Home of Harmony: 8 practical Feng Shui tips for 2018
Surround yourself with colors of wealth such as gold and purple.
MANILA, Philippines — Contrary to what many believe, feng shui, while seemingly mystical, is very much founded on long-held, practical wisdom. For those unfamiliar with the practice, feng shui is based upon Chinese philosophy that dates back hundreds, maybe thousands, of years; a philosophy that considers how energy within a space influences individuals.
Have you ever noticed how sometimes you feel stressed and agitated in a tight, cluttered space, or you feel uneasy in dark hallways? In the same way, do you find yourself enjoying your time out, relaxing in a bright room filled with plants and flowers? The different ways we respond to our environment show how we are greatly affected by space.
The objective of feng shui, therefore, is to create harmony and a free flow of chi (energy force) in all areas of the home, which makes you feel relaxed, full of energy and comfortable. It is believed that when everything aligns — when your home is decorated and planned well — and everything is in balance, it can bring about a sense of well-being and attract good fortune.
While many follow feng shui to increase their luck and fortune in business, there is much more to it than its wealth-building appeal. There are numerous practical ways to use feng shui in your home to create a richer life. Follow these tips to improve your health, be more productive, build stronger relationships, and create a better quality of life for you and your loved ones. Indeed, feng shui can be used to increase wealth in all its forms.
Decorate based on the palette of nature
Nature is the ultimate symbol and manifestation of wealth and abundance; it is the source of all life and it sustains us, so bring that invigorating power into your home by incorporating plants and other natural pieces such as stone, wood and the like. It can be as simple as introducing a money plant or lucky bamboo into a room, or displaying wood furniture. According to practitioners, plants must be placed in the east, south and southeast areas of the home, to maximize their power of attraction.
A royal touch
Aside from greens, wood and stone, surround yourself with other colors of wealth such as gold and purple. Gold has been forever been regarded as the symbol of royalty, luxury and wealth, so use this thoughtfully in your space. From gilded mirrors to frames, coffee tables and even Victorian-inspired furniture, there’s an array of ways to incorporate that golden touch.
Fortunately, purple is also the color of the year so you’ll easily find pieces that are modern and in style. When using these royal hues, remember to practice restraint and use them tastefully and mindfully. The key is to always find that balance and incorporate them in ways that give you the most joy.
Create breathing room
We always appreciate a space that becomes our respite and “breathing room.” Enhance the quality of a space by introducing fresh air through the help of air-purifying plants such as the tall Areca palm or lush Boston fern. These keep the “energy” in your space vibrant, and serve a dual purpose by offering a refreshing pop of color.
Let there be light
To invigorate a space with good energy, bring in more light by opening up windows or redirecting light into a room with the use of mirrors. Mirrors become easy fixes and must-haves in every home, and they come in limitless styles so homemakers will definitely find one they like! Mirrors also connote joy, beautiful pathways and new opportunities.
Go with the flow
Water has always been associated with life and abundance, and the ability to overcome any trouble. To attract wealth and fresh chi into a space, position water fountains — even the small, decorative kind you can place on top of tables — in your home. You can create the same attraction and energy by posting images of flowing water such as waterfalls, gurgling rivers and the like. These are preferred over photos of quiet lakes or still ponds, which are associated with “stale energy.”
Clear the room
Clear, open spaces offer plenty of breathing room, which in feng shui is ideal in attracting more wealth energy. Regardless of how big your home or office is, create that sense of openness and calm by ensuring that you de-clutter and keep the home spic and span.
Whether you believe in feng shui or not, clutter easily contributes to a space feeling cramped and disorganized. Many times, clutter affects your productivity and ability to focus, so clear the room! The more open space you have in your home, the more luck, fortune and fresh energy can come in! When cleaning out your space, take a cue from international best-selling author and organization expert Marie Kondo.
Show me the money
In many Asian homes, feng shui practitioners have a dedicated space called the money area, which becomes a sacred corner devoted to the energy of wealth. This can be a small altar placed anywhere in the home — except for the bathroom, garage or laundry area — and it’s to be filled with symbols of wealth. Place jewelry, prized photos and other objects that are of value and meaning to you, along with crystals and plants that activate good energy.
Lucky stones
Long believed to hold great power, crystals are considered to be the “powerhouses” of good feng shui energy. Formed over years at the core of the earth, crystals are believed to carry the energy of abundance. For the uninitiated, you can start by collecting rough-cut, clear crystals and other stones associated with wealth and fortune such as citrine, amethyst and pyrite.
