3 Common Feng Shui Misconceptions

Guest User December 22, 2021

There are a lot of feng shui misconceptions out there, and I wanted to address a few of them in this post. While the things I’m sharing here aren’t problems from the BTB feng shui perspective that I practice and teach, I want you to first consider your own feelings. If you are very concerned about something, always go with your intuition. If you’re very fearful about an object in your home, it’s not going to be a source of good energy.

Plants in the bedroom are bad feng shui

One common feng shui misconception is that you shouldn’t have plants in the bedroom. My teachers taught that plants are fine in the bedroom. I have plants in my bedroom, and my business partner Laura at the Mindful Design School does as well.

Some feng shui consultants do recommend avoiding plants in the bedroom, and this doesn’t mean they are wrong. Their teachers probably taught them that plants in the bedroom are not ideal. There are many schools of feng shui, and while their foundations are all similar, each school has different takes on certain things. If you’ve read a lot about feng shui from different sources, you may have read some conflicting information, and that’s okay. Just think about how many chocolate chip cookie recipes there are in the world; there isn’t one that is the best, unless it is the best for your needs and your taste.

The idea that plants shouldn’t be in the bedroom comes from the fact that plants and wood energy are more active, and the bedroom is more of a restful space. If you do have trouble sleeping, and you’ve already tried all the logical things and you’ve done all the bedroom feng shui adjustments, you can try taking the plants out of your bedroom to see if that feels better.

Again, from a Black Sect or BTB perspective, which is what I teach, it’s totally fine to have plants in the bedroom. That said, if you want to try removing the plants from your bedroom to see how it feels, go for it. I would encourage you to test things out and trust your own intuition.

Mirrors in the Bedroom are bad feng shui

Another common misconception is that it’s not good feng shui to have mirrors in the bedroom. Mirrors are something we use a lot in BTB feng shui because they have the ability to magnify and amplify energy. As with plants, if you feel uncomfortable with a mirror in your bedroom, then you should acknowledge and honor your own perspective. However, from the BTB perspective, mirrors in the bedroom are not a problem.

If you have a second-hand mirror that has a lot of predecessor qi, or if you don’t know where the mirror came from and what energy may be connected to it, that’s a whole different story. With anything you bring into your home, it may have picked up energies from its previous owner or on its way to you. If you do have a second-hand mirror in your bedroom, it is a good idea to clear it.

The mirror itself, however, is not a problem according to the BTB school of feng shui. Again, if you don’t feel comfortable having a mirror in your bedroom, honor that. You have to pay attention to your own personal connections to how your bedroom is set up and how it makes you feel.

Feng shui is about fixing things

The last feng shui misconception I want to address is that feng shui is about fixing things. While a lot of feng shui is remedial, I like to look at it from a different perspective. Instead of looking at feng shui as a way to fix problems, I like to ask my clients what wishes they would like fulfilled. This way, we are using feng shui with the intention of creating the life you want and manifesting your dreams.

Since I’ve started practicing feng shui, almost all the aspirations I’ve written down have come true. Feng shui can be a tool that allows you to see what is already present in your life and be in greater harmony with your space and with the people around you. Then, you can be grateful for what you have, and think about what wishes you have for your life.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Welcome More Sunlight into Your Home

Anjie Cho October 13, 2021

Have you noticed the days getting shorter? Just as the school buses start their daily routes and the pumpkin spice take-over gets underway, the sun tucks in under the horizon a little bit earlier each day. If you’re lamenting the loss of summer’s languid sunlight, read on. I’ve got 6 tips to help you bring more sunshine into your home.

Mirrors

Mirrors are a quick and affordable way to double the sunlight in your room. Select a beautiful, large mirror and place it on the wall opposite the window. Don’t overlook other reflective surfaces as well. Incorporate metallic decorat ive elements like candlesticks, picture frames, and even doorknobs to increase the level of reflected light.

Paint

Open up your rooms with a lighter paint color on the walls. Dark paint will absorb light, while lighter hues reflect it. Likewise, selecting a satin finish as opposed to flat will increase the amount of reflected light. If you prefer a darker palette, consider going light on the walls and introducing your warm, more saturated tones in design elements like your furniture, or accents like pillows, throws and rugs.

Window treatments

Those gorgeous drapes may be hindering your ability to let the sun shine in. Look for window treatments that offer privacy without blocking the light. Beautiful bamboo shades, translucent blinds and drapery sheers are beautiful, light-welcoming choices.

Yard work

Don’t forget to look outside when you’re looking to let more light inside. Trim hedges and trees that may be blocking the sun’s path through your windows. This bit of yard work can make a big difference.

Alternate light inlets

Go beyond the traditional window. One option is to replace a solid exterior door for one with window panels; even a small window can make a big impact. Adding in skylights or “sun tunnels” will lighten things up in your room from the ceiling down. Also pay attention to your light fixtures. Avoid heavy lampshades that obstruct the light being given off. Consider installing a dimmer in some rooms so you can pump up or dial back the light depending on your need.

Keep it clean

You may already know that cleaning your win dows can boost the level of light they let in. Don’t forget to dust off your lamp shades and bulbs as well. While you’ve got the cleaning materials out, go ahead and finish tidying the room. An open, uncluttered space simply feels lighter.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Q&A Sunday: Can I Use a Mirror as a Headboard

Anjie Cho July 4, 2021

I wanted to know what you thought about using a mirror as a headboard.

Carla P., Houston, TX

Hi Carla,

Thanks for your question!

I would probably advise that it would not be ideal to use a mirror for a headboard if you’re doing this to improve your feng shui. Of course, you can use whatever you like for a headboard, but feng shui-wise there are a few problems I can foresee.

First of all, it’s important in feng shui philosophy to have a headboard, because it provides stability and connects both sides of the bed. I would have to assume that if you want a mirror as a headboard, it is not a mirrored headboard, rather a mirror you’re adapting into a headboard. So then you wouldn’t be able to attach it to the bed frame.

Second, if you could attach it to the bed frame, it seems a bit dangerous to have a mirror fastened to the bed. Or to lean on a mirror while sitting up in bed. It could very easily be broken, and of course broken glass can be a nightmare to clean up. And it would be a literal nightmare waking up to glass shards in your bed.

There are always exceptions, for instance maybe there’s a lovely headboard that has mirror on it. However the sense I’m getting from your question is that you want to use a mirror in lieu of a headboard, in which case I would not recommend that.

The ideal headboard in feng shui is solid, connected to the bed and supports both partners safely. You can read up on that here. Of course it is fine to have mirrors in the bedroom, at least in BTB feng shui, and you can certainly include one above your headboard, but unless you have a headboard with a mirror already purchased, there should be plenty of beautiful options that will be more supportive in that role. :)

by Anjie Cho