Feng Shui Tips for Bedrooms

Guest User September 9, 2020

If you’re not sure where to get started with feng shui, I suggest taking a look at your bedroom. First, it can be easier to lay the bagua on a single room rather than your whole house. Second, adjustments in your bedroom can be very effective because your bedroom represents you. Your bedroom environment also influences your ability to rest and reset your stress levels, which can have a big impact on the rest of your life.

Because of this, it’s important to make your bedroom a soothing, relaxing space. Start by removing any objects that are too energizing or engaging, like books, electronics, and work projects. Having these things around you when you are trying to relax can cause more stress and make it more difficult to sleep.

It’s also important to make sure your bed is in the commanding position. To do this, place your bed in such a way that you can see the door when you are lying in bed, but are not directly in line with the door. This way, you can be more at ease when you are resting or sleeping because you are able to see anyone or anything that could be approaching. If you’re unable to place your bed in command, you can also add a mirror that allows you to see a reflection of the door from your bed instead of the actual door.

Next, choose colors for your bedroom that are supportive and soothing. Blues and greens are great colors for bedrooms because they’re healing and peaceful. They represent life energy, and are colors we naturally find in nature. Try not to use too much white, because it can be stressful on the eyes, like looking at snow with no sunglasses. Red and yellow are very stimulating, so they’re best used as accents.

It’s also helpful to consider the color of your bed linens. Because you spend so many passive hours in bed taking in the energy of your surroundings, the color of your bedding can impact your mood and energy. White can be a bit harsh here as well, so you may want to try a softer ivory instead. Deep reds and purples are good choices if you want to call in more passion, and earthy colors like yellow can help you feel more stable and supported.

It’s also important to choose colors that you love. There are so many potential color palettes, and the best one for you will depend on your preferences and life situation. Pay attention to what you’re drawn to and how you feel around certain colors. How do you feel in your bedroom now? Is there a change you could make that would make you feel more at ease?

by Anjie Cho

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

Gratitude for Your Home

Anjie Cho September 2, 2020

The feng shui that I practice is a shamanic tradition, which means we believe that everything around us is alive. Not only are you and I alive, but your home is alive, your desk is alive, your bed is alive, and so on. Even our spaces, and the air we breathe, are alive, and we’re all made up of the same stardust.

I think sometimes we forget this, and we take our homes for granted. It’s important to take a moment and think about how much gratitude you have for your home, especially since many of us have been spending more time at home than usual this year. A lot of us have also lost our homes or changed homes, and it’s been a year of really considering what home means to us. For example, does the city where you’ve been living really feel like home? Have you been living somewhere that does not suit you or support you?

No matter how you’re feeling about your current home, it’s still important to have gratitude and to thank your home. I encourage you to take some time to think about all of the things you’re grateful for, and simply say thank you out loud to your home.

Make this a sacred moment of gratitude, rather than rushing to get it done between tasks or immediately going back to scrolling through Instagram. Take a deep inhale, a long exhale, hold your hands over your heart if that feels good to you, and say to your home: Thank you so much.

You can add whatever you want to add - you can even give your home a name if you’d like - but a simple thank you is enough. Your home doesn’t speak in words, it speaks in energy. When you’re humble in your gratitude, your home will know.

I hope you take some time today to thank your home. If you would like more feng shui tips along with community and accountability, I would love for you to join me for eight weeks of free feng shui challenges!

by Anjie Cho

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

3 Ways to Bring the Outside In

Anjie Cho August 26, 2020

The summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean the warmth and relaxation of the outdoors has to go with it. Bring that same summer sun-drenched comfort and vibrancy indoors with these three simple steps.

Indoor Planters

For many, the warm weather seasons kick off with a mad dash to the nearest garden center. There are flower beds to populate, veggie gardens to plant and a generous assortment of flower pots and window boxes to fill. Just imagine how beautiful all that green and color would look inside your home!

Don’t get tied down to standard indoor planters. Traditional outdoor options like window boxes are a great way to bring the outside in. Start by picking a window box that compliments your décor. You’ll have your choice of materials like wood, iron, cooper, and wicker. Consider creating a kitchen window box and fill it with fragrant and flavorful herbs you can cook with!

Another perk of using a window box? Instead of filling the box itself with dirt and planting directly in it, use it to corral smaller, separate pots of your favorite plants. If you need to replace a plant, it’s simple to just slip out one pot and make the switch. Likewise, when it’s time to water the plants, remove the pots and water the plants in the sink. Once the excess water has drained, return them to the window box.

Tidy-up

Clutter can make a room feel restrictive. Simply organizing your space can open up the room and make it feel more inviting. As you’re cleaning, use natural cleaners with fresh scents. Imagine the woodsy scent of tea-tree oil or a little bit of lemon lingering in your living room. Makes you smile just thinking about it, doesn’t it? Now, throw open those windows and let the great outdoors shine in! Inviting more natural sunlight will enliven your space. Don’t forget a little TLC for your window treatments too. Wipe down the blinds and wash (or dry-clean) your draperies.

Draw color and texture inspiration from the outdoors

When you think of being outdoors, what colors do you think of? Whether it’s the lush green of grass, the salty blue of the ocean or the warm yellow of the sun, bringing those hues into your room is a fantastic way to welcome the outdoors into your home!

While a fresh, clean coat of paint will make your space feel fresh and bright, you’ve got other options when it comes to color. Introduce pops of outdoor-inspired hues with accessories such as pillows, blankets and rugs. Even candles, vases, and wall décor are fantastic options.

What’s your favorite outdoor place? If you’ve got a picture of it, frame it and hang it! Look for paintings, prints and design elements that mimic the scenery and texture of your outdoor sanctuaries. If you’re a beach person, for example, weathered grey wood textures mimic water beaten driftwood, while cool blues, greens and white bring to mind the water and elements like sea glass and shells. Is the forest more your style? Choose accessories in natural wood finishes and greens.

If you find yourself wishing you could spend more time outdoors but the seasons or your schedule are making it difficult, bring the outdoors in. If you incorporate these steps, don’t forget to come back here and share your pictures! Which step will you try first?

by Anjie Cho

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