The semester is starting to wrap up and, shortly, stress levels will start to rise around campus. People have different ways of dealing with the challenge, like going to the gym or watching a movie. There is no simple or universal way to help manage the stress and increased work, but maybe changing your environment might help. No matter how much time you spend in your dorm room, it could still be more relaxing and promote a greater sense of well-being. By applying some of the techniques and practices of feng shui, you can help promote the flow of good energy through your room.
Feng shui is an ancient practice that has its roots in Eastern culture. The practice has many components and it takes years to master. Basic principles involve the idea of chi—all life forms have energy flowing through them—and issues that arise in life are thought to be affected by an imbalance of chi. There are, however, some different practices that can be adapted to help improve your time and space here on campus.
The doorway of your room is the entryway of all opportunity and should be bright and welcoming. Metal wind chimes near a doorway invite greater opportunity, and sound is thought to help activate good energy. You might want to hang some small wind chimes on the back of the door or off to the side. Also, attempt to reduce the clutter near your door; energy is thought to flow more freely through open spaces. Take special care to address doorways that open toward a wall or an armoire. In order to increase the flow of energy, consider putting up a mirror, since mirrors welcome good chi and reflect bad chi. Mirrors serve their purpose best when they help to bring more light to an area or nature into the room.
Plants are another good addition to a room. According to feng shui principles, plants represent spring and life forces, adding comfort and helping to balance your room with the natural world. For those that don’t spend much time in their rooms, maybe a house plant that requires little maintenance might be best. If you feel that a living thing is a little too much responsibility for you, then maybe you should consider a small, self-contained tabletop fountain. Water helps to increase wealth and promote prosperity and blessings, and provides a relaxing sound.
Also, colors are important and can have different effects depending on the tones and hues. There isn’t much you can do to change your walls or furniture on campus, but bedding selections can easily be personalized. Lighter colors—blues, greens, pinks, and neutrals—help soothe and relax. Additionally, if possible, the foot of bed should face the doorway, since this puts you in a position to welcome good energy into the room. Even if you are a college student, you need to sleep eventually. Keep in mind that placing your bed directly across from the door could expose you to too much chi and may actually cause fatigue. The photo at the bottom of the article provides a practical idea on how certain ideas can be applied to better promote a positive environment.
Bright colors are thought to promote insomnia, because they are visually stimulating, and therefore should be reserved for instances where productivity is needed. Accordingly, desks should have bright, but not distracting, colors or patterns. As far as the position of the desk is concerned, it should be placed in the “position of power,” facing the entryway, with the most complete view of the room. By facing the door, you are welcoming the good flow of energy and opening yourself up to new opportunities. In facing away, you are turning your back on life’s possibilities.
There is less than a month left until classes end, so I am not suggesting you make radical changes to your room. If you decide to replace your sheets, keep the idea of lighter colors in mind, and if you happen to be at Walmart, you might want to consider picking up a little fountain. Adapt what you like from these suggestions and try to bring good chi and prosperity into your room as finals approach.
