Let’s face it- these days, we are finding ourselves spending more and more time in our bedrooms. Sometimes, it’s just too tempting to stay in bed to do one’s work, have one’s coffee, ruminate on the meaning of life, and if we’re lucky- squeeze in some shut-eye. What many of us aren’t aware of however, is the way things are arranged in our bedroom can have a huge effect on our productivity, sleep, and well-being.
Want to attract more success and positivity into your life in 2022? It could be as easy as moving some furniture around, getting a new set of bed linens, or doing little things to spruce up your room. Read on to discover some feng-shui bedroom tips that will keep the energy flowing in your place and will help bring good fortune into 2022!
First- let’s talk a bit about Feng-Shui
Feng Shui, known as Chinese geomancy, is an ancient Chinese practice which aims to bring harmony between people and their surrounding environments. According to Ole Brun’s book FengShui in China:
“The term feng shui means, literally, "wind-water." From ancient times, landscapes and bodies of water were thought to direct the flow of the universal Qi – “cosmic current” or energy – through places and structures. Because Qi has the same patterns as wind and water, a specialist who understands them can affect these flows to improve wealth, happiness, long life, and family; on the other hand, the wrong flow of Qi brings bad results.” (Brun, 3).
Historically, and in contemporary Chinese culture, feng shui was used to orient buildings and spiritually significant structures such as tombs, as well as dwellings and other structures. However, in regards to contemporary Western societies, one scholar writes: “feng shui tends to be reduced to interior design for health and wealth. It has become increasingly visible through 'feng shui consultants' and corporate architects, who charge large sums of money for their analysis, advice, and design” (Komjathy, 395).
Luckily, we’ve decided to save you the money and lay out the foundational tips for bringing some feng shui into your own space.
Move your bed!
According to the rules of feng shui, a bed should be placed against a wall, never underneath a window, and should have no doors on either side. Your bed affects your health, financial success, positivity, and most dramatically: your love life.
Getting a new bed or a new, fresh set of bed linens, clears out old energy and makes way for new, better things in your life (or a new special someone, if that’s something you fancy). For those who are single, changing your bed could mean ushering a new and improved lover into your life. For those already in a relationship, it could help rekindle the flame.
Declutter, Marie Kondo style
The main goal of feng shui is to create a space for positive energy (or “Qi”) to flow. Look around your room, and take inventory of the things that you no longer have use for or associate with a negative time in your life. An important thing to ask yourself when deciding whether to throw something out is: “does it spark joy?”. Feng shui is less about aesthetics and more about how a space makes you feel when you walk into it. Walking into a clean, minimalistic, and decluttered space is calming and will always generate positive energy.
Detox, detox, detox!
Your bedroom should be treated like a sacred temple. Besides the obvious decluttering and tidying that has to happen in order to cleanse your space, it should also smell good. A bedroom that smells good and fresh exudes a calming ambience, which creates the positive energy we so crave.
When cleaning your bedroom, make sure you use clean and natural ingredients, such as baking soda, vinegar, and essential oils. Use natural aromatherapy through diffusers or candles. If you’re opting for scented candles, make sure they are made with natural wax such as beeswax or soy, 100% unbleached cotton wicks, and are free of synthetic fragrances. Fill your room with natural fragrance from essential oils- no chemicals!
Understand your color palette
With feng shui, the direction your room faces will determine the types of colours you’ll incorporate into your bedroom. Each of the five elements of feng shui corresponds to a direction and color. These are outlined below:
- West and northwest: white, gold, and silver
- East and southwest: green
- Northeast and southwest: brown, yellow, and pink
- South: red
- North: blue and black
Indoor plants= more positive energy
Not only do plants represent the wood element, but they are also great for improving indoor air quality. When choosing the right feng shui-approved plant for you, avoid prickly or sharp plants and instead, look for plants with soft, curved leaves. Giving your plant the daily care and attention it needs cultivates compassion, which is one of the traits associated with the wood element, along with growth, health, and prosperity.
“Do you respect wood?”
As we’ve already mentioned, the element of wood represents growth, prosperity, health, and abundance under feng shui. It is an element that encompasses both active masculine and receptive feminine energy. Incorporating wooden elements into your bedroom decor is a great way to invite these things into your life!
Decorate your space with nature paintings
A great way to inject peace and beauty into your space is through paintings that reflect feng shui principles. This means choosing artwork that encompasses any of the five elements of feng shui- water, fire, earth, metal, and wood. For instance, tranquil beach landscapes depict the element of water, while lush, pastoral landscapes encompass the element of wood. Gravitate towards paintings that reflect the mood you want your space to reflect- ones that you are instinctively drawn to and bring you a sense of peace and joy.
Finally, brighten up your room!
This one is super important- light affects the natural energy flow in your room. If your abode is looking a little dim, incorporate a lamp or a night light- there are even lighting fixtures specifically made to mimic natural morning light. These not only help to regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm (you can read all about our tips for a good night’s sleep here), but can also help uplift your mood, improve your focus, and energize your day. Let there be light!
Sources:
AMPLIFY, Newsweek. “8 Feng Shui Bedroom Tips to Bring You Good Fortune in 2021.” Newsweek, 17 Jan. 2021, https://www.newsweek.com/amplify/8-feng-shui-bedroom-tips-bring-you-good-fortune-2021.
Bruun, Ole (2003). Fengshui in China. Honolulu: University of Hawai‘i Press.
Komjathy, Louis (2012). "Feng Shui (Geomancy)". In Juergensmeyer, Mark; Roof, Wade Clark (eds.). Encyclopedia of Global Religion. 1. Los Angeles, CA: SAGE Reference. pp. 395–396