Hong Kong has buildings with holes in them, and it’s all because of the Chinese practice of Feng Shui. It’s for the invisible dragons. For real.
Well, okay, not real dragons, but the invisible dragons symbolize good and bad energy. In Chinese, this energy is called Chi. It is the life force that governs all living things. It can manifest itself in both good and bad forms of energy.
Now, architects have discerned that the spaces we inhabit tend to influence our thoughts, behaviors, and actions. In this sense, they also affect our health and well-being. The art of Feng Shui is a way of organizing our spaces to harmonize ourselves with our environment and create a balance of energies.
So, why does Hong Kong have holes in its buildings? Well, all the buildings in Hong Kong are designed according to the rules of Feng Shui to maximize good Chi and some have holes in them to let the Chi flow uninterrupted. But Feng Shui can also be used to make our living spaces as harmonious as possible. Let’s take a look at how we can do that!
Feng shui for The Living Room
The term used to describe this space is the ‘internal bright hall’. Make sure your front door opens into a spacious space. Keep it clutter-free and clear- aka get rid of any large furniture or items that impede the spaciousness to make Chi flow from the external to the internal as efficiently as possible. Throw open the blinds or add large windows to let the natural sunlight in as it is a great source of natural life energy. Add artwork to help slow down the Chi and keep it from rushing around the room and house. Keep items that have positive energy corded to them in your sight, like family photos.
The Kitchen
The kitchen is where food that feeds the whole family is prepared, so it’s important for Chi. A popular term is a fire-water clash- when the stove and the sink are closer than three to four feet or are placed opposite to each other. This does not foster good Chi as water puts out fire. A simple solution is to place something wooden between them, like a table or a plant- since water feeds wood and wood feeds fire, the balance is maintained. It is however best to have the fridge, stove, and sink in a triangular setup.
The Bedroom
Sleep and rest are important as they affect health and wellness. For the bedroom, position the headboard against the wall- this creates a sense of grounding and facilitates rest, rather than positioning it against an energy source like a window. Try to leave space at either side of the bed- even an inch of space would help. Try to anchor the bed in space by putting bedside cabinets or something of the like on either side.
Establish a commanding space; ie, avoid putting the bed in direct alignment with the door while also giving a good vantage point from the bed to the door. This allows one to see and feel people, energy, or opportunities entering one’s life. Use calming colors like peach, cream, or brown.
Plants
Plants are great; they exude a sense of positivity, enhance the natural aesthetic, and are sources of a natural life force. Having lots of plants fosters good Chi. Succulents, money plants, and creepers are easy to maintain and beneficial.
Clutter
Studies have shown that clutter incites stressful or negative emotions. Try to make sure you have organizational space, trip-free furniture arrangements, and tidying up regularly.
Vertical arrangements
Vertical represents growth. Maybe add some tall bookshelves, a tree, or a light fixture where the light is vertical.
Balance
Balance everything out by going for a variety of textures and finishes- not too much metal or too much wood either.
If you’re still skeptical, it wouldn’t hurt to just try to move things around to see if it fosters positive change. Feng Shui is a great way to balance out your life by balancing your surroundings and ushering in the good vibes.
About the Author: Ananya Ananth is a Media and Communication student who writes, dances, and pets cats. Will be found vibing to music and instant coffee at all hours.
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