Uncover the Hidden Techniques for Keeping Negative Energy Away
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice of arranging items in a space to promote a positive flow of energy and achieve balance. Also known as geomancy, it centers around the concept of “qi,” the life force energy that moves through a space. Despite being thousands of years old, feng shui remains a relevant method for enhancing harmony and equilibrium in a setting. Elements like wall colors and furniture arrangement all contribute to the ambiance of a room and impact its energy according to feng shui principles.
If you’re interested in exploring this philosophy but uncertain how to begin, feng shui expert Anjie Cho is here to offer her valuable advice. Understanding what to avoid is often the first step, so we’ve asked Cho to reveal common feng shui mistakes people make, allowing you to steer clear of them. She covers topics ranging from floral decor to furniture placement and storage solutions, providing insights that may surprise you.
About the Expert
Anjie Cho is a renowned feng shui expert and the co-author of “Mindful Living: A Guide to the Everyday Magic of Feng Shui.”
1. Opting for Dried or Artificial Flowers
While dried or artificial flowers may be easier to maintain, feng shui recommends replacing them with fresh flowers to harness their life energy. Cho explains that dried or fake flowers lack the same life force energy as fresh ones, and are often chosen for their long-lasting appeal. However, she emphasizes that the transient nature of fresh flowers adds to their beauty and vitality. Cho notes that special circumstances, such as preserving a cherished bouquet, may warrant keeping dried flowers, but not for feng shui purposes.
Related: Master the Art of Flower Arrangement with These 8 Simple Steps
2. Positioning a Desk in Front of a Window
Although placing your desk in front of a window may seem appealing for the view, Cho warns that it is a common feng shui mistake. “From a feng shui perspective, this setup allows your energy to escape through the window rather than staying focused on your work,” she cautions. If the desk is intended for work purposes, Cho suggests repositioning it to avoid energy loss and maintain focus on career success.
Related: Discover 41 Stylish Home Office Ideas for an Inspiring Workspace
3. Avoiding Benches at the Foot of the Bed
While placing a bench at the foot of the bed might enhance the bedroom’s aesthetics, feng shui principles advise against it. According to Cho, the area at the foot of the bed symbolizes opportunities, particularly in one’s career, and obstructing this space with furniture can hinder the flow of energy.
Related: Learn About 9 Bedroom Layout Mistakes That Could Disrupt Your Sleep
4. Refraining from Storing Items Under the Bed
“In feng shui, it’s crucial for energy to circulate freely around you while you sleep
Having items under your bed can impact your sleep. According to Cho, who takes a practical approach to bedroom storage, it’s important to consider what you store under your bed as it can affect you while you sleep. While acknowledging the limited storage space in places like New York, Cho suggests sticking to sleep-related or soft items like linens and pillows under the bed, rather than emotionally charged items or active objects like gym shoes.
Additionally, when it comes to adding color to your space, Cho advises against taking feng shui suggestions too literally. While color plays a role in feng shui, it’s just one tool among many. Cho mentions that incorporating a specific color can be done through decor, clothing, or even using a purple pen for journaling, rather than painting your walls a color you may not like.
Mixing different feng shui styles can lead to conflicting information, so Cho recommends trusting your intuition and following one feng shui expert or tip that resonates with you. Just like following a recipe, it’s best to commit to one approach before combining different techniques.
For those who enjoy indoor plants, Cho advises not to toss out cactus plants, even though soft and heart-shaped leaf plants are generally preferred for feng shui adjustments. As long as the cactus is healthy and meaningful to you, it can still contribute positive energy to your space. However, be mindful of the message the cactus may be sending and consider moving it if needed.
Lastly, the feng shui tool known as the bagua is not the only tool available, according to Cho. If you have a complex floor plan, it’s okay not to use the bagua to avoid confusion. Trust your instincts and choose feng shui practices that feel right for you.
When utilizing the bagua, she emphasizes the significance of staying true to one feng shui school or approach without mixing and matching various schools and suggestions. “It’s best to stick with one source – whether it be a book, an expert, or a tip – and adhere to their guidance,” she advises. “Given that there are numerous schools of thought, each with its unique interpretation and potential contradictions, it can easily lead to confusion if you try to blend them.”
On the topic of fretting over unfavorable feng shui, Cho advises against becoming overly concerned. “It’s common to get caught up in nitpicking and obsessing over everything that seems ‘negative’ in your home and life,” she remarks. She points out that feng shui teachings are rooted in the notion of non-duality, such as the balance of yin and yang, and highlights that ‘good’ and ‘bad’ are just two sides of the same coin.
“There are occasions when we find ourselves drawn to a space that seemingly has ‘bad’ feng shui, yet it might be exactly what we require; or perhaps, it serves as a catalyst for addressing a deep-seated issue that is ready for healing,” Cho explains. The essential aspect to grasp is that feng shui is not a one-size-fits-all concept: “What may be deemed negative for one person could be profoundly transformative for another,” notes Cho.
