Feng Shui Sleeping Arrangements
By on Apr 03, 2008
In an earlier issue of NDH we touched on Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art and science of assessing and harnessing the Qi in your living environment to achieve your goals. This time we wanted to focus on the bedroom area so we turned to Julie DeCicco, a classical feng shui practitioner. Julie's practice includes the specialties of Form, 8 Mansion, Flying Star, and Xuan Kong. Julie comes with an almost innate understanding of the housing industry. She has worked in the residential and commercial construction industry throughout her career. Her father was a home builder and her weekends were spent on job sites. Julie advises consulting a Feng Shui practitioner before buying a home. Once you have the knowledge of what to look for, you are well ahead in your quest for success and prosperity.
New Dreamhomes: How important is the bedroom in the practice of Feng Shui?
Julie: There are three vitally important areas within everyone's environment according to Feng Shui. The bedroom is one of them. This is not surprising since it is the room we spend over 30 per cent of our lives in.
What does or does not belong in the bedroom?
Keep in mind the primary use of the bedroom or any space for that matter. In a couple's bedroom, only personal items should "live" there. Do not have photos of other family members; they belong in other areas of the home. Your bedroom should be your personal retreat and sanctuary. Rest, relaxation, and revitalization are the key words. This is not a good place for electronic equipment of any kind. It is not a place for your "home office" or "gym". Do not allow your bedroom to do "double duty" (or triple). If the bedroom belongs to a child the same rules apply. Do not have your TV, video games, computer, or desk in the same space.
We understand furniture placement is important in Feng Shui? Is it the same with the bedroom?
Furniture placement is especially critical in a bedroom. Your Feng Shui consultant will advise you on where to place you bed for best results. There is a different directional placement for each person. It is based on your own birth data as well as that of your home. However, some basic rules do apply: have a good support wall behind your head; do not sleep against a window; do not have a door bisecting your sleeping body; do not sleep against a bathroom wall; do not sleep with your back to the door; do not have mirrors reflecting you while sleeping; if there is an ensuite bathroom, keep the door closed electronic alarm clock radios should be at least two feet away from your head while sleeping.
What is the best way to clear the bedroom of clutter when it usually holds so many personal items?
The bedroom holds plenty of past issues within its walls. It may be that the reluctance to let go of possessions is hindering you in moving forward in your life. Change requires willingness. Qi needs to breathe. Energy needs to flow without obstructions. Most of all, you need clear space to achieve all this. There is a proliferation of TV shows popping up illustrating how crippling clutter can be. Many of you are looking for a new home because you do not have enough space. Once you make a decision to clear any space in your home, you must be resolute in the task. Personally, I use the premise that if you have not worn it within the past year, it does not belong in your closet. I am constantly cleaning out cupboards and drawers. It's like driving a clean car, you feel better, lighter. If the items of furniture in your bedroom do not promote rest, they do not belong there. There are several ways to dispose of your unwanted items: you can donate them to a charity or needy person (perhaps receive a tax receipt), you could consign your items to a second hand shop, or you could have a garage sale.
