Back to School Feng Shui: How to harmonize the School year

As summer comes to an end and the school bells start ringing, it's time to prepare for a successful academic year. Feng Shui, the ancient Chinese art of arranging your environment to promote harmony and balance, can play a crucial role in creating an ideal learning atmosphere. Whether you are a student or a parent with school age children, here are some ideas for using Feng Shui principles to optimize your home and set the stage for a prosperous school year for everyone. Clear the Clutter: I could never over emphasize the importance of removing clutter from your space to allow for the free flow of energy, or "Chi." Before the school year begins, take some time to go through your home, especially the study area, to remove unnecessary, broken or obsolete items. Donate or discard items that are no longer needed or serve a purpose. A clutter-free environment can help clear the mind and promote focus. Position the Study Area Wisely: The location of the study area can greatly influence productivity and performance. There could be a variety of options depending on the overall space and occupants using it; however, the most basic answer is to find the knowledge and skills Gua and use this area of the home or the individual room of each student for the designated homework/study space. Place the study desk against a solid wall, preferably with a clear view of the room's entrance. This position symbolizes support and protection, aiding concentration. Avoid placing the desk under heavy beams or sloping ceilings, as this can create oppressive energy and even cause headaches. Avoid seating that positions the students back to the door, as this can create a sense of vulnerability and increased anxiety. A comfortable, well-lit, and organized study area is key. Seating, work areas and sleeping spaces are often reviewed during a Feng Shui consultation to remedy communication or behavior issues that may arise between the occupants. Use Soothing Colors: Feng Shui suggests using calming colors like soft blues, greens, or earthy tones in your study area. These colors promote tranquility and concentration. Avoid overly bright or stimulating colors in your study space, as they can be distracting. Shades of blues or greens are ideal in the Knowledge and Skills Gua. Balance the Five Elements: Incorporate the concept of the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, and water) to create harmony in your surroundings. Balance these elements by using objects or colors associated with each element. For instance, a metal desk lamp or a wooden study desk can represent the wood and metal elements. The ruling element for the Knowledge and skills Gua is Wood. If your study area resides here, use 60% wood items, symbology or color. Whichever area of the Bagua map that your study space falls into, a combination of the appropriate elements in balance is the goal. Bring in additional elements (remaining 40%) to dampen or enhance missing elements. See my blog that provides more in depth detail on the five element theory for additional reference. Personalize with Intent: Decorate each study area with items that inspire and motivate the intended student. Personalize the space with vision boards, affirmations, or artwork that align with their academic goals. These items can serve as powerful reminders of their aspirations.

Add a calendar in whatever format is friendly for the individual user. List project deadlines, practice schedules and other important dates to help stay on track and provide an at a glance area that student and/or parents can routinely reference. Feng Shui the Backpack: For students, the school bag in whichever iteration is popular at the moment, is an essential item. Choose a bag that is both functional and visually appealing. Ensure it has enough compartments to keep school supplies organized. Keep it clean and free from unnecessary items to maintain its positive energy. Schedule a monthly clean out to stay on top of organization. Promote Healthy Sleep: A well-rested student is a successful student. Ensure that the bedroom follows good Feng Shui principles to promote restful sleep. Use blackout curtains, invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding, and remove any electronic devices from the bedroom to create a serene and rejuvenating sleep environment. The latter is easier said than done, I know! But ideally harmful electromagnetic fields from electronics are placed away from the bed and soothing amber light is used as part of a healthy sleep routine. By incorporating these Feng Shui principles into your back-to-school routine, you can create a supportive and harmonious environment that fosters learning, concentration, and personal growth. Remember that Feng Shui is not about superstition but rather about creating a balanced and harmonious space to enhance overall well-being. So, as you prepare to embark on the next year's educational journey, take a moment to apply these principles, and you'll be on your way to a successful and fulfilling school year.