Lesson 2

Conscious perception of space

Which elements of our space influence us the most? 

  • Shapes
    The most important element is the shape of the space - floor plan, room shape, layout of large pieces of furniture and the relative position of doors and windows. All of this forms a stream of energy, which, depending on its nature, affects us either in a positive or negative way.
  • Colours
    Each colour has its own radiance. We perceive it through our feelings as each colour evokes in us a different perception or mood. In particular, intense and deep shades of colours can strongly influence us.
  • Materials
    Materials also have their radiance, which we can perceive emotionally. In addition to this, the relationship with their different physical properties literally affects the air in the room.

How shapes influence the energy flow in a space

 

We already know from the previous lesson that we need to direct the energy flow (the Chinese call it qi) in a space. 

Now we will try to draw the energy flow and find out whether the basic floor plan works or requires adjustment or correction. If you already have a floor plan of an apartment or house from an architect or a real estate agent, you have your starting point. If you do not have a floor plan, you will need to create one before you begin 🙂

Download instructions

Looking at the floor plan

Copy the floor plan so you can keep the original intact, you will need that later. If you have a lot of data and descriptions in the plan it's better to retrace the walls in colour so you don't get distracted with too many lines.

The ideal floor plan shape is a regular square or rectangular - with a rectangle, the longer side should not be more than double the measurement of the shorter side.

The mutual position of doors and windows, the shapes and layout of rooms are also important. If you have a window or even a rear exit directly opposite the front door, the energy will run right through your house. When entering individual rooms, it is not ideal to have a window opposite the door - this creates a so-called 'energy draft'. Energy flows here too fast, whereas in other parts of the room there is a lack of energy, or places are created where energy stagnates.

Draw the energy flow

Draw a line from the front door the way you feel that water would naturally flow. Feel where the main stream is going, where it will flow weaker and where a vortex might form. (Visualise a clean floor plan, as if in an empty apartment without furniture.)

Notice the energy flow in the places where you spend more time - for example your bed, sofa or armchair. It is not advisable to linger in places where energy flows either too fast, in places of energy vortices or where only a small amount of energy is received. If the furniture cannot be moved, some treatment is required depending on the situation.

The flow of energy can be formed by things like the placement of furniture, light and prominent objects that attract attention.

 

Practical exercise

If you've drawn places in your home where the energy flow is too strong and, conversely, others with a lack of energy, you can try to feel the difference for yourself. Move gradually around places with different qualities of energy, relax, close your eyes, and notice your feelings. Perceive the energy in different rooms, first with your eyes open, and then close them and examine how you feel. This will help you develop your intuition, you will benefit from that also in other situations in your life.

The most common problems in a floor plan

  • The door opposite the window
    An energy draft is being created, and unless corrective action is taken, energy will tend to flow too fast from the door to the window. For example, if your work desk is in an energy draft in front of a window and you are also sitting with your back to the door, it will be very difficult for you to stay focused and productive while working.
  • Solution
    If there is enough space in the room, place a larger piece of furniture between the window and the door - for example a bookshelf or chest of drawers. You can also place a plant in front of the window or on the windowsill. If the energy draft is in the bedroom, a thicker curtain on the window opposite the door will help. If it is in a small space where there is no room to place an object, hang a round crystal or other decoration containing cut crystal in the window or somewhere between the window and the door.
  • A long narrow corridor
    In a long narrow corridor, an unfavourable fast energy flow is also created. If the corridor ends with a door, the energy enters it too forcefully, if the door is on the side, then very little energy enters the rooms.
  • Solution
    Here it is necessary to slow down the energy and try to guide it in a more favourable wavy shape. This can be done, for example, with light - place wall lamps on the side walls so they alternate and form a wavy line, or place ceiling lamps on the ceiling in a similar shape, or use a wavy strip of light. Another idea is to place distinctive art on the walls in the same way, which will attract attention and conduct energy more slowly. A rug with a wavy pattern or transverse stripes will also slow down the energy, or you can lay a mosaic of tiles on the floor.
  • Dark corner
    The opposite of an energy draft is a dark corner where there is a lack of energy or where energy stagnates. All corners of a typical room tend to stagnate, so it is not ideal to place a bed or table in the corner.
  • Solution
    Place a lamp in the corner shining upwards, a live plant, a distinctive accessory, candles etc., simply something that will liven up the dark corner.

The impact of colours

Each colour has its own energy and its own characteristic radiance. Through this, they affect our mood and our inner state. Different shades of each colour have a slightly different effect and each color can be assigned to one of the 5 elements.

Try to take in the following information with your feelings rather than thoughts. Each colour has many shades, think about  which is right for you. At different stages of life, your views on different colours can change as your goals and attitudes change. Therefore, it is better to use more neutral and less pronounced colours in large households, ideally earthy tones.

