QUESTION OF THE WEEK: I know that the pictures we put on our walls are important. Do you have any dorm decor suggestions for students who are away at school? Can you elaborate more about the images on our walls?
In the past, when serving as a feng shui consultant, I would notice that when clients speak to me about an issue they are having, it often is reflected subtly — and sometimes boldly — in their artwork, pictures or decor. I always found that the pictures were a visible clue to what was going on beneath the surface.
The sights and sounds around us “speak” to us, and we consciously and subconsciously take everything in. In our home, the artwork on the walls “speaks” to us, constantly pouring the energy of what is depicted into the environment.
When you want to improve the energy of your environment, home or dorm, make sure the pictures on your walls suppor t, not work against you. Where images are concerned, here are some general guidelines to follow:
• Let go of old times.
If the images on your walls remind you of a time you would rather forget, or from which you would like to move forward, take them down.
• Avoid violent or turbulent images. Scenes of battles, storms and raging waters are unsupportive, unless you enjoy never-ending conflicts and chaos at home.
• Let go of ‘negative’ fine art. If you have expensive art that has unsupportive connotations or an unpleasant past linked to it, ask yourself if sacrificing the energy of your home for this “investment in negativity” is worth it.
• Balance the size of the wall with the size of the image. The size of the image should be proportional to the wall space. To balance the passive and dynamic energy in a room, place large paintings in areas with a lot of space or group small paintings to fill a larger wall.
• Use positive images.
Hang inspiring, uplifting and personally meaningful artwork — images that depict life force, abundance, vitality, peace, happiness and harmony.
Here are some location guidelines:
• Entrance: Water is associated with the entry because it enhances the flow of energy through the front door. Represent this element with mirrors, images of flowing water or abstract art in an undulating shape, making certain that the images appear to be flowing into the home.
• Top of the stairs: On the wall at the top of the stairs, use bright artwork depicting fire colors (red, bright pink, orange) to help the energy “climb” the stairs.
• Behind the bed: Mountain and nature scenes and stationary images depict support and stability. Avoid too much moving water (represents emotions) in the bedroom and incorporate harmonious pairs for peaceful relationship energy.
Our homes are a reflection of our inner selves. Bring your dreams and wishes from inside your heart and display them on your walls to better support your life.
Do you have a question for Alice? If so, send it to alice@yourhappinessu.com. Alice Inoue owns Happiness U, a lifestyle studio where anyone can find positive inspiration and high-level guidance! Visit YourHappinessU.com.