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Open the Front Door to Feng Shui

On May 28, 2019   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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by Lisa Janusz

I recently came across an article in one of my magazines that featured a house that had not one, not even two, but three front doors! And they were all painted the exact same way – red to stand out. The home owner’s quote was about it being welcoming, but from a Feng Shui perspective, it’s not that way; it’s confusing. From a visitor standpoint, which one do you go to? And if you’re familiar with the bagua, where would you place it? I don’t know that homeowner, but I wouldn’t be surprised if she felt scattered or unsettled.

In Feng Shui, front doors are vital to the energy that comes into our home. They are the “mouths of chi” and call in energy, welcome energy and keep it moving. We dedicate a lot of time to discussing front doors in our professional program for just that reason – they are critical pieces of the puzzle to the house’s story. This goes even when the front door isn’t used that often, in the case of the attached garage. But they’re still important!

No doubt I’ve got you thinking about your own front door. With the change of seasons, now is the perfect time to take a look and see what’s happening there and make a shift. Here are a few starting ideas:

  • Add a windchime, bell, or other sound element to “call in” what you’d like (opportunity, job, relationship, wealth, helpful people)
  • Add something with movement like a flag or whirligig to “move” in a new direction
  • Add flowers, new door mat, or lantern to renew the energy that could be stagnant from the dormancy of winter
  • Paint the door a color you love that is different from anything else on the house so it stands out. This is your calling card to the world, and let them know you are ready for what’s ahead. (Extra note: although red is a traditional color, painting the door a color you LOVE is always our recommendation. If that’s red, go for it!)
  • Add seating (as long as it doesn’t block the door) inside to invite opportunities to stay awhile
  • Use it so it gains momentum – get the mail, leave through that door to go for a walk

Our front door gets used pretty regularly (hey, it’s me after all!), and I’m pretty conscientious throughout the year changing our front door wreath and add other touches depending on the season. It brings a fresh energy to a key piece of our home.

If you are seeking some change in your life, start with your front door. See what happening there and have it work for you. You never know who – or what – will come physically – or metaphorically – knocking.

Intrigued? You can read more about front doors in this article from a few years ago.

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Create a Feng Shui Office at Home

On December 6, 2016   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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feng-shui-home-officeBy Carole Hyder

Because more and more people are working out of their homes, creating a home office that is efficient and productive is important.

Regardless of whether a client comes to the home or if the business is totally reliant on sales/emails/fax, requiring no physical interaction with clients, there are some important Feng Shui considerations to assure success and focus.

The biggest issue with a home office is that it is easy to relax its professional potential. This may be even more so when the office is housed in what used to be a bedroom or if it must share the space with sporadic guest accommodations. Sleeping and working are exclusive of one another.

The office color should be reflective of a business, not a color left-over from when it was a bedroom. You don’t want to look up and remember when your little boy played with his trucks in that room. Those memories, although precious and unforgettable, may not be inspiring to you in terms of getting work done.

Here are 3 additional tips to help you create a Feng Shui office at home…

  1. Use a high-backed chair. Making decisions, calling on clients, paying bills are all activities that can require you to feel like you need all the assistance you can get. A tall chair supports you.
  2. Sit so you can see the entry. To feel strong and empowered, sit in the office so that you can easily see anyone coming into the space. If you have your back to the door, you may be caught off-guard or be side-swiped by some unexpected event.
  3. Keep your work in your office. To set healthy boundaries, don’t make a habit of bringing your work into other parts of the house. Keep the door to your office closed when you’re not working and set business hours. Although you may love what you do, a balanced life is a more wholesome one.

Following these few ideas will help you on your path to being productive. If the office looks and feels professional, prosperous and productive, the business will align with that as well.

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Feng Shui your Website – Integrate the 5 Elements for an Auspicious Design

On May 3, 2016   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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flowers by computerBy Jessica Hoelzel

Many people have gravitated towards Feng Shui because of its versatility. Its principles can be applied to all areas of life and work – not just physical spaces. Feng Shui, in particular the 5 Element Theory, can prove remarkably useful when designing a website.

The natural world is made up of 5 forms of energy, according to the Chinese: Water, Wood, Fire, Earth and Metal. When integrated into a space in a balanced way, it fosters positive energy. Chances for luck and success are therefore increased.

Why not apply this natural order to your calling card to the world? Thanks to the infinite space on the web, your website has the potential to showcase who you are in a big way.

