When it comes to finding wellness and contentment, many of us look outward for help. We explore the latest fitness trends, follow the newest dietary regimens, and search for more natural remedies. But what if we looked within Nature itself for healthy advice? By utilizing the principles of Feng Shui and the Five Elements, we can find a harmonious balance that can help us lead healthier lives. In this article we will explore the powerful influence of Feng Shui Elements and how they apply to Health and Wellness.
1. Grounding Yourself with Nature: An Introduction to Feng Shui
Feng Shui is an ancient Chinese practice of aligning our environment to bring balance, peace, and prosperity. It starts with connecting to nature as a way to ground ourselves before looking at our surroundings and how they affect us.
Using nature to introduce yourself to Feng Shui is beneficial as it can help you get back in touch with the earth. Doing so decreases stress, encourages vitality, and increases mindfulness. Here are some simple ideas to help you get started:
- Go for a Walk: Take a leisurely stroll to enjoy the fresh air, sunshine, and sounds of nature. Bring a camera along to capture moments of beauty or take notes of ideas that come to you.
- Start with the Basics: Sometimes the smallest gesture, like tending a garden or opening a window, can make all the difference and gives us a chance to interact with nature every day.
- Explore: Take a road trip or even just a walk in the park and discover someplace new. Let nature be your guide, and reap the benefits such exploration can have on your life and personal wellbeing.
By grounding yourself with nature, you’ll be perfectly poised for a successful start to your Feng Shui journey. Find what resonates with you and make it a regular part of your routine.
2. Exploring the Five Elements of Feng Shui
Feng shui has some simple basics that can be used to make a huge difference in any home. The five elements of feng shui are the heart of the system for creating a peaceful atmosphere and balancing the lower energies of your home.
Wood is the first element, and in feng shui, this is associated with the east, south-east, and centre of the house. Introducing natural wood furniture and art can help to bring the energies of the east into balance.
Fire is the second element, and it is associated with the south and south-west directions. To bring the fire energy into your home, use shades of red, shower curtains, and rugs.
Earth is connected to the north and north-west areas of your house. To bring the earth element into balance, you can use ceramic pottery, statues, and mirrors.
Metal is associated with the west and the north-west. This element can be brought into balance by using addition of metal objects such as chimes, wall ornaments, and statues.
Water is associated with the north and east directions and can be used to bring a calming energy into your home. This element can be incorporated into your home through water features, bubble lamps, and indoor fountains.
By understanding these five elements of feng shui and using them to balance the energies of your home, you can create a more peaceful and harmonious atmosphere.
3. The Benefits of Integrating Nature into Wellness
Integrating nature into your wellness routine has become an increasingly popular trend. Though it might sound like a “hippie” concept, nature has plenty of scientifically backed benefits that can contribute to promoting physical and mental wellbeing.
Reduced Stress
- Setting aside time to connect with nature can reduce stress, negative emotions, and anxiety.
- Walking or sitting in a green environment helps balance hormones, particularly cortisol.
- People who enjoy nature tend to experience more feelings of optimism and joy.
Increased Immunity
- Exposure to plants and outdoor elements can help people maintain a healthier immune system.
- Being surrounded by nature can help reduce free radical exposure due to the antioxidant activity of plants.
- Fresh outdoor air has a positive effect on the body allowing it to naturally detox.
Improved Mental Health
- Nature walks can increase the production of endorphins, thus enhancing overall mood.
- Meaningful contact with nature can produce positive changes in mental health.
- Time in nature can provide mental clarity, enabling people to see old problems in new ways.
Although the idea of integrating nature into wellness may sound unorthodox, it’s also a feasible and rewarding practice that has been proven to promote physical and mental wellbeing.
4. Establishing an Environment for Positive Energy Flow
No matter where you are or what the situation is, it can be difficult to sustain a positive energy flow. Achieving this may take some effort, but it can be done. Here are 4 tips for .
- Lighten Up: Lighting can affect the atmosphere in a room, so by utilizing lighting, you can easily change the energy. Use light bulbs that produce softer light and avoid harsh lighting.
- Embrace Nature: Bringing elements of nature into your life can improve your energy. Open windows or create a mini garden in your home to encourage positive energy to flow.
Music also has the power to raise your vibration and develop an environment for positive energy flow. Allow yourself to trust the journey by allowing a playlist to guide you through those moments you feel could use some positive energy.
Finally, the furniture in your environment can contribute to the energy. Choose furniture that is calming and balances out any negative energy. Introduce some vibrant colors to your environment to improve positive energy and create a relaxed atmosphere.
5. Cultivating Serenity Through Connection to Nature
We all seek to find moments of serenity in our hectic lives. But, how can we make sure we maintain a sense of calm throughout our days? The answer may be as close as a visit to nature. Connecting to nature has been proven to reduce stress levels and bring about a greater sense of wellbeing.
From open meadows to city parks, there is no one-size-fits-all destination to seek out. What is important is finding a place where you can observe nature closely – the smells, sounds, and sights.
- Going for a walk – Taking a walk through a natural setting begins to have an immediate impact. Notice the different sounds and smells around you in your environment and slow down to observe the details.
- Yoga in nature – Practicing yoga outdoors allows the sights and sounds of the environment to be your cues for alignment and relaxation. Being outside naturally adjusts your body clock and increases your exposure to natural light.
- Journaling – Writing about what you observe around you provides a sense of connection and mindfulness. Note the sights, sounds, and smells you have noticed and allow yourself to tune into the present and appreciate the moment.
Connecting to nature is a simple way to bring about moments of serenity no matter where you are. You can come away with a greater sense of wellbeing and relaxation, allowing you to navigate the stressors of life with more ease.
6. Finding a Balance With the Natural World
The earth is an often overlooked lifeline that keeps us all alive and kicking. All too often we fail to look beyond our cities and factories in search of a healthy appreciation of nature. It’s time to find that balance and begin to work with the natural world, instead of against it.
- Respect the outdoors – Learning respect for the outdoors is the first step to finding a balance. From enjoying a sunset to appreciating a magnificent mountain view, nature is something that we must all take the time to appreciate.
- Get rid of the excess – There is a limit to what we can take away from any given land without ruining the ecosystem. Affecting the environment to suit our needs should be done carefully, and with nature in mind.
- Conserve energy and water – Conserving natural resources like energy and water can make a huge impact on your life and the environment. From using reusable shopping bags to energy efficient lightbulbs, energy conservation is a key step for achieving harmony with nature.
We have a duty to protect the planet. To achieve a balanced state of coexistence between man and nature will require a level of dedication that we have not yet seen before. We must be aware of the long-term impacts of our actions and take responsibility for the trash we put in the environment. With the right attitude, a balance between man and nature can be restored, but it all starts with us.
As the art of Feng Shui has shown, human wellness can be deeply rooted in the natural elements around us. By understanding the effects of the Five Feng Shui Elements, we can take advantage of the healing power of nature and live a more balanced and healthy life.
With the knowledge of being able to use the natural elements of Feng Shui to our advantage, living a healthier and happier life can truly be within our reach.
