In the past I’ve written articles on Feng Shui for dorm rooms, but recently I’ve known several grownups who have either been forced to live in a tiny space or done so by choice.
Some folks have chosen the relatively free life of RVing or living on a boat. Two families I know have lost their homes due to natural causes and opted to take advantage of the “tiny house” movement. Many people I know are living happily in co-housing.
Then there are all the baby boomers and beyond who love their spacious homes, but are tired of the upkeep and have either down-sized to a townhouse or apartment or are thinking about it. Regardless of the reason, or the type of smaller home you find yourself in or attracted to, the same Feng Shui rules apply:
1) Your main entrance is the main mouth of chi. This is where energy enters your space. If you can decorate your door itself or near the outside entrance, do so with something bright and welcoming. Of course, if you’re on the move in a boat or an RV, this may not an option. In this case, make sure that the area inside your entrance is inviting and clutterfree. Pretend you are a guest entering your home for the first time. What do you see? Do you feel welcome or would you rather be somewhere else?
If possible place a windchime outside your door. If you have a doorbell, make sure it works and is in good shape.
2) Bagua rules are the same. From your front door, you will enter through Knowledge, Career, or Helpful People. For more on the Bagua, check out the article and sketches under Feng Shui Basics on my website.
3) How to deal with fears associated with downsizing.
- Career is the area most associated with fear. This area is related to the Water element. Make sure that Water is represented. If appropriate, place a fountain in this area with the water flowing inward. Otherwise, artwork depicting water, the color blue, or décor with a wavy design will work.
- If you fear the future, place something linked to the Fire element, such as candles, the color red, or a triangular shape in the Fame area—the area connected to the future. You can also place something positive in this area that reflects your vision for your future. Since your space is small, one option is to make a miniature treasure map. Another possibility is to ask for a symbol representing your positive future to appear in meditation or as you drift off to sleep. Then either draw or make it and place it here as a reminder to your subconscious about what you’re creating. Keep in mind that these remedies can be hidden.
- If you experience lack of clarity or confusion about what’s next, you can adjust the Knowledge area with an affirmation or symbolic artwork.
Also, if you’re confused about what things you need to release or who they should go to, place a request to the Universe in your Knowledge area for guidance.
Think of releasing your beloved possessions as blessing the recipient—even if you don’t know them. Also, when you release something, let it go of it completely with no strings attached. Don’t concern yourself with what the recipient does with it.
4) Areas that should be out of sight:
- Your Sleeping Area – Whenever possible, your bed should be out-of-sight. If you are in a studio apartment or tiny house when the bed folds up into the wall, that’s good. If not, do the best you can to screen it off or camouflage it.
- Kitchens and eating areas can also be a problem. If you’re in a situation where you see it as you enter and are unable to screen it off, hang a round leaded crystal from the ceiling between this area and your entrance.
- The bathroom will usually have a door or be partitioned off. Keep the door closed. Since the toilet is usually the largest drain in your home, add the Wood element to prevent the chi leaving your space. A plant or a picture of a plant usually works well for this.
5) Also Important:
- Poison Arrows – Find a way to soften sharp corners that are pointing toward the spaces where you spend a lot of time.
- Missing Areas – An easy remedy is to place one or more mirrors on the wall adjacent to a missing area.
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Finally, if moving into a smaller space feels like you’re losing the life you had, mentally reframe that thought. Consider you’re receiving more freedom & list of all of the other benefits you can think of. Then think of them often!
May your downsized life be upsized with joy & blessings!
Suzanne
© 7/2/15 Suzanne Metzger • Feng Shui Consulting Services