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Keep the Flame Alive with Feng Shui for a Harmonious Marriage

1. Avoid placing the statue of Goddess Venus inside your bedroom:  Venus is indeed the Goddess of Love, but in feng shui the statue material is the main issue. Usually, statues are made of glass which is considered to be “cold” and this coldness may affect the energy of harmony. Aside from glass, you should also avoid iron decors and bed frames, plastic tiles, carpet and flooring, and marble flooring in your love nest. 
2. Avoid placing objects and photos or paintings of other persons except your family:  Of course, your bedroom belongs to you and to your spouse. It’s only logical to get rid of any other pictures not connected to the both of you. In feng shui, you must focus the energy only on the two of you to have a good married life. Throw away pictures, clothes and other things that came from your former partners to re-channel the energy to you and your husband.
3. Don’t place any part of your bed facing the door:  Keep the energy flowing indirectly to the bed by placing it on an area that is least visible as you enter the room. This will maintain your privacy and strengthen your trust to each other. 
4. Ensure that the mirror is not facing your bed as well:  Since mirror is considered as “metal” in the 5 Elements of Feng Shui while the bed is categorized as “wood”, it can influence the body and the mind because wood is against metal. If your mirror is facing the bed, it may cause disturbance on your sleep or interruptions. Peace is needed to keep marriage happy so place the mirror in the bathroom or inside the closet. 
5. Avoid sleeping in a bedroom that has no windows:  A good bedroom must be well-ventilated and properly lit to allow good energy to flow. A dark bedroom may cause uneasiness of communication between the two of you. On the other hand, don’t place your bed against a window. 
6. Ditch the pink wall:  If you want to maintain a healthy marriage, avoid painting your bedroom walls pink because this hue is “too sexy” and most men dislike it. You and your spouse should agree what color you want for your walls. Aside from pink, you must also avoid navy blue, dark gray and dark green because these colors will make you hot-tempered and depressed. 
7. Resist the urge to put decors, paintings and photos of the 12 Chinese Zodiac Signs in your bedroom:  Everyone has their own Zodiac sign, and each year, each may have up to four other contending signs. Keep the energy of harmony by avoiding the placement of photos, decorations and paintings of anything related to the Chinese zodiac signs in the bedroom. 

How Good Feng Shui Can Make Your Children Healthier and Livelier

A lot of parenting experts would divulge that in reality, there are really no bad children, only bad behavior brought about by the environment and several other factors out there. Negative stimulation at home affects children in their behavior, social performance and health. These so-called negative vibes can be remedied with the use of modern-day science and of course, feng shui—an ancient Chinese practice of creating balance and harmony in the universe.

The application of feng shui techniques at home can help foster a balanced environment for your children’s development and help them grow with positive disposition that could contribute to the family’s harmonious relationship. Here are some tips that you can use to make feng shui beneficial for your little ones.

1. Get enough darkness for the kids’ bedroom- To regulate the production of melatonin—the hormone that regulates mood and sleep, you must ensure that your children’s bedroom is dark at night. Light makes their bodies think that it’s still daytime, hence, preventing them from getting enough sleep. Also, dark bedrooms in the nighttime help prevent sleep disorders and moodiness.
2. Learn about the proper sleep direction- This is very important to align the young ones’ bed so that the top of their head points towards one of their ideal compass directions. Use a compass to identify the actual compass directions of your home. Consult feng shui experts about the right directions for positive sleep.
3. Maintain the balance between Yin and Yang- According to feng shui teachings, the bedroom should be “yin” or a quiet place inside the home. Objects that can create “yang” such as aquariums, live plants and mirrors make it harder for your children to sleep. The yin and yang are the balance of rest and activity, so make sure to have them at home. Yin is the energy that paves the way for rejuvenation, relaxation and rest so use it in your dining room, family room, bedroom and living room. On the other hand, yang is the energy for activities so use it in your garage, home office, playroom, kitchen, laundry area and exercise room. Create Yin spaces with the use of muted colors, soft fabrics, curved and circular furniture and ambient lighting. Yang spaces can be created by using bolder, brighter and more vivid colors, mirrors, active patterns, square and angular shapes, brighter lighting and other objects that depict people and animals.
4. Turn off the electronics- Exposure to EMFs (electromagnetic frequencies) decrease your child’s production of melatonin, so it’s wise to turn off all those electronic devices during sleeping time because EMFs are really harsh energies. You can keep your child away from EMFs by placing a piece of furniture between the bed and the gadgets.
5. Place comforting and happy objects in the bedroom- Seeing a happy family picture or posters of their favorite cartoon character before going to sleep and when waking up fosters a good vibe in the bedroom.
6. Get rid of the clutter- Messy and disorganized things can block good energy from flowing into your children’s bedroom, thus, you must make it a point to clean up the clutter and organize everything to attract good chi.
7. Keep in mind the correct furniture placement according to feng shui- Since your goal is to allow good energy to flow into the house to create a balanced environment for your little ones, learn about the proper placement of furniture in the different areas of your house.
8. Know the feng shui colors- The children’s sleeping habits will give you a clue about their bedroom. Colors such as red, orange and other energizing colors can lead to tempers, hyperactivity and sleeping disorders. Bright colors are perfect for playrooms but not for bedrooms where it’s supposed to be calm, peaceful and relaxing.
9. Opt for pastel hues- If you are trying to make the children’s bedroom more conducive to sleeping, select palettes that feature subdued colors which will help them relax and sleep tighter.

It isn’t that difficult to make comfortable, safe and balanced living spaces for your children because feng shui can serve as a guide in creating yin and yang spaces inside the house. These tips will help you turn your home into an ideal piece of dwelling where your children can become healthier, happier and livelier.

Feng Shui Guidelines for Your Home’s Window Treatments

It’s true what they say that the windows are the eyes of the house. Even in feng shui, windows are perceived to have a specific energy associated with the path of life. So it is imperative for homeowners to ensure that their windows are clear and clean to let plenty of natural light during the day and a great deal of privacy at night.

