What we see affects us either positively or negatively and at times we may not even be aware of the effect subconsciously. What we see or what we are surrounded generates that kind of energy and influences us. A good view, clean air, colours which are bright and interesting, pleasant décor, warm lighting are all said to create a positive feel and usher in happiness. The converse of the above situation would be a smelly home, dark, cluttered, improper lighting, which would bring in a sense of resentment, dejection and negativity in the minds of the occupants.
Most often you will find homes having dark corners, low lit living rooms or rooms having columns
or even irregular shaped or “L” shaped areas which block the natural light and also the internal lighting would be insufficient. Such dark corners or irregular areas are generally corrected using spot lighting and healthy green plants but it would never replace a good window, which has a pleasant view. The ancient Chinese adapted the design known a “moon gate” which is like a window, but round in shape like a moon, through which one could see the world beyond and signified opening up of avenues for “future possibilities”.
A simple approach to activating good energy in a home is the use of intelligent lighting. Lighting is an effortless Feng Shui cure for the home. Lamps, scones and chandeliers are simple home decorating items for the home. Bring yin or yang lighting into your home to activate or deactivate the energy
of a specific life area.
This ideology can be used to ensure that energy or ‘chi’ flows freely in the surroundings thus making the people in that place happier and more positive in their outlook.
• Shadows must not be cast while we read or cook food, so ensure that your study, living room and kitchen is well lit with incandescent bulbs or halogen lights.
• Coloured lights of varied size and colours denote different moods. Pinks have a calming effect, purple to activate passion, yellow generates a feel of warmth and would be ideal for the living space as yellow gives the feeling of a relaxed atmosphere.
• Soft lights create positive energy, and you could have more than one such light in a room to generate this feel. Paper and cloth lampshades make the light appear softer and create a quiet atmosphere.
• Soften sharp corners of a room using accent lighting.
• Use up lighting to light up dark corners and beams so that the effect of negative energy is reduced.
• Placing a red-coloured crystal chandelier in the beginning or at the end of the room will increase the flow of energy.
• Finally, using dimmers will not only create the right mood and positive energy but also ensure power saving and balancing the energy flow in terms of chi.
Apart from the above suspending faceted crystals or having stained glass panes brings excellent energy in to a dark room and transforms it. Stained glass, when used aesthetically with a blend of good colours, would be suitable for most rooms in a home and it enhances the feel and positivity of the living space.
(The writer is an accredited Master Feng Shui Consultant, Bio-energetician and Traditional Vaastu Practitioner)