Feng Shui is a means by which people can feel more peaceful and content in their personal space. It's more psychological than theological, although some practitioners of Feng Shui believe in the invocation of the god of luck. If you would like to bring Feng Shui into your home, here are some tips on how to get started.
1. Clean up – Part of Feng Shui is being surrounded by things you love, but only the things you love most. Everything else needs to go. Donate whatever you can instead of throwing it away. A good rule of thumb for getting rid of things is to ask yourself if you have done anything with a particular object in a year. If you haven't touched it in a year, you probably won't miss it when you give it away.
2. Light – Feng Shui is about energy, and opening things up to a good flow of energy. Light is an important component of this. Emphasize natural lighting wherever you can, and use energy-efficient bulbs that have a daylight type of spectrum. In the evening, soft lighting is recommended. Light candles and use low-wattage bulbs in lamps.
3. Fresh air – In addition to natural light, natural, fresh air is also helpful is bringing good energy flow into your home. Whenever weather permits, let outside air in. Consider a quiet air purifier and toxin-absorbing houseplants to make your indoor air even cleaner.
You can also purify the air by using natural essential oils. In Feng Shui, essential oil of rose, lavender or jasmine is recommended for the bedroom; peppermint or lemon for rooms where you want to be awake and energized.
4. Water – Having a water feature in the home is an important aspect of Feng Shui. Water in the home's entryway is especially beneficial. A wall or tabletop fountain can fill this need. The water should be running; just a bowl of water won't do.
5. Objects – Of course you still have objects in your home. Arrange these in a decorative, organized manner so that it is pleasing to the eye. On your desk, place a small plant or desktop fountain. The color red is recommended for the desktop work space, as it is associated with wealth. In your home, make sure the entryway is clear of clutter and especially shoes. Consider placing small objects in decorative boxes that can be neatly stacked.
6. Wall Colors – Soft pink is considered ideal for the bedroom. Soft shades of purple are also good for promoting relaxation. Use red in rooms where a lot of activity occurs and you want an energized atmosphere. (Red is not recommended for a wall color, however, but only as an accent color.) Yellow is good for intellectual stimulation and promoting happiness.