Feng Shui: Make Your Home A Healing Space

While I write this, the world is facing a challenging situation unlike anything we have seen for generations. As I sit at my desk this afternoon and look out my office windows, the trees are budding with new growth, but the streets are empty and the playground nearby, usually noisy with children, is quiet. Today, we are in the second month of a nationwide shut down, due to the Coronavirus pandemic.

My wife and I consider ourselves fortunate, in that we can easily work from home. And the activity of our two dogs and our new cat, which we acquired at Christmas time, makes for a lively household.

At the same time, I feel deeply for those in our country, and throughout the world, who are in isolation. Being shut in at home can be a depressing and debilitating experience.

As a Feng Shui consultant and teacher for over 20 years, my work has helped people understand how the energy of their space affects them, and how to improve this. The practice of Feng Shui dates back over 5,000 years, and is usually associated with China. However, all cultures have some form of Feng Shui, and it is our natural instinct as human beings to question how to best optimize our living spaces for health and happiness.

In these troubling times, it is especially important for all of us to make our homes into spaces where we can feel nurtured and happy, and this is possible, even if you can’t go out shopping!

Here are some essential points to consider:

Does your home feel refreshing and alive, or is it cluttered with things that no longer inspire or serve you??

Perhaps there is a “Silver Lining” in this pandemic shut down, in that we might have more time to focus on our needs at home. So, while you are stuck inside, you might address any stuck energy in your space.

The word clutter comes from the same root as the word clot, as in blood clot, indicating block in the flow of energy. One of the best ways to address clutter is to start with one room at a time and move in a clockwise direction, starting at the door of that room, and dealing with any clutter that is in your path. For example, if the first thing you encounter is a bookcase, address that right away, before moving on to the rest of the room.

With this example, in Feng Shui we believe that there should always be space for new opportunities. So, if your bookcase is already jammed full of books, there is no space for new learning and inspiration to come into your life. As a general rule, bookshelves should be filled only about two-thirds full, leaving space for new books and things that you love.

When you are clearing clutter, I think the worst thing you can do is to take each object in hand and place it in another room as you go. This can take forever! Instead, bring three boxes with you: one box for the things you want to relocate, the second box for things you want to give away, and the third box for things to throw away. Complete your rounds of each room, with your three boxes in tow, before you relocate anything to other places.

Once you have cleared the clutter in a room, you could then add some Feng Shui touches. For example you might bring in some fresh flowers, or do a bit of shopping online for some new pillows for your sofa, with colours that make you smile.

You might also consider rearranging the furniture in that room, so that it opens up more space. Don't hesitate to remove a chair or other small piece of furniture, which you might not have not been using. You may be amazed at how removing just one piece of furniture can open up a space and help it breathe.

When making your home into a healing space, the bedroom is the most important room to address, because this is where we spend most of our time. Clearing clutter in your bedroom is essential. Pay particular attention to the tops of side tables and the space underneath your bed. Although many people think this is a great place to store boxes of unused clothing or other items, it is best not to keep anything under the bed as this blocks the flow of energy and can negatively affect your sleep.

Next, think about the pictures you have on the walls, The images we see when we wake up are deeply impactful to how we feel about the day ahead, so don’t check your phone first thing! Instead, be sure to have images on the bedroom walls you see when you awaken that make you feel happy and loved.

In Feng Shui, the images on our walls represent our vision of the future. So, if your walls are blank, or filled with any unpleasant or chaotic pictures, this can negatively affect your emotional and even physical well-being. Instead, use photographs from your vacations, pictures of loved ones, and any artwork which is inspirational. You might selectively shop online, and purchase posters or art work which will bring new vitality and vision to your space.

As a final recommendation, I suggest that you experiment with aromatherapy, to bring the healing power of plant extracts into your space. You can use an aromatherapy distiller with the oils of Wild Orange, Basil, and Bergamot in your kitchen or living room, to feel uplifted. In your bedroom, Lavender, Rose, or Jasmine can help you feel relaxed and comforted.

By following these suggestions, and perhaps exploring Feng Shui more deeply in the future, you will undoubtedly find ways to refresh your space and create your home as a healing and rejuvenating influence during these difficult times.

About the author:

E J Shaffert is the author of FENG SHUI & MONEY (Allworth Press) and the director of the London School of Feng Shui, which offers an international online program. EJ has positively affected the lives of thousands of clients and students with his consultations, teachings, book and media appearances. www.fengshuitraining.co.uk

Copyright, E. J. Shaffert 2020. All rights reserved, may be copied or published solely upon permission of the author.