Feng shui, the art of channeling and blending energy, can transform your dining room into a harmonious space. In this article, we'll explore eight feng shui tips that will infuse positive energy into your dining area. Let's dive in!
The Basis of Feng Shui
The term "feng shui" translates to "wind" and "water," representing the flow of energy or chi. Feng shui aims to enhance the flow of chi in your environment by assessing and adjusting various elements like landscape, light, color, spaces, and objects. Everything in your surroundings affects you, and feng shui helps you consciously change and interact with those energies.
What Feng Shui Is - and What It Isn't
Contrary to popular belief, feng shui is not just about rearranging furniture. It involves thoughtful arrangement of spaces and objects to create a natural flow of energy that feels right. It's about finding the perfect balance and harmony in your environment.
How Feng Shui Fits into Your Life
In traditional Chinese belief, feng shui is one of the five aspects of a good life, along with destiny, luck, virtue, and knowledge. It offers you a way to interact with your physical and spiritual surroundings, enabling you to improve your circumstances. While you may not have complete control over your life, feng shui empowers you to leverage your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
8 Tips to Feng Shui Your Dining Room
1. Choosing and Positioning the Table
Select a large dining table that fits comfortably in the room. Oval or round shapes are ideal, but if you have a rectangular table, balance it with rounded shapes like rugs. Place the table at the center of the room and slightly angled to allow chi to flow in a gentle, curving path. Avoid placing the table parallel to the walls, as this may trap energy in the corners.
2. Seating Arrangements
According to feng shui principles, seat the oldest family member or an important guest in the "honored guest" position. This seat should be furthest from the door, with solid walls behind it and a good view of the door and windows. Avoid seating anyone with their back to a door or large window, as this can create a sense of insecurity.
3. Setting Your Table
Opt for plain colors and simple shapes to promote a calming energy around the table. If you prefer patterns, choose one based on one or two main colors. Vertical stripes symbolize uplifting energy. Ensure your tableware is in good condition and discard any chipped plates, bowls, or glasses.
4. Table Displays
A rounded bowl filled with rounded fruits at the center of the table is excellent feng shui. The more food you display, the more abundance you attract. Certain fruits hold symbolic significance, such as apples for friendship, pears for energy, peaches for health, and oranges for richness. Flowers also make a lovely decoration, with yellow ones enhancing communication. Avoid dried flowers, as they represent stagnation.
5. Lucky Energy
Infuse the table and its surroundings with luck by incorporating large, soft-leaved plants that suit the pa kua location. Hang pictures that evoke feelings of pleasure and abundance, such as bright flowers, rounded fruit, and sunny landscapes. Keep electrical items like TVs and stereos out of the dining room, as their energy is too yang.
6. Calming Colors
Create a pleasant and relaxing atmosphere in your dining room by using pastel or neutral colors. Single colors are best for large areas like walls, while ornaments and pictures can add splashes of brighter colors. Avoid highly patterned wallpaper, as it can disrupt the flow of chi. If you already have patterned wallpaper, balance it out with abstract pictures in strong, plain colors.
7. Lighting and Mirrors
Choose soft and calming lighting for your dining room. Wall-mounted lights with dimmer switches offer flexibility in adjusting the lighting levels. Add a mirror with a suitable frame or beveled edges to soften the light. However, avoid mirrors that reflect the kitchen or bathroom, as they can double negative energy from these areas.
8. The Water of Life
Clean, flowing water symbolizes luck, energy, health, and richness of life. Consider incorporating a small water feature or aquarium in your dining room. Alternatively, use water symbols like shells or pictures of flowing water. Avoid water items in the northeast, south, or southwest, as they clash with the chi of these sectors. Goldfish, especially three or nine with a black fish for protection, are considered lucky for an aquarium.
"The Feng Shui Doctor" by Paul Darby is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to explore the wisdom and knowledge of feng shui. This ancient practice holds the potential to transform your living spaces and improve your life. Order the e-book today for only £5.99!
Remember, these simple feng shui steps can have a significant impact on one of the key living spaces in your home. Embrace the power of feng shui to create a happy and harmonious dining room.
