Did you know that you can improve your emotional well-being through the design of your space? Feng shui sees the environment as a reflection of your spirit, and by adjusting your space appropriately, you can promote emotional balance, reduce stress and cultivate positive emotions.
The importance of vital energy (Chi)
In feng shui, ‘chi’ is the fundamental concept that governs the circulation of vital energy in your environment. It is often compared to an invisible flow of air that influences everything, including your emotional well-being.
As I explained in my article on chi, there are two types: ‘sha chi’, which is negative energy, and ‘sheng chi’, which is positive energy. When sha chi dominates a space, it can cause emotional imbalances, stress and a feeling of dissatisfaction. Sheng chi, on the other hand, promotes an environment conducive to emotional well-being, relaxation and creativity.
Designing your space with chi in mind means creating a fluid flow of this vital energy. Here are a few tips on how to achieve this:
Decluttering
Cluttering your space can disrupt the flow of chi. It’s essential to declutter your environment by eliminating unnecessary objects and keeping your space clean and well-organised.
Furniture orientation
The arrangement of furniture in your home can influence the circulation of chi. Make sure you don’t block the flow of energy by placing furniture in such a way as to allow it to circulate freely. The use of strategically placed mirrors can also help to reflect and amplify positive chi, particularly in small spaces or those that lack natural light.
Natural light and fresh air
Natural light and fresh air are essential for maintaining a positive chi. Let as much natural light into your home as possible and make sure the air circulates well. Air-purifying houseplants can also help to purify the air and promote an emotionally healthy environment.
Sound harmony
Sound can have a significant impact on chi. Avoid disruptive noises and prefer soothing sounds, such as soft music or birdsong. Chi is influenced by the acoustics of your space, so make sure you create a pleasant sound environment.
This may sound a little abstract, but I assure you that by implementing these tips to encourage a harmonious and fluid flow of chi in your environment, you can create a space that supports your emotional well-being. You’ll feel a sense of calm and balance, which can obviously help to reduce stress, anxiety and negative emotions. In this way, chi, although an invisible life force, can become a powerful ally in strengthening your emotional balance.
Harmony of elements and colours
If you read this blog regularly, you’ll know that feng shui attaches great importance to the natural elements and colours in the design of space. In the context of emotional balance, each of the 5 Chinese elements – wood, fire, earth, metal and water – is associated with specific emotions and can be used to create a harmonious atmosphere in your surroundings. Similarly, colours play an essential role in creating an atmosphere conducive to inner peace and emotional stability. Here’s how you can integrate elements and colours harmoniously into your space:
Wood: associated with growth, creativity and inspiration. To encourage these emotional qualities, incorporate wooden elements into your décor, such as wooden furniture, house plants and works of art that evoke nature. Green and brown colours reminiscent of nature are also beneficial.
This element should be favoured in the East and South East to respect the Bagua zones.
Fire: This element is linked to passion, motivation and energy. You can incorporate this element by using candles, mood lighting, “fiery” works of art or red, violet or pink objects. These elements and colours can stimulate emotional vitality. They are best used in the South, North East and South West.
Earth: the earth element is associated with stability, security and concentration. To encourage these emotions, incorporate terracotta elements, earthy or sandy textures and yellow and orange colours into your environment. Earth is the element of the SW and NW sectors. It can also nourish the West and the North-West.
Metal: it’s linked to clarity, precision and order. Use metal objects, metallic tones (silver, gold, copper) and smooth surfaces to encourage these emotional qualities.
Water: the element water is associated with fluidity, intuition and emotion. Incorporate water in the form of fountains, mirrors or decorative elements linked to water. Blue and black colours reminiscent of water can also reinforce this element.
The balance of elements and colours in your space is essential to promote emotional well-being. The judicious use of these elements and colours, according to the compass school, can help you cultivate positive emotions and reduce stress.
