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Holistic living
Create Peace in Your Home for the Holidays
by Amanda Collins
Tis Christmas time! The holiday season is undoubtedly one of the most stressful times of the year. Between trying to find the perfect gift, getting the house decorated, and the in-laws coming for visits, our energies get pulled in a million different directions at once. Feng Shui is one of the most important tools in creating a relaxed environment to help you deal with that stress. Developed over 5,000 years ago in China, Feng Shui literally translates to “wind and water.” It is the art of creating balance, harmony, health and good fortune in everyday life. This is created through the healthful arrangement of rooms, furniture and buildings to affect spiritual, psychological and physical well-being. Create harmony in your home so you can live a life filled with peace and happiness. Use these basic tips to de-stress and really enjoy this holiday season!
Add Christmas plants throughout the house. Mistletoe is thought to inspire calmness, affection and a peaceful state of mind. This is believed by some to be a magical and healing plant. Holly, on the other hand, is a sign of good wishes towards all and domestic happiness. We could all use a bit of domestic bliss this time of year.
Place two poinsettia plants in the southwest area of your home. This is your romance area and the poinsettia represents love and passion.
Use essential oils to keep the air fresh and the energy levels balanced. The aromas of pine and clove are wonderful seasonal scents that will also bring you some peace and calm.
If possible, place your Christmas tree in the center of your home. In feng shui, this is considered to be the heart of the home, or tai chi. When placed in the tai chi, the tree will fill your entire house with holiday cheer, as well as the fantastic aroma of pine. This area is also associated with the color yellow, so use a golden-yellow tree skirt and a bright yellow star at the top of the tree.
Bring your family members together to decorate the Christmas tree; it creates a special moment together and will infuse the good energies of the ritual to your loved ones.
Avoid over-decorating the tree. Many people think that they have to hang every ornament they own whether they like it or not because of the emotional attachment involved.
Less is more! Surround yourself with objects and holiday decorations that you love. If you dislike an object, don’t hang it on your tree or put it up in the house, no matter who gave it to you or how long it has been in the family. Don’t just put them back in the box! Donate them or give them away. Angels and cherubs are lucky Christmas symbols, bringing peace and goodwill into the home and inspiring good feelings.
To increase family prosperity in the New Year, add Christmas decorations that represent good health and abundance to the room. Try hanging chocolate coins (if you have a dog, make sure you hang them high). Gold and silver ornaments represent prosperity and fame. Oranges with cloves in them represent good health and smell great.
Your holiday decorations should include some bells; the ringing sounds will energize and revitalize your home. Add candles to the table and around the house, as they create warmth, positive energy and goodwill. You might also include wood in your decorations, such as a wreath, to help create harmonious family gatherings. Other items that represent warmth and fire are stars, lights, holly and reindeer. Rudolf with a glowing nose is double points towards warmth.
Most importantly, Christmas means spending time with those you love and who love you. It’s not about presents, as a lot of kids may think. It’s about enjoying the time you have on this amazing earth.
Amanda Collins is an internationally recognized Feng Shui consultant, speaker and instructor. She has traveled around the world to receive formal training from the leading Feng Shui Masters. To set up a feng shui consultation for your home or business, call 858.736.7241, e-mail Amanda@sdfengshui.com or visit www.sdfengshui.com.