Maximize your office potential: Healthy ways to Feng Shui your workspace
—Mira Brower & Christina Cha
Published: November, 2007 Most people give much attention to the layout and design of their homes, creating an environment that is comfortable and supportive of their lifestyle. However, few of us give as much thought to our office surroundings and layout. Yet we spend more time in our office each week than our living rooms! Feng Shui is the practice of creating an environment that supports and nourishes who we are. The physical office environment often takes a backseat to the challenges we face daily; overwork and office stress. But Feng Shui reminds us that all environments affect us, and by loving the space that we are in, we feel stronger and more capable to take on whatever comes our way. What can we do to create an office space that we love? Here are some simple solutions that will change the energy in any office.
Proper desk placement
The most important piece in the office is the desk. The first thing to look at is where your desk is placed. The best spot for a desk is the command position. To be in the command position there should be a solid wall behind you, and a clear view of the door. The idea is to create a space where you are not compromised by having your back exposed, and you are able to see what is coming your way. If you work in a cubicle, or you cannot move your desk, getting into the command position may be impossible. The solution is easy and very effective: place a mirror near your computer screen that will reflect what is happening behind you. This creates an effect similar to the command position — being able to see what is going on around you.
Comfy chair
The next item to look at is your chair. This is supporting you all day. Do you like it? Is it comfortable? Does it work properly? It is amazing how many times people say ‘no’ to these questions. Make sure that you are comfortable where you sit all day, as it will have an impact on your productivity and clarity. If your chair is inadequate, tell your boss or human resources person that you require a suitable chair to do your work properly. Sitting in a great chair is literally, having a good support system.
Plants
Another way to apply Feng Shui to an office is to bring nature inside. Offices are known for having lots of pollutants in the air, so bring in plants. Plants bring in a living element, help curb stress, and create healthier air to breathe. It is better to add plants with big round leaves, as they take in more pollutants and encourage stress relief with their easy round shape. Avoid plants that are spiny, like the cactus. Also, be sure to keep your plants healthy. If they start to look anything but vibrant, give them the attention that they need, or let them go. If a dead plant is kept around, it will pull down all of the healthy energy around it.
Lighting
Pay attention to your lighting. Natural light is best! Wherever possible, turn off fluorescent lights, and use a small lamp with softer, more natural lighting.
Water
If you want to increase prosperity in your business, add a fountain to your office. If you have your own office, place the fountain in the far left hand corner of the office from the door. When working in a cubicle, place it in the far left hand corner of the desk. Using a fountain as a Feng Shui enhancement is powerful. It represents a constant stream of income, clients, and opportunities. If you put your intention behind it, it will become even more effective. If you cannot bring in a fountain, use a picture of a stream or moving water.
Personal reminders and affirmations Lastly, ask yourself what you love about your job. Add a picture, a quote, or a meaningful object to anchor why you are committed to your job. If you are looking for a new position or job, bring in an affirmation of what you want to create. When you look at it, remind yourself that you are moving in the right direction.
The most important part of office Feng Shui is to create an environment that is supportive of the job that you are doing. Feng Shui is about being aware of what is around us, looking at it and evaluating if it is something we want in our lives. It reminds us that everything is connected, and by creating a supportive work environment, we get to bring more balance into all areas of our lives.
Mira Brower is the owner of Present Moment Feng Shui. She offers business and home consultations throughout the Bay Area. http://www.presentmomentfs.com.