When I typically tell people I’m an Interior Designer, I’m usually faced with the question do you know Feng Shui? (along with can you pick my living room curtain color or bedroom duvet). The truth is, Feng Shui is not a standard principle of Interior Design, nor is it incorporated in a typical Interior Design school syllabus. With that said, I’m all about wellness (as you know!) and am certainly open to incorporating holistic techniques and strategies to strengthen our everyday lives, including the places we live, work, and play! When it comes to your desk, whether you work from home or in an office, making this area a haven of productivity is super beneficial. We spend a significant amount of time at our desks creating, organizing, and manifesting our best ideas therefore, creating the ultimate balance here is key. Read on for the ultimate tips on how to Feng Shui your desk for greatness!
What the hec is Feng Shui?
The art of Feng Shui includes arranging your environment to attract the positive vibes you’re after. Perhaps you’re looking to strengthen your love life, build on your industry recognition, or attract wealth and luck. Harboring your ‘chi’ or your energy provides or attracts the type of vibes you’re after. In addition to this, practitioners of Feng Shui utilize the Bagua Map (pronounced Bag-Wah) as a tool to align the 9 major areas in our lives:
1) Career – The black square represented by the Ears and the element of Water;
2) Relationships – The Pink square represented by the Organs and the element of Earth;
3) Family & Community – The Green square represented by the Feet and the element of Wood;
4) Wealth – The Purple square represented by the Hips and the element of Wood;
5) Mind, Body, and Spirit – The yellow/orange central square representing the Mind, Body, and Spirit;
6) Helpful people, Travel – The light Grey square represented by the Head and the element of Metal;
7) Creativity & Children – The dark Grey square represented by the Mouth and the element of Metal;
8) Wisdom – The Blue square represented by the Hands and the element of Wood;
9) Fame – The Red square represented by the Eyes and the element of Fire.
Utilizing this map is the foundation of bringing the ultimate balance you seek to your working environment and to your office desk as a whole!
How to Feng Shui your Desk
Begin by removing all of your clutter. Yes, I’m talking about those older than old stacks of papers and files collecting dust! Take the time to sort through your important documents and either purge or neatly store items as needed. Beginning your journey of success includes starting with a clean slate! It’s also important that your desk is situated in the ‘commanding position’, facing in the direction of the entry into your office. In this position, you are the least vulnerable and are able to react to anything that comes your way. If it’s not possible for your desk to be in the ‘commanding position’, considering incorporating a mirror or an item with a reflective surface so you’re always aware of your surroundings.
Now that you’ve been acquainted with the Bagua Map, imagine your desk is divided into 9 segments just like the map, each one representing the 9 major elements in our lives. At this point, you’ll want to begin thinking about what elements you’ll want to incorporate into each of the 9 segments of your desk:
Step 1: Starting with the bottom left corner (Wisdom), keep some sort of reference book or school book here – something that represents learning and knowledge;
Step 2: Middle left (Family & Community), an object that is close to your heart or representative of your family belongs here. Think a family photo in a wood frame to both represent the purpose of the square and the element it represents;
Step 3: Top left (Wealth), this is the best spot for your computer or laptop. It’s important to ensure your computer is in perfect working condition. Poor condition = poor wealth and/or finance and no one wants that!;
Step 4: Bottom middle (Career), this area is best to remain clear for work and project production. I keep my keyboard here as I like to think of my keyboard (in good working order of course!) is the foundation of the work I do and allows me to be productive;
Step 5: Center (Mind, Body, and Spirit), the health area and one of the most important squares when considering your best self! Place objects that remind you of leading a balanced life here such as a small plant, a cup of your favorite herbal tea, or a small candle;
Step 6: Top middle (Fame), where your name stands out the most! If you have a name plate, this is the perfect place for it. You can also include your business cards here as well. If you don’t have either, consider the title you are looking to manifest in your life (i.e. Boss B*tch, CEO, you get the picture!);
Step 7: Bottom right (Helpful people, Travel), a great spot for your latest travel purchase or something that reminds you of a favorite vacation that has truly influenced you. If you want to focus more on the ‘helpful people’ aspect of this square, perhaps a book of your favorite quotes or a metal container of positive affirmations will do the trick;
Step 8: Middle right (Creativity & Children), I like to place my notebook and journal here as they are both items that can spark my creativity. Looking to get preggers instead? Place a baby related item here like a baby name book or a metal item to represent a timeline of when you see yourself being pregnant;
Step 9: Top right (Relationships), the ever important love and relationship square! When I first started working at my current job, I mindfully placed straight, lucky bamboo in this corner to strengthen my relationships with my new colleagues. If you’re choosing to place a plant here, ensure that you’re caring for it regularly like you would a typical relationship. Not into caring for a plant? Perhaps a book about love is more up your alley.
Wishing you positive vibes and a balanced work life built for success!
Adapted from gatesinteriordesign.com
