A reader asked a really interesting question about whether or not her room’s design could be a factor in her life’s condition: “I came across your site as I was researching about bedroom feng shui. It occurred to me that there might be something wrong with my room as I’ve been experiencing very low physical energy for years (I’m always tired and sickly) plus it seems like my love life is not moving! Finances seem to always be a challenge no matter how much I earn.
I have a very enclosed room – it’s like a bomb shelter, you don’t hear anything that goes on outside. To the left of my window is a covered garage. Over my room is a terrace with a roof. I’m sending pictures here for your look-see.
I am beginning to feel that maybe my room contributes a lot to my energy, because despite the successful work I have done on myself and in my life, it seems my energy is still being dragged down. Could my room be a factor?”
My answer:
Short answer: yes, your room could be compounding and also reflecting the issues you are dealing with in terms of feeling stuck and tired.
Why? First of all, the idea that you could even use the term “bomb shelter” to describe a room says much about how you feel in the space. Its a very loaded and descriptive word which points to the idea that you are somewhat extraordinarily isolated, perhaps both in your life and in the design/feng shui of your space. I am not going to jump to big conclusions, but I will start by saying that the opposite of this extreme quietude is extreme connection to life and loudness, and ideally, we’d want you to meet life in the middle.
Elementally there is a ton of earth in your room. That is “stuck” energy in and of itself. Earth element is creative and grounding, but in excess it is confining and creatively debilitating. Too much of a good thing becomes bad. I would look at ways of incorporating more fire (red, orange, pink, purple), a bit more metal (actual metal would be great) and a splash of water (glass vases?) in the space.
Another quick tip: no books behind your head. Its like sleeping with all sorts of messages echoing at your head. Also, its clutter. And not-sexy.
I’d find ways to add the connection your need to the outside world. While I rarely suggest plants for a bedroom, here a healthy plant that is indigenous to your area would be amazing. As would some art or photographs of areas of life and your community/area that you want to connect to more clearly and actively. You also could use some sparkle. Vintage sparkly glass kick knacks, etc. Light, too. You need more light, natural light if possible!
Although these tips are more general in nature, its important to understand that, ultimately, the steps to greater connection to life go far beyond your feng shui, or, serve as an extension of it. Socializing more, group exercise or yoga classes, immersion in culture, joining groups that share your interests— all a huge part of this “connection-building”.
Let me know what you decide to do…and please send me pics! Wishing you the best!
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Always, I love hearing from you! xoxo Dana
Great advice! I also want those drapes pulled OPEN! 🙂
Some more cheerful colors besides drab brownish curtains and beige plaid bedspread would help, too– I’m thinking cobalt and orange and white to get some water and fire and metal in there. A pair of lamps with clear or faceted glass bodies would bring some sparkle in. A little fountain would be wonderful for energizing everything and making it feel less dead.
The TV, books, and clutter should go– notice how there’s stuff stacked beneath the TV bench and the dressing table, and the corner between them is jammed with crapola on the floor? The whole room feels drab, gloomy, over-full, and stale.
Dear Dana,
I don’t really have a comment–only a question… In your reply above you stated that you normally wouldn’t recommend plants in a room (which I am have heard/read before and which I am guessing is because of the energizing nature of live plants); however, you also stated.” For me, that would be more outdoors and activities like hiking–would it be inconsistent with Feng Shui to have pictures of the outdoors such the woods, hiking trails, waterfalls, or mountains? Or would have the same affect as plants. Which makes me think of a second question–I thought colors like orange and red were too energizing for the bedroom and have heard that pink and peach were more acceptable–will you explain your philosophy? Thank you.
Opppss…sorry for the typos above…
CORRECTION TO ABOVE COMMENT: In your reply above you stated that you normally wouldn’t recommend plants in a room (which I have heard/read before and which I am guessing is because of the energizing nature of live plants); however, you also stated “As would some art or photographs of areas of life and your community/area that you want to connect to more clearly and actively.” For me, that would be more of the outdoors and activities like hiking–would it be inconsistent with Feng Shui to have pictures of the outdoors such the woods, hiking trails, waterfalls, or mountains? Or would have the same affect as plants. Which makes me think of a second question–I thought colors like orange and red were too energizing for the bedroom and have heard that pink and peach are more acceptable–will please explain you explain your philosophy? Thank you.
Ok, so I am going to say this, feng shui is highly personal. Light, earthy skin toned colors are great for some people. Some people need more energy. In general, skin tones are best, just as in general plants are not a great idea but in some cases they are perfect. I can give lots of ideas, share tips and quilify statements t othe best of my abailty, but I say over and again that I can not give one-size-fits-all feng shui and so if I say something that is not “ty[ical” I will usually add a reason (ie, someone who is mentally fixated and out of touch with their emotions may need more fire)… I try to do the best I can to give universal advice, but its hard to not walk into difficult territory at times where the advice gets tricky. xoxo Dana