Last updated September 5, 2023
As wellness travelers, we’re typically seeking adventures that will move our minds and our bodies. On a recent trip to CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, this trip moved my home. Well, chi, technically.
It was a first for me to take a feng shui class—anywhere. The Chinese words “feng” and “shui” translate to mean “wind” and “water,” essentially meaning the interaction of humans and their environments. There is energy, or chi, everywhere around us, and that energy flow can greatly impact our present and future outcomes.
The Chinese words “feng” and “shui” translate to mean “wind” and “water,” respectively.
Having done my own studies on this subject of energy flow and home design and layout, I had some back knowledge. However, having an expert share personal tips, stories and tools to clean out the casa and unstick the areas ranking lower in my life spaces, I found myself ending the trip excited to return home for the sole purpose of cleaning out and rearranging.
And that is exactly what I did. Here are 10 basics of feng shui that I learned during the workshop that you can implement immediately into your home or apartment to create a better chi, or flow.
1. The Bagua, or Map
Your home is mapped out into nine tiles on a bagua, or map, that outlines different sections of your life energy. Each title is called a gua, and to start, you’ll need to draw out your home dividing up those sectors.
Next, rate each area on a score of 1-10, with 1 being the least satisfied and 10 holding the highest satisfaction. Be honest, it’s the only way to improve. This gives an idea of where your energy needs some work and better flow in your home.
2. Dust Bunnies Are the Enemy
Any clutter, dust, broken objects or dirty areas of mess break the natural flow of energy. Pretty much, energy flows where beautiful, clean and neat things are. Clean out accordingly.
Keep your home dust-free, remove and toss broken objects or things no longer useful, extra clutter in closets, under beds, corners and nooks.
3. Keep Windows and Doors Open When Cleaning
As you’re cleaning out your casa, it’s important to keep the windows open and doors (if possible) to let the old, or negative, energy flow out. Otherwise, as you’re cleaning, it will just continue to circulate within, as opposed to flowing out.
4. Colors Are Guides, Not a Decorator
While the rooms and tiles have specific colors to coordinate, you don’t necessarily have to go painting your bedroom pink and your office purple. Hidden trinkets, clothes, blankets, photos, candles or crystals can do the trick, too.
5. Red and Mirrors Block or Deflect
If you want to block the sinks from draining out energy, wrap a piece of red tape around the neck of the sink drain to prevent it. Not a fan of the neighbor next door? Add a mirror that faces in their direction. Red blocks while mirrors reflect the energy from flowing in, or out.
6. Remove sharp Objects From the Bedroom
Any pointy corners facing the bed should be avoided. Along with any sharp furniture or decor that faces where you sleep. In addition, remove any metals, which are inhibitors of strong energy and can prevent you from sleeping well. This, in turn, can prevent your body from resting properly, to restore and heal itself.
7. Close the Toilet Lid
Did you hear that, ex-boyfriend of mine? Told you it was better to keep the toilet lid closed. Triumphs aside, this helps to prevent the energy from draining out, similar to the sinks. Plus, it just looks neater and cleaner. Ladies, rejoice.
8. Be a Change Creator
If you’re seeking change, move around 27 things. 2 + 7 = 9, the number where everything is possible. This goes for any room, and area, in your life and home.
9. Put Your Desk in a Place of Power
Have a solid wall behind your head and back for support, including your chair. Leave more space in front of the desk, as opposed to behind your desk, leaving space for opportunity to come ahead of you.
In addition, allow your desk to face toward the door, avoiding having your back toward it, keeping a free-flow open in front of the window. Declutter closets, drawers and if something’s broken or messy, ditch it, fix it or clean it out.
10. EMF-Free Your Bedroom
We know blue light isn’t good for us before bedtime; however, having any electronics or electricity flowing within six feet of ourselves in bed is not recommended. The EMF (electromagnetic field) waves emitted from any power source, including bedside lamps, can prevent us from getting good, deep sleep. Therefore, our bodies can never fully recover in our rest state, which can cause a slew of health problems.
These 10 basics of feng shui are high-level tips you can implement today in your home. Personally, after this workshop at CIVANA Wellness Resort & Spa, my home is cleaner than ever, and I am noticing positive changes in certain areas I chose to focus on in my bagua to improve.
Have you heard of feng shui before? Give these tips a try, and see if you can increase the flow of energy in your home.
