Feng shui is based on the principle that our living environment affects us deeply. It asserts that by harmonizing our living spaces, especially the bedroom, we can influence the energy to bring health, wealth, love, and overall balance into our lives.
For many Singaporeans living in high-rise flats or condos, feng shui can be beneficial.
Why is the Bedroom Important?
Before delving into the dos and don’ts, let’s first talk about the importance of the bedroom in feng shui.
Basically, in feng shui, the bedroom isn’t just a place to rest, it’s a sanctuary where we rejuvenate and heal. This is the space where we spend a significant portion of our lives, making it crucial in determining the quality of our personal energy.
Here are several reasons highlighting the importance of the bedroom in feng shui:
- Rest and Renewal: The bedroom is where we physically and mentally recuperate. It’s the place where our bodies undertake vital restoration processes. A well-balanced bedroom promotes deeper, more restful sleep and ensures we wake up refreshed.
- Intimate Connections: For couples, the bedroom is a place of intimacy and connection. The energy in this space can profoundly influence relationships, either nurturing closeness or, if misaligned, potentially causing distance.
- Personal Energy Reservoir: Feng shui believes that we absorb the energy of our surroundings. A bedroom with harmonious feng shui becomes a reservoir of positive Qi, which we draw upon unconsciously, strengthening our overall well-being.
- Reflection of Self: On a deeper level, our bedroom often mirrors our inner state. Clutter, disarray, or poor energy flow in the bedroom can indicate (and contribute to) personal imbalances, while a harmonious bedroom often parallels a balanced inner self.
The Dos:
Position the Bed Wisely
Despite HDB flats or condos being compact, make sure that the bed is in the “command position.” This means you can see the bedroom door but aren’t directly aligned with it. Likewise, the bed should be positioned where you have the widest possible scope of the room. A restricted range of sight within the room can restrict your Qi and life vision.
You should also avoid doors that directly open up in line with the bed or when your feet point out the door. This is called the coffin position. Johanna Augusta, a Feng Shui expert, explains that this can put you at a disadvantage as the position cuts off your Qi. This is also the position Asian countries use to carry their dead. So, this position is really not recommended.
Get a Headboard
In feng shui, a headboard represents stability and support in your life, especially in your romantic relationships. The best headboards are solid, without any perforations. Opt for soft edges whenever possible and ensure your headboard is securely attached so you can literally feel its support and strength.
In addition, you shouldn’t place your headboard under a window as it is believed that energy flows out of the room through these openings. This could alter your luck cycles and cause you a restless sleep.
Declutter Underneath Your Bed
Given the lack of storage space, you might get tempted to use the underside of your bed as storage. However, this is bad feng shui practice. If possible, keep the space clear of any clutter to allow qi to flow freely and evenly.
If you cannot help but use it as storage, use it to keep soft, sleep-related items like linens, blankets, and pillows. Don’t put shoes or luggage underneath as it would subconsciously make you feel like you are moving instead of resting.
Incorporate Feng Shui-Friendly Colours
The best feng shui bedroom colours are neutral, non-stimulating hues. You don’t want to overstimulate the energy when you are sleeping. Opt for beiges, creams, or earthy tones, which promote relaxation. That said, if you are looking for rejuvenation and vitality, try cool blues or pale greens.
For small doses of colour, decorate with accessories associated with partnership energy: pinks, reds, and whites. Those dashes of colour can be included through candles, crystals, artwork, or bed sheets.
Keep Your Home Gym and Your Books Out
Books contain active energy that stimulates the mind while gym equipment provides an active energy that energises the body. While these things can be ideal in other places of the home such as the Family and New Beginnings area (this is based on the Bagua), the energy they give isn’t conducive to sleep.
The Don’ts
- Avoid the Shared Wall: Especially relevant for those in HDB flats, avoid placing beds against walls shared with neighbours or busy household areas to minimise disturbance. The noises or even the energy from adjoining units can affect the tranquillity of your personal space.
- Beware of Ceiling Beams: Sleeping directly under ceiling beams can exert a metaphorical “pressing” energy, giving one the sense of being oppressed or burdened. In Feng Shui, this can stifle personal growth and even strain relationships.
- Don’t Put Water Elements: Though water features or paintings might resonate with our island nature, they symbolize flow and motion, potentially leading to restless energy. This is counterproductive in a space meant for rest.
- Avoid Overstuffing: With space being at a premium in Singapore, the temptation to use every available nook and cranny is real. However, an overly packed bedroom not only feels cramped but can restrict the free flow of Qi, leading to stagnation in various aspects of life.
- Steer Clear of Heavy Overhead Fixtures: Massive chandeliers or heavy light fixtures right above the bed can exert a “pressing down” energy, leading to potential health issues or suppressed personal growth. It may also incite feelings of unease if something is dangling above you at night.
Final Thoughts
At its core, Feng Shui is about harmony and balance. It seeks to align our energies with the environment for optimal well-being. By following these dos and don’ts, you can cultivate a bedroom space that not only promotes restful sleep but also nurtures positive energies that can ripple into various facets of your life. Remember, the primary goal is to create an environment where you feel genuinely relaxed, comfortable, and at peace.
So, whether you’re in a condo in Orchard Road or an HDB in Tampines, hopefully, this article was able to help you cultivate your space and encourage a good night’s sleep.
Cheers!
