Feng Shui is the ancient Chinese practice that charts the balance of energy, or chi, via scientific calculations. The goal of Feng Shui is to invite positive chi (energy) into your home so that your life feels both energized and balanced. The space in your home and office reflects your life. Your life’s vision is reflected in your environment. Use the space in your home and office to create positive energy which can affect how you feel as well.

Feng Shui consultants advise their customers on how to use the 5 elements ( fire, earth, metal, water and wood) along with colors to increase energy in their environment to maximize wealth, fame, health, creativity and partnership.

Here are some simple ways to maximize the energy in your home:

Let’s start with the front door. The outside of the front door should be clear of clutter (as the rest of the house) so that the door can open freely and energy or chi can flow through. Be sure to remove anything that is blocking the door from opening all the way. Many consultants recommend painting the front door red to maximize the energy brought into the home. If the doorbell is not working, fix it. Also, remove any dead plants in the home and near the front door.

The first thing you see when you walk into your home is important. Entering the home through the garage, back or side doors is not ideal since what you usually see when you enter through these doors does not create positive energy. If you see the living room when you enter your home, it is best that the sofa be placed against a wall, not a window, to increase the feeling of security in the home. Living room chairs for visitors should be clean and the floors as well. In regards to the bedrooms, having a headboard for your bed creates a feeling of security. The desk and bed should be in line of sight with the room door. This allows one to see who is entering their space and gives one the security needed to be creative. It creates a “safe space”. Be sure to remove clutter in all rooms, including the basement.

Bring nature into your home by having a waterfall close to the front door. Metal chimes awaken your sense of hearing. Candles input the element of fire and energy into the home. Incense awakens the sense of smell. A fireplace and artwork with rocks and wood bring nature into the home. Plants cleanse the air in the environment.

Try using these tips to rearrange your home and hopefully you will receive the benefits of having more positive energy in your life. Have fun with it!

I would like to thank AARP and Julie Delene for providing us with this valuable information.