Stimuli

Feng Shui (pronounced fung-shway) is an ancient art that was developed in China over three thousand years ago. Very simply, the aim of Feng Shui is to balance the energies within a space. The layout of the house, the placement of the furniture and the colors used within the home all affect the flow of “chi” or energy. Feng Shui experts say that when the “chi” is flowing, prosperity, good health and calm will enter - but when the chi is blocked, poor fortune, health and aggression can be the result.

Though a little slow to catch on to this Eastern philosophy we here in the West are catching on. There are Feng Shui consultants who work with designers and home owners following the complex principles of Feng Shui to the letter, but for most of us I think we are probably content just to dabble in it. Here are some easy Feng Shui fixes for a common problem area in the home, the entry way.

The entryway is often a place we neglect. The feeling is that no one spends much time here so it needn’t be an important area of consideration. According to Feng Shui this thought couldn’t be more wrong. The entry area is one the most important areas because it is where chi enters our homes and lives.

There are certain easy steps we can take to invite positive energy into our homes. First of all we need to get rid of any clutter. Entries are often a catch-all area for bags shoes coats and keys. Besides being in the way physically and visually, these items are also energy blockers. Clearing the clutter is essential to good Feng Shui.

Next if you have a small dark entryway the energy can feel stagnant. You can make it more inviting and increase the flow of energy by first improving the lighting and strategically placing a mirror on a side wall to bounce the light around. Using reflective accessories will have the same effect. In addition using the color red anywhere near the entrance will add vitality to the area and will invite energy.  Experts say decorating with pictures of fish or sculptures of fish or actually having an aquarium or fish bowl in your entrance will also invite prosperity.     

These are just a few inexpensive and easy changes you can make to allow healthy chi to flow into your surroundings. You may be surprised at how big a change it will make to the feel of your home. Here’s to your good chi. 

by Christina Kristensen
Contributor to Stimuli Magazine

Photo Credit:  lux-furniture-ideas.com