Q&A Sunday: Does My Feng Shui Need Updates?

Is feng shui something that you set up once for a given room, and then you are good for life?  Or is it something that changes with life events or the seasons? 

Jacob G., Washington D.C.

As with most things in life, my teachers always taught me that “it depends!" So there is more than one answer to this question.  In BTB Feng Shui, my teachers have taught me that it only takes one feng shui adjustment to transform your entire life. In fact, it’s considered unfavorable to ask for too many feng shui adjustments, because it means that you don’t trust the method that you were already given. My teachers described this as acting like a “hungry ghost," always wanting more, like an addiction. Rather than do too many adjustments, it is more important to do one thing well, and fully and mindfully put your energy into that. 

So, theoretically yes, if you set up your home authentically and appropriately according to feng shui principles it’s possible to be “set” for the rest of your life. But unfortunately, most of us (myself included) have subconscious blocks that we are not aware of that hinder us from truly changing our lives. In this case you can imagine a huge tangled knot. In order to unravel things, you need to undo one small knot at a time. Sometimes one amazing shift informs another positive step forward. And on the other hand, we are not static creatures but change all the time like the seasons in nature. I have clients who have me consult for them every season, as their lives shift and change and they adapt to the new and wonderful opportunities that feng shui has presented to them. Situations like this are not about being a “hungry ghost," but rather they are going with what life presents to them and doing what they can to harness the positive chi (life energy) and make the most nurturing and productive environment to achieve all their life goals.

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday" (formerly “Question of the Month”).  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers.  Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Business, Bliss + Balance: Featuring Anjie Cho

I'm thrilled to share that I am part of my friend Beth Larsen's free interview series: Strategies for Women Who Want Success Without Sacrificing Their Health, Happiness or Relationships. Beth Larsen is a Certified High Performance Coach, Law of Attraction coach and the founder of the Unlock Your Natural Abundance Group Coaching Program. Her new series features daily interviews delivered straight to your inbox on topics like balance in your body and relationships, aligning your energy to support your dreams and goals, and so much more! 

Sign up for Beth's series here and receive your daily interview to help coach you toward finding and achieving harmony and success in your life. The series began on March 5 and ends on March 25. My interview with Beth will air on Wednesday, March 14. If you miss it, you can still sign up and listen to all the interviews at the end of the series!  

As a bonus, anyone who signs up for the Holistic Spaces newsletter through Beth's interview will receive 20% off at the Holistic Spaces store. As Beth says, "You have nothing to lose - except for the stress and poor habits."

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Feng Shui on a Budget

Many times, I hear people say that they can't afford to make the feng shui adjustments they'd like, or they worry about having to buy new items in order to improve the energy in their homes. While there are a number of products available to improve the qi in your spaces, I'm a firm believer that feng shui should be available to everyone. Take a peek at the tips below for introducing feng shui into your home and office, even if you're on a budget. Keep in mind, although these adjustments are effective, especially with the right intentions, they don't take the place of a certified practitioner. 

Student Consultations

Many feng shui schools or organizations offer student consultations while students are still learning. Think of places you can get a cheaper haircut by an instructor-assisted student, or discounts on other beauty regiments, like manicures or massages, as students perfect their craft. Feng shui academies often do the same thing! Spend some time online checking out schools near you, and if you're in the New York area, try the BTB Feng Shui Masters Training Program, where I learned feng shui! Or, hire one of my students!

Holistic Spaces

We work hard on the Holistic Spaces blog to bring you as many helpful, affordable feng shui tips as possible. From our Q&A Sunday questions to the podcast to weekly blog posts on common feng shui adjustments, the Holistic Spaces blog is a good spot to find information on feng shui without the cost of a full consultation. Just use the search bar on the right-hand side under Previous Blog Posts!

One Good Deed a Day

One of the first adjustments my feng shui mentor taught me was One Good Deed a Day. It seems easy enough - just do one good deed every day for 27 days. The best part about this adjustment is that, once you really start to think about it, it becomes so much more than just a good deed for another. This adjustment can really open doors for positive energy to come to you, and it's completely free!

Plant Life

A favorite adjustment for feng shui believers and non-believers alike is the addition of plants to your spaces. In feng shui, plants bring life energy to your home or office through the wood element, which symbolizes new beginnings, kind heartedness and fresh energy. As an added perk, they also work hard to improve the air quality in your indoor spaces. Adding a plant to your home or office can be as easy as transporting some of your backyard greenery indoors or even borrowing cuttings from friend. Check out how to do that here! 

Qi Cleansing of Re-used Objects

While it is almost always better to invest in new items or plants for adjustment purposes, it's understandable that isn't always an option. Maybe you managed to find some beautiful crystals at a thrift shop, or a friend moved away and left an object in your care. These are both acceptable additions to your space, but always remember to clear the energy of any item that comes into your home. Whether you open the windows and peel some oranges or burn a little palo santo, refreshing the energy in your space, including the items there, is a very important aspect of feng shui. Usually it's best to clear the "predecessor qi" of any reused objects so you can start fresh.  

Book Tips

One of my favorite resources for feng shui on any budget is my book, 108 Ways to Create Holistic Spaces. I finished my first book this year, and it's packed with tips on creating your own holistic space through feng shui adjustments and guidance, like how using different burners can open up your opportunities. If you haven't picked up a copy, check the Holistic Spaces store for a signed one! 

No matter what adjustments you decide are best for you and your space, the most important part of feng shui is remembering that it is YOUR space. Everyone deserves to have a sacred space filled with positive energy and beautiful objects that nourishes who they are. Your holistic space may be different from a friend or family members, and you make choose different adjustments that speak to you, but ultimately, all that matters is that you make your space your own. 

Have you made any of the adjustments or changes we mention on the site? We absolutely love to hear about how feng shui has affected the lives of our readers. Share your story in the comments (photos encouraged)! 

by Anjie Cho

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