Last month, I published a podcast episode with exactly the same title. But as it’s in French, I thought it would be nice to give you a little script of it here. Just in case, I’ve included the link to the episode below the article.
Yes, Feng Shui can play a significant role in the way we perceive our space and, surprisingly, our weight. But no, I’m not publishing this article just before the festive season to make you feel guilty in advance about all the chocolates you’ll be enjoying when you unwrap your presents in 2 weeks’ time! That said, maybe after the New Year you’ll come back and read my advice again!
Balance Yin and Yang
Our body is much more than just a physical vehicle; it is our spiritual home. Feng Shui teaches that our home reflects our inner and outer life. It stresses the importance of maintaining a balance between yin (passive) and yang (active) energies to promote peace and vitality.
But what does this mean in practical terms?
For example, we can balance Yin and Yang in the kitchen: cooking that is too ‘Yang’ can encourage overeating. Indeed, as yang energises us, the energies can push us to excess and go beyond our physical needs.
Avoid colours that stimulate the appetite in the kitchen, such as red, yellow and white. Instead, opt for soothing tones such as blue, water green, grey or black to create a Yin atmosphere that encourages a balanced diet. And it works for the crockery too! We have more appetite when the plate is white and we’re fuller more quickly when it’s grey!
As for the rest of the house, when it’s too ‘Yin’ overall, it doesn’t make us want to be physically active. So we can be a bit too much of a homebody.
So finding a balance by making the kitchen more Yin and the rest of the house more Yang can contribute to a healthier lifestyle.
Clearing out the clutter
Feng Shui recommends clearing out clutter to create a space conducive to positive energy. You know this, especially if you’ve read my book, and I keep repeating it: clutter is Sha Chi!
Getting rid of the superfluous in our environment, whether it’s the unpacked boxes in the garage, or the ‘messy’ cupboards where we stash everything we don’t know where to put, can also help with weight loss, by freeing up not only physical space, but also an emotional burden.
This is even truer of the contents of our wardrobe: for example, if you want to lose weight, don’t keep all those clothes in your wardrobe that you haven’t been able to wear for years! If you haven’t been able to fit into your favourite size 34 skirt for 5 years, maybe it’s time to give it away and make someone happy? This will free up space in your wardrobe and at the same time free up space in your body: you’re sending a message to your subconscious that you’re ready to let go!
You need to live in the present by wearing clothes in your current size to cultivate a positive self-image.
Space design
The layout of our space, particularly access to the kitchen, can have a real impact on our eating habits. In Feng Shui, we’re not necessarily fans of open kitchens when it comes to weight loss. Seeing the kitchen while you’re sitting on the sofa makes you want to go and rummage in the sweet cupboard for that chocolate bar!
Limit your view of the kitchen as much as possible, to change your perspective. Even more so if you’re teleworking from your living room! Choose to sit in such a way that you can’t see the kitchen or its door. I assure you that this can prevent you from overeating.
As you can see, Feng Shui offers a holistic approach to achieving and maintaining a healthy weight. By adopting these tips, you can create a healthy life balance by harmonising your environment with your physical well-being. By integrating Feng Shui into your daily life, you are embarking on a journey towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.
