Posts Tagged Feng Shui

Booked on Feng Shui: Your Books Speak Volumes

On April 1, 2014 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: bedrooms, Books, Clutter, Color, Feng Shui, Front Door, Storage

By Carole Hyder

Most people own books of some sort-textbooks, novels, self-help, biographies. Some people have skads of books – so many, in fact, that they’re stored in boxes in the basement because there are not enough bookshelves to hold them all. There are some people who can’t let go of their college textbooks from 30 to 40 years ago. Others love their books so much they wouldn’t think of keeping them in boxes – stacking them in various corners waiting for the right place to call home.

Setting up a library or a library area is always a good plan for someone who owns a lot of books. The extra bedroom could become a quiet reading spot where shelving would make the books accessible. An unused formal dining room may convert beautifully to a formal library, complete with floor-to-ceiling shelves and a rolling ladder to access the most remote volume. Sometimes a purging is required to get the books to fit appropriately into a space.

Because books represent the opinions and stories of others, they do need Feng Shui consideration for proper integration. Here are a few ideas of where and how books are appropriately, or inappropriately, placed:

Books should be maintained in an upright or horizontal position. Since books (due to their different size and color) easily turn into a haphazard assortment, keeping them neatly in place will help. I’ve taken to storing the books I have in my office according to color – it works for me!
Never store books in your bedroom. Books represent the voice/opinion of the author and therefore bring with them a lot of vibration and “noise.” Other than the book or two you may be reading at night, store the rest of them elsewhere.
Having books near the front door sends a positive message to those who visit that you are studious, well-read and appreciate intellectual pursuits.

Books are our friends. Treat them respectfully and with care. If they’re taped up in boxes in your basement, it may be time to let them out. Libraries are always looking for used books, so are used book stores. If it’s no longer being read or appreciated, it is time to turn the page on your books and bring them to a happy ending.

Crossing the Threshold of Opportunities: Feng Shui for Your Career

On March 4, 2014 / Feng Shui Articles / 2 Comments

Tags: Career, Clutter, Color, Feng Shui, Front Door, Plants, Storage, Work

By 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.

New Year Intention

On December 19, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Bagua, Feng Shui, goals, intention, New Year, New Years Resolutions

By Lisa Janusz

Who will you be in 2014? I love the quote by George Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” What a wonderful quote – both empowering and full of possibilities.

Now with the New Year upon us, many people are thinking about the past year. We review the opportunities, challenges, successes and regrets. We think about where we’ve been and where we want to go. Hopefully we’re taking that a step further and thinking about the direction involved.

Intention is a key component of Feng Shui work. If you’ve done adjustments at home, you know it’s not just about moving something or placing something that is the most important. It is the reasoning and process behind it; the “why?” That’s when it becomes powerful.

So this year, instead of making several resolutions, how about creating one intention for your entire year? One resolution that speaks to the person you want to create. If that appeals, here are a few ideas to get you moving in that direction.

Write it out. Don’t just think about it. There’s something powerful about committing it to paper. This can also help you clarify your goal.

Be specific. Go farther than something broad like “get healthy.” Think about 2-3 actions that will make that happen (eat at least 2 healthy meals every day, exercise at least 4 times a week, avoid sugary drinks, etc.).

Honor it. Take your intention and place it somewhere special. If you are familiar with the bagua, place in the corresponding area. If you aren’t sure, you could pick one of these three areas: 1) by your front door (where opportunities “knock”), 2) your bedroom (especially if it supports a dream) or 3) in the center of your home (that area influences all others).

You could also take time to make a vision card and put it somewhere prominent that reminds you of your intention (and the possibilities!) daily.

Support it. Make yourself accountable to achieving steps in that direction. Celebrate your successes. If it’s engaging in a new hobby – buy a book, take a class, ask a friend for help.

Enjoy the journey. Most stories of success are not a straight line. That aligns well with Feng Shui; we like things to “flow.” Sometimes it’s that bend in the road that helps you see a better path.

