In this age of multi-tasking, everyone is doing everything all at once—everything but relax, that is. Who has time to go to a spa or beach resort when there’s just so much that needs to be done? (Can we get an Amen?) However, you don’t have to go far to find some peace and quiet. Add some zen right in your home by practicing some basic principle of feng shui.
Bedroom
Your bedroom is a place for rest and recharging and anything that disturbs you from fully relaxing should be chucked out of your room, so don’t bring your work inside! Unlike the separation of Church and State in this country, the schism between your personal and professional life should remain firm and intact. Also, decorate your bedroom with water-based décor and anything that resembles water like mirrors to keep troubling energy at bay.
Bed
Place your bed near a window to let sunlight stream in every morning, but not directly underneath it. Sunlight will recharge you to face another full day, but the window will suck that energy back out, so you don’t want to be too near it when you wake up. (Who said feng shui wasn’t confusing?)
Bathroom
Your bathroom is where you clean yourself, so it better have lots of water. Feng shui principles dictate, however, that too much water in one space can be bad—it’s all about finding the right harmony among elements. Balance out all that water through earthy hues and lighter tones. Also, keep your toilet small to minimize energy flowing outside your home.
Kitchen
Position your stove directly in front of the doorway for optimum energy flow. Also, invest in double broilers—Chinese logic dictates that if you double lucky items, you double the luck, which, to be honest, makes a lot of sense.
Illustrations by Sainte James Tan
Source: Pristine De Leon for Northern Living and Southern Living, “Into The Natural” and “Free Flow,” January 2015