For centuries, feng shui has emphasized the importance of connection with nature to achieve the essential balance. For health, wealth, happiness, success and other fortune, the home should be properly perched on the right area and its various components must be set up appropriately to remain in contact with nature. Good feng shui for the abode includes choices for your windows treatments. In general, feng shui practitioners recommend the following guidelines for attaining a good flow of energy through your home’s windows:

• Learn about the feng shui colors which are appropriate for the Ba Gua area and the different rooms.
• Opt for the treatments which are made of natural fabric to attract good and healthy energy inside the home.
• Identify the feng shui materials which are perfect for the Ba Gua area.
• If you want to have fabrics with bold patterns, ensure that the shapes blend well with the area.

There are numerous types of window treatments that you can check out. You can go for something that fits the room perfectly. To help you decide on the matter, here is a list of some good choices for your windows.

1. Curtains- These have been the most commonly used window treatment in millions of homes all around the world because they’re beautiful, easy to use and cost relatively cheap. Various colors, designs, textures and lengths of curtains are available in the market and you have a wide selection of choices. Just remember the basic principle in choosing curtains—the size and length matters in feng shui. Make sure to hang valances higher to let more light into the room. You can also mount the curtain rod closer to the ceiling to make the window appear bigger.
2. Blinds- The next best thing to place on your windows. Blinds have become widely popular especially in offices and now in modern homes because of their convenience and ease of use. These provide protection from the glares of the sun or from the prying eyes of strangers and neighbors. Just see to it that your blades are partially open and titled up or down to receive light and the privacy that you want.
3. Shades- This is considered to be an “all-or-nothing” treatment for your window because if you want the sun glares out, you need to draw the shade and close all access to sunlight, making your room look dark. The remedy for this is to use a pleated comb shade to diffuse the light softly or use a bottom-up pleated shade for privacy and the option to leave the top half of the window open to light and views.

Since many of us spend most of our time at home, the flow of energy inside can influence our disposition and body functions and we need to do something to improve this energy. Here are some helpful tips that you can use to attain that goal.

1. Keep the windows clean and free from dust as much as possible. Aside from hygienic purposes, dirt and grime also block the flow of positive energy.
2. Always open the drapes and curtains at daytime to let positive chi into the house. This will lighten, brighten and energize the entire structure.
3. Make sure that your window treatments open and close easily. If you are having a hard time maneuvering your curtains, drapes or blinds, it could mean struggles in your life.
4. Avoid having your window treatment hanging limply on the sides of your window because it is considered as bad feng shui.

With just simple changes on your window treatments, you can create huge difference and attract good chi that could bring good fortune into your household. Opt for the ones that suit your needs perfectly well and positive energy will come flowing freely into your home.

Attracting Good Energy into the Different Parts of Your House through Feng Shui

For centuries, the Chinese people have practiced feng shui—the ancient study of locating objects in specific ways to observe a certain flow of good energy called “chi”. The Chinese are very careful in placing different objects to prevent bad fortune from coming their way. Since they have a relatively superstitious culture, the people apply feng shui in every aspect of their lives such as family, children, marriage, business and many others.

When it comes to the home, feng shui is also used to achieve the correct placement of furniture and other things inside each part of the structure. This is done to ensure the flow of good fortune and bestow good energy and peace of mind to the homeowner. The basic premise of feng shui is this: For every yin, there’s a yang and vice versa. This practice aims to maintain the balance in the universe and even at home.

Ways to Achieve Good Chi in Your Home

In feng shui, it’s advised not to dwell near temples, government buildings, casinos, graveyards, butcher’s shops, hospitals and even straight roads. Living near a river with loud rapids is also discouraged. Instead, you must build your house near a winding road or river because these attract good energy. You may also opt to have a house with a mountain or a hill behind it. For your entire house, feng shui teaches that you don’t make it different in huge ways from all the houses in the neighborhood. The abode shouldn’t be much taller or much smaller than the rest of the houses in your area because it will only pave the way for the bad flow of chi. Ensure that your home is well-ventilated and receives enough sunlight.

Feng Shui and the Different Parts of Your House

Proper furniture placement is vital for good energy to come into your residence. Several ways are available for you to achieve balance. The Ba Gua designates meanings to the nine areas of your home. These are the center area, wealth, family, fame, career, knowledge, children, marriage and helpful people. You must accentuate each area appropriately based on its meaning.

For instance, the significance of bathrooms and toilets in feng shui has generated debates. Some practitioners believe that checking the toilet every time a person uses it brings bad energy and leaving the toilet seat up flushes fortune away. As for the bathroom, it shouldn’t be directly parallel to the bedroom in any way.

In terms of furniture placement, the general rules include the following:

• Every room must have the minimal amount of furniture.
• You must keep a distance of at least three feet among the pieces of your furniture.
• A piece should be elevated at least a few inches from the floor to enable the chi to flow freely.
• Avoid placing your seats in front of sharp objects because this will kill chi.
• Place the furniture on an area where it will have a good view of the house’s entrance but keep it slanted to prevent the fierce chi from entering.

If you want to make sure that only good chi flows throughout your home, here are some tips that could help you attain good balance.

1. Get rid of clutter- Common sense will tell you that to make your home look brighter and fresher, you need to clear everything that you don’t love and you don’t use anymore.
2. Study the Ba Gua of your house- The Feng shui energy map of your residence will tell you which things must be done to decorate each area properly.
3. Make sure to have good ventilation and light- These elements are needed for good chi. Allow as much natural light into your house and open your windows to let the air circulate well.
4. Know your feng shui birth element- With this birth element, you will discover how to create and support your energy. Find out if your element is fire, water, air or earth.
5. Know your Kua number and lucky directions- You need this to energize yourself with good chi. You might need to adjust your bed’s position or your desk to maximize the benefits of the good energy.
6. Be mindful of your house’s feel and ambience- Be aware of how the energy flow influences you and your family’s well-being. Check out the feng shui’s “trinity” that are deeply connected to your health—the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom.

