Feng Shui 101

Feng Shui 101 is a little generous; consider this a second-grade overview.

A few months ago, I took some time from Instagram and TikTok, which led me to go down a mini feng shui rabbit hole. I think it started after hearing if you’re feeling stuck in life, move 27 things around your house for new energy to flow in.

What is Feng Shui?

Google’s AI response defines Feng Shui as an ancient Chinese practice that aims to create harmony and balance in a space by strategically arranging objects to promote the positive flow of energy, known as chi. The goal is to improve well-being, prosperity, and good fortune for the people who inhabit the space. It is based on principles from Taoism and the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water).

It’s rooted in Taoism and the five elements — wood, fire, earth, metal, and water.

At first, it sounds like something that would require a total home overhaul, but what I found most interesting is how much feng shui already exists in modern layouts. Many rooms are already designed in ways that naturally support energy flow and balance.

The Room Layout

There are more technical ways to do it, like determining that the westernmost corner is for wealth. But that’s for people who own compasses and have parrots on their shoulders. I prefer the Bagua Map, like this one from Anjie Cho, to identify each room’s energy zones. Each area corresponds to different aspects of your life — health, relationships, creativity, career, and so on. It’s an easy visual that helps you see how your physical space might connect to what’s going on energetically.

And like anything, there’s some conflicting advice out there. I just take what feels right and leave what doesn’t.

Feng Shui Best Practices

These are a few simple, beginner-friendly principles that have stuck with me — and that anyone can try, no compass or parrot required:

• Don’t hold onto samples — it signals scarcity or self-doubt.
• Use the things you own. Every day is “the right time.”
• Mirrors should never face your bed or door.
• Don’t sit with your back to the door when working.
• Keep spaces clean and organized to allow energy to flow freely.
• Avoid clutter. Too much stuff? Consider donating it. 😉
• Keep the entryway clear and well-lit — it’s the “mouth of chi.”
• Add lamps and plants to corners to keep energy flowing.
• Avoid a straight line from the front door to the back door (energy rushes out too quickly). Slow it down with plants or furniture.
• Fix broken items or remove them entirely.
• Don’t keep anything below your bed.
• Open windows regularly for fresh air and circulation.
• Hang artwork that’s meaningful and positive.

In Summary

I’m not saying moving your couch will change your life – but it might make your space feel more like you. And if that brings in even a little more balance or peace, I’d call that good energy well spent. I understand there are much deeper meanings to many of the methods, but I’ve found that a lot of it is quite simple.

Of course, feng shui has much deeper cultural and spiritual roots than this quick overview can cover, but at its core, it’s about intention – how your environment supports who you are and where you’re headed.

So if something in your life feels a little off, start small. Move a few things around. Open a window. Shift the energy.
What do you have to lose?