5 Tips for Optimal Outdoor Feng Shui

Feng Shui is a Chinese practice that dates back thousands of years. The literal definition of Feng Shui is “wind and water." To the Chinese, these are the essential life elements. The flow of life force energy, or “chi,” is a focus, and its goal is creating positive energy and an optimal atmosphere. The better the energy is flowing, the more inviting the space will feel.

While Feng Shui is most often used indoors, outdoor spaces can also benefit from its principles. It is believed that ideal and optimal placement of outdoor furniture and design elements can improve health, comfort and even bring more prosperity. Use these techniques from the team at Outdoor Furniture Ideas to create and enjoy a more pleasant, inviting outdoor experience:

 
Outdoor Feng Shui

1. Auspicious Trees and Plants

Plants like bamboo, peace lilies, ferns and palm trees are favourite Feng Shui plants and can enhance positive energy around an outdoor space, especially where you'll be dining or relaxing. Add more of these plants to improve energy flow. Trees and plants with a severe or spiked look and feel should be minimised or avoided, as they might bring unsettled energy to the space.

2. Optimising the Front Entry

Your front door is where chi first enters the home. Bulky elements can impede the flow of chi into the home, so be careful about placing them right in front. Oversized sculptures and even too-large bushes and trees ideally shouldn't be right in front of the front door. Consider moving or removing these elements if they are no longer a fit, or trim oversized foliage so that chi can flow more smoothly. Relocate and trees or shrubs that impede the flow of energy through the front door.

3. Minimising Clutter

The overall visual effect of a yard should have energy flow in and around it without jarring distractions. Debris and junk on your property should also be cleaned up and hauled away for optimal Feng Shui. Dead trees and stumps should be professionally removed. Cover your firewood stacks with attractive covers, and fill in any bare or dead lawn spots with sod or grass seed.

4. Good Chi for Health in the East

In Chinese philosophy, the wood element is associated with the eastern direction and area of a space. For optimal health for you and your family, nourish this area with a flower garden, flowerbed, bushes, or trees. Planting a vegetable garden on the eastern part of your property can also be auspicious for health.

5. Strive for Balance

Chi blockages on a property can cause energy flow problems, but a too-fast flow of chi should also be avoided. Too-rapid chi can cause an unsettled, agitated feel in your outdoor space. Slow down the chi flow in these areas by adding more plants (see #1) or some stylish lawn furniture, art or pottery.

Feng Shui can help to give your home a more inviting, enjoyable atmosphere. Use these five tips for optimising the energy flow in and around your outdoor space.