Using the 5 Elements to create an effective website design, you can create a website that:

  • Reveals your depth
  • Broadens your reach
  • Enhances your fame
  • Confirms your foundation
  • Clarifies your message

5 Strategies for Creating a 5 Element Website

1. Integrate the Water Element: Reveal your depth

  • Make sure your site isn’t too busy. From stillness comes great wisdom
  • Offer food for thought, or profound quotations. Cut any “fluff” copy

Color: black and dark blue
Shapes: undulating forms/waves/spirals

2. Integrate the Wood Element: Broaden your reach

  • Branch out. Have outbound links to other pages and social media connection buttons
  • Grow your site content over time with regular blog content

Color: shades of green
Shapes: rectangles/columns

3. Integrate the Fire Element: Enhance your fame

  • Publicize your recognition – awards and what you’re known for
  • Ignite a spark through provocative content, lively images, and bold calls to action

Color: shades of red, orange, and pink; pops of other bright colors
Shapes: triangles, sunbursts
Images: photography and artwork

4. Integrate the Earth Element: Confirm your foundation

  • Let them know you’re solid. Highlight skills, background, expertise
  • Suggest a feeling of grounded-ness with a balanced layout, headers and footers

Color: yellow, shades of brown
Shape: squares, horizontal rectangles

5. Integrate the Metal Element: Clarify your message

  • Communicate who you are, and what you offer, succinctly
  • Organize site content in a way that makes sense, and keeps people there

Color: white, gray
Shapes: circles, arches

With this knowledge and your intention, you can be strategic about your website design. Follow the same theory as when applying Feng Shui to your home – by integrating the 5 Elements, you can achieve a harmonious design, and attract abundance with your space on the web.

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Ready, Set, GOAL! Feng Shui for Your New Year’s Goals

On January 5, 2016   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   1 Comment
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Happy New Year 2016

By Lisa Janusz

As we embark upon the start of 2016, many of us are in forward-looking state of mind. This is the time to set goals for the year ahead – and I encourage you to do so.

 

 

As you set your 2016 goals:

  • Make them SMART – Specific (and simple), Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-limited.
    Write them down or share them with someone.
  • Watch self-talk: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t–you’re right.” –Henry Ford
  • Remember that there isn’t “failure” – just more information. “I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work.” –Thomas Edison
  • Push yourself. “If you hit the target every time, the target is too near or too big.” –Tom Hirshfield

Be open to adjusting your goals as the year goes on. It’s not to let yourself “off the hook,” but rather allow yourself to change course when it’s appropriate.

From a Feng Shui perspective you can support those goals by paying attention and seeing what’s happening in these areas:

  • The related area of the bagua (if you know it). For example the career area of your home if you are looking for a new opportunity.
  • The room or place that “holds” the energy around your goal. For example, the front door (where opportunities knock) for a new job or the kitchen for health.
  • Your bedroom since this is place to focus on rest and rejuvenation to keep your chi up.
  • Your sacred space. This could be a meditation area, your favorite place to sit or even a vision board (any size – even an index card!).

All of these will help you support your journey for the next year.

Not sure ”goals” is the right focus this year? Maybe a different type of thinking will resonate more with you. See our past blog posts about being resolute and setting an intention for the year.

Whatever you decide to do: know that we are a community that supports you. As we all keep growing and moving forward, we bring out the best in ourselves, and that of others.

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Desk-ology: Feng Shui for Your Desk

On May 5, 2015   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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ID-100202415By Lisa Janusz

One of the most important pieces of furniture in your office – work or home – is your desk. This single piece of furniture has more impact beyond just being a surface for computers and paper. It can help you reflect your message about your career and your future to clients, bosses and coworkers.

You might be limited in a corporate environment, but the Feng Shui considerations are the same.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when thinking about where you sit to get work done.

  1. Have the right size. Think Goldilocks: not too big, not too small – but just right! It should fit your frame and what you need to do. For example, enough room for a computer, as well as space to place a folder or pad of paper.
  2. Make sure it aligns with your goals. Your desk is a message about your career. It should be solid, sturdy and supportive. Skip the card table. Pick something that reflects you.
  3. Keep it as clear as possible. This is a metaphor about vision and being able to see what’s next. Arriving to a clear desk – full of potential – can give you room to breathe. It can help you feel more inspired and less overwhelmed. Think about putting items in a box at the end of the day so that you can start fresh.
  4. Position it well. The most powerful place for your desk is in the command position – which is the farthest corner of the room, while facing the door. This enables you to “see what’s coming” and welcome opportunities.
  5. Complement it with the right chair. Choosing a high back chair will offer you support, stability and comfort.

As you take a fresh look at your desk; what is the message you are sending? Does it say CEO? And/or does it reflect your aspirations?

Even if a new purchase it not possible right now, do what you can with what you have. Paint it, cover it, style it. You are your own CEO. Now get to work.

P.S. You can read more about your office here.

Image courtesy of stockimages at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

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Crossing the Threshold of Opportunities: Feng Shui for Your Career

On March 4, 2014   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   2 Comments
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hand on door knobBy Lisa Janusz

When people find out I’m a Feng Shui consultant, I’ll often hear, “I know you are supposed to paint your front door red.” And it’s true. Or not. Depending.

Confused? Don’t be. The origins of this statement come from the belief that your front door is your “calling card” to the world. Red became associated with it because it is said to be an auspicious color. So, if you love that color, then yes, paint your door red! If red’s not your thing, then don’t. Pick a color that you love and that makes you happy.

