Gone are the days when Feng Shui audits overlooked the significance of the home office. In this brave new world of remote work, hybrid schedules, and post-Covid realities, the home office has emerged as a crucial space.
For professionals, it is the very arena that shapes their career trajectory, while for students, the study area becomes the gateway to academic success.
Ideally, the creation of a dedicated space for your home office or study brings a multitude of benefits, both psychological and Feng Shui-wise.
Of course, space constraints may dictate our choices, but when possible, carving out a distinct zone for work within your home fosters a clear boundary between professional and personal lives.
This does not only enhance focus and concentration, but it also paves the way for improved work-life balance, allowing you to mentally detach from work when you step out of your office space.
Regardless of whether you have the luxury of a dedicated home office, the ultimate goal remains constant – to craft a comfortable sanctuary that propels your career or business forward.
It’s a matter of pure logic; we thrive when we feel at ease. If the office space is uncomfortable, stuffy, or lacking proper ventilation, the mere thought of occupying that space can send shivers down your spine, turning each workday into a gruelling battle of willpower.
At its core, the application of Feng Shui principles aims to simplify our lives. The ultimate objective is to foster a harmonious environment that fuels productivity, nurtures creativity, and paves the path to success.
Now, let’s unravel the wisdom and logic behind some Feng Shui practices for home offices:
Ideally, Feng Shui audits strive to identify positive sectors in your home, adorned with auspicious flying stars that foster career growth and wealth opportunities. However, in the era of compact apartments, maximising available space takes precedence. Fear not, for there’s a simple solution even if your home office falls within a negative sector – it could be as straightforward as tilting the direction of your laptop or computer screen.
True to its essence, this principle holds true for children and full-time students. Facing a wall acts as a shield against unnecessary distractions, facilitating heightened focus and concentration.
Indeed, adult working desks benefit from a supportive wall behind them. This backing symbolises the presence of nobleman support, instilling a sense of strength and control. Imagine yourself as a revered general, with subordinates marching towards you, stopping with a crisp, sharp salute – a position of authority and command.
But what truly constitutes a wall? Can a window serve the purpose? Any floor-to-ceiling glass panel or closed window acts as a wall in this context.
Partially true, as the answer lies in the external landform beyond the windowpane. A delightful view ushers in positive Qi. However, if your window gazes upon another building, it’s best to keep it closed while working, opening it only for occasional ventilation.
Ideally, if space allows, create some distance between your desk and the window. Many individuals relish the refreshing breeze through an open window while they work. If you’re one of them, try positioning your desk so that the open window resides on your right side. The right-hand side, governed by the White Tiger, encourages the movement of Qi, even accelerating wealth creation.
The answer as to whether your desk should face an open window hinges on the quality of the view. If the scenery outside is pleasing and uplifting, by all means, embrace it. However, always ensure there’s some space between your desk and the window.
Partially true. The rationale behind avoiding a desk facing the toilet is to steer clear of bathroom-related bacteria. The solution is simple – keep the bathroom door closed while you work.
Contrary to popular belief, facing or backing the door is not an inflexible rule. The distractions arise from the intensity and frequency of people passing through the door. The key lies in closing the door when uninterrupted deep focus is essential.
Untrue. The issue lies in the discomfort caused by people frequently passing behind you, triggering a sense of insecurity. The remedy is simple – keep the door closed!
Partially true. Exposed ceiling beams directly above your head or hands while you work can pose a challenge. However, beams positioned above the furniture itself are not problematic. Should you detect this issue in your home office, a simple solution is to shift the desk slightly, ensuring the beam no longer looms directly above your head or hands.
On that note, please try to avoid placing your work desks underneath the staircase. That’s a big no-no! The suppresed energy causes a lot of stress.
Revitalise your home office and unlock the potential for a thriving career with the guiding principles of Feng Shui. Discover the harmony and productivity that await you in your revamped workspace. In the next edition of Home and Garden, we head into your most private of sanctums – your bedroom.
Paulynne Cheng is a Communications professional turned Bazi and Feng Shui practitioner. She can be reached at thehiddensun.consult@gmail.com.