Sweater Weather & Feng Shui

Guest User October 7, 2020

In feng shui, we work with the five elements. Each element is related to a season, and the season of fall is connected to the metal element. Metal is also connected to metallic colors, white, circular shapes, and the bagua areas of benefactors and competition. It has the qualities of righteousness, contraction, and joy.

The five elements also work together in cycles of creation and desctruction, just like they do in nature. In feng shui, metal creates water. Think of drops of water condensing on a metal pipe. Metal also overcomes wood - think of a metal ax chopping a tree.

As we move into metal season, we can find that our metal qualities are more pronounced. Too much metal can look like being very rigid or overly focused on efficiency, speeding through things, or talking a lot without thinking. We’re all susceptible to these things, though it may be especially noticeable for people who naturally have a lot of metal energy to begin with.

If you do have an overabundance of metal, add water to deplete metal, or fire to melt and refine metal. To add more water, you can walk near bodies of water, wear black, or have undulating shapes around you. To add fire, add the color red, triangular shapes, or candles to your home.

It’s also possible to not have enough metal. If this is the case, you probably don’t talk enough and may have a hard time standing up for yourself. You can correct this imbalance by wearing white, bringing white or circular shapes into your decor, or adding metal objects, like wind chimes, to your home. You can also add more earth, which produces metal, by bringing in earthy colors or objects from the earth like natural crystals.

When metal is in balance, you are able to speak for yourself and what is right, appropriately and with thoughtful clarity and certainty. Metal also helps us to be more efficient and attract helpful people into our lives.

Do you feel that you have too much or too little metal in your life? What steps could you take to bring things back into balance?

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

Find Feng Shui Balance with the Five Elements

Anjie Cho September 30, 2020

In feng shui, we employ the five elements, a philosophy used to describe the cycles of nature and how they work together and seek to always be in balance. The five elements are Earth, Water, Fire, Wood and Metal. Five element theory is also utilized in traditional Chinese medicine, Chinese astrology and martial arts. A great way to create balance and harmony is to include something that represents each of these five elements in your space.

Earth

The element of Earth is related to earthy colors like brown, orange, or yellow and the feng shui bagua areas of Abundance, Health and Knowledge. Earth also has the qualities of stability and nourishment, like “Mother Earth”. The Earth element creates metal, because metal ores come from the earth’s core. Earth overcomes water as the banks of a river.

Some examples of Earth are objects with a square shape, orange, brown or yellow color or composition from the Earth such as a large stone sculpture. A stone statue or large natural stone such as Jasper is a great example of how you can add the Earth element. It's heavy and from the earth, providing stability and support. A big, heavy wooden desk is another Earth element, as it is brown, earthy in color, squarish and has weight to it.

Water

The element of Water is related to dark colors like black and very dark blue and the feng shui bagua area of Path in Life. Water also has the qualities of fluidity, wisdom and intelligence. The Water element creates wood, because water supports plants and trees as well as all life. Water overcomes fire as it extinguishes the flames.

Water items include wavy shapes and, of course, anything with actual water. A water fountain or fish tank are both simple and beautiful ways to add water to your space. Mirrors are also water element and can visually expand your space. Water represents knowledge and can assist with positive cash flow.

Fire

The element of Fire is related to the color red and the feng shui bagua area of Recognition. Fire also has the qualities of explosiveness, passion and heart-feltness. Fire element creates earth, as ashes transform all back to the earth. Fire overcomes metal as it causes metal to melt into a liquid.

Fire is red and triangular in shape. In Feng Shui, fire elements improve passion and recognition. You can add fire into your home with the color red. I especially like using the Mars Yantra for fire adjustments. The fiery colors and triangles are fire element all the way!

Wood

The element of Wood is related to the colors green and blue and the feng shui bagua area of New Beginnings and Abundance. Wood also has the qualities of flexibility, life, and kindness, and symbolizes growth. Wood element creates fire, like the logs in a fireplace. Wood overcomes earth as the roots of a tree push through and takes nourishment from the soil.

Wood objects to add to your space can be vertical or expansive, such as living plants. Green living plants also improve the indoor air quality and add life energy to any space.

Metal

The element of Metal is related to the metallic colors as well as white and grey and the feng shui bagua area of Benefactors and Completion. Metal also has the qualities of righteousness, contraction and joy. Metal element creates water, as drops of water condense on a metal pipe. Metal overcomes wood, such as when an ax chops down a tree.

Metal is associated with circular shapes and the physical element of metal. Metal assists in efficiency and attracting helpful people to your office. Ways to add the metal element to your space include adding metal wind chimes or other natural metal objects. You can find metal Buddhas to balance the five elements in your space as well.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui, check out Mindful Design Feng Shui School at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com

3 Ways to Bring the Outside In

Anjie Cho August 26, 2020

The summer may be winding down but that doesn’t mean the warmth and relaxation of the outdoors has to go with it. Bring that same summer sun-drenched comfort and vibrancy indoors with these three simple steps.

Indoor Planters

For many, the warm weather seasons kick off with a mad dash to the nearest garden center. There are flower beds to populate, veggie gardens to plant and a generous assortment of flower pots and window boxes to fill. Just imagine how beautiful all that green and color would look inside your home!

Don’t get tied down to standard indoor planters. Traditional outdoor options like window boxes are a great way to bring the outside in. Start by picking a window box that compliments your décor. You’ll have your choice of materials like wood, iron, cooper, and wicker. Consider creating a kitchen window box and fill it with fragrant and flavorful herbs you can cook with!

Another perk of using a window box? Instead of filling the box itself with dirt and planting directly in it, use it to corral smaller, separate pots of your favorite plants. If you need to replace a plant, it’s simple to just slip out one pot and make the switch. Likewise, when it’s time to water the plants, remove the pots and water the plants in the sink. Once the excess water has drained, return them to the window box.

Tidy-up

Clutter can make a room feel restrictive. Simply organizing your space can open up the room and make it feel more inviting. As you’re cleaning, use natural cleaners with fresh scents. Imagine the woodsy scent of tea-tree oil or a little bit of lemon lingering in your living room. Makes you smile just thinking about it, doesn’t it? Now, throw open those windows and let the great outdoors shine in! Inviting more natural sunlight will enliven your space. Don’t forget a little TLC for your window treatments too. Wipe down the blinds and wash (or dry-clean) your draperies.

Draw color and texture inspiration from the outdoors

When you think of being outdoors, what colors do you think of? Whether it’s the lush green of grass, the salty blue of the ocean or the warm yellow of the sun, bringing those hues into your room is a fantastic way to welcome the outdoors into your home!

While a fresh, clean coat of paint will make your space feel fresh and bright, you’ve got other options when it comes to color. Introduce pops of outdoor-inspired hues with accessories such as pillows, blankets and rugs. Even candles, vases, and wall décor are fantastic options.

What’s your favorite outdoor place? If you’ve got a picture of it, frame it and hang it! Look for paintings, prints and design elements that mimic the scenery and texture of your outdoor sanctuaries. If you’re a beach person, for example, weathered grey wood textures mimic water beaten driftwood, while cool blues, greens and white bring to mind the water and elements like sea glass and shells. Is the forest more your style? Choose accessories in natural wood finishes and greens.

If you find yourself wishing you could spend more time outdoors but the seasons or your schedule are making it difficult, bring the outdoors in. If you incorporate these steps, don’t forget to come back here and share your pictures! Which step will you try first?

by Anjie Cho