area they reside in.

In each of the three areas it is important to remember that traditionally in Feng Shui the best art in the household is displayed by the front door. This is to honor everyone who enters your home. When you have space, consider setting up a welcoming arrangement that may include a table appointed with a flower arrangement.  When your foyer is small, hang an attractive mirror on the side walls. Do not hang a mirror directly facing the front door as it will send the energy back out.  Create a token place of welcome even when there’s no foyer. Do whatever you can to present your guests, and yourself, with a warm and welcoming first impression. 

Entering from the Front Middle – Career Area

This area is especially important if you desire to energize your career:

* As always, ensure that this area is clutter free.

* Hang art depicting water, such as streams, ponds, rivers, or oceans 

* This is a great location for a small fountain or aquarium

* Display items, such as statues, accessories, or furniture in black or very dark colors or in asymmetrical shapes.

*Hang mirrors, and/or display glass/crystal items, such as a crystal vase or a glass table.  A round faceted crystal hanging from the ceiling helps the energy flow in small more confined spaces. 

Entering from the Front  Left – Knowledge and Self Cultivation Area

* Keep this area clutter free since clutter does not act to soothe the mind.

* Items in the colors of blues, greens, or black

* Items in the shape of columns or stripes

* Hang art representing mountains, woods, or anything that depicts a quiet outdoor space or meditation gardens

* Wooden tables or bookcases

* Healthy plants with rounded soft leaves

Entering from the Front  Right –  Helpful People and Travel Area

* Art or figures representing spiritual guides, mentors, or places you have traveled to or would like to visit

 *Items that have a personal association to your spiritual beliefs 

* Items in the colors white and/or grey 

* Items made of any form of metal 

* Circular or arch shapes                                                             

                                                                                                                        

Outside of your Entrance:

This is the first thing your guests see. It is imperative that it is kept clean and clutter free. Here are some other fun decorating ideas to create an auspicious first impression in your entrance:

Landscaping: Make the landscaping around your front entrance especially inviting, with only healthy lush colorful plants.

                                   

Pathways: If possible, design a curved, meandering path to your front door. Place seating or interesting garden art

 by your front door.

Ornaments: Hang wind chimes to call in the Ch’i, and especially in the Career area place a bubbling fountain that flows toward the home, or 360 degrees.  A beautiful wreath and/or doormat also act to welcome guests. By placing a pot with a beautiful plant on either side of the door, or two like sculptures you create “greeters” to welcome your guests. 

Lighting: Good lighting is very important for safety as well as beauty. 

The Color Red: In Feng Shui, the color red is often suggested to attract prosperity and joy into the home. You can paint your door any shade of red, or place red objects or flowers near the door.  The choices are endless!

                                      

Entrances and Staircases:

When staircases point directly at the front entrance, they create rivers of Ch’i flowing out of your home, along with health, vitality, and good fortune. You can stop this flow by installing an aesthetic barrier between door and stairs such as a screen, plant, furniture, or art. When there is no room for this, the easiest fix is to hang a mirror directly facing the stairs or hanging a round faceted crystal above the bottom step to recirculate and send the Ch’i back into the home.

                                      

Enjoy the many blessings of Spring and welcome the Ch'i into your home!

Inner Feng Shui - Decluttering Your Mind

Feng Shui, which has been practiced for over 3,000 years in China, is the enhancement of health, prosperity, and happiness through your environment. The belief is that that your vitality, resources, and loving connections flourish and grow best in harmonious, uncluttered environments.

An organized home can have a calming effect on you, your family, and guests.  

This is also true about your mind. Inner Feng Shui is about decluttering your mind through meditation, breathing, self-reflection and expressions of gratitude, which allow the calmer you to be more open to positive life opportunities.

 

Lately I have been reading the teachings of the Zen Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh. In his book “The Pocket Thich Nhat Hanh” he stresses that staying in the moment, through mindfulness, will help you create that calming state you need to declutter your mind.  He states that, “Life is too precious for us to lose ourselves in our ideas, concepts, anger and despair. We must begin to live fully and truly, every moment of our daily lives. Joy and happiness are born of concentration and staying in the here and now.”

                                 

He suggests beginning with breathing and meditation. “One deep in breath, one gentle out breath, and the body and mind come together. You are truly there, alive, fully present.”

One easy meditation is to sit quietly and state the following three times. 

“I know I am breathing in.

I know that I am breathing out.

My breath grows deep.

My breath goes slowly.

I feel calm.

I feel at ease.

I dwell in the present moment. I know it’s a wonderful moment. I smile.

I release.”

 I have recorded this piece and listen to it daily, finishing with one thing I am grateful for. It helps me declutter my mind and look forward to a peaceful, joyous day.

Blessings

 

Using Feng Shui to Help Cultivate Friendships

These past few years, dealing with the isolation due to the Covid outbreak, made me very aware of the importance of friendships on one’s life. The calls, the Zoom sessions, cards, and careful gatherings have been so important. I feel blessed with friends.  I’ve spent this time keeping up with friends in various ways, and also enhancing the Health, Friend and Family area of my home.

In Feng Shui, the energy in your home can help you achieve your health and relationship goals. In the Feng Shui Bagua , represented  as a grid of nine sectors The Health/ Family/Friends area is in the middle left side of your home and is particularly associated with “strength.” The idea is that it is important to cultivate strong physical health, and loving friend and family relationships to act as supportive foundations through the periodic “shocks” and unforeseen “storms” of life. This solid foundation also provides the springboard for expansion, growth, and happiness. The healthier we are, the more options we have to enjoy life. Likewise, the healthier our relationships are with friends and family, the more we prosper from the opportunities and emotional support they provide. 

Outer Feng Shui

You can locate the area in your home, then declutter and ad a few of the following examples to help you improve your relationship with friends and family.

The element for the Health/Family/Friends area is Wood, and the colors are blues and greens, and florals.

Examples of Enhancements for the Health/Family/Friends area inside your home or business:

* Fresh cut flowers or flowering plants in all colors

* Posters, paintings, framed photos of, family and friends, figures of ideal body images in a healthy state (such as people exercising or being active), healthy plants and flowers, gardens, and landscapes. 

(A gallery of family and friend pictures is especially beneficial here.)

* Items in the colors of blues, greens

* All floral prints, such as floral linens, upholstery, and wallpaper

* All things made from wood, including furniture and decorations

*Quotes, and affirmations, pertaining to ideal health, family and friendships

                                 

Enhancements for enhancing the Health/Family/Friends area outside your home or business:

* This area is best enhanced outside with beautiful lush, flowering healthy plants. 

* If you have a window in this area, enhance the view with flowers as much as possible.

Inner Feng Shui

Feng Shui can be external and internal. I recently read an article by life coach Leah Neas, who speaks to the importance of “Cultivating friendships as you would cultivate a garden.”

                                

 She lists ten habits to live by when mindfully cultivating friendships:

1) Be loyal

2) Cultivate trust – earn your trust through your actions

3) Be vulnerable – ask for help and support

4) Be curious and appreciate your friend’s individuality – give your friends space to be themselves

5) Allow your friends to be angry, hurt, sad or scared – Be there for them

6) Be honest but kind

7) Experience the world – stretch yourself so you have more to offer

8) Laugh – the best time with friends is when you can laugh to tears

9) State your needs – be open about who you are

10) Be generous and grateful – Give of your time or small gifts to show how much you care

                               

These are great words to live by. I’m grateful for my friends in every way.  Enjoy your special times  with your friends in any way that you can. 

Blessings