Feng Shui for Fall
Spring Cleaning takes the spotlight for home maintenance between seasons, but what about moving from the carefree-ness of summer into the complacency of Fall and Winter?
Fall is the time of year when we celebrate the harvest of summer and welcome Autumn produce like apples, winter squashes and warm drinks, (pumpkin spice lattes anyone?) Wardrobes shift as we put away those spaghetti straps and strappy sandals and bring out chunky sweaters and over the knee boots. For some this is a favored time of year, for all of the above reasons. For others, Autumn sniffles take the place of summer immune systems, reminding us of pesky illnesses during the cooler temps. Rather than taking the good with the bad, how about using Feng Shui to stylize your home while providing another barrier to cold and flu cooties?
As cold and flu season approaches consider new defenses to guard yourself against illnesses by focusing more attention on the health and wellness centers of your home. Feng Shui is the practice designed to manage the flow of energy, called Qi (pronounced: “Chi”). This energy flow brings abundance in areas such as financial wealth, emotional stability, support by loved ones, spiritual energy, physical energy, and professional success. It is also used to ward off any negativity that may impact one’s ability to acquire abundance in the aforementioned areas. Qi flows based on the arrangement of the structure and the contents within your home and workspace.
In Feng Shui there are 9 energy centers within your home:
1. Wealth and Prosperity
2. Fame and Reputation
3. Love and Relationships
4. Family and New Beginnings
5. Center Earth (Health and Wellbeing)
6. Creativity and Children
7. Knowledge and Wisdom
8. Career
9. Helpful People
For the Fall, take some time to focus on the Health and Wellness Bagua. This area is located in the central spaces of any room and in the central region of your home overall. The diagramabove depicts the location of the wellness bagua. In addition to taking your pre-emptive homeopathic supplements, regularly washing your hands, and dressing appropriately for the weather, some Feng Shui elements to consider include:
Declutter:
The very first rule of Feng Shui is to clear out clutter. Stagnant energy lives where clutter exists. Get the energy flowing by discarding, donating, or selling what no longer serves you. Items that you don’t use, that are damaged, or give you sour feelings, get rid of them. The practice of decluttering promotes a physical and emotional release that allows you to literally feel lighter within your skin. Consider the old adage, “As is within, is also with-out.” Meaning that what you see in your external environment and life, is a direct reflection of what is going on within your psyche. Consider extreme hoarders whose homes look more like landfills than private oases. This phenomenon usually exists with people who have harbored some type of extreme psychosis. Most of us do not fall into said category, however, even a small amount of clutter can create cognitive issues and could be related to internal struggles that can be cleared through discarding and organizing items in yoru home. Take this step as a prerequisite to the following suggestions.
Color:
Colors have a psychological impact, especially as they relate to health. Typically we associate vitality with colors light bright greens and yellows, seen in flowers, plants and greenery. In autumn, colors of wellness include rich greens, reds, oranges, and yellows. These colors incorporated through using artwork, wall paints, knick knacks, and furnishings ignite energy in the immune systems of the homes residents by triggering uplifting feelings. When cabin fever strikes splashes of these earthy colors will remind you of the vibrant sunny days of summer. Also larger pieces symbolize stability over many smaller pieces which can tend to feel cluttered. The below image depicts a bright yellow accent wall, along with natural plants and symbols of abundance and fertility. These items ring true to the Health and Wellbeing Bagua.
Figure 2: Image courtesy of http://www.youramazingplaces.com
Symbols of Nature:
Living elements such as fresh or silk flowers, potted plants, bowls of fruit or other tangible symbols of natural abundance bring healthy energy to your health center by bringing the high vibration of nature into your home. When the temperatures are frigid, sitting outside may not be feasible, however, having elements of nature inside will give you a similar dose of serenity. The living plants bring the energy of vitality that helps you feel more alive. Feeling great prevents you from being a magnet of dis-ease. Whatever you choose, just be sure the images reflect radiant health. If you add fresh cut flowers, be sure to remove them once they dry out. Consider using the dried petals in a homemade potpourri, or include them in a framed original art piece. Leaving dead plants in this Bagua will instantly bring you down and promote your susceptibility to illness, so be sure to reuse or discard any wilted flowers.
Ensure necessary items are in great working condition:
Also, in preparation for the winter ahead, make sure you check that fire extinguishers and smoke detectors are in proper working order. Change light bulbs and stock up on batteries for flashlights and radios. Store these items in easy to find locations for emergency use. Also make any structural repairs and ensure plumbing is in good condition. Taking a weekend to ensure the health of your home is in order could eliminate costly and stressful repairs ahead, and can be the lifeline needed in the case of inclement weather.
Fill your home with scents of the season:
Bring warm feelings by incorporating aromatherapy into areas of your home where your family spends time. Use natural handmade incense, natural potpourri, or diffuse essential oils to warm the home. Scents impact long term memory more than anything else on earth. Think that familiar smell of apple pie, with its sweet cinnamon filling the air. Or consider earthy scents like pine to bring freshness.
Considering Happy Healthy Home focuses on aromatherapy, particularly cleaning products with naturally scented infusions, we encourage thoroughly cleaning your space, to make way for nesting before the next harvest season comes around. A clean house is one where neither bacteria nor bad energy can move in and settle. This ensures you stay healthy, both energetically AND physically.
To aid in your Fall Feng Shui, consider making your own cleaning products or save time and pick up some Happy Healthy Home products. To order go to happyhealthyhome.co.
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