Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui for Small Spaces

Anjie Cho June 13, 2021

Can I still use feng shui if I live in a very small apartment?

This is a question that comes up often! A lot of people think it would be more challenging to apply feng shui principles to a small space, but it doesn’t actually make a difference. I’m currently living in a renovation, so I’m essentially living in a really tiny space right now. I thought it would be good timing to answer this question and share some feng shui-inspired suggestions for small spaces.

First, define the entry in some way. Often, small living spaces mean that there is less distinction between the different areas of your home. The entry to your home represents how energy comes into your space, and it’s one of the most important areas to look at from a feng shui perspective. Try to find a way to define and differentiate it, whether that be through a welcome mat, a colorful accent wall, lighting, or furniture. You can also think of your own creative ways to do this!

Next, bring in as much light as possible. Most of my clients want more light in their spaces. All living things grow towards the sun, so having natural light is quite important. You can do this simply by bringing in more reflective materials, and placing a mirror strategically to reflect in a view. The color white is also very reflective. I love white ceilings and walls! It’s also helpful to make sure your windows are very clean, so they can bring in as much light as possible.

Lastly, if you can separate your work place from your sleeping place that is ideal. When those begin to intermingle, it’s hard to keep a well-balanced differentiation between life and work. After the past year, I think we’re all experiencing the line between work and home becoming blurred, and creating a defined space in your home can really help. You may not have a spare room to use as an office, but maybe you can carve out a dedicated corner where you will focus on work. If your bed and workspace are close together, do your best to create some visual separation between the two areas.

by Anjie Cho

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

Q&A Sunday: What Broken Objects Mean in Feng Shui

Anjie Cho June 6, 2021

Is it bad feng shui to have broken items in your home?

Feng shui looks at how life force energy, or qi, moves through a space, and how we can work with our spaces so that we can be more in harmony with our environment and with nature. While I would encourage you not to label things as “good” or “bad,” broken items can create more difficulty in how qi flows through our homes and environments.

I often see broken mirrors, or mirrors that are made up of lots of different pieces, like a mosaic. Mirrors are highly symbolic, and a broken mirror isn’t ideal from a feng shui standpoint. If you have a mirror that’s broken, especially if you’re using it for a feng shui purpose, I would suggest you replace it with a solid one.

You may also have other broken items in your home, including lamps that don’t work, wobbly furniture, or chipped dishes. Over time, this creates challenging energy, and a feeling that you need to repair something. For instance, maybe you have a lamp that needs repair in the corner of your room. Every time you see it, you’re reminded subconsciously, whether you realize it or not, that there’s something you need to fix in your life.

In reality, we are all perfect and we don’t need any fixing. However, if we continue to accumulate things that don’t have a purpose, or we don’t take care of our things, that energy reflects upon us as well.

If you do notice that you have broken items in your home, I encourage you to repair them or let them go. If you love them and they serve a purpose in your life, make the effort to repair them. If you don’t love these items, I would suggest that you remove them from your home.

by Anjie Cho

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

Q&A Sunday: The Commanding Position and Living Alone

Anjie Cho May 30, 2021

I am living alone, and my desk is not in a commanding position. Actually, I have a my back facing the door. Nobody will ever come through that door unless I open it. Does it still need a mirror remedy, or is it irrelevant in this particular situation?

Ula, Letchworth Garden City, UK

Hi Ula

Thank you so much for listening to our podcast and for your very thoughtful question. I totally get where you’re coming from. If you live alone, your rational mind knows that you’re the only one that will ever come through that door unless you let them in. However, when we are talking feng shui and the commanding position, it’s not really based on your rational mind, but rather energy. In addition, the commanding position taps into your unconscious mind.

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, or “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 what may be coming towards you. This stress is activated most strongly when the back of your neck is exposed and facing the door, and it applies to any situation with the door behind you, regardless of whether others are around. The increase in this stress level can lead to mood and health issues over time.

Although not everyone is consciously aware of it, it does affect you. I like to compare the effects to a stone with water dripping on it lightly for years; the stress levels begin to wear down at you, and eventually, you will experience symptoms.

Therefore, even if you live alone, and even though you know that no one will ever come through that door unless you open it for them, if you want to improve the feng shui of your desk, yes you still need to be in commanding position. This means ideally you move your desk. If it's impossible to place your desk in command, you can adjust with a mirror so you can see the door. Plus if you are in line with the door, you also need a feng shui crystal, which you can find at the Holistic Spaces store here. This will help disperse the energy coming through your door so that it doesn't all hit you at once, and you can find tips on how to hang a crystal here.

Be sure to also check out our other posts on the commanding position for more information on why this is an important feng shui adjustment. If you are able to relocate your desk to accommodate this position, I would love to hear if you notice any immediate difference in your stress level or if you find yourself more productive at your desk!

by Anjie Cho

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