In Feng Shui we associate front doors with new opportunities. Front doors are the “mouths of chi” where energy enters your home. Because they are about opportunities, the front door is related to careers as well.

If you are looking for a new career opportunity or to ramp up your career, this is the place to start. What is happening at your front door? (Inside and outside!) What is your message to the world?

Make sure:

  • It’s welcoming. Paint your front door a color you love that stands out from the rest of the house. Check your house numbers. Add flowers.
  • It’s clear of clutter to allow new opportunities to come in.
  • Everything around there is alive. Remove any dead plants that were left out over the winter if they won’t re-bloom in the spring. It’s better to have an empty pot (at least there’s potential there).
  • You have a place for your “things.” You may not want all the shoes to pile there, but if they do, have a place for them. Figure out a system so it doesn’t look like chaos.
  • You use your front door at least weekly. (Yes, even if you have an attached garage!) You will see your house in a whole new perspective.

Whether your front door is red, yellow or blue (or any other color for that matter), have it send the message that you invite opportunities. At the very least, if it’s a color you love, it will put a smile on your face. And that is good energy.

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Revving Up Your New Year’s Resolutions with Feng Shui

On December 3, 2013   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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loose changeBy Carole J. Hyder

Since Feng Shui is based on a direct relationship between your space and your life, you can enlist your space to help you with your New Year’s resolutions. By placing a symbol that represents your resolution, you will have a trigger that will remind you to stay on track. What you’re doing is making a change in your space to mirror a change you want in your life.

Here are some ideas for using your space to support your New Year’s resolutions:

  1. If your resolution involves earning more money, then place a covered container near the front door, in which each day you will deposit all your change. This container may be a decorative box or a piggy bank. It’s important that it be covered so that your resolution remains confidential as well as to prevent you or anyone else from easily grabbing some of the money on the way out the door, thereby diminishing your savings.
  2. If your resolution has to do with health, like working out more, or eating better, or losing weight, or getting to the bottom of a particular condition, then place a round bowl, ceramic or porcelain is best, in the kitchen. Fill it with fruit or nuts or leave it completely empty, symbolic of receiving a new perspective on health.
  3. When aspiring to new goals around your career, place a plant on your desk to represent growth in this area. Keep the plant watered and fertilized; if that’s a problem, use a beautiful artificial one.
  4. If your resolution is about improving your relationship, select a photo or memento from a happy time in that relationship, like a wedding picture, or a fun vacation taken together, or a photo taken on an anniversary. Place this photo somewhere in the bedroom where it will be obviously seen.

Keep in mind that if you let your outward symbol get kicked around, or pushed to the side, or left to die (like the plant), this will be an opportunity for you to look at how you really feel about making the change it represents. Your dedication to the care and upkeep of the object will tell you how sincere and serious you are about the upkeep of your resolution.

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Back to Basics: Inviting Opportunities

On August 7, 2012   /   Feng Shui Articles   /   Leave a comment
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Key Unlocking DoorI know at least three people looking for a new job right now. One of them was laid off more than two years ago and hasn’t been able to find something where he “fits”. With quite an impressive business background, in some ways it is quite shocking. We all know that the economy is struggling, but there are those wading their way through it as well. What’s different for them?

Let’s go back to a basic principle of Feng Shui: your space reflects your life. So, imagine this friend working at a hand-me-down desk, in an unfinished basement, sitting in an old rolling office chair searching the internet for new opportunities. Is that environment supportive? Motivating? And that’s where valuable hours are spent every day. You can’t tell me it isn’t affecting him.

Whether you are looking for a new career opportunity, or ramping up good energy within your current job, here are a few tips to make that happen:

  1. Invite opportunities by using your front door. (Yes, even if you have an attached garage!) Get some energy moving by using it a couple of times a week. Or bump that up even more by using it for nine days in a row.
  2. Have your house greet your visitors (and those opportunities!): A welcoming front path. A noticeable front door. A doorbell that works. House numbers that are easily seen.
  3. Have your office reflect your goals. Get a solid desk and high-back chair to support you. Then make sure the look aligns with your destination. Someone on a corporate executive path will have a different look from someone looking towards interior design. If it helps, think of two or three well-known people in your industry, and either search out or imagine what their offices look like. Do what you can (knowing we all have limitations) to make some of that happen. At least prioritize how you can get there.

Don’t underestimate the power of your surroundings. Indeed that is why I was attracted to Feng Shui in the first place. And for many of you it’s probably the same. It just feels different to sit in a leather executive chair at a nice wood desk versus a folding chair and card table. It changes your attitude and your outlook.

This isn’t just applicable to your office, of course. You can take this through your whole house. And I hope you will! For example, think about if your bedroom supports romance and if your living room supports your social life. Take a fresh look and see what’s there. Then take the steps to make each area what you desire.

lisamccueBy Lisa Janusz

Wind & Water School of Feng Shui Registrar and Faculty

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