Feng-shui for your bedroom
Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice that some say dates back over 6,000 years; the literal translation of the words are wind (feng) and water (shui).
Wind and water are associated with good health in Chinese culture, so good feng shui is associated with good fortune. Meanwhile, bad feng shui means bad luck or misfortune.
The importance of feng-shui for bedrooms
Feng-shui in the bedroom is all about considering the space, the position of the bed, and what’s in the room.
Bed placement and what is around the bed can influence your energy daily. Bedrooms are important because you spend a considerable amount of time there to restore and heal yourself every day.
When applying the feng shui principle of ‘celestial animals’ to a bedroom we are considering how much energy and support you are, or are not, receiving from the environment.
Could there be a better place to apply feng shui principles than in the bedroom? It’s the place where you restore yourself every day.
What to have around your bed
The direction you look to should be clear and uncluttered, ideally you would look out a window; the idea is that it is like seeing into the future, giving you a future vision for your life. What is behind you provides backing and support in life, so ideally there are no windows above the bed – a solid wall is perfect.On your right is the active ‘tiger’ energy and you want this to be calm, low and quiet so minimal robes, lights, TV and electrical equipment should be placed on the left.The left-hand side of you is the ‘dragon’ energy and this is where you draw energy for life’s opportunities, help and resources. Height from robes, lights and active things are best placed on this side of the bed.
How to feng-shui your bedroom
If you’re serious about wanting to feng-shui your bedroom it’s a good idea to consult an expert. There are however a few practical things you can do yourself to improve the energy of your bedroom.
1. Ensure the bedroom is dark at night
Bedrooms should be quiet, peaceful and conducive to sleep. Rooms should ideally be dark at night.
2. Avoid bright colours
Strong, bright colours are active, and we don’t want an active room for sleep. Soft pastel shades are recommended for bedrooms.
Keep colours neutral in a feng-shui bedroom.
3. Keep electrical devices out
Anything electrical will also enliven the energy in the room and this is not ideal for sleep. Ideally no televisions, computers or devices in the bedroom. Even though the physical body may sleep, the inner self may be on alert all night if the room is too active.
4. Avoid having a mirror near the bed
Mirrors also activate a room because they rebound energy back and forth, so it is best not to have them near the bed, or at least cover them at night.
5. Never sleep under a ceiling beam
Never sleep under an exposed ceiling beam if possible; if you must, try to paint the beams the same colour as the ceiling so as to not create so much downward pressure on you. Nothing should split the marital bed vertically down its centre; for example, beams above or below the bed.
In feng-shui, a four-poster bed is fine, but try to avoid sleeping under exposed ceiling beams.
6. Close the door of the ensuite
Ensuite's are not ideal as they drain energy, but if you do have one make sure the door is always closed and very importantly put the toilet lid down.
7. Keep the ‘altar’ out of the bedroom
In feng-shui, an ‘altar’ is essentially a place designated to honouring pure energy. It is a place for offerings, prayers and gratitude. An altar should not be placed in the bedroom, rather it should be placed in an obscure area in the home that you cannot see as soon as you walk into the house.
8. Opt for a timber bed, but do not feature plants or water
Natural elements are important. Beds ideally should be made from natural wood – metal is too hard and cold for a deep restful slumber. There should not be any plants in your bedroom, or water, particularly a fish tank, which can be common in kids’ rooms.
Beds ideally should be crafted from natural wood.
9. Keep clutter at bay in kids’ bedrooms
Children’s bedrooms should be free from too much clutter. Large furniture decreases opportunity for a child’s creativity as there is less room to move things, play and discover – physically, intellectually and creatively.
Keep clutter at bay in your child’s bedroom for optimum calm and creativity. Picture: Wendy Bishop Spirit/Mandala
10. Consider what’s above you
f your home is two storey then watch what is under or above you — there should be no cylinders, stoves, fires, toilets and preferably no sinks or anything to do with water. Beware of having your head near a power meter box, backing onto a fridge or anything electrical.
Feng-shui tips
If you’re like most people, you probably take a glass of water to bed with you regularly. However, feng-shui principles believe this is not such a good idea. It is said as we sleep, we ‘drop’ the energy of the day, good or bad, and the water will collect what we drop and then you drink it back in again. If you take a glass of water to bed, put a cover over it or use a drink bottle because water absorbs the energy around it.
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