As you think about 2014, I hope you’re excited. That’s great energy to take into the year ahead. It’s a year of potential for creating YOU. Whatever your goal is, I hope you take the time to plan a route. And I hope you use intention as a driving force.

Revving Up Your New Year’s Resolutions with Feng Shui

On December 3, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Career, Feng Shui, Health, intention, Money, New Year, New Years Resolutions, Relationships, Wealth

By 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:

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.
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.
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.
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.

Creating Calm During the Holidays: A Feng Shui Guide

On November 6, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Decorating, Feng Shui, Holidays, Interior Design, Peace

By Lisa Janusz

It always throws me off to see holiday decorations out so early. I am one of those that longs for the days of yore when they didn’t come out until the day after Thanksgiving. Now stores are stocking them before Halloween! It seems to push the frantic-ness of the season forward – resulting in energy that impacts us longer.

Even if it’s your “favorite time of year,” the hustle and bustle can be overwhelming. Luckily Feng Shui can help with that! You can use some basic principles to guide your décor this holiday season.

Use decorations you love. No matter what time of the year it is, the principle is the same: if you don’t love it or use it, release it. Every year I go through my decorations. In addition to veering away from red and green, I’ve also seen my tastes change over the years. Of course I still keep some sentimental decorations, but I’ve gotten pretty ruthless in letting things go.
Use decorations that align with the “feeling” that you want around you. I don’t think it’s a coincidence that people start adding fire-y décor (candles, lights, the color red) to their spaces, in addition to adding MORE stuff, and they start to feel overwhelmed. What surrounds us affects us. This year start by asking, “How do I want my home to feel?” To calm your space, think about paring down what you put on display. Also try adding a few unsaturated colors to balance the saturation of the reds, greens, and blues that typically dominate.
Lastly – and maybe most importantly – create a sacred space to support you. Keep one or more rooms (like your bedroom) free of seasonal decorations. Set up a place that is just for you to relax. This could be away from the décor, or it might within it. I like sitting in our living room with the only sources of light being the Christmas tree and a few candles. The active energy of those is nicely balanced by the darkness and quietness of the night. It becomes a time to reflect, relax, enjoy and be grateful.

The holidays can bring with them a range of emotions – uplifting and challenging. So…go forth, take charge and create a space to help you through what may (or may not) be your “favorite time of year.”

Looking for more holiday decorating tips? Listen to our recorded call from last year. Just register here to get access.

Winterizing with Feng Shui: What To Do When Winter Interferes with Your Flow

On September 26, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Feng Shui, water, winter, winterizing

By Carole Hyder

Living in northern climates requires a shift in mindset in terms of Feng Shui when the temperatures as well as the snow start to fall. Doorways get piled with boots and jackets. Mittens and scarves are strewn around. You can’t use your screened-in porch. Specifically selected and carefully positioned plants are buried by the white stuff. The pond freezes over; the sidewalks are buried.

What happens to your Feng Shui?

Those of us who live in the parts of the world where the seasons dramatically change have to learn to live with different considerations and patterns for a few months of every year.

Here are some things to think about for your winter-time Feng Shui:

Unless you’ve installed a heater, fountains, ponds and birdbaths will need to be disassembled and stored for the winter. All of these add the element of water to an area which implies flow or movement. To replicate that concept, placing a flag or a wind-sock or something that moves in the spot where the water fixture was can continue your intention for flow.
Flowers placed in planters for a specific Feng Shui purpose will need substitutes for the winter. Tree-tops in planters can replace flowers that were originally there; adding small lights will enhance them even more.
Keep the sidewalk shoveled to the front door regardless of whether you use the door regularly or not. The front door is where good luck enters so having it be accessible is important. Plus, you might be inclined to go in through that door more often.
Provide extra storage for the boots, mittens, hats, etc. that are part of winter fashion. An extra hall-tree or a basket for mittens and scarves could keep them from littering the entry.
Screened-in porches become dormant during the winter for obvious reasons. Nevertheless, keep them looking attractive and inviting, and refrain from using them as a storage space. Hang a wind-sock or chime in the porch to keep the energy flowing.