Feng Shui Tips for Buying and Moving into a New Home

Buying a house is fun, exciting and challenging. At the same time, it can be stressful and nerve-wracking. It’s always a great idea to apply feng shui to ensure that your purchase will be a sound financial investment. Good feng shui translates to good energy, which in turn brings peace, relaxation, wealth, prosperity, health and happiness. Who doesn’t want these things in their new home, right? This checklist will help you keep things in the right track.

Location

Location, location, location—this is the primary advice you’ll hear from real estate experts. In feng shui, this is taken even a lot more seriously. Apart from ensuring that you buy a home from a peaceful and clean neighborhood, you should also inspect the surroundings to check for negative energies from other houses or structures and for sloping land behind the house.

It’s also vital to buy a house with lots of breathing room. The rule of the thumb is to get a house positioned on a lot wherein the backyard is a larger than the front yard. Finally, make an effort to meet your possible neighbors. You don’t want to buy a home near people who attract nothing but negative energy.

Doors and Entryway

The doors of the house are very important in feng shui. Remember, these are where the Chi enters the house. First, the front door should be proportional to the house. The pathway should have a good feng shui direction. If there is bad feng shui, find out if this can be remedied by landscaping. If not, then the house might not be the best option for you.

Take note of the other doors too. It’s not a good sign to have a front door and back door direct alignment. This symbolizes that the Chi will immediately leave the house right after it comes in. Don’t forget to consider how the house can nourish good energy once it is inside. What is the first thing that you see when you enter the house? Energy won’t be nourished if the entryway is blocked with a wall, closet door, bathroom door or staircase. It’s also not advisable to have the upstairs bathroom directly above the front door.

Kitchen, Bedrooms and Bathrooms

Before you fall deeply in love with a house, study its floor plan first and see how the kitchen, bedrooms and bathrooms are positioned. When you go on an ocular inspection of the home, take a good look at each of these rooms. The kitchen for example should not be located closely to the front or back door. This way, the positive energy in the kitchen will not easily escape. The kitchen should also have sufficient lighting. It should be spacious, bright and airy.

For the bedroom, see to it that there is no mirror in front of the bed. The bed should never be in line with the door, whether it’s the main bedroom door, the closet door, or the door to the balcony. A soft canopy is the only acceptable item to hang above the bed. Wind chimes, bells and other heavy objects are a big no-no.

There should be a solid wall behind the bed but never have the bed under a window. Look up to the ceiling. If the bedroom ceiling is sloped, this is bad feng shui as it symbolizes restriction of positive energy. Sleeping under sloped ceiling can bring emotional instability, sleeping problems, ailments and low energy.

Finally, the bathroom should not be in the center of the house. It’s not wise to buy a house in which the bathroom is in the central area. The bathroom should also not be located above the bedroom or main door. Its door shouldn’t be aligned with the bed either. It would be ideal to have a mirror placed on the outside door of the bathroom to prevent energy from being flushed down the drain.

Now that you know what to look for when buying a house, you should also keep in mind the tips for moving in. First, keep your home simple. You cannot invite positive energy inside your home if you overload it with electronic gadgets. Clutter should also be minimized, as you don’t want junk energy floating around. It’s nice to have fresh flowers and plants strategically placed in various parts of the house. These can uplift energies and drive negative vibes. Moreover, pick colors that blend well. Yellow and orange are ideal for the kitchen. Pastel colors are wonderful for the bedroom and living rooms. Blue and green are great for the bathroom.

Using Various Feng Shui Cures

Each time you change something in your home or life, a change of energy of space occurs. Sometimes, good energy can get stuck and will not flow freely as it’s supposed to. To get the positive chi to move freely within your space and enhance your life, you can make use of symbolic elements that are otherwise known as feng shui cures.

Crystals

One of the most widely used feng shui cure is the crystal. Crystals are quick and powerful cures for stuck chi since they are considered as effective transmitters of positive energy. They’re also very lovely space accents that you won’t find it hard at all to look for a place for them in your home. Take note though that it’s best to hang crystals from the doorway, ceiling or window to catch sunlight and reflect it to a stagnant room. Make sure that you imbibe positive mental state when you hang a crystal in your home. Say something like “I hang this crystal to increase the positive energy flow in my bedroom” while hanging the crystal accent. Be sure to choose round multi-faceted crystals and avoid those with sharp edges.

Mirrors

A small room can easily look cluttered even if it only contains very small or few items. When there is clutter, positive energy also finds it a challenge to move around freely. Solve this problem using mirrors. Mirrors create an illusion of a large space, thus effectively lifting energy in the room. They can also be utilized for reflecting a powerful corner of the room. For example, if in your office, you want to magnify the source of your wealth then you can use a mirror in that particular corner.

Fountains

Fountains are great for so many reasons. For one, they add natural beauty to any space. Another is that they give off a sense of calm and serenity. The gushing waters enable people to relax and thus stress levels are toned down. That’s not all. Fountains can also do wonders for the money areas in your home. They can attract wealth and prosperity. Just make sure that the area where you intend to install the indoor fountains is free from any clutter. Clutter gives off junk energy that might be confuse the positive energy.

Symbolic Figures

Feng shui symbolic figures can be found in many places. In Chinese restaurants, you’ll find the lucky frog or cat placed near the cashier. These statues are believed to bring good luck to the business. Many Chinese homeowners have the statue of the Quan Yin in the place of the house where there is constantly stress and problem. Quan Yin is the goddess of mercy and compassion. For example, if a couple experiences marital problems due to inability to bear a child, Quan Yin should be placed in the bedroom to help solve the problems between the couple.

Plants

Any living thing can serve as a protective shield from the harmful electromagnetic energy inside the home brought about by electronics, appliances and gadgets. Plants are particularly popular among Chinese homeowners for their ability to cancel and block the negative energy. This is especially true for houses that have many sharp corners. Plants contain healthy and positive yang energy that can counter the negative vibes coming from the sharp corner. If you’re going to use plants as feng shui cures, it’s imperative to keep them in top condition. If they’re not healthy, they won’t be able to do the work of neutralizing negative energy inside your house.

