Is there something that you would like to change at work but don’t know where to start? Did you know that you can make some adjustments in your office and on your desk that can completely transform your experience, creativity and flow at work? You can create these shifts with feng shui.
Feng shui “is an art and science of arranging an environment to create optimal energy and balance for both your space and life,†explains Dana Claudat, a modern feng shui master and interior designer. We spend a number of hours at work, and, “The space reflects who we are and our performance. Optimal space reduces stress, promotes energy flow, information and can even alter your co-workers perception,†she continues.
Incorporating feng shui in your area can be fairly easy. Whether you are in a cubicle or have your own office, subtle changes can lead to big results. This is true for Ginger Reichl, president of Pinstripe Marketing. “A friend of mine who has been studying feng shui for years convinced me to try it and we started in my office,†she says. Together they cleared out her office and started with a blank canvas.
Using the guidelines of a bagua map – a feng shui map of space geared to emphasize wealth, fame, knowledge, and career – the friends redesigned the office. Reichl reflects that prior to incorporating the feng shui principles, business was good and she had regular stresses of being an entrepreneur. In as little as two months Reichl saw improvements. “We started to get daily inquiries, inactive clients returned with projects, and we had 10 proposals in the works,†she says. Claudat has seen “Clients gain overall peace, reduce stress, release excess weight, book TV shows, make great career moves, and start mind-blowing relationships.â€
If you are ready to try this practice on your own, Claudat has shared some simple tips that you can try in your space right now. She suggests first and foremost that you should clear clutter, eliminate obstacles, add light and personalize your environment.
Office Basics:
1. Entrance: The entrance should be free from obstructions. A great entrance way provides an immediate view of something inspiring like artwork or a great view. Claudat also suggests essential oils. It is great to greet people with a sensory experience when they enter your space.
2. Desk: The ideal placement for your desk is facing the door. If this is not an option, a well-placed mirror that gives a view of the door will make it more powerful. Claudat encourages using a bagua map to see how each area affects your work. She also suggests using the map before you start. You can see where your piles accumulate and the alignment of the area on the bagua. For example, if there is clutter on the right side of your desk, check the flow of your creativity.
3. Office: Even if you have a cubicle, this area should look like you. You can add plants such as Bamboo and/or Jade and accessories that will help your space. Claudat suggests bringing some items from home because it is grounding. Colors can change an environment in many ways. She shares if you are looking to attract attention, add red accessories with a bit of gold, like golden picture frames. She also warns to stay away from too many patterns and intense colors as this can engage us emotionally.
If you would like to try any of these principles, grab the bagua map and start changing your life.
Yvelette Stines is an award winning writer. She will help you live a calm and healthy lifestyle and write from your soul. Her work has been published in Essence, Uptown, Heart and Soul, Jones, Hispanic Executive Quarterly, and Green Build + Design just to name a few. Her book Vernon the Vegetable Man encourages children to choose healthy lifestyle habits. Stines’ blog Calming Corners motivates readers to live a calm and healthy lifestyle. You can find her calmly playing on social media @yvelettestines + @calmingcorners.