When spring arrives, you can return to your original adjustments knowing that your Feng Shui intentions were held in place throughout the cold winter months—never missing a beat.

Back to School – Feng Shui Style

On September 13, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: back to school, desks, Feng Shui, kids, kids rooms, school

By Lisa Janusz

I remember at the end of summer excitedly checking off my list of school supplies. Yes, the Trapper Keeper with the fun design and a backpack in my favorite color! After all, who knew what adventures the new school year would bring?

Each year brings with it new opportunities and challenges. The subject matter becomes more thought-provoking, interpersonal relationships become more complex and time management becomes a more necessary skill. But with each year, something does not change – that each child needs the loving care of their parents.

From a Feng Shui perspective, you can help them create a supportive environment at home, where they begin and end each day. Here are a few things you can do.

Start in their room by clearing clutter. Every item (toys, furniture, clothes) holds energy. Reduce the “noise” by clearing out clothes that no longer fit, toys that are no longer relevant and furniture that is no longer needed.
Revisit their room décor. Is it age appropriate? Does it meet their needs? (For example, adding a desk for an older child.) Whatever changes do occur, be sure that they have significant input. It’s their world and needs to appeal to them.
Get a system. With all the details of getting out the door, mornings can be hectic. This can be challenging energy to begin the day. Create a place for things to go. Give each child a bin for homework and permission slips, for example. Make sure everyone has their own place for hanging a backpack, coat, corralling shoes and anything else they need to get out the door. Whatever system you design should work for your family. This will enable you all to start the day with a more relaxed, focused energy.
Have a proper place for school work. If it’s in their room: bonus points if you can make it so they can see the door (they can both literally and metaphorically see what’s coming). Too often it’s left to a kitchen table and must be cleared to make way for dinner. This disruption in concentration can linger. Designate a space that is quiet and has enough room to spread out. Also make it a daily habit to clear off that space (put homework in folders, books in backpacks) so that they can have clear vision in the morning and each night as they sit down to work.

There is usually so much enthusiasm at the beginning of the school year that this is a perfect time to create a space that supports their endeavors and is open for growth and possibilities.

Join us for a FREE Teleseminar Wednesday, September 25 at 7 p.m. – Back to School Feng Shui: Tips for a Supportive Space. Register Here

The Black Hole: How to Have Good TV Feng Shui

On September 3, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: bedrooms, Feng Shui, sleep, television, TV feng shui

By Lisa Janusz

According to Nielsen, more than 54% of households have 3 or more televisions. Does that surprise you? It did me.

Recently Dr. Andrew Weil (an integrative medicine expert) was asked about having a television in a child’s bedroom. He recommended against it and cited some research about how a TV in a bedroom correlated with unhealthy children. From a Feng Shui perspective, we couldn’t agree more! And not just for kids’ rooms – for any bedroom.

Bedrooms should be a sanctuary; a place of rest and rejuvenation. Televisions are big black holes (think of the comparison when they are off). They suck energy. That’s why you don’t want one where you are sleeping. I know, I know – some people say they need them to fall asleep. Often though, those same proponents tell me their sleep isn’t that “restful”.

Try to break the habit if you can. TVs are not conducive to peaceful sleep or dreams. By their nature, TVs are meant to be stimulating and engaging. That is why they are best suited for an “active” room, like a family room.

Follow these other tips to have #goodtvfengshui:

Do not keep a television in a bedroom (or kitchen or bathroom for that matter). Think of the function of the room.
If you can’t break the habit just yet of a TV in a bedroom…at least put it behind closed doors (like an armoire) or drape it with fabric to minimize its impact.
Scale the television to the room. Don’t let it “own” the room.
Put it behind closed doors (or drape it) if it’s in a room that does “double-duty”. Do not give your TV prominence in a room that is also used for family gatherings and entertaining.

