Have you ever wondered how the placement of your bed can affect your overall well-being and quality of sleep? In this article, we will explore the concept of Feng Shui and how the structure and layout of your bedroom can influence you and your sleep patterns.
The Importance of Bed Placement
It's no secret that we spend a significant portion of our lives in bed. Therefore, the shape and location of our bedrooms, as well as the position of our beds, have a profound impact on our lives. Let's delve deeper into this topic to discover how you can improve your sleep and enhance your daily productivity.
Years ago, I had the opportunity to visit the home of a doctor who was suffering from insomnia. Upon examining his bedroom, Feng Shui master Lin Yun discovered that the doctor's bed was exposed to strong currents of ch'i (energy) crossing through the room due to the building's design and the bustling traffic outside. A similar situation occurred when I visited the apartment of a young couple struggling with fertility issues. Both cases were successfully resolved by installing objects such as crystals, wind chimes, or mobiles to disperse the intense flow of ch'i.
Cures for a Bad Bed Position
If your bed cannot be located diagonally across from the door, there are ways to mitigate this issue. Hanging a mirror that allows you to see the bedroom entrance from your pillow's vantage point can provide a sense of security and control. In case a window blocks the mirror placement, an angled cheval mirror can reflect the bedroom door effectively.
Bed Position
The position of your bed in relation to the door is crucial in Feng Shui principles. As a college student, I unintentionally placed my bed in the "wrong" position due to limited options. Looking back, I realized that my overall college experience could have been more positive if I had known about Feng Shui.
Ideally, your bed should be placed in the "commanding position," which means it is cater-corner to the bedroom door. This positioning allows you to have the widest possible view of the room, enabling awareness of anyone entering. It promotes a smooth flow of balanced ch'i, resulting in better sleep and improved performance in all areas of life.
However, if the commanding position is not feasible, you may feel restless and uncomfortable, negatively impacting your ch'i and overall well-being. Sleeping without a commanding view of your bedroom may also affect your personal relationships and work performance. Be mindful that imbalanced ch'i can lead to health and personality issues.
The "Mortuary Position"
Avoid the "mortuary bed position" at all costs, where the foot of the bed points directly towards the door. This position symbolizes a coffin or a body waiting to be buried, evoking feelings of foreboding and negativity. To remedy this, hanging a crystal ball or a wind chime between the foot of the bed and the door can alleviate the negative energy.
Bed Shape and Bedroom Furniture
According to Chinese beliefs, the shape and arrangement of your bed can impact your life. Changing a bed with rounded corners helped one film director improve his troubled marriage, while another couple found that upgrading to a king-sized bed improved their relationship. In general, beds should be placed against a wall and have solid headboards for stability and a sense of security. Heavy furniture near the bed should be avoided, especially in children's rooms where they can have a more significant impact.
The scale and shape of furniture adjacent to the bed also affect the energy flow. For example, if a large, heavy armoire or dresser is too close to the bed, it can disrupt the ch'i balance and inhibit physical movement. It’s essential to create a harmonious environment by choosing furniture that complements the energy of the room.
Cures for "Accusing" Corners
Sharp corners can be softened and harmonized by placing a plant or a crystal ball in front of them or training a vine to grow around them. Adding a mirror to one side of the corner can make it appear less sharp, or you can even opt to round out the corner with the help of a builder. These Feng Shui cures aim to create a more balanced and harmonious space.
Bedroom Structure
The structure of your bedroom also plays a significant role in the overall energy it exudes. Corners that jut into the room can create a sense of threat or accusation, while beams and rafters can be problematic in Chinese culture. These load-bearing structures can cause compression and hinder ch'i circulation, leading to discomfort and potential health issues.
Curing Bad Beams and Rafters
To alleviate the problems caused by beams and rafters, there are several solutions available. For instance, moving your bed away from under the beam, installing an overhead mirror, or placing a fake firecracker above the beam can help break through the oppressive energy. For more detailed cures and diagrams, you can refer to Feng Shui Design resources.
Assignment: Creating Sweet Dreams
Take a moment to assess your own bedroom and its energy flow. Consider the following questions:
- Is your bed well-placed in your room?
- Is your bed equipped with a solid headboard for support and security?
- Do heavy objects or furniture near your bed affect your overall well-being?
- If you find any displeasing aspects, think about immediate changes you can make and long-term adjustments to enhance the energy flow and create a more harmonious space.
Remember, paying attention to the energy in your bedroom can have a significant impact on various areas of your life. Embrace the principles of Feng Shui to cultivate a space that promotes restful sleep, balanced ch'i, and overall well-being.
