The home is where the heart is. Feng shui can revitalize your living space so that recovery and healing can take root and blossom. By applying this ancient practice to your environment, anxiety and emotional unrest can be eased. Every little step matters when it comes to recovery, so I urge you to put these concepts into practice to start healing with feng shui.
What is Feng Shui?
What is Feng Shui?For thousands of years, feng shui has brought balance to environments, moods, energy, and well-being. Also known as wind-water, it’s an ancient Chinese practice that seeks to emulate the flow and freedom of nature. The five basic elements of fire, water, metal, wood, and earth are tuned into perfect balance.
Healing with Feng Shui
The way these elements are arranged in the home welcomes happiness, energy, and health. And I’m excited to report that when you’re happy and energized, the stamina and dedication needed for recovery comes easier. So how do you achieve feng shui in your home? Here are a few starter tips you can use in each room.
Reduce Clutter by the Front Door
In feng shui, the main entrance is deemed the “mouth” of the home, and all of the positive sustenance flows in from here. You will want this transition to be smooth, clean and inviting. To achieve this, ensure that the entryway is illuminated and remove all of the clutter so that you can open the door to at least a 90-degree angle. Vibrant colors, plants, and heartwarming décor are all ideal to invite good vibes in. Do not place a mirror facing the front door as it will deflect positive energy straight out of the home.
Decorate the Living Room
The colors best for your living room depend on its placement in your home’s bagua map. This 9-point grid is an imaginary blueprint that is superimposed over your living space. Each area of the grid focuses on an aspect of life; the corresponding location of your home is adorned in a way that caters to it. For example, if your living room correlates with ‘family’ on the bagua map, warm greens and lush plant life will be most rewarding here.
The living room is generally a place of rest and recovery, so chaotic décor and clutter should be purged. Pay attention to the shape and size of your furniture, too. Curved lines soothe our minds just as the limitless growth of nature does. Create a more open, intimate setting for conversation by placing seating pieces within 5′ of each other. With these tips, the living room can be a peaceful haven to reflect and have fun.
Balance the Kitchen
Since a lot of action and nourishment happens in the kitchen, you’ll want this place to be bright and cheerful. Live plants, lush and vibrant artwork and easy, warm lighting are perfect for the kitchen. Cut back on excess clutter on the fridge, counters and in drawers. Baskets are a homey, simple way to house everyday items. The earth element should thrive in the kitchen as it grounds us and empowers us to nurture and activate our bodies. It is also ideal to have a special, comfortable place to sit down and eat; this means no television in sight to distract you from truly tasting your food and enjoying family time.
Organize Your Home Office
If you see piles of paper, unorganized supplies, and a huge to-do list when you walk into your home office, prioritize cleanup. Positive energy and inspiration flow more freely with a clean, fresh space. You can also position your desk in a feng shui commanding position to promote strong, productive vibes. This means that you should not have your back to the entrance and your desk should not be abutting a wall. If this is impossible, consider softening the wall with artwork and natural lighting.
Lighting is important in your home office and throughout your home, too. Sunshine is a wonderful panacea for all sorts of emotional ailments. It gives you a much-needed boost of vitamin D and plenty of endorphins. I encourage you to add natural light whenever possible by opening the curtains, replacing fluorescent lights, and using wall paint that reflects the light and brightens your home office.
Sleep Peacefully in Your Bedroom
Recovery is both a time of healing and of chaotic, raw emotions. You’ll need energy to fight through it. Feng shui creates a stress-free bedroom that helps you wind down at night, enjoy a deep sleep, and wake up energized the next morning. Here are some tips:
- Warm, soothing colors are a must for a serene bedroom oasis. However, splashes of “passion” colors such as crimson and pink can invite an invigorating spark.
- Reduce and keep electronics out of this room or at least away from the head of your bed.
- Try to position your bed so it is not facing doors and the headboard is against a wall. This will promote a feeling of security and stability.
- Plants and greenery, as always, are fundamental to healing with feng shui and encouraging an uplifting flow of energy. Soften edges by draping long vines over them.
- Curved furniture takes the edge off of nervous energy and makes for a more comforting environment.
Feng shui is by no means the only way to create a living space you and your recovery will thrive in. The principles do hold a lot of sense and power, however, so I urge you to experiment with it and your own sense of style until you discover what makes you feel most comfortable and happy.
The aftercare program at Morningside Recovery will provide you with many ways to enhance your sobriety, which may include healing with feng shui. To learn more about Morningside Recovery, call 855-631-2135 now.
By Angela Lambert
Photo by: Avia Venefica (Flickr)
