What is Feng Shui?
Feng Shui is defined as a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy (qi), and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when siting and designing buildings. Translated from Chinese, the phrase Feng Shui translates directly to “wind” and “water”. Historically, feng shui is rooted in Taoism and Buddhism, but its core principles are still celebrated across cultures today.
The primary goal of Feng Shui is to create a balance within your living space. Below are the different elements of Feng Shui that can improve your home’s balance.
Plants (Wood Element)
House plants are known to add life, both visually and literally. Within Feng Shui, there are a number of plant species that work well within its framework due to their air purifying characteristics or “lucky” repertoire. Here are a few to start with:
Bamboo
Jade Plant
Areca Palm
Boston Fern
Snake plant
Golden Pothos
Clarity (Air Element)
The Air element represents mental power, intellectual abilities, logic, and rationality. A good start is to absolutely allow fresh air from outside to bring movement into your space. However, we realize there are only a few times a year where we can comfortably let the air in, so thankfully, there are functional workarounds:
Use an air purifying device
Habitually change your air filters
Play soothing music
Aromatherapy
Incense
Light (Fire Element)
The fire element is the most volatile of all the five Feng Shui elements—it has the power to both destroy and renew. However, fire’s power to destroy is often seen as a means to rebirth at a higher level. It is a symbol of purification and regeneration. These are the ways to improve your room’s fire element:
Allow for as much light into your home as possible
Decorate with things made from animals—fur, leather, bone, feathers, wool
High gloss paints
Fireplaces
Candles
Earth Element
The earth element is ideal if you are seeking protection, stability and security. Of the five elements of Feng Shui, the element of earth is the most grounding—it will help you feel more peaceful, calm, and still. It increases comfort and will provide the support you need. These are some items that can improve your Earth element:
Get a bed with a headboard
Sturdy couch
Pottery, ceramics, earthenware
Art portraying earthy landscapes (such as deserts or fertile fields)
Dense, solid, heavy objects
Metal Element
The Feng Shui metal element is closely related to mental prowess and intellect. It is a great addition to any Feng Shui office or workplace. As always, make sure to read about the creative and destructive cycles so that you can keep the Feng Shui elements in balance.
Metal wind chimes and bells
Circular, oval, and arch shapes
White, light pastels, silver and gray
Enhance metal with earth elements
Low wide furniture
All rocks and stones
In Conclusion…
You might be surprised by how much these simple Feng Shui tweaks and tricks can help you achieve a more mindful home that allows you to slow down and notice the beauty of the present moment.