It may be hard to imagine (especially for those of you who know me!), to believe that I was a very shy child.  I can remember wishing I could sink into the floor during show and tell, and those dreaded oral book reports were quite nearly the death of me!  My children, on the other hand, have never been called ‘reserved’, or ‘shy’.  To me they seem almost fearless and endlessly brave.  For those of you who parent shy children, you know the intensity of their fears and concerns, and how it can affect their daily lives.

This month I would like to discuss how to set up a bedroom so that a child feels more secure, more powerful, and more comfortable in their space.  These tips can also easily be applied to adults too! 

In feng shui, the bed is considered sacred.  It is where our energy rebuilds, where we are rejuvenated and recharged.  It is considered the seat of health and well-being.  It is extremely important that the bed is placed well and protected, so let’s start there!

First, the child’s bed should be placed in what we in feng shui call “command position”.  This is a position in the room that is the farthest back and away from the door while still allowing its occupant clear vision of the door.  You will want to make sure that the child’s bed is not aligned with the door.  This will allow the child not only the most powerful position in the bedroom, but also the most protected. 

It is also very important that you protect the bed from sha energy.  Sha energy is chi that is moving too quickly or in too straight a line.  This means you would not place a mirror in the bedroom, especially if the child can see it from the bed.  Mirrors will cause energy to bounce and pick up speed, creating sha.  Also, by removing the mirrors, you will allow the child a safe place where they do not feel like the eyes of the world are on them!

Take a moment to sit on the child’s bed and make sure that there is nothing pointing at it, (dresser corners and desk edges are common culprits!).  If you see a sharp edge pointing at the bed, soften it with a plant or other accessory.

Remove clutter from the bedroom as this will cause chaos and disorganization within the child and disturb his/her energy reserves.  Face it, it is awfully hard to feel self-assured if you are living in a clutter filled space!

Hang all artwork at your child’s eye level, and include their own artwork as much as possible.  Find the knowledge and self cultivation of the bedroom and place a picture of the child as well as symbols of their past accomplishments there.  (If you stand in the doorway of the room looking in, Knowledge and Self-Cultivation will be located in the front 1/3 of the room on the far left).

Consider placing pictures of children at play in the room  This will encourage lightness and openness to new relationships. 

And, most importantly, love them, provide them with a safe place, and room to grow. 

Blessings,

Lori