Guest Author - Diane Kern

Since feng shui is about creating environments that are beneficial there are things you should and should not do. Here is a short check list of things to avoid.

Mirrors: Mirrors reflect. They reflect anything within view be that good or bad. Make sure your mirrors always have something lovely to reflect. Too many mirrors can cause confusion and affect your mental health. The best place for a mirror is in your bathroom or dressing room. Avoid mirrors in the bedroom especially. They catch any light in the room. If you wake up in the night and see a reflection in the mirror you sleep can be ruined. No sleep = no health. Make sure your mirror is always clean. A dirty mirror reflects your cloudy vision. We all like to have a clear path in life.

Staircase: Do you have a staircase that flows directly to your door? This is not a situation we like to see in feng shui as it represents your money flowing away and out of your house. Hopefully your entry is large enough to place something to block the flow such as a plant or a screen. This will slow down or redirect the energy away from the door.

Beams: Heavy beams, open rafters or other heavy objects overhead (catwalks) cause problems. You must not place your bed, sofa or desk under a beam. This will create a feeling of pressure on your head or the part of the body it crosses. Result = illness and discomfort.

Plants: Healthy plants in moderation bring qi into your living area. Avoid putting them in your bedroom. Dead and dying plants are dead energy. If you have a green thumb you may be able to nurse them back to health but for most people a dying plant is best relegated to the compost bin. There is nothing sadder than entering a house with sick plants. You know the people who live there are sad, depressed or ill. Dried and preserved plants are also dead energy better to use silk plants if you have a brown thumb. But make sure to keep them dust free.

Beds: As mentioned before nothing heavy overhead. This also includes ceiling fans which act like knives, heavy curtain valances, and art work which could fall off the wall onto you. Under your bed should be an open area. Your energy field surrounds you on all sides. You do not want to block the natural flow of energy by blocking it with heavy objects or clutter under your bed. If you walk into your bedroom and would run directly into your bed this is a feng shui no no. The door is where qi enters the rooms. As a door is a small opening it forces the qi to enter swiftly and will disturb your sleep. Think of a hose that you put your finger over. The water comes out very hard and fast. If you can not avoid this bed placement you should keep your bedroom door closed at night.