Feng shui is more than simply moving about furniture or creating a “Zen”-looking home. Feng shui provides us resources to reduce stress, improve our well-being, and invite joy into our lives.

Similar to meditation, the practice of feng shui is profoundly steeped in mindfulness, in slowing down and discovering the details in your life so that you can truly experience the present moment. The words “feng shui” are Chinese and translate to “wind” and “water.” Wind is our breath, and humans are nearly 60 percent water. Historically, feng shui has origins in Taoism and Buddhism. However, components of feng shui are palpable in every culture across time. For example, nowadays we could all feel the difference between a New York City apartment and a silent hidden cabin in the woods, and we realize our surroundings considerably influence our energy.

By linking with all the spaces around us we can start to further associate to and observe our inner and outer worlds. Feng shui claims that we are interconnected with everyone and everything is alive, that there could be magic in making your bed every morning, gazing from the window, or even walking through a door.

These design tweaks encourage good feng shui in every room of the house:

1. Place your bed, desk, and stove in a command position.

One among the best and basic principles in feng shui is known as the “commanding position,” and it essentially means that certain things must be confronting the entrance door. The main objects to put in the control position would be the bed, desk, and stove.

The main door to the room or space is known as the “mouth of chi,” and it is regarded as the portal through which energy comes into your house and life. When you are cooking in the stove (or sleeping in bed, or sitting at your desk), it is best if you’re able to see the doorway but not be directly in line with it. It’s better to be diagonal from the door, while facing it. Understandably, this isn’t always possible, so you are able to make alterations such as putting a mirror such that you can see the doorway in the reflection while cooking at the stove (or sleeping in bed, or sitting at your desk). If that is not achievable, you may use a faceted feng shui crystal ball and hang it between the door and the item.

2. Pay special attention to your entryway.

The entrance and entrance door to your house represent how you face the outside. It’s the way the world sees you, such as a first impression. Be certain to keep the place tidy and clutter-free. This doesn’t signify the entry has to be entirely empty; instead it’s about keeping just what you want there. So if it is winter, it is sensible to hang on your scarf, hat, and coat. The exterior and interior entrance also needs to be decorated (get some glowing bulbs on a dimmer!) . Lastly, make sure your door remains clean, hung directly, and easily visible. Auspicious opportunities require clear signage to locate you! In addition, I often suggest a wonderful black rectangular welcome mat to draw good energy.

3. “Activate” your front door.

While we are at the entry area, let us activate your door. The front entrance is actually and metaphorically the way energy walks in your home. On an auspicious day such as your birthday or a new moon, between the hours of 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. (the most yang hours of the day), compose a listing of nine wishes for yourself with a newly bought black pencil on a sheet of red paper. Read your listing out loud, then with respect, mindfully sign the list. Carefully fold the sheet and set it into a red envelope. Securely place your intentions and aspirations above the front door, on the inside of your home. Now, each single time you walk through your entrance, you’re devoting the energy of those dreams in order that they may manifest in your life. (Note: You may also use this to your own bedroom if you reside with roommates.)

4. Balance out your bedroom.

In feng shui philosophy, your bedroom symbolizes you and affects you the most. We spend many hours sleeping in our beds, therefore the feng shui of our bedrooms is of extreme importance. Once you get the bed in the controlling position, it’s also important to have space on each side of the bed. This implies that you have made space for your partner (or future partner). Believe me : Nobody likes to sleep on the wall! This additionally allows for a nightstand on each side of the bed. The nightstands don’t need to match; nonetheless, it is better if they’re similar in size. If possible, there should be at least two feet of walking space on the left and right side of the bed, with the headboard against the wall. Yes, you need a headboard! A good headboard without holes or bars, fastened securely to the bed, creates equilibrium and stability. Finally, take some time to make your bed daily and thank it for supporting you every night.

5. Be mindful in colour selection.

The five elements are observed in nature and therefore are used to bring in energy to create balance. So if there is an elemental energy which you call for a little more of, you can add this color to your area with accessories, paint, or even clothes.

If you are lacking self-care and stability, add more of the earth element. The colours for earth include earthy tones of orange, yellow, and brown. A dark-brown wood headboard can be used to ground your relationship. The metal component (grays, whites, off-whites, and metallic tones) may provide more precision and clarity, and a silver metallic frame for your vision board can help guide and reevaluate your objectives. If you want to invite more flow or wisdom into your spaces, accents of black call upon the element of water. Try sitting in a black or dark blue seat once you study. Wood energy can help kick-start new starts and deliver life energy into a place, and teal cushions on your couch can bring life into the party when you entertain. Finally, the red color of fire energy is magnetizing and will light you once you need more recognition or passion. My preferred method to bring in fire energy would be with fresh red flowers.

In feng shui, these things are best avoided:

1. Cluttered doorways

As previously mentioned, doorways are very significant in feng shui since they are portals for energy. Take a detailed look at every doorway in your house to see whether there are some that cannot open a minimum of 90 degrees due to surrounding clutter or furniture. When doors can’t open, it usually means the positive energy coming into your own life has been compressed and your full potential isn’t readily available to you. It also impacts how you experience your life path (literally and metaphorically) and will make you crammed and pinched rather than expansive and spacious. Finally, doors also signify your voice in the world, so a blocked door may signify that your voice can’t fully be heard or conveyed.

2. Broken items.

Broken items in your home can become barriers in your life and lead to anxiety which keeps you back. That broken doorbell which you keep intending to fix might block you from getting a visit from something or somebody amazing.

3. Stuffed closets

Many people have these “I’ll fit into them someday” jeans from high school, but letting go of the clothes we do not need will give our brains a cue to also forego other unnecessary items (such as weight or harmful people or anxiety). When we’ve got a full closet, we give the world the message that our lives are complete and we do not require anything else. It’s astonishing what a little space in your closet may do in order to invite magic in your own life.

4. Dusty corners and objects.

If you will find places or items in your home that are collecting dust, it might represent areas of your life which are ignored and stagnant. If you do not need this object, perhaps it’s time to donate it. And if there is a space you have not stepped in, perhaps it’s time to peek inside. It can be as straightforward as taking the time to move things around to stir up some good energy.

5. Dirty Windows

In feng shui, windows signify the opinion of the people in the house. When we’ve got dirty windows, we can not see the world around us clearly and will get caught up in our perceptions. Take some time to wash them frequently and then see just how much enjoyment and light come into your own life.

6. Artwork that’s crooked or hung too low.

If somebody has problems with depression and reduced power, I often see that their art, photos, and mirrors are hung low on the walls. The low artwork can bring down your chi. (Note: Even a bed that is very low to the floor might bring down your mood). It’s also excellent to fasten frames in two places so the artwork isn’t crooked.

7. Storage under your bed

I understand a lot people could use additional storage, but beneath the bed isn’t the place for this! In feng shui, it is ideal to have the air flow around you as you are sleeping, so it is a big no-no to have objects beneath the bed–particularly sharp, dangerous items. Other things to be on the lookout for are shoes, books, or anything related with very active energy. If you have mementos from past relationships saved underneath there, it might signify that connection is holding you back. If you have to keep something under the bed, make it something soft, such as additional sheets and pillows.