Feng shui philosophy contends that a harmoniously arranged home will engender harmony in the lives of its inhabitants. Nowhere is this more true than in the bedroom.
There are three Rs of bedroom feng shui: rest, rejuvenation and romance. Rest and rejuvenation are the first consideration. When a relationship is still in the honeymoon stage, the newness is like an aphrodisiac. As the saying goes, “When you’re in love, even a park bench is wide enough. After the newness wears off, a king-sized bed might not be big enough.”
In fact, king-sized beds and oversized bedrooms tend to diminish feelings of intimacy, just as a bed that is too small or placed up against a wall inhibits free movement and feelings of independence.
Another problem with many king-sized beds, especially older models, lies in the two box springs beneath the mattress that incline each sleeper to roll away from the center. If you like a king-sized bed, replace the double box spring with a single box spring or wooden platform.
An exposed beam running lengthwise directly over the bed can foster that same sense of division, so if there is a beam over your bed, try to reposition the bed or cover the beam with fabric.
What’s the Best Position?
Notice the colors, art, objects and positioning of furniture in your bedroom, and whether or not there’s any symbolism in these things. You want to feel relaxed and rested, so get rid of negative images like a storm-tossed boat on a foggy sea.
Any photos should set an intimate mood. It’s great to surround yourself with family, but family pictures are better displayed in a family room, or at least not facing the bed. This way, you can avoid looking up in a passionate moment and seeing your parents’ or kids’ photos.
Some color is great in the bedroom. White is sterile and lifeless as the dominant color here, but with white as the backdrop, color becomes more vibrant. The creative use of color for window treatments, throw pillows or even an entire wall can bring life-energy (ch’i) into an otherwise bland room. Of course, you don’t want to make the room too lively or rest and intimacy will be more challenging.
Large mirrors in a bedroom may be fun at times, but detract from a potentially peaceful and intimate ambiance. Reflective surfaces bounce light and can make a quiet room feel too busy. They also multiply images so the bedroom can start to feel pretty crowded, especially when positioned at the foot of the bed.
Indeed, consider that whatever you are looking at will be what you are inspired to talk about. Would you prefer framed artwork on the wall, a lovely view of the outdoors, or an open bathroom door? Is one of you looking at the toilet while the other gazes at visionary art? Is one partner lamenting the “crap” in life while the other talks about dreams and goals?
It’s also important that you both have enough room to stand and walk comfortably alongside the bed. Is one of you blocked by obstacles, tripping over clutter or avoiding the sharp edges of a bureau? Starting or ending a day with these minor irritations inevitably gets expressed as nitpicky complaints and hostile overreactions to petty situations. All of which result in distraction from rest, rejuvenation and romance.
*Feng Shui Your Kitchen*
The Ba-gua Template
The ba-gua, or eight-sided diagram (ba=eight; gua=sides), assigns one of eight “aspirations” to an area of the house, property or room. One of these aspirations relates to personal relationships.
The personal relationship gua (side) of the house in the Compass School is said to be in the southwest of the home or room. However, in Black Sect Tantric Buddhist School, the personal relationship area is said to be in the far right corner of the home or room as you look in from its entrance. Each orientation has its underlying principles, so whichever school you choose, be consistent. Both have strengths, and either will assist you in living more harmoniously.
Now analyze what is in the personal relationship gua of each room. Are these items or images positive or negative? If negative, you are probably in a difficult relationship or none at all. Is this where you have a kitty litter box, trash can or dirty laundry? Is there an image of a single woman or single man in this area? Is there nothing in these areas? If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, it’s time to make adjustments. Use warm, intimate colors and double images like vases on a table or two figures entwined. If this corner of the home is missing, consider what you could put in the outside area that would “fill in” the space.
Feng shui theory states that what you see is what you get. Hang an inspiring picture on the wall opposite your front door, place a vase with fresh flowers on a table and keep the floor clear of clutter. In this way you will encourage creativity, harmony and abundance.
For more feng shui information, visit ElliotTanzer.com or Astrolog2009.com.
