Getting Started with Feng Shui:
Energize Your Living Space
Contributed by Nathalie Boivin, Certified Feng Shui Practitioner
Registrar's Office
Feng Shui is a metaphysical science that allows you to harness and work with energy in order to bring balance and harmony into your life. It also helps to increase your health, your social life and all other aspects of your life.
One of the objectives of Feng Shui is to create a smooth, gentle, nurturing flow of ch’i (vital energy) through your home. This means that you can start applying some of the Feng Shui wisdom today to help you increase your energy level and stay healthy.
A welcoming entrance
You can start by looking at the main entrance of your house. It is the mouth of ch’i - where your energy comes in. Make sure the entrance is clear and the lighting is sufficient. Verify that you have a welcoming entrance and that you and your visitors have a good feeling when they arrive at your house. Also, verify that nothing gets in the way when you open the door.
Clean up your clutter
In many homes, one of the biggest Feng Shui problems is clutter!
Clutter is both a cause and a symptom of stale, stuck energy. It blocks the smooth flow of ch’i through your space, weighs you down energetically, and keeps you stuck in the past. Clutter makes it very difficult to make changes, take advantage of new opportunities, or welcome new friends and experiences into your life.
Start by clearing the bedroom and the rooms where you spent most of your time.
- Clean out anything that is under the bed.
- Clean your closet and give away clothing that you haven’t worn in the several years or clothing that doesn't lift your spirit.
- Remove anything that doesn’t belong in the bedroom i.e. computers, exercise equipment, television and anything work related.
In the kitchen
- De-clutter your refrigerator and cupboards.
- Keep your countertop, stove and all other surfaces clean. Try to use natural cleaning products.
Tips for clearing clutter
- Set aside a block of time (3 hours minimum).
- Start and work in one area until everything is done.
- Make piles (keep, toss, repair and donate).
- Don't make miscellaneous piles!
Neutralize negative influences
Dirt and clutter are obvious examples of sha (negative) ch’i, but there are other forms of negative energy that could be affecting your home and your life. Many of these are not very obvious until you’ve learned what to look for.
Even the most beautifully designed and maintained home may have some very common but not-so-apparent Feng Shui problems, such as:
- Exterior “secret arrows” aimed at the house from neighboring structures (church steeple, satellites etc.)
- Interior “secret arrows” caused by angled walls, exposed ceiling beams and overhead fans.
Secret arrows are caused when ch’i flows along a smooth wall or surface and comes to a sharp angle or corner. The turbulent energy created at the corner can result in stress, anxiety, difficult sleep, arguments, conflict, and so on.
The sharp corner of a table, the edges of a shelf, even points or angles on a lighting fixture or piece of statuary can all cause a disruption in the smooth flow of ch’i nearby. The size and height of the angle will affect how strong the negative influence is.
TIP: You can “cure” a sharp angle by placing a large plant in front of it, draping a piece of fabric over it, or hanging a faceted crystal ball or wind chime in front of it.