Given the immense popularity of Marie Kondo’s new Netflix show, based on her book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up,” it’s no secret that people everywhere are looking to straighten out their spaces and rid their lives of anything that doesn’t “spark joy” -- like Jennifer Garner, for example.
Going beyond decluttering, though, there’s another, older method for generating good vibes from your home. Feng shui -- the art of organizing your home for peak internal harmony -- isn’t a new practice, by any means, but it’s always been something that I recognize without actually tuning in to. Let’s dive in together, shall we?
What is feng shui?
For starters, feng shui is a Taoist science from over 3,000 years ago. The Chinese combined aspects of things like physics, philosophy and astrology in order to develop a practice able to allow you to be in touch with chi, or the energy that exists in nature.
In essence, it’s an art of where to place the objects around you to capitalize on the chi of the space. The idea is that if you are interacting with your space in the most beneficial way, you’ll be brought good fortune, harmony and balance.
The ideology is cemented in the principles of both the five elements and of the yin and yang. The yin/yang theory is understood by the idea that the world requires an equal balance of and dependence upon both the masculine and feminine in order to achieve the best chi possible. So, the Taoists were feminists. Win!
Additionally, keep the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal and water) in mind as far as how they work together.
How is it practiced?
The main tool to achieve optimal feng shui is the bagua -- an octagonal map that contains the symbols of the I Ching, or ancient text of feng shui. The bagua is used to show you how areas of your home are connected in their energy, which then aids in an understanding of what should be placed where.
There’s also the luo pan, a compass that directs the positioning of certain objects according to cardinal directions, which also factors into the feng shui of a place.
TL;DR: While there are a large number of schools of thought surrounding feng shui, and you’re probably not going to go out and find yourself a bagua or luo pan, stick to the idea that different rooms in your home should be arranged to fit a certain energy or mood, and work toward making design decisions that make sense for you and your personal environment.
Can I apply this to where I sleep?
Using feng shui for your bedroom is all about keeping your light cool and surroundings calm.
Positioning: Since your bed is the focus point in a bedroom, make this your target. Feng shui calls for your bed to be in a “commanding position” as far away from the door as possible while still being able to see the entrance to the room -- it makes you feel safe yet private. Both sides of the bed should have equal space, for balance. Even more, keeping the bed under a solid wall (and adding a headboard) rather than hanging out under a window adds a sense of structure, and having nothing above the bed (like a ceiling fan) will eliminate negative energy.
Furniture: Sharp corners are a no-no -- go for furniture with rounded edges and don’t clutter your night table. TVs should be avoided or stashed away at the end of the day to keep as much energy directed toward you as possible.
Decorating: You won’t want a bright red or intense black palette dominating the space you retreat to in order to relax and catch some z’s. Earthy, natural colors, like copper or cream, are recommended for any window treatments or floor coverings, and pick a blue or grey for your bedding. Using a red or pink will add some romance, but only in small amounts, like an accent pillow or poster. Add a green plant or two to your space for soothing energy and a good night’s sleep.