Feng Shui versus French Way

I'm working on BIG changes, inside and out, starting next week.  You know the expression "insanity is repeating the same thing over and over and expecting different results." Well I want different results and I will do things differently.  

Change is scary and bad habits have the strong appeal of familiarity.  These last few months I had time to think and make plans so I'm excited to implement them. But then I wondered about blockages in my environment and asked a few question to my friend Katy Allgeyer who is a Feng Shui expert and she was kind enough to respond:

Me: Sometimes I have the strong urge to move large objects around the house.Do you think we know instinctively how to organize our space according to some kind of energy pull, or do you believe pushing furniture around is likely to do more harm than good not only to my back, but energetically speaking. In other words, should we stick to feng shui rules and not listen to the voice that says ‘*move the baby grand piano to the hallway now."

Katy: I believe strongly in listening to one's inner voice. The BHS Tibetan School of feng shui that I practice teaches us to be sensitive to energy and that means paying attention to how you feel in your environment. The more in tune you are to that, the better your feng shui will be.

Me: Recently my kid tried the tuba at a music teacher’s home. As I sat on the edge of a filthy couch I counted no less than seven extra-large empty juice bottles scattered around the place, which was an utter mess. The teacher was nice enough and my kid liked the lesson. Me, I can’t help but see that kind of chaos as a sign of imminent mental breakdown. Is one person’s filth another one’s creative mess? Are the rules of feng shui the same for everyone?

Katy: A lot of feng shui "rules" are really based on practical common sense. Having a clean and clear space is much more conducive to creativity (and health). Of course, as one gets deeper into the creative process a little mess is sure to build up in the studio. But if you feel blocked creatively, cleaning it up and organizing can make you feel a whole lot saner and more open to receive the muse.

Me: What kind of mistakes do self-taught individuals make when it comes to fengshui. I heard a headboard should never share the same wall as a toilet, but for all I know maybe it’s the other way around it should *always* share the wall with a toilet. I was told my Buddah should be perched high up to bring wealth, but maybe all I’m attracting that way is poverty. I try to add crystals and candles into my world but I do this without rhyme or reason. Am I committing Feng-Shui seppuku?

Katy: The most common mistake feng shui newbies make is overusing Chinese talisman cures so their space ends up looking like a Chinese restaurant instead of a cozy home. There are always several feng shui cures for any problem (including inauspicious placements of toilets) so there is no need to despair, and one can always find a cure that works with your decor. Another mistake people make is thinking feng shui is voodoo. Feng shui is not magic, nor is it a religion or superstition. It is a system of order that deals with energy flow. When you're in the flow, opportunities of all kinds come freely to you. Some people call that being in the zone. When your feng shui is balanced, you're in the zone. BTW, it's a feng shui no-no to keep your swords under your bed. So store them in a closet far from your Love & Relationship feng shui sector. That way you won't be tempted to commit seppuku.

Me: Please tell me that there such thing as refrigerator Feng Shui. I want to eat healthier but every part of my kitchen begs me to cook and eat carbs. In other word, how can I attract ‘thin energies’ into my refrigerator? 

Katy: Setting intentions is a big part of BHS Tibetan Feng Shui practice. So if you want to get thin you would set your intentions towards that goal. And then follow up with action to support that goal (ie: keep only healthful foods in your fridge and pantry, limit your intake, exercise to burn off calories). There is no magic feng shui diet--if there were I would be a millionaire by writing a feng shui cookbook with you. 

 Me: And what about love? Short of placing Brad Pitt on the bed, (I tried but he won’t stay) what are the top five adjustments that could improve a bedroom's Feng Shui?

Katy: Feng Shui By Fishgirl's Top 5 Feng Shui Enhancements for Your Bedroom

 (1) Place your bed in the Command Position. This means it should not be on the same wall as the entry door. You want your bed to be placed so that it has a clear view of the entry.

(2) Matching nightstands and side lamps for balance and equality in your relationship. Symbolism is key to feng shui--if side tables are lopsided, it subliminally sends the message that one spouse is dominating the other.**

(3) Remove as many electrical appliances as possible for a peaceful atmosphere. TV's, DVR's, stereos, computers, alarm clocks, cell phones, iPads, treadmills, electric blankets, sex toys....think about all the many electronics in your bedroom creating a buzz of energy. This may be why so many people have sleeping disorders. Make your bedroom your sanctuary and not a gym or home office.

(4) Treat yourself to quality bedding/linens. Visually and physically your bed should please you. 

 (5) Ask Johnny Depp over since Brad is busy.

Merci Katy, I will listen. 

**And just to illustrate my idea of feng shui seppuku, here is a picture of my bedroom.  Notice the infernal unbalance of powers, yikes!  Time to move some furniture:

 

 

Comments

[Feng Shui By Fishgirl]

Thank you, Corine! It's always a pleasure to read your blog and I am honored to be interviewed by you. I'm curious: which side of that bed is yours?

[Isabelle]

I loved that interview. You guys should write a two handed Feng Shui guide.

[Robin]

What a beautiful description of Feng Shui ideas from Katy. Lovely, thank you. I've just rearranged my office and it is a HUGE energy shift. My bad habit that has the appeal of familiarity is my clutter so I'm really working on that.

[Affordable Medical Insurance]

What a wonderful interview! Thank you for sharing. Love the Feng Shui ideas

[Pink mohair]

Great post - so much in it I can use!!! Thanks so much. I guess I get to pat myself on the back for my matching side tables. Lack of clutter in the play/art/dining room...not so much. Motivation - that's what I need!

[linen]

Wooow... less than 100 comments!!... I have to take advantage of this and write my comment on your blog... ok... what should I write??... mmm, I don't think my criminal history would help me gain your sympathy, uh?? haha... anyway, I just want you to know that I believe you're a fabulous blogger and writer... so, thanks for that.. now I know I'm not a robot. well, this post is getting too long to be read, so i'll stop now...