Ever heard the saying “If you don’t make time for your wellness. You will be forced to make time for your illness?” We all have to deal with many stressors which can impact our health, but the good news is there are many easy practices we can incorporate into our everyday lives to protect and maintain our wellbeing, and that may begin with your home environment.
Introducing Feng Shui.
What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is an ancient form of Chinese art and the science of placement, used to create balance and harmony of positive energy in one's environment. It literally means “wind water” in Chinese.
“Wind (air) and water are the two most fundamental elements we need for life. So we think about that in terms of bringing all that air, water and good energy into our homes and we call that creating positive life force or chi", explained Katherine MacKinnon in her IIN talk on the basics of Feng Shui.
Feng Shui has been around for thousands of years. It’s now used in buildings, parks, and in the development of cities.
A Feng Shui practitioner will first look at what’s happening in someone's life - their goals, desires and where they feel stuck. Using Feng Shui principles and the various elements (wind, water, fire, earth, wood and metal), they will create a well balanced environment, positively contributing and enhancing those areas of life.
It might sound a bit “wuwu” but if you think about it logically it makes sense. Do you find yourself more productive in a clean and organised working environment or a desk cluttered with books, coffee cups, papers, notes and food wrappers? How well would you sleep in a bright red painted bedroom versus a tranquil yin type setting? Through this art of placement, feng shui provides a space that allows chi (life force energy) to flow most naturally And there is research to back it up.
You don’t need to hire a Feng Shui expert to see the benefits.
5 ways to use Feng Shui for better health
Use natural air purifiers
Plants are great air purifiers and will add good energy to your home. Add a plant to each room and see if you notice a difference. It’s important to keep them healthy and don’t keep any sick plants, as it is said to negatively impact the flow of chi.
Clear out the clutter (UNDER YOUR BED)
Are there things in your house that represent things in the past you’d rather not think about? How does a cluttered space make you feel? The more space you create the easier it is for chi to flow freely in your home. And here is the big one - what is under your bed? Many people keep old letters, diaries, and taxes. You might not want to be sleeping with that stuff under your bed - so clear the clutter!
Electronics in the bedroom are out
So many people bring work into the bedroom, work in bed, have a TV beside the bed or sleep beside their phone. Bedrooms are for rest and restoration. Electromagnetic fields are released from these devices and can keep people wired, negatively affecting sleep and health.
Use Yin and relaxing paint colours in the bedroom
Soft yin colours are ideal for a bedroom setting. Feng Shui practitioners recommend avoiding bright or harsh colours for deep sleep.
Keep your cooker clean and use the different plates equally
This is my favourite tip and I now think about it every time I cook. In Feng Shui your kitchen and stove represent both health and abundance. By utilising each plate on your stove you open yourself up to more opportunities and financial abundance (oh, and keep it clean).
Sometimes shifting the energy in a space can shift something in you. These tips are pretty easy to implement. See how they make you feel and then draw your own conclusion on what does or doesn’t work for you.
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