White

Symbolises purity, innocence, freshness, however in case of excessive or inappropriate use it can also symbolise emptiness, coldness or faintness. It brightens and enlarges the space the most of all colours , so it is suitable for rooms with a lack of daylight. Recommended in the bathroom and kitchen, but not suitable for a children's room or a dining room.

Yellow

A symbol of optimism and determination, yellow stimulates the brain and helps digestion, improves mood and relieves depression. It is recommended for the kitchen, dining room, living room or hallway, and also for the study (depending on the nature of the work and the type of person), it is not recommended for the bathroom or a meditation room.

Orange

This warm earthy color symbolises happiness, cheerfulness, stimulates appetite, has an activating effect, helps the flow of positive energy, activates concentration and intellect, and when overused can cause disobedience. It is recommended for living rooms, dining rooms and halls - it is not recommended for small rooms or bedrooms.

Pink

Is the colour of tenderness, romance, kindness and dreaming, it symbolises purity of thought. It is a positive colour, soft and soothing. It is recommended for the bedroom or hall, but is not  suitable for the kitchen or bathroom.

Red

The strongest colour, emphasising, stimulating, dominant, active and dynamic. With excessive use, it can cause restlessness, anger, or even aggression. It is a symbol of life energy, a warm colour that belongs to the element of fire. It is not recommended to use it all over an entire area but objects of this colour can be used to attract attention and activate energy.

Violet

Symbolises mysticism, subconsciousness, mystery and leads to meditation. It is a very strong colour, in general not suitable for use to a greater extent in living rooms or the study, but it is ideal for a meditation room if you have one at home.

Blue

Blue is soothing, symbolises peace and relaxation. It lowers blood pressure and the pulse, and evokes a feeling of security. However, excess or darker shades can cause passivity and melancholy. It's a cold colour. Dark blue is the colour of water, lighter shades together with turquoise symbolise the element of wood. Light blue looks fresh and optically enlarges the space.

Green

Evokes optimism, symbolises growth, health, vitality, balance and freedom. It belongs to the element of wood, it is rather neutral depending on the shade. Reduces fatigue, relaxes, promotes rest and regeneration and harmonises body and soul. It is suitable wherever you need to bring these qualities, but work sensitively with shades.

Brown

Symbolises safety, stability, and balance, but used in excessive amounts can seem sad or shabby. It represents the element of earth. Recommended for the study, but not for the bedroom. Otherwise, it is suitable for furniture and accessories rather than on a large area of wall.

Grey

Grey is neutral and it acts as monotone on a large area. However, it perfectly emphasises other strong colours. It is a cold color, belonging to the element of metal. It is used in the interior more often as a complementary colour.

Black

Black is a strong colour that is associated with death in some cultures. It is not very suitable for use indoors because it can be down-heartening or even depressing. It is a colour belonging to the element of water, it supports communication and also symbolises hidden and mysterious things, it arouses thoughts of authority.

Practical exercise

Sit or lie down comfortably, relax, and close your eyes. Imagine how you would feel in a small room painted in one colour, and alternate the colours in your vision. It is best to alternate contrasting colours, for example, imagine a room painted in deep red, then try to imagine a white room, black, green, etc. In each room, stay in your imagination until you notice a difference in your feelings. Also watch for physical sensations, such as your stomach tightening, feeling cold, and so on.

In this way, you will refine your perception, and gradually you will be able to feel the effect of colours in real spaces. In real spaces  it's harder, the colours are usually not as intense, and you will have more colours and other elements used in the apartment. Therefore, I recommend at the beginning imagining an empty small room painted with only one intense colour, where you can focus without other influences interrupting. :-))

Impact of materials

Each material also has a specific vibration in addition to its physical properties. We are instinctively attracted to natural materials - wood, stone, fabrics from naturally existing materials, furs and the like.

At present, even world famous designers are returning to natural materials, as evidenced by a few examples from last year's furniture exhibition in Milan. 🙂

Artificial materials, such as plastics, laminates, synthetic fabrics, etc. change air quality and do not act in a natural way. In addition, imitations - for example wood-paving tiles, laminates with paving decor etc. are very confusing for children.

In general, it is advisable to use natural materials in the home as much as possible. It is not necessary to have a wooden or rustic-style interior. Today, it is possible to use these materials in various forms and finishes, and the shapes create the character of the arrangement.

Practical exercise

Try to touch different materials with your eyes closed and think about how you feel about them. How does the material affect you? Is it rough or smooth? Is it pleasant? Is it warm or cold? Try to capture as many sensations as possible, with a longer touch you may also notice physical sensations or feelings in the body. This way you develop the ability to perceive the energy of objects.

The space that surrounds us affects us regardless of whether you are consciously aware of it or not. If you can notice this effect, you can purposefully choose an environment that will support and have a positive effect on you, and immediately recognise the disturbances that could be having a negative impact on you.

It is a good idea to do the exercises in this lesson repeatedly so you learn to perceive the increasingly subtle effects of the environment and become able to decide what is good for you and what is harmful. In the next lesson we will move from perception to practical action. 🙂

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