The Wood Element

Guest User June 24, 2020

If you discovered that you’re most nourished by the wood element, it’s time to add some wood to your space! If you’re not sure which element nourishes you, you can take my quiz here.

The wood element is related to the qualities of flexibility and loving kindness. You can see this in plants, which also represent the wood element. Think about the way a tree or plant grows over time, and also how a blade of grass is flexible and blows in the wind and also springs back after you step on it. The wood element is also related to two bagua areas: Zhen, which represents new beginnings/family, and Xun, which represents abundance, wealth, and self-worth.

Plants are one of the best ways to bring the wood element into your home. I love that houseplants are having their day now, because I think we all need to cultivate more loving kindness in our lives. If you work with plants, for example in gardening or flower arranging, you know that working with nature can cultivate kindness. When you work with living things, you have to work on Mother Nature’s schedule, which cultivates patience and flexibility.

I often get asked which kinds of plants are best for different areas of your home; we actually have a podcast episode about our favorite feng shui plants. If you want more specifics, you can always book a consultation or sign up for our Practical Feng Shui course.

You can also add wood to your home with the colors green and blue, or with vertical, columnar shapes (think of the trunk of a tree). Long, blue window curtains are a great example of the wood element.

Wood is also related to growth: think of the way a tree or plant grows over time. Adding the wood element to certain areas of your home can inspire more growth in those areas of your life.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.

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Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

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Q&A Sunday: How to Improve Focus in Your Home Office

Anjie Cho June 21, 2020

I’m working from home and having a hard time staying focused. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks for your question! I think a lot of people who are not used to working from home, or working from home with family around, are in a similar situation. There are definitely a few ways that feng shui can help.

First, you want to make sure your desk is in the commanding position. This means you are able to see the door from where you sit without being directly in line with the door. This position minimizes stress, and it allows you to see any opportunities coming your way.

It’s also important to consider the view from your desk. If your desk is facing a wall, this can represent a block in your career. To fix this, try hanging a mirror at eye level to expand your view. Make sure it’s not too high; you want to be able to see the reflection in the mirror while you are working. It’s also not ideal to face directly towards a window, because your energy will flow outside, rather than staying with the projects you are working on.

You can also place a small round mirror on the ceiling directly above your head where you work. Be sure that it’s fastened securely and that you feel safe. If it’s not fastened securely it could cause more anxiety and make it harder to focus. This mirror will elevate your qi, or energy, and help with mental focus and clarity. In turn, this can help to create more abundance.

Another thing that can help with focus is to clear the clutter off your desk. It’s ok to have a messy desk sometimes, if having your supplies and inspiration in front of you helps you feel creative—but if you’re having a hard time staying on task, you might want to try clearing off your desktop and seeing if that helps. This can be especially helpful when you’re starting a new project.

You can also ring a metal bell before you sit down to work. Metal helps with clarity and efficiency, and the sound of a metal bell can clear your home office space of stagnant energy.

I hope that helps!

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui questions!

Dive deeper into feng shui to transform your life!

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com

The Fire Element

Guest User June 17, 2020

If you took my quiz and found out that the most nourishing element for you is fire, you may want to add more fire to your home to make it a more supportive environment. Fire is related to passion and inspiration, so adding more fire can also invite more of those things into your life.

One of the easiest ways to bring the fire element into your space is through color. Generally, humans are very visual, so we really respond to color. Fire is related to red, which is very active and dynamic, and the most auspicious color in feng shui. This doesn’t mean you have to paint a whole wall red, if that feels like too much; try adding something smaller, like a pillow or artwork that includes the color red. Triangles also represent fire, so you can add the fire element by incorporating art, furniture, or decor with triangular shapes.

Fire is also related to the fame and recognition area of the bagua, and how the world sees you. If you want to be seen and recognized, try placing nine plants in this area. Plants represent the wood element, which feeds fire. You can also place something fiery here. I have my Durga yantra in the recognition area of my desk. Durga is the Hindu goddess of destruction and rebirth, and the fiery colors and triangular shapes in this yantra invoke the fire element.

Another way to bring fire into your space is with lighting. Lighting and candles represent the fire element. If you want to reinvigorate your fire energy, it’s a good idea to go through your home and check on your light fixtures. Are your lamps covered in dust? Your stove also represents fire, so check that too--is there a layer of grease that needs to be cleaned? Spend some time making sure these fiery objects in your home are clean and well cared for.

by Anjie Cho