Feng Shui In The Home

      Feng Shui is about bringing harmony into the home, it’s nuances and intricacies are practiced for the intention of increasing the flow of Qi, or energy, throughout the home unobstructed. A space, much like a person, that has all its channels open, clear and receptive, invites creativity and productivity. In practice, Feng Shui is to address a space and optimize it’s functionality and openness to increase the flow of Qi, which in turn brings balance to the home and to the people within it. 

       As a traditional Chinese practice, a lot of it’s nuances and applications are lost on our culture. Feng Shui is not just about designing a space or organizing the furniture - every room serves a function and a purpose towards our overall well being. The direction a room faces, the way utilities run through the house, the layout of the land and even the neighborhoods we live in hold a certain energy and affect us at a subconscious level. If you’re looking at building a new home, you could even talk to a Feng Shui consultant to advise you on the Qi of the lot,what kind of layout will optimize Qi flow and the timing of when an optimal time to build would be.

       Wheeling it back, a lot of us have homes that are already built and already in relationship with the land and neighborhoods they are in. In this scenario, the approach to Feng Shui is then to maximize a homes potential Qi flow. This blog is aimed at helping you take the first steps to understanding some of the most important elements of Feng Shui in regards to your current home, or the one you’re about to buy.

      One of the main elements to address when considering your home’s Feng Shui is the overall feeling in your body when you step through your front door. Do you automatically tighten up and feel constricted or do your spirits rise and feel spacious? Do you feel inspired, creative and relaxed? Or do you feel overwhelmed, unsupported and unhappy? Too many things that clutter a room or allowing your house to stay dirty and untidy will soon start to take a toll on your overall motivation and productivity. When we come home, we don’t want to feel bogged down and resentful towards our living space, our home is our sanctuary and we should feel inspired, excited and comfortable in our homes. 

       The three most important areas to consider for optimal Qi in the home is the front door, the kitchen, and the main bedroom:

• The front door is the pathway for the Qi outside to enter into the home. It’s crucial to keep clutter out of the entryway, keep it spacious and flowing. 
• Kitchen Qi determines health, so a clean, vibrant and “healthy” kitchen will translate into a healthier body and ultimately, flourishing spirit.
• The main bedroom is the place where you get your deep rest and rejuvenation to maintain good energy and vitality throughout your day. Having a calming color scheme and a peaceful setting will promote good sleep and in turn, higher productivity through your day.

      Another key element to be aware of is the landform and the areas around the house. An open, well maintained yard will contribute to your overall sense of well being and harmony. Also, certain land forms like ditches, overarching hills or erosion all holds unique energetic imprints that will feed into the subconscious of the home owner. Likewise, living near a body of water can be a symbol of wealth and can bring prosperity to the household, whereas living near a busy street may be a symbol of wealth leaving. 

       One of our friends and colleagues here in Asheville has been running a Feng Shui consulting and organizing business for over 7 years. Roberta Anderson took the time to talk with me a bit and answer some questions so that I could put together this blog for you. She exudes care and reverence in everything she does, and as stated on her website, she “sees your home as a life-sized altar dedicated to you, beautiful in its accumulation of treasures, stories and love.” When I first considered writing this blog, there was no doubt in my mind that she was the best person to connect with.

For a quick reference, Roberta put together a basic Do’s and Dont’s when designing and decorating your home in consideration of it’s Feng Shui:

      I asked Roberta what a person can expect from a consultation with her. When meeting with her, she’ll go over things such as the most ideal directions for you to sit/work/eat/sleep in and if your home is in a cycle or annual lock. She'll analyze how the energy of each direction applies to each area of your home and even the best and worst colors to paint your house and front door. And yes, for all you interior design and decorating enthusiasts, you'll also talk about the best placement for your furniture, and so much more! Overall, you can expect to learn all about the specific feng shui of your unique home and how to increase it's flow of Qi for more balance, harmony and inspiration. Starting with a zoom call, then to a walk around your property and within your home, a follow up 12+ page Feng Shui report of your property to a final follow up call to ensure your satisfaction and adress any next steps - She’s an all in and very thorough person to have on your home design team!

Learn More About Roberta Here

      Whether or not this blog inspires you to pick up the phone as get professional assistance to Feng Shui or declutter your home, we hope that you’ve received some good insight, tips and information on how to maximize the flow of energy and inspiration in your home!