Candles

The light energy emanating from candles is not only romantic but is also effective in curing stagnant space. After clearing a room from clutter, light up candles. The light flickering from the candles symbolize the removal of your attachment to old possessions, thus freeing you from the “bonds of ownership.” Candles especially the aromatherapy varieties are also vital tools for meditation, which you can use to pacify your racing mind.

Crystals, candles, symbolic figures, plants, mirrors and fountains are just few of the many feng shui cures that you can use to improve your luck and bring prosperity to your home and life.

The Chinese Art of Tea Drinking

Without a doubt, tea is the most popular drink in China. In fact, there were various points in history when this became the state currency and was used to purchase items and services. Tea originated in China about 5,000 years ago. There are many legends pertaining to its origin but one of the most widely accepted tells us that this drink was first created in 2737 BC when Emperor Shen Nung traveled to a distant region of his realm.

At one point during the travel, the servants served boiled water to the emperor. Accidentally, some dried leaves drifted into the emperor’s cup and turned it into a brownish colored liquid. Upon tasting it, the emperor found that it had a unique flavor and asked his servants to make more. According to ancient folklore, this started the tradition of tea drinking.

Since ancient times, the tea was given immense value for its medicinal properties. For a very long time, tea has been used to aid in digestion. This is the reason many Chinese drink tea after eating, especially when it’s a heavy meal. Chinese people also drank tea after smoking since they believe that it quickens the discharge of nicotine from the body. Tea can also actively fight cavities and prevent plaque by suppressing the acid production inside the mouth that breeds bacteria.

That’s not all. Tea also contains antioxidants that help repair cells damaged by free radicals, slow down the aging process and prevent cancer. This drink also has soothing qualities that tone down the levels of stress by decreasing the amount of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is the stress hormone. On top of all these, tea can lower blood pressure, relieve stomach cramps, help prevent diabetes and boost the immune system.

Tea drinking progressed to become an art form sometime in the 8^th century. After that, the popularity of this healthy beverage spread throughout China and then to other parts of the world. Tea made its way to Europe in the 1700s. France and Holland were among the first countries to consume this beverage. In 1720, it arrived in the United States. Tea trade began in New York, Boston and Philadelphia.

There are about a hundred of varieties of the Chinese tea but most of them are categorized into four types. The first is the white tea, which is said to provide the most number of health benefits. This is made using young leaves picked right after the buds have fully opened. Green tea is another type and this one doesn’t undergo fermentation, which is why it retains the original green color of the leaves. The Dragon Well Tea is the most famous form of green tea and is also the most expensive.

Black tea, which is the one we commonly see in teahouses, are made from fermented leaves. Bo lei and luk on are few of the many popular types of black tea. In the middle of black and green tea is the oolong tea, which is made from partially fermented tea leaves resulting in greenish black color. Soi sin is a good example of this type of tea. It is cultivated in the Fukien province in China. Finally, we have the scented tea created from different flower petals. Jasmine tea is the best known for this variety.

Tea drinking should be practiced with good feng shui. Feng shui is the art of proper placement of objects within a space to ensure the flow of good energy and the balance of the yin and yang. When it comes to drinking and serving tea, there are some general rules to follow. One is that you should always start with clean kitchen and utensils. A dirty kitchen, particularly the stove, can bring bad luck. This is not purely superstitious since we all know that cleanliness is vital to safe food preparation.

See to it that you use pure tea and water. Serve the tea in ceramic or glass vessels. Never use cups made of wood, metal or plastic. Always pre-steep to release the scent and flavor of the leaves. Don’t serve the first steeping to guests. Pour it out instead. Place the utensils and items that you use for tea making or serving in their rightful places. For example, water used for the tea should be placed in the north part of the kitchen.

Tea drinking is truly an integral part of the Chinese culture and tradition. Enjoy the perks it can bring to your health by consuming this drink regularly. Just see to it that you follow feng shui guidelines for serving and drinking to benefit from it fully.

Quan Yin: Beloved Deity in Buddhism

One of the most popular deities in Buddhist tradition is Quan Yin, the goddess of mercy. Known for her utmost compassion, love and kindness, she is one of the most loved deities in Buddhism. It is not a surprise that Her figure is commonly found in Chinese temples all over the world. According to the religion of Buddhism, Quan Yin is the Bodhisattva of Compassion. She is also the female form manifestation of the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, a Sanskrit term that means, “The One Who Hears the Cries of the World” or “The Lord Who Looks Down in the Pity.” She is like the Mother Mary of the Catholic People or the Goddess Tara to the Tibetans.

There are many legends surrounding this beloved Goddess but the most popular one says that she was a Buddhist who endured great sacrifice during her life. Because of this, she earned the right to enter Nirvana after she died. But just like Avlokiteshvara, she turned her back on the reward of eternal happiness upon hearing the cries of anguish from earth. She returned to earth as an immortal deity to help the hearts of the suffering.

Other than being the Goddess of mercy, Quan Yin was also given the name Sung-Tzu-Niang-Niang, which translates to the “lady who brings children.” She is also the one to turn to for problems of infertility. Quan Yin is also the goddess who comforts the sick, the senile, the lost and the unfortunate. She also protects travelers, farmers and seafarers. On top of all these, she cares for the souls in the purgatory, which is why she is invoked during post-burial traditions.

Feng Shui, which originated in China about 5,000 years ago, is an ancient practice that involves proper placement of objects within a space to ensure proper flow of the positive aura and removal of negative energies that can bring ailments, woes, distraction and other problems. Many feng shui cures like the Fu Dogs, the Chi Lin and the Pi Yao are widely used by Chinese people. However, they are not that popular in other parts of the world.

