Q&A Sunday: Bed Placement in Feng Shui

For YEARS I've been making sure my bed faces the door because I knew it was good feng shui. I didn't know why, and until recently I didn't know it shouldn't be directly in line with the door. Can you shine some light on why all this is?

Shanna G., Brooklyn, NY

Traditionally in feng shui, the position of the bed directly in line with the door is called the “coffin position." This is because if you sleep every night with all that energy, or “qi” coming straight at you, it causes health and other problems that may lead to an unhappy life or untimely death.

In feng shui we have a very important concept called the “command position." Ideally, your bed, desk, stove and other important areas should be positioned so that you can see the door and you have your back against the far wall. You don’t want to be directly in front of the door.  Rather, across the room, diagonally from the door, is typically the most ideal position.

Where does “command position” come from? From the physical and scientific perspective, there are areas of the brain that are more primitive than others. These areas are connected with the fight or flight response, also known as the “acute stress response." The feeling of danger and fear is a physiological response that you experience on a subtle level when you cannot see the door, or see what may be coming your way. This level of stress is especially activated when the back of your neck is exposed and facing the door. Your adrenals activate and anxiety levels increase, therefore affecting your mood and health.

Although not everyone is consciously aware of it, it does affect you. It is like a stone that has water dripping on it lightly for years; the stress levels begin to wear down at you. 

Metaphorically, the command position places you in command of the room, your home, and your life, because you can see what life brings to you, and you can move forward with your eyes open. 

Understandably, this furniture placement may not always be possible, so you can make an adjustment to a potentially unfavorable position by placing a mirror in such a way that you can see the door to the room. Now you’re back in command!

by Anjie Cho 

Dive deeper into feng shui to transform your life!

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Q&A Sunday: Water-Themed Art in the Bedroom

I read somewhere that paintings of water were bad feng shui. Is this true?

Magalie R., Los Angeles, CA

I have been taught that there are no feng shui issues with having images of water in the bedroom. Actually, I personally have a photograph of water in my bedroom above my bed. I am a water person and love being near and seeing water. It is calming. In four pillars I am yin wood, so water also nourishes me in five element theory.

I have been taught that water elements like fountains and fish aquariums are not ideal in the bedroom. Perhaps this is where the question comes from. The moving water may be too active for some people, and a bedroom is a yin space where we seek out rest and relaxation.

As with most objects in the bedroom, be thoughtful about what the images represent. If you have trouble sleeping, a painting of a rushing river or surfers riding waves might not be so calming. Use your intuition to determine if that piece of art is appropriate for the type of mood you want for your bedroom. A bedroom is there to support and nourish you while you sleep in a passive yin state.

If there is a particular piece of art you are looking to add to your bedroom, please feel free to submit it for Q&A Sunday!

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design feng shui cerfication program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. Check us out at www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui and Headboards

What's so important about headboards in feng shui?  And how do I select the best one for my bedroom?

Stephanie S., Jersey City, NJ

Thanks Stephanie!  This is a great question. I find that a lot of people don't have headboards for their beds. Headboards are so important for relationships in feng shui because they represent stability. A solid and sturdy headboard is like a strong backbone for a relationship. They should be attached securely and mechanically to the bed. So a headboard that is attached to the wall and not the bed does not work in this situation.

In selecting the best feng shui headboard, something that’s solid is very important. If possible avoid headboards with bars that can resemble feeling imprisoned. A headboard with many perforations is also not preferred because this can represent holes or insecurity for one or both partners. The most ideal shape is rounded or heart shaped. Since my aesthetics are a bit less traditional, I prefer rectangular headboards.

There is not a huge difference between a solid wood and a soft upholstered headboard, as long as both partners are comfortable with the style. Remember, it’s there to support both of you!

I can say from experience that this feng shui adjustment works. I didn’t have a headboard for years, until I met my husband. Not only did I go get a headboard, I also re-arranged my room so there was space on both sides of the bed.  And we still live happily ever after! 

by Anjie Cho

Dive deeper into feng shui to transform your life!

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Create sacred spaces that support, and nourish.

visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday".  We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!