“We’re completing a remodel project. Does Feng Shui care what color I paint the bedroom?” This inquiry came in an email from a potential new client. You will decipher my answer as I explain Feng Shui Foundation Principle #2.
Not only is there Ch’i in all things (Principle #1), but Ch’i energy connects all things. We are, therefore, always interacting with what is around us, even when we aren’t conscious of the connection.
The physical space in our immediate surroundings has the greatest impact on us. Then, the influence gradually declines in ever widening concentric circles emanating from our personal being. Our home has the most effect followed by our yard or home’s exterior space, neighborhood, community, district or state, country and beyond.
Although affairs of others in far away lands may seem as though they have little to do with us, consider climate change. Effects of humans’ lifestyles are being felt in multiple ways in all corners of the globe. We are connected to a plethora of influences in the world around us – other people, our belongings, food, technology, and our educational and legal systems to name just a few.
Feng Shui further teaches that we can harmonize our personal Ch’i when we align with people and situations that make us feel safe, comfortable and balanced. This translates to Supporting Principle #2: Put comfort and safety first.
There is a strong relationship between our surroundings and possessions. It seems obvious that we eliminate throw rugs from the home of a senior who has gotten tripped up and had a fall or relocate harmful cleaners from the lower cabinet of a curious toddler. Those of us with no immediate physical restrictions may not notice any potential hazards in our space. One I feel quite strongly personally is the location of my dining room window. Part of our open floor plan, when someone looks from the outside through this window they can also see parts of the living room and kitchen. At night, as interior lights showcase the activities inside the house, I feel quite uncomfortable and like I’m on stage. The Feng Shui remedy is to cover the culprit so we installed a window treatment. Now, as the light wanes, the blind goes down, and I feel safe and secure.
Do any of these interior factors cause you discomfort?
- Sharp edges on furniture
- Disorienting see-through glass tabletops
- Absent or nonexistent railings and handrails
- Loose, slick or open stair treads
- Slippery or tugging floors
- Plants that may be toxic
- Building materials that cause allergic reactions
- Fire hazards: electrical, lots of paper clutter
- Plumbing: water leaks create mold and mildew
- Outdoors: thorny bushes, poison berries, steep grades, rotted trees that might blow down near buildings
I’m sure you get the idea and can now add your own concerns to this list. Correcting any of these situations amounts to a Feng Shui remedy and the invitation for more vibrant and supportive Ch’i to enter your life.
As we discover how we are connected to every other thing and choose to put comfort and safety first, the answer to the question, “Does Feng Shui care what color I paint the bedroom?” becomes clear. The answer:
Don’t let this statement intimidate or overwhelm you. Before I learned Feng Shui I had a master bedroom that I repainted three different colors in five years. Getting it “right” eluded me. Now that I practice Feng Shui this no longer happens. I have the knowledge and tools to choose a color I enjoy that will also allow me to feel comfortable long term.
Here are a few ideas (and links to blog posts with specific suggestions) of things in your home that you may not have realized are important.
- Toilets, sinks and other drains
- Where our desk is positioned
- How we display our photographs
- Using color in decorating
- Clutter Clearing
Feng Shui empowers us with its understanding of how we can feel most comfortable in our surroundings. When we embrace the concept that Everything is Important we hone in on our preferences more accurately and make better choices. Better choices lead to more conducive surroundings and good Feng Shui. Once again, everything is connected!
Ready to fire up your Feng Shui practice?
- Are there any items or situations in your home that make your uncomfortable?
- Does everything feel safe in your space?
- Is there something around you that you thought didn’t really matter but now, in retrospect, you can see that removing or replacing it with something you like better would really improve your surroundings?
Focus your Feng Shui lens and begin to understand whether the connection is strong or weak. If it’s weak, change it. That’s good Feng Shui. I’d love to hear what adjustments you make.
Have fun,
Carol