An exception to this is the Quan Yin. Not only is the goddess of mercy extremely loved and adored in China, she is also very famous in Japan, Korea, Malaysia and other countries with Buddhist followers. The energy possessed by the Quan Yin is what a mother has for child—fierce love and protection. And this is much stronger than the usual compassion people know about. In short, Quan Yin loves all people as if everyone is Her child. This is one of the many reasons the Goddess of Mercy enjoys vast importance in Feng Shui.

There are various images of Quan Yin images that can be placed in one’s home. Correct placement of the image is important for good feng shui. First, you need to locate the best bagua placement of the specific Quan Yin statue that you have. This can be achieved by looking at the statue’s attributes such as color and material, among other details. For example, a white statue is best for the West bagua area since white is the metal feng shui element of the west. A green statue, on the other hand, is ideal in the East bagua area.

Next, determine where Quan Yin’s powerful energy is needed during a certain time of the year and place the statue there. For instance, if there is a particular time of the year when work is most stressful and this brings problems to the relationship of a married couple, a statue of the Quan Yin should be placed inside the couple’s bedroom to neutralize the negative energy and help the couple endure the challenges.

It is also a good idea to put the statue near the front door, facing the entryway. This gives protective energy at the entrance to ward off negative vibes and invite only positive ones. Remember never to place your Quan Yin statue on the floor. It should be placed on a surface at least three feet high. It’s also not recommended to put it in the kitchen or bathroom.

The Goddess of Mercy can do so much for your home. Just ensure proper placement of the statue and you and your family will be well protected.

Kitchen Feng Shui: Promote Positive Flow of Energy

The kitchen, which is said to be the heart of the home, should be a happy and nurturing space. Feng shui, the Chinese art of placing objects in strategic places to invite positive flow of energy and drive away negative energy, can help turn the kitchen into a place of family bonding and fun cooking memories. Here are some feng shui tips for your kitchen that will promote positive energy.

Say no to clutter

Clutter inside the home is one of the biggest enemies in feng shui that can cause frustration and block positive energy. Same is true for the kitchen. For Chi to flow freely in the kitchen, ensure that doors can open freely and are free from any obstruction. Doors include those of the refrigerator, oven and cupboards. Kitchen items such as utensils are best stored under the counter and not on top.

Only appliances used everyday should be kept on top of the counter for easy access. Knives symbolize cutting of the Chi so they should always be kept out of sight in drawers or cabinets that are locked for the safety of children. Get rid of floor and other surface clutters. Organize them neatly in containers and cabinets. Dust can be considered as clutter too so it’s a must to keep your kitchen dust free.

Don’t keep broken items

Always remember that broken items represent blocked Chi. For broken appliances and gadgets, you need to bring them to a professional repair center. Any broken hinges, drawers or light bulbs should be fixed or replaced. Broken dishes, cooking pots, glassware or utensils transform positive energy into negative. You need to discard these items right away.

Always check for leaky pipes in the kitchen. When you leave them broken like that, it’s like you are letting money and other valuable resources drain away. After washing your dishes, drain the dirty water away to avoid having stagnant energy.

Finally, make sure that all your clocks are working, not just in the kitchen but in the entire house as well. Broken clocks represent dead energy and hindered progress. Unless you want those in your life, it would be a good idea to bring your broken clocks to a repair center or replace their batteries.

Update your food storage

Updating the food storage can be tedious. It’s easier to ignore those expired milk carton in the refrigerator or those bunch of rotten fruits than to discard them and freshen up your food storage. But you really need to go through your refrigerator and pantry at least twice a month to get rid of stale and spoiled food. Also, dispose empty condiment containers as these represent unfinished tasks in your life.

Invite positive energy

There are a lot of ways to invite positive energy into the kitchen. One way to do this is to open the curtains in the morning to let sunlight and fresh air in. If your kitchen is decorated with straight lines, soften them up with plants, flowers and round-shaped items. It’s also better to use items made of natural materials. For instance, buy a cutting board made of wood instead of plastic.

Choose the right colors and shapes

Colors and shapes also play a role in good feng shui. White is considered as the best color for energy and nourishment. This is probably the reason you’ll see a lot of people using white plates. Round, which gives an impression of flowing and harmonious motion, is the ideal shape to use for plates and other items in the kitchen. For the décor in the kitchen, orange, yellow and red are most appetizing. Blue is something you’d want to stay away from unless you want to promote weight loss in the family.

Place the stove in the right place

The stove represents the fire feng shui element. Because of this, it’s necessary to place it in the right spot. A good location for the stove is where you will have a good view of the kitchen. It is essential that you do not cook in a weak spot in the kitchen, otherwise this will have a negative effect on the quality of the food that you prepare.

Feng Shui for Lovers

Are you looking for a new love? Or perhaps you wish to improve your present relationship? Whatever it is, feng shui can help you. Feng shui, which is the art of positioning objects in relation to energy flows so the positive energies are attracted and negative energies are driven away, can help add zest your love life or attract a new one.

This Chinese philosophy has amassed worldwide popularity. And that won’t happen if not for a good reason. Many can attest that feng shui is indeed effective not only when it comes to matters of the heart but also in other important aspects of life. Here are some tips for feng shui and love.

Check your love space

The bedroom is not only a place for rest and relaxation. It’s also for intimate moments and lovemaking. Take the time to look around your bedroom. Is it comfortable for two people? Or does it scream “space for one” all over? According to feng shui experts, if your bed is hiding behind the door or positioned in one corner, you might find it difficult to find a love relationship. This may symbolize that you’re not ready and you’re trying to hide from love.

If you’re in a relationship, check for the balanced feng shui energy on the bed. For a relationship to last a long time, there should be a secured feeling of equality between the two of you. This can be felt through the energy on the bed. Both sides should therefore be treated equally. In other words, one side shouldn’t be unkempt if the other is neatly organized.

Look at your closet

Do you have any free space in your closet? A closet that invites love is one that has breathing room as well as free flowing of feng shui energy. If your closet is stuffed with all sorts of unwanted items and unused clothing, it would signal that you’re not ready for love or you’re not welcoming it.

