Feng shui your home

Feng shui is loosely defined as the Chinese art of determining the most auspicious design placement of a building or room, to achieve maximum harmony of chi, or energy flow, between the environment and the user. Feng shui has been widely practiced in Chinese culture for more than 4,000 years, and it has gained popularity recently with Western homeowners. Feng shui itself can be very detailed and in depth depending on your preferences. Generally speaking there are five elements that feng shui masters incorporate into each room for balance and energy flow. Earth, metal, wood, fire and water. Even if you choose to only dabble in the practice, there are a few simple principles that homeowners can incorporate into their home or home search to maximize prosperity, health, love, and even reputation or fame.

One of the easiest to implement aspects of this discipline is space clearing. To begin the process of space clearing you can simply de-clutter your home. A clean organized and uncluttered kitchen promotes the overall health and prosperity of a dwelling’s occupants. Recently I cleaned out my pantry and fridge from head to toe, restocking them both in an orderly fashion, and with more healthy options. I wanted a fresh start for the new year. In doing this I also got rid of anything outdated, or items that were no longer useful to me. In researching for this column I have since learned that by these simple actions, I have cleared space for positive energy flow and made room for greater prosperity in my health and financial areas. Whether it’s connected or not, I have recently seen my health improve as well as my overall business expand to the point of adding additional team members due to the influx of new customers.

Have you ever noticed a home with a bowl of fresh fruit in the kitchen? This not only looks inviting and fresh, but to feng shui masters or consultants it signifies abundance. A general rule of thumb can be to assess anything in a given room or space for beauty or functionality. If the item in question does nothing to beautify the space and has no usefulness, get rid of it. Place something beautiful in immediate view of anyone that enters your front door. This can be a painting, flowers or even a well-crafted piece of furniture such as a foyer table with a glass bowl. Just be sure the furniture isn’t blocking the path of entry to the door.

Mirrors are often used to invite positive Chi into a home, or to shift the flow of chi in a more prosperous way. Take care not to place mirrors on walls facing the main door, or on walls facing your bed. Bedrooms should accommodate your furniture without placing the bed in such a way as to block the door. This idea is that you can view the door without being in front of it.

More food for feng shui thought: stand in your front door – the back left corner is the wealth area of your home. Place a red envelope with three or nine coins there, either hidden or visible. Standing in the same place, view the right back corner of your home – this is the relationships area. The number two signifies the relationship aspect, so items in pairs work well here enhancing relationships.

Feng shui is a revered practice for all of the potentially life enhancing aspects it promises, and as you can see many of the recommended actions are just good common sense. So whether you are buying selling or just want to improve the quality of your life and the life of your home, give feng shui a try, 2013 may end up being your best year so far!

Christina Rordam is a local Realtor. Contact her at 407-928-8294 or ChristinaSellsOrlando.com