The Tao of Lifestyle: Treasuring Every Square Inch
Hierarchical mindsets attempt to arrange things vertically, from most to least important. No area is less deserving of care than another, (like your garage for instance). When some areas are neglected while other areas are lavished with attention, harmony is lost in the grinding imbalance it causes. Each room and space in your home serves a unique function, much like the organs in your body. Treat every square inch with the same dignity, knowing that together they form the living body of your surroundings.
Read More
Essential Feng Shui Tips: Beams
Feng Shui Definitions
Overhead beams are a popular structural feature in Western architecture and are considered to add character. They can also add a sense of heaviness and danger over your head, especially when you sit or sleep directly under them. The bigger, darker, and lower they are, the more you want to lighten them up in some way.
- Paint or refinish beams to match the ceiling color. Or, paint them white or a light pastel color.
- Literally lighten up beams by running strings of tiny white lights along them. Or, place up-lighting directly beneath beams to lift them from below.
- Symbolically break the beam’s heaviness by hanging two objects at angles that suggest a drawbridge partially open (/ \). You can use two bamboo flutes, hung with the mouthpieces down to symbolize the Ch’i flowing up to lift the beam. Or, hang things that imply a lifting and lightening of the beam, such as feathers and ribbons. Appropriate subject matter such as vines and birds can also be painted on beams to artistically lighten their presence.
- Hang beautiful handwoven textiles, prayer flags, floral swags, banners, mobiles, or any other lightweight items from the beam.
- When applicable, soften the hard line of a beam by rounding its sharp edges. Or add curves at each end of the beam to simulate an arch.
- Canopy your bed when there’s a beam over it and you cannot move the bed to another location.
Essential Feng Shui Tips: Attics and Basements
Inner Feng Shui
Attics and basements are often a study of what you are holding on to from the past. Ask yourself why you are keeping these things. As you look through the items stored in your attic or basement, think about what, or who, they represent. Do the memories weaken or strengthen you? Is it time to let them go? Or, is it time to dust them off and bring them out where you can really enjoy them?
Read More
Essential Feng Shui Tips: Attics and Basements
Feng Shui Definitions
Attics and basements, like all storage areas, need to be organized. Everything kept there should be loved or useful in some way. Give everything a good home that’s easily accessible, uncluttered, and well lit.
Read MoreFeng Shui Q & A: Solutions for a Split Bed
Our friend Evangeline asks:
I have a kingsize bed, and there is a split in the box spring. Do I need to put material in the middle? If so, what color material should I use?
Great question – No you don’t NEED to, however, if you’re laying in bed, thinking about how the bed beneath you is “broken” or “split,” then YES, this will be a good choice for you – not only for the peace of mind it provides, but also for the symbolism of unity. Put one big sheet, or a blanket, or a piece of material between the box spring and the mattress to unify, repair, marry, fix or strengthen the split box spring. Choose a favorite color of YOURS, as in the plural yours, so you’ll choose something together. Perhaps a color from your wedding, perhaps a color that elicits passion from you, perhaps a color that symbolizes peace and forever-ness. Make it meaningful to both of you and it will become a meaningful enhancement.
Read More
Feng Shui Q & A: Hibiscus Plants-Good, or Bad?
Our friend Beverly asks:
If you love it, then it can only bring more love into your space. If you think that it will create something unpleasant, then it probably will. My Grandma LOVES Hibiscus plants and when she visits this part of the world, she can’t believe that they get as huge and as beautiful as they do. To her, they are wonderful. I like them as a greeter – HI-biscus!
Stay Connected