Have good energy in your home

Pay attention to the feng shui home trinity—bedroom, bathroom and kitchen. It’s crucial to have a good flow of feng shui energy in these three vital parts of the house. If the energy is low or unbalanced in any of these areas, it will have a negative effect on your present relationship or drive away a potential one.

Promote good sexual energy

Sex and love are two intertwined things that need each other to prosper. For a love relationship to work, two people should share passionate sexual relationship to strengthen their bond. For sex to be passionate and intimate, two people should have love and affection for each other. To ensure that you have both of these, create a private space that will promote sexual energy. Elements that can enhance the sexual Chi include warm colors, comfortable bed, soft furnishings, fragrant smells of essential oils, candlelight, sensual music and romantic atmosphere. Use of essential oils such as neroli, jasmine, and ylang-ylang can boost sexual drive.

Use feng shui love symbols

Decorate your home with elements that will invite love into your lie. Rose quartz crystals are just some of the many feng shui love symbols that you can use. Take note that you should also pay special attention to the feng shui energy in the Southwest area of your home. Bring in items that can strengthen the element here, which is Earth. Use Earth or Fire feng shui elements but avoid water, wood or metal objects.

Increase your charisma

It’s not only the objects around your home that can affect your love, whether you have a relationship or looking for one. It’s essential that you also exhibit a personality and charisma that will attract the kind of person you’re hoping to fall in love with. Healthy living is an excellent way to do this. Exercising, eating the right foods and staying away from unhealthy lifestyle can certainly attract or maintain love.

For many people, it is only through love that they can find true happiness. Let feng shui help you find the person or kind of relationship that you desire. All these tips above have been tried and tested by many who for the longest time are still smitten and in love.

Get Smart Using Feng Shui

Feng shui is now a common practice when moving into a new home or office. But feng shui can also be beneficial in unexpected places like the classroom. If the chi of your classroom is not flowing properly, then it can be hard for pupils to learn, work and be productive.

First, de-clutter your classroom. Throw away unnecessary stuff and put the rest of it in cabinets or under tables. Make sure that your shelves and cabinets are clean, neat and organized. Avoid cluttering them with too much stuff. If you need extra storage space, Put a drape from one side of a corner to another. Make sure that it is in the appropriate color and pattern. Stack your labeled boxes on shelves behind the drape.

Feng shui energy requires space in order to flow. So make sure that your classroom has a lot of empty space.

Get a feng shui bagua. It is a valuable tool that will help you to harmonize the flow of feng shui in your classroom. Now, identify the directions in your classroom. Get a compass and determine which corner or wall is north. Label this spot using a post-it. Label all of the walls and corners that correspond to the eight compass directions.

There are nine feng shui bagua areas: North: Career, South: Fame, East: Family, West: Fun, Northeast: Wisdom, Northwest: Helpful People, Southeast: Abundance, and Southwest: Relationships Center: Health.

As you’re in a classroom, it might be fun to make a poster with the word and a picture of the matching element. Put up your poster in each wall or corner and say your intention three times. Make sure that you put the right color on the wall or in front of the wall. Don’t forget the four corners.

Here are the right colors for each direction:

North: black or dark blue,
South: red, East: green,
West: white,
Northeast: turquoise,
Northwest: gray,
Southeast: purple, Southwest: pink, Center: soft yellow or earth tone.

Now go to each area that you have colored and state or think a positive statement, in present tense, about what you wish will happen in that part of your life. In the green family area, you could say “My students are supported by warm, loving families.”

In order to make your feng shui even stronger, put something of the proper color in each area that corresponds to that area’s natural element: North: water, South: light or fire, East: wood, West: metal, Northeast: stone, Northwest: metal, Southeast: wood, Southwest: earthen product and Center: earthen product. For the south area, you might want to avoid candles. Use artificial lights instead.

In addition to coloring your classroom in order to encourage the flow of feng shui, you can also make use of essential oils. Orange oil boosts alertness and is good for when your students are sleepy. Meanwhile, lavender soothes hyper students. Keep a diffuser and these essential oils at your desk.

Now that you classroom has good feng shui, you’ll also want to make sure that it is bug-proof. Spray and clean your cabinets using a mixture of ¼ cup of tea tree oil, ¼ cup of apple cider, vinegar and two cups of water. Buy natural diatonaceous earth powder and scatter it at all the entrances of your classroom. You can find natural diatomaceous earth powder at the plant and nursery section of your local supermart as well as at horse feed stores. Avoid cockroaches by cutting off their sources of water. Think about closing your classroom’s drain when it’s not being used.

Avoid so-called poison arrows in your classrooms such as long, overhead beams, desks in rows, objects that point downward from the ceiling, a classroom door at the end of a long hallway, sharp corners on tables and cabinets and square pillows. If your classroom already has these poison arrows, there are ways that you can counter them.

Put a mirror to reflect the sharp corners of pillars or cabinets back to the object. This will trap the poison arrows within the object. Move your desks so that they are not in a straight line. Hang garlands from long, overhead beams. Swathe your pillars in seasonal fabric. Finally, put a mirror outside of your classroom if it is located at the end of a long hallway.

Use Feng Shui to Boost Your Finances

Many people use feng shui to boost their career or to make their home more comfortable. But you can also use feng shui to wisely manage your personal finances.

First, check what’s inside your wallet. Get rid of old pieces of paper as well as credit cards for accounts that have long been closed. If your trusty wallet is looking ratty, don’t hesitate to get a new one.

Try to buy a red wallet, as it is an auspicious color and will be sure to produce more money. Ensure that your wallet is neat, clean and organized. If possible, try to start the New Year with a new wallet. You can put it in your holiday gift list so that your friends or family will get you one.

Next, organize your financial files. Get rid of your old credit card and bank statement. This is because old energy prevents new energy from entering your life. Any statements older than five years should go straight to your trash can. Of course, you should always keep old income tax statements. When in doubt, consult your accountant.

