If you are new to the practice of feng shui, you might feel as though it's difficult to even understand all of the concepts, much less put them into practice. Although this ancient practice often seems quite complex, it can actually be quite easy to put some basic feng shui principles to work in your life. If you'd like to reap the benefits of feng shui without the need to learn every detail, here are some quick and practical tips to help get you started.
Avoid Clutter
If you look at many of the principles of feng shui, you will notice an underlying theme of avoiding clutter. This is because clutter of all kinds is thought to represent stuck or stagnant energy in your life. In feng shui, anything that impedes the flow of positive energy is to be avoided. By avoiding clutter, dirt and other forms of physical chaos in your home, you'll be able to experience the free flow of energy. Things that you no longer need or use, disorganized items, too many things crammed into a small space, or unfinished projects can all be energy blockers. By simply ridding yourself of these items, you'll immediately start to reap the benefits of feeling more relaxed and less tense.
Easy Furniture Arrangement Tips
Although it's easy to find plenty of advanced decorating and room arrangement tips designed by experienced feng shui practitioners, it's best to keep things simple if you are a beginner. Arranging your furniture pieces so that you are able to face the door while sitting is one of the best ways to encourage positive energy and feel more comfortable. You'll find that facing the door instead of facing a wall can immediately make you feel more stress-free and productive.
You should also arrange your furniture so that there are wide, spacious paths throughout every room of your home. This is easy to do if you can imagine a river running through your rooms. If there are any areas that would block the smooth flow of water, these areas are also blocking the smooth flow of positive energy throughout your home. Wide paths throughout your home will also make you feel less boxed in and restrained.
Reduce Irritation, Annoyance and Stress
If there is anything within your home that is currently causing you to become irritated, annoyed or stressed, you should do everything in your power to fix or remove it. For example, squeaky door hinges might not seem as though they are a big problem, but they can actually be a source of continuous low-level stress and annoyance throughout the day. The same is true with inadequate lighting, inefficiently designed workspaces, and areas that are either too cold or too hot to be comfortable. Even the constant sound of a television set or the sound of the toilet flushing can cause irritation and stress on a subconscious level. In order to find and then fix or minimize these annoying situations, it can be helpful to keep a small notebook with you throughout the day. Whenever you find yourself stressed or annoyed, jot down a few notes as to why you think you feel that way. In many cases, you'll find that simply removing or fixing the offending item will eliminate your stressful feelings.
Artist, Jessica Ackerman, is a consultant with WallDecorandHomeAccents.com; she demonstrates what a well-trained eye can accomplish with French wall decor and abstract metal wall decor.