Do you dismiss feng shui as a lot of nonsense? In China, it is taken seriously as an art and a science. Modern scientists & philosophers in the West sometimes refer to the ancient consciousness known as feng shui as “primitive.” This not only implies that it’s older, but that it is less effective and sophisticated than the Western World’s perspective. Ancient consciousness exists side by side with Western logic because it asks different questions, and is useful in solving different kinds of problems. If you need to know the square footage of your home, use Western logic. If you need to know how to achieve a more stable and satisfying life, use feng shui.

The entrance to one’s residence is a very important aspect of feng shui. The term Ch’i (Qi) refers to the energy flow. Everything has energy/Ch’i. We want Ch’i to flow through our homes like blood flows in our bodies: not too fast, yet not too slowly, either. When the Ch’i flows easily and smoothly throughout the home, then the inhabitants are more likely to enjoy good feng shui: a balanced and fulfilling life.

Your Neighborhood

If you live in a neighborhood where everyone takes care of their home and yard, your whole community will benefit from good feng shui. If your neighborhood borders commercial property, then (assuming customers are coming and going regularly) the Ch’i is probably moving too fast. You may want to consider adding more plants to your front yard sometime soon as it will slow the Ch’i to guide it into your home. The Ch’i is probably moving too slowly if your home is surrounded by rental properties whose landlords don’t keep up the home and yard. Consider using some of your own “elbow grease” on your yard and entryway, as well as light fixtures and welcoming natural sounds to attract Ch’i to your abode.

Your Front Door

Your door should be visible from the street. If not, the Ch’i has a more challenging path to arrive at your door. Just as our human bodies require breath to bring oxygen to our respiratory system, and we breathe through our nose and mouth, front doors are considered the “Mouth of Ch’i.” Without air, we’ll die in a matter of minutes, and without Ch’i, we wither away as well.

Your Entrance

Entryways should be clean, without wobbly handrails or peeling paint anywhere. The door needs to be fully able to open, and the entrance (both inside and out) uncluttered. This is extremely important. Even overgrown plants that block part of the sidewalk can prevent the Ch’i from getting to your front door. In fact, if you can only fix one thing right now, go for clearing out your entryway if you just realized it’s a problem. Anything blocking this door, or restricting it from opening completely and easily will block your opportunities.

Light It Up

Everyone needs light outside their front door to welcome guests and illuminate the path to the door. Clean off those spider webs, and wash up the light fixture so that it can illuminate your porch as well as your future. If there is little or no natural light inside your entryway, consider painting walls a lighter color and then get (a) light fixture(s) with a full-spectrum bulb. Ceiling lights, sconces, and recessed lights can each welcome friends and family, as well as Ch’i into your home.

Other considerations

The room or architectural structure that your entrance leads into is also important in feng shui, as are many other factors to bring good fortune to you and your housemates. Send your questions or concerns Shelley@TFI.design, as I’d love to hear from you! If you think you’d like a feng shui consultation, or design assistance to improve your home’s feng shui, please contact me through this website https://tfi.design/fengshui/) and we’ll set up an appointment.