Think of the message you are sending with your TV. Do you really need that distraction in every room? At least prioritize where you sleep.

Trust me, I get it. Admittedly, I couldn’t live without a TV either. But in our family we do limit the where and when. How about you? Have you had to break the habit? Tell us your success stories!

Feng Shui for the Garage: A Space You Don’t Want to Overlook

On July 30, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Clutter, Feng Shui, Feng Shui for the garage, garage

Although often treated as though it has little impact on a family’s life, in Feng Shui the garage can have an enormous influence. From money and relationships, to health and well-being, the garage may affect in positive or negative ways. Even if the garage is detached from the house, it can still be instrumental in making a person or family feel welcome or feel disconnected.

Feng Shui is based on the principle that your space reflects your life. Since the garage is typically the first place you see when you come home, its condition can significantly influence how you feel about your home in general and correspondingly about your life.

It goes without saying that the condition of the garage and the experience you have driving into it can influence how you feel overall. Even if your garage is detached from the house, it can still be critical in making you feel welcome or making you feel discouraged.

The first step is removing clutter. This is especially important if you aren’t using the garage its intended purpose – to park your car.

Here are some additional tips for enhancing your experience with your garage. . .

Deal with the floor. At the very least, sweep out the garage once a year. Hosing it down is better. It may be time to consider painting the floor or adding an epoxy coating for a nicer, cleaner look – not to mention it will make sweeping it out a whole lot easier.
Have a system for storage. The garage can certainly be used for storage but there should be a system. Shelving works; cupboards work; plastic bins with covers are also an option. Make sure you know what it is you’re storing and that it doesn’t impede the experience of getting out of your car.
Be inspired. Have something fun in the garage to lift your spirits when you come home. This might be a banner or a poster. Change it up from time to time to keep your interest level high.

Your goal is to make the garage the best garage that it can be. You don’t have to convert it to an office or a bedroom – that is never an easy conversion anyway. You don’t have to wallpaper or carpet the floor. You only need to make it an enjoyable experience. Pretend you were your car – would you want to live there?

By Carole Hyder

Wind & Water School of Feng Shui Founder, Faculty and International Feng Shui Expert

Getting to Sold! Feng Shui Tips for Selling Your Home

On June 25, 2013 / Feng Shui Articles / Leave a comment

Tags: Clutter, Feng Shui, Selling a Home

This is a busy time of year for real estate agents. The weather is nice and the timing is right for house buying and selling.

I bought my first house during late summer and years later would sell it to buy another (with my husband) during the same time period. I pulled out all the feng shui tools I had to sell. And even though the market wasn’t “favorable” at the time, we sold both our houses in a short time frame.

Here are three tips that you can use if you are selling your house, or share with someone else on the market:

Depersonalize. Real estate agents will tell you the same thing. It helps people see themselves in your space. It also helps you begin to detach energetically from the space and open up to someone new.
Declutter. More advice we share with agents. The space shows better when it is clutter free, in addition to feeling larger. From our perspective it also calms the space. Too much clutter creates a feeling of being overwhelmed for both seller and buyer.
Detach. Hopefully if you are selling your house it has been your decision. Otherwise this becomes more challenging. Either way, you will want to start separating yourself from the space. Start with depersonalizing. Then think about writing your house a “thank you” letter to provide the closure you need.

Some houses sit on the market for months while others sell within hours. Even though I hear “location, location, location!,” I also believe energy has a big impact. If a house has been loved and people are moving for positive reasons (better job, bigger family), the house can’t help but project that type of energy. It welcomes a new owner with that sense of supporting them and their dreams.

By Lisa Janusz

Wind & Water School of Feng Shui Registrar and Faculty

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