On Saturday May 28th, we held our Asian inspired Grand Opening in Langdale in Windermere. The response from the community was overwhelming. Not only were demonstrations of martial arts exciting and got the pulse racing but the flair and beauty of the lion dances were definitely a feast for the eyes. But now that it has passed it got us wondering how we can bring the beauty of the lion dances and the structure and discipline of the martial arts into our home’s décor. And what better way then these six simple tips to bring the simplicity and structure of Feng Shui into your home.
The most important thing to remember is that there are two sections of your house that must live in alignment to help bring you harmony: Public spaces (yang spaces), and Private spaces (yin spaces).
Keep the TV hidden
A living room should be just that, for living. Sometimes this means gathering the family up, plopping down on the couch and putting on the favorite Netflix movie or TV show. At other times you want the room to be intimate and have the ability to have a conversation with those that you have gathered with. The best way to accomplish the best of both is to have a space where the TV can be hidden behind doors on a shelf or tucked away out of sight.
Mirrors can open the space
A simple but elegant large mirror on a wall can open the space up in any room. Not only does it help create a more open space within the room it can help amplify the natural light in the room creating more layers of light rather than just having to rely on overhead lighting. Having table and floor lamps can also help bring the light up in a room.
Keep the dining room clean
The dining room is the space where the soul is replenished and nurtured. We have all been guilty of it; sometimes the dining table becomes the key drop off zone for mail, backpacks, homework, and crafts. Take some time and ensure that this space is clutter free. The space should also be looked at in regards to the size of table that is present. Is it overbearing the space by being too large? Does the table feel dwarfed in a cavern because it is too small? Find a table that allows for access to all sides without having to squeeze behind chairs or past other furniture but also fills the space and provides comfortable seating for all. No one enjoys bumping elbows while trying to enjoy a delicious meal.
Colours
The true identity of a room can always be found in the colors that are present. Your eye quickly recognizes bold solid colours and patterns, but they can have deeper meanings than “I thought they looked good because they are on opposite sides of a color wheel”. Within Feng Shui each colour is tied to an element and carries its own personality:
Depending on what area of your life you want to associate with these traits it should be noted that each area of the compass is associated with an area of your life. For each room of your house note what direction it is from the centre of your home and chose your colors to match the energy you would like to focus into that aspect of your life:
The bed
As we spend on average 8 hours of each day asleep a bed plays a big role when looking at the Feng Shui of your house. In fact it might just be the most important piece of furniture in your house. The first thing to look for is a good solid backboard. Just like in life where your spirit needs a good support system so does your bed to support your energy. Wood is the best material to look for as it helps bring growth and health to your home.
The second thing to look for is a good mattress. This is where you will spend a third of your life. The better night sleep you receive the more focused your mind will be for the trials of the next day as well as your health will be promoted through relaxation.
Keep the bathroom door closed
This is probably the simplest of all the tips. Energy is always trying to escape your house and by keeping doors closed on the rooms with the most drains it will help keep the energy flow within the house.
Hopefully with these tips you are able to bring more peace and tranquility into your home and promote health and well-being.