2020 WELLNESS TREND: FENG SHUI

As the pandemic looms over our quarantined lives, many of us are naturally swept into a spiral of stress, fear, and anxiety. We crave for breathing space, escape, and stable ground. For ACIIID’s wellness series, feng shui is one trend seen to offer us this peace of mind, alleviate our negative energies, and regain balance in our homes this 2020.

Bordering on mysticism yet steeped in long magnificent tradition,feng shui (literally wind-water) is the Chinese art of placement used to direct the flow of energy called qi or chi. This ancient practice breaks down the universe into five fundamental elements – fire, earth, wood, water, and metal. Balancing these elements is at the heart of feng shui as it strives to bring wellness and harmony into our surroundings, precisely what we yearn for during these stressful times.

So start renewing the energy in your own home and workplace, with these basic feng shui tips.

GARDENS: PATHWAYS OF JOY AND HEALING

@posh.fengshui

Gardens and yards are the main throughway of chi from the outside world into any building. A gently meandering pathway to the main entrance is believed to allow a smooth flow of chi compared to a straight path. It is also best to ensure a clean, pleasing atmosphere with clusters of plants and flowers considered to bring good feng shui, like bamboo, lilies, and orchids, and by concealing any waste bins. You can also hang wooden wind chimes on trees, and install a fountain or a small pond with lotus flowers along the main pathway to fill your garden with joyful, healing energy.

LIVING ROOM: HEART OF EVERY ABODE

@sandraweingort

The living room is the main gathering area, and therefore the heart of the home in feng shui. A bright environment with windows promotes life energy vital for socializing and entertaining guests. A rectangular room is ideal for energy flow, so niches and irregular corners can be broken up with the addition of lush green plants or an aquarium. For the same reason, flat ceilings are preferred, but if your home has exposed beams and sloping ceilings, wind chimes or bamboo flutes can act as a remedy. As for furniture arrangement, ensure that the sofa is against a solid wall without windows for stability and that all seats have a view of the entrance for your peace of mind. Paintings and sculptures with calm, positive imagery are perfect for a welcoming atmosphere.

DINING ROOM: VESSEL OF BOUNTY

@studiogiancarlovalle

The dining room represents prosperity and family, as this is where we receive our life sustenance. This space should have soft, protective energy, so a round or oval table is most ideal with ample space surrounding it. Earthy colors like green and beige, and natural materials like teakwood and stone further enhance this calm energy. Landscape paintings are also suited here, while antique pieces should be avoided. To double your capacity for wealth, a mirror could be hung to reflect the dining table. Decorate with a low centerpiece that allows eye contact and encourages conversation with the diners. These principles may also be used for restaurants and other dining areas.

KITCHEN: CENTER OF HEALTH AND WEALTH

@az.ahmad

The kitchen is the symbolic storehouse of health and wealth, making it one of the three most significant spaces in feng shui, alongside the bedroom and bathroom. So use white liberally to signify purity and wellbeing. Also, choose enclosed cabinetry to avoid clutter and sharp edges, like shelves and knives that have ‘cutting’ chi. As for the stove, being a fire element, locate it away from the sink, or try placing a pleasant herb garden between them for separation. It is important to feel delighted in the kitchen, so invest in cutlery and plates you are personally drawn to, then finish it off with fresh flowers on your countertop.

BEDROOM: SANCTUARY

@aman_kyoto

The bedroom is your sanctuary and must be enveloped in safe, relaxing energy. First and foremost is positioning your bed in a commanding way. For solidity, the headboard should be against a wall with no windows, where you can see the door without aligning with it. Then, move the bed away from beams, ceiling fans, chandeliers, and mirrors that disrupt your energy. Select colors that exude tranquility such as white, light neutrals, or pastels. Similarly, opt for lighting that has a soft quality. For furniture, curves are ideal, while any sharp corners pointing at the bed can be tempered with indoor plants. Across the bed, hang calming or inspiring artwork that’ll uplift you first thing in the morning.

BATHROOM: FONT OF PURIFICATION

@posh.fengshui

The bathroom is the center of cleansing and purification, but also of waste and disposal. Being a water element, it also represents the flow of career opportunities and wealth. So it is vital to keep this space light, airy, and tidy for a smooth flow of chi. Use relaxing colors like light grey and ivory, and accents linked to water like black and blue. For further flow, use crystals like amethyst and rose quartz, ample windows, and a large mirror that doesn’t face the toilet. And always keep the bathroom door and the toilet lid closed, or place a bowl of pebbles over the toilet shelf to prevent any unwanted escape of chi.

WORK AREA: SEAT OF GOOD FORTUNE

@dezest_design

The home office, symbolizing your fortune and career, needs vibrant energy conducive for both active creativity and quiet contemplation. Balance this yin and yang with contrasting textures – light and dark, soft and crisp. You can also surround yourself with as many auspicious symbols in feng shui relating to good fortune, such as maniko-neko, lucky bamboo, and Buddha statues. Place your office chair and desk facing the door, and block any unwanted views from windows with greeneries like potted snake plants. For colors, use white to increase focus, and earth tones for stability. Indulge a little with some music to inspire productivity.

Which of these feng shui tips will you try first? Tell us by commenting below!

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