You’ll also want to make sure that you are clean and organized when dealing with financial matters. Store your bills in a single space. Devise an easy system that makes it efficient to pay your bills. Don’t crumple up the money in your wallet. Respect your money and make sure that you store it away properly.

Eliminate clutter. Along with your old bank and credit card statements, you’ll also want to get rid of spare paper, broken objects, and empty boxes. Disposing these items will rejuvenate your home and allow energy to flow in. Pay special attention to the southeast corner of your house, your bedroom, and your living room. This is the wealth sector. If it’s cluttered by unnecessary objects then your financial chi will not be able to move around.

Remember that water is equivalent to money. Think about putting an aquarium in the North sector of your home, as long as it isn’t the bedroom or the bathroom. If you don’t want the hassle that comes with an aquarium, look around for a painting or a print that features water. These can depict rivers, creeks, an ocean, a waterfall, or even fish and dolphins.

If the North sector is outside your front door, then paint it black. Make sure to paint your shutters to match. Yet another water option is to show off sailing ships. You can show the ships as paintings, or depict them as sailing into your front door. Make sure to pick a picture of a sailing ship that is navigating calm water instead of a stormy sea. Sailing ships are a good water option because they symbolize commerce. Also, they often carry valuable cargo.

You should pay special attention to the North sector because it symbolizes opportunity and career. If you have a good career, then most likely you are making a pretty profit. You can further enhance your North sector by putting gold or brass objects in this area.

Now it’s time to pay attention to the Southeast sector. Fill this area with an arrangement of four plants. Make sure that they are of different heights. If the Southeast sector of your house in is in your bedroom or bathroom, then put the plants in the Southeast corner of your living room. Try to include a jade plant in your arrangement, as this provides great feng shui.

Take good care of your plants so that they are healthy and attractive. Once your plants start to wilt and droop, you will have bad luck. You can also use silk plants if you wish, but it is better to use real plants. You can also energize the Southeast corner of your living room by putting a lush plant in this area. Arrange the plant in a brass planter or a basket for more good energy.

You can also improve your income by putting a green dragon in the East and Southeast sectors of your home. Look for these online or in Chinese or Asian markets or emporiums. You can also opt for wall hangings depicting dragons or dragon figures.

Famous Buddhas Around the World

Buddha statues are known as Buddharupa, or the form of the Awakened One. They are celebrations of art and beauty that can be found in many Buddhist temples of worship. Each statue honors Buddha and the message of peace that he taught. There are many famous Buddha statues around the world. Here are some of them:

Monywa Buddhas

The Monywa Buddha has the distinction of being the largest reclining Buddha statue in the world. Its length is an amazing 300 feet. The head of the Monywa Buddha is 60 feet. The Monywa Buddha was built in 1991. It is hollow so people can walk inside it from the head to the feet. Inside the Monywa Buddha are 9,000 one-foot-high metal images of the Buddha and his disciples. These show significant events in the Buddha’s life. The Monywa Buddha can be found in the Po Khaung Taung hills to the east of Monywa, which is a city in central Burma. The city of Monywa can be found on the banks of the Chindwin River.

The Monywa Buddha now has some company–a huge standing Buddha statue on top of the Po Khaung Taung. It is 433 feet high and one of the biggest Buddha statues in the world.

Gal Virahaya

Gal Virahaya is an imposing rock temple that was built by Parakramabahu the Great in the 12th century. It can be found in Polonnaruwa, which is in north central Sri Lanka. The famous aspect of Gal Virahaya is the four large Buddha statues that have been hewn from a granite boulder. One of these statues is a reclining figure of Buddha. It is 46 feet long and 23 feet high.

Hussain Sagar Buddha Statue

Built in 1992, the Hussain Sagar Buddha Statue in Hyderabad, India, is well-known throughout the country. It can be found in the middle of an artificial lake. The Hussain Sagar Buddha Statue is 56 feet tall and weighs a staggering 320 tons. It is the largest monolithic statue in the whole country. It was made from a single piece of stone. When the Hussain Sagar Buddha Statue was installed in 1992, tragedy struck. It toppled and killed eight workers as it fell into the lake. But the government raised the statue and restored it.

Tian Tian Buddha Statue

Also known as the Big Buddha, the Tian Tian Buddha can be found in Lantau Island, Hong Kong. It was made of bronze and built in 1993. The statue is the main attraction of the Po Lin Monastery. It is meant to depict harmony between people, nature, man and religion. The Tian Tian Buddha got its name from its base, which is a replica of Tian Tan, the Temple of Heaven that can be found in Beijing. The Tian Tian Buddha sits in lotus position atop an altar made of three tiers. The Tian Tian Buddha has a height of 110 feet. It is shown in a serene posture. It right rand is raised so that sickness may be removed. Its left hand is on top of its knee in order to show happiness.

Temple of the Reclining Buddha

A massive reclining Buddha statue can be found in Wat Pho, Bangkok. This temple is one of the biggest in Bangkok and also one of the most ancient. It was built two centuries before Bangkok was designated the capital of Thailand. The temple of Wat Pho not only holds the biggest reclining Buddha in the country, it also has the biggest number of Buddha images. The Reclining Buddha is gold plated. It is 46 meters long and 15 meters high. The Reclining Buddha shows Buddha passing into Nirvana. The Reclining Buddha’s eyes and feet are embellished with mother of pearl. If you look at the soles of its feet, you can find the 108 auspicious characteristics of the true Buddha.

Each of these Buddha statues is distinctly unique. There are also many other Buddha statues. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to see them. Whether or not they are practicing Buddhists, people come to see and stare in awe at the massive Buddhas. Some come looking for peace and serenity. Others simply want to gaze at the grandeur of a big Buddha.

Feng Shui for the New Year

Fixing your feng shui for the New Year means starting out with fresh, new energy. According to the principles of feng shui, one’s home is made up of innumerable energy fields. Thus, the best way to make sure that you have good feng shui for the new year is to make sure that your home receives a thorough cleaning. Next, let go. Finally, conduct space clearing in order to purify your home on a deeper level.

