Learn how to ramp up the positive vibes for a home that’s instantly happier and healthier!
If you ever feel claustrophobic or a little down in the dumps when you step over your threshold, it could be your household’s way of telling you that it’s in need of an energy detox. According to the laws of feng shui, your abode can absorb emotions and life-force energy can get trapped, which causes an oppressive atmosphere. Here’s how to add harmony, beauty, order and clarity to your surroundings, and in turn, your mind.
Make space for miracles
Making an at-home retreat relies on clearing the way for good vibes to flow, and as chi (life-force energy) can’t get around clutter, the best way to do this is with a thorough tidy. Even the messiest of us can stick to the advice of Marie Kondo, author of Spark Joy (£12.99, Random House). “The goal in tidying should be to create a living environment filled with things you love,” she says. According to Marie, your spring clean should be a mindful experience. “The criteria for deciding on what to keep and what to discard is whether or not something ‘sparks joy’ in you. It’s important to touch it and pay attention to how your body responds when you do this. You should feel a little thrill, as if the cells in your body are slowly rising,” she says. “When you discard anything, don’t forget to thank it before saying goodbye. By letting go with a feeling of gratitude, you foster appreciation for, and a desire to take better care of the things in your life – including yourself.” For maximum effect, it’s important to declutter by category, not room. “Have you ever come across old photos while tidying and found that hours have passed while you were looking at them? This clearly illustrates the point of tidying in in the proper order, which is clothes, books, paper, miscellaneous items, and finally, anything sentimental.”
Bring in the new
Once you’ve chucked out all your junk, it’s time to conduct a clearing ceremony – this will make your house ‘feel’ different. Over time, your home will have taken on the energy of the new atmosphere created by you and your loved ones, so for a peaceful ambience, it’s a good idea to neutralise the chi regularly. Laura Benko, author of The Holistic Home (Helios Press), recommends: “Start by opening all the windows and turning on the lights. If possible, put on lively, upbeat music. Light some incense or sage and walk through your home while wafting the smoke around (be sure to hold a bowl under the burning herb bundles so that you can catch any stray embers). Recite your favourite chants or prayers, or simply state what you want to change. ‘I am clearing away all the bad mojo in the kitchen from the terrible fight I had with my husband!’ Or, clear away a lingering emotion, ‘I am clearing out my fears’. As you walk through your home, visualise negative patterns leaving and imagine the entire house being filled with a bright, golden light.”
How to dwell well
According to feng shui lore, the kitchen, bedroom and bathroom are the most important areas. “If you get the chi flowing in these areas your life will function well,” says Davina Mackail, author of Feng Shui (£8.99, Hay House). Here are her top tips:
KITCHEN: THE HEART OF THE HOME
• Your stove represents financial abundance and health. It’s thought to be important to be able to see if someone is entering the kitchen when you’re cooking, so you can be aware of what’s going on around you. If you’re not able to do so and don’t fancy restructuring the entire room, simply place a mirror above the stove to do the trick.
• The kitchen is your household’s lifeline because it’s where you get your sustenance. Therefore, it’s important to keep it detoxed by making sure there isn’t any out-of-date food lurking in the back of the cupboards.
• Keep your surfaces clear and opt for green colours or yellow for healing and to encourage a vibrant, friendly atmosphere.
BEDROOM: A SAFE SPACE
• Unplug anything electrical near your bed before you sleep. Opt for a battery or wind-up alarm clock. Keeping digital handsets out of the bedroom will keep you safe from the radio signals that can interfere with your electromagnetic energy.
• If you can, avoid placing your bed opposite the door or under a window as this is thought to cause feelings of insecurity and might interrupt your sleep.
• Get a good, solid headboard (preferably wooden or natural fabric) to make you feel secure and supported.
BATHROOM: OUT WITH THE OLD
• There’s a lot of misconceptions about bathrooms – don’t panic, here are a few simple tweaks.
• To encourage good feng shui, give it a spa make-over with fluffy towels, scented candles and a zen-like décor.
• Invest in a gorgeous mirror and say something positive to yourself every day. Your words will lift the energy.
• Keep the toilet seat down to stop good chi draining away with the flush • Add green plants or rounded beach stones – the earth element will soak up excess water energy and balance the feel of the room.