Clean Up

First, get rid of clutter. It will be useful if you bring a laundry basket and timer with you as you go through each room of your house. Set the timer for five minutes for each room. Put old papers and magazines into the laundry basket, along with old clothes and empty bottles. Junk old CDs that are lying unlistened to in the back of your closet. You can also choose to donate them to charity. If you have glasses or mugs that don’t match, you can get rid of them as well.

Get rid of the gunk under your bed. Trash old makeup. Look through your pantry and throw out all the food that is stale or expired. Next, make sure that your floors sparkle by sweeping them or going over them with a vacuum. Get rid of dirty clothes while doing your laundry. Put a load in before you start to declutter so that it will be done by the time you finish getting rid of unwanted objects. Don’t forget to fold your clothes and put them away neatly.

Get down and dirty in your bathroom until it’s clean. Empty all of your trash cans. Now it’s time to examine your refrigerator. Get rid of empty jars and old and moldy food.

It’s also important to get rid if visual clutter. This means clearing your bathroom and kitchen counters, as well as the front of your refrigerator. Taking out all these unwanted objects ensures hat you will have plenty of open space for the coming abundance of the new year.

Now it’s time to move on to your yard. Ensure that it looks nice and that there are no obstructions on your front door step. Sweep it if necessary. Put new sheets on all the beds on New Year’s Eve and hang clean towels. If you don’t have new sheets, clean ones will do. Next, clean the car by driving it through the car wash. Make sure that there is no trash inside it.

Welcoming the New

Now that you’ve gotten rid of all your old, unwanted stuff, it’s time to usher in new things. Stock your pantry and kitchen. Make sure that your refrigerator and pantry contain something, because it is bad feng shui if they are empty. Make sure to fill empty canisters on your kitchen counters or in your pantry.

It is good if you have some oranges on hand. A bowl of these next to some nuts or candies will signify that you have a fruitful, abundant home. Some Chinese people celebrate the New Year by rolling oranges into their homes. This is because they are symbols of gold.

Next, purchase a new plant. Put it into the East sector of your home or office in order to signify a healthy beginning. A display of fresh pretty flowers will also signify that you will have good health in the coming year. If you put a gold bell in the northwest corner of your bedroom, your home or your office, it will bring good news from people who will aid you. School bells can also be put in the northwest corner of your yard in order to serve the same purpose. Take down all your old calendars and replace them with new ones.

Consider buying a new red wallet in order to have good energy in your finances for the New Year. If you don’t want to buy a new wallet, just make sure that there’s money inside your purse.

Welcome a toad to your home by putting a broken old clay pot next to a water spout. Put this by your door. Toads are said to invite money into homes. If the idea of a real live toad grosses you out, just buy toad figurines and place them near your door.

Make sure that your bird feeders are full. Birds are good feng shui and are also said to be the bearers of good tidings.

Chinese New Year Traditions

Every year during Chinese New Year, red envelopes containing money are given out. Gifts are exchanged and flowers, toys and clothing are sold in open air markets. These are only a few of the traditions that are faithfully kept every Chinese New Year. If you’re wondering why year in and year out, the same practices are done, here’s the reason behind some of them.

Red Envelopes

It has become tradition for married couples or the elderly to give red envelopes or red packets to younger people who are not married. Red envelopes may also be given by adults or young couples to children. These red envelopes are called the money used to suppress or put down the evil spirit.

Majority of the red envelopes contain money. The amount inside an envelope can range from a few dollars to a couple of hundred. The amount of money inside a red envelope should be even, as an odd number of money is usually distributed during funerals. One popular amount to distribute is eight. This is because its homophone is wealth. Another lucky amount is six. This is because it sounds like smooth. Someone receiving six dollars inside a red envelope will be said to have a smooth new year. Although money is predominantly found in the red envelope, it can also contain chocolate coins.

Remember that the first digit of the amount determines whether the number is even or odd. Thus, both 50 and 100 are odd numbers. You can however, use a single hundred dollar bill as a cash gift. Once Chinese New Year rolls around, young people and children can start requesting for money from married couples. No one refuses these requests because to do so would mean that they would be unlucky in the New Year.

Gift Exchange

Aside from giving red envelopes and packets, friends and relatives also exchange gifts with each other during the New Year. These gifts are small and are usually composed of food and sweets. Fruits such as oranges are a popular choice. Pears are not. Cakes, chocolates, candies and biscuits may also be given. When one visits the residence of friends or relatives during Chinese New Year, they usually bring gifts.

Markets

As soon as Chinese New Year is near, village fairs or markets are set up. Products like toys, clothing, flowers and fireworks can be found in these markets. This makes it easy for people to prepare for the Chinese New Year. They can buy gifts and decorate their home. In some areas, people look for a perfect plum tree to buy. This is like purchasing a Christmas tree.

Fireworks

In ancient China, bamboo stems were filled with gunpowder and then set off. The resulting small explosions were said to expel evil spirits. The bamboo stems have now evolved into firecrackers. A lot of firecrackers are arranged in a long fused string that can be hung. The firecrackers are rolled in red paper because this is said to be auspicious. The red papers contain gunpowder. As soon as the fireworks are lit, people will be able to hear a loud popping noise. If a lot of fireworks are set off at once, the noise can be deafening. Firecrackers not only drive away evil spirits, they also add joy to Chinese New Year celebrations.

Clothing

It is traditional to wear red or other bright colors during the Chinese New Year. This is because the color red is said to deter evil spirits and chase bad fortune away. Many people also make sure that they are wearing new clothes from top to bottom. Wearing new clothes stands for a new beginning. It also means that the wearer has an abundance of items to wear during the New Year.

Symbolism

Many Chinese hang red, diamond-shaped fu characters at the entrance to their houses. These fu characters mean blessings and happiness. A lot of the characters are hung upside down because its Chinese word sounds like arrive. Thus, the characters signify the arrival of happiness, luck and prosperity.

Red is the main color that is used when celebrating Chinese New Year. It stands for joy, as well as truth, virtue and sincerity.