 Yin Yang Space Designing Balancing Your Lifestyle with Universal Energy © Mary Jane Kasliner, AAS, BS, ACFSI, CP, RYT
Knowing the effects of
yin and yang in different parts of your home goes a long way when choosing
design features.
Nothing is wholly yin or
wholly yang but rather a blending of the two dynamics. In other words,
everything has some yin and some yang. This is what keeps energy in check and
balanced. We see the shifts of these great polarities in nature all the time and
on a daily basis with the time of day and seasonal changes. The position of the
sun in the morning sky moves from the east to southeast and reaches its peak at
noon emitting an energetic yang type of qi. As the sun moves its position in the
sky during the afternoon hours, a yin qi energy imbues the
space.
We all know that the
sunnier side of the home activates our own yang energy and calls for activity
while the shady side of the home seems to engage our quieter side, relaxation
and yin activities. Once we understand the core components of how these
interdependent polarities shift energy in nature, we can then apply these same
principles to design.
Yin &Yang in
Home Design
Take notice of
everything in your space from the architectural shape, windows and ceiling
heights, to the finer details of fabric, colors, patterns and materials. Most
people tend to lean towards one polarity, and by doing so, create an imbalance
in the space and their personal lives. The key is to inject a bit of both
polarities (yin and yang) into the interior design to invoke a state of balance
and harmony. Once you can recognize and understand the difference between these
polarities in design you can have fun altering the qi energy of your home to
balance your own personal qi.
Architecture
Building shapes that are
irregular and angular take on a yang quality. The greater the number of windows
and size will also reflect this polarity. Ceiling height that exceeds 12 feet
will shift the polarity to a yang dynamic. When these building features are
present, then adding texture, drapery, moldings and downward artwork is
necessary in order to balance the overly active qi.
Patterns
Patterns that contain
wavy shapes, arches, clouds or spirals are softer and yin in value. Square,
angular, zigzag, diamond or star shapes take on a harsher yang feel. Taking note
of the types of patterns that you choose for your home is important. Mix it up a
bit and pull these opposites in alignment for a more balanced feel and aesthetic
appeal.
Color
Color has the greatest
impact on the yin and yang within a space. It is able to do this by the sun's
reflection of that color back into the room. Therefore, choosing the right hue
goes a long way when designing a room with good qi
flow.
Color also has a way to
cause emotional reactions by people. By and large, your brighter colors (red,
orange, or yellow) tend to make us feel more yang or active. On the other hand,
pastels, muted colors, greens, blues, and earth tones shift the polarity to yin
and exude a calmer energy. A good rule to follow is to keep the brighter colors
in your active rooms (family room, kitchen, office) while calmer colors in the
quieter rooms (bedroom, meditation area). Remember, a splash of yang color (red
or purple) in artwork can be very effective in changing the energy for that
space.
Materials
Depending on the
material make-up of objects in your space will determine the movement of energy.
Hard materials such as stone, ceramic, granite, slate, stainless steel, marble
or glass will cause qi to accelerate. Softer materials like wicker, rattan,
wood, upholstery, bamboo and carpets will soften the qi and slow it down.
Choosing the appropriate materials for the purpose of the room will effectively
balance the space and avoid any confusion for the human
body.
Window
Treatments
Modern architecture
tends to design overly large windows that may span from ceiling to floor. If the
ceiling is greater than 12 feet, then you are talking about a great deal of yang
energy imbuing the space. To balance, choose drapery that runs the entire length
(floor to ceiling) and has the capability to be drawn during the evening hours.
Window coverage that is lined with softer fabrics will gravitate towards the yin
polarity, while shutters and blinds shift to the opposite
pole.
Furnishings
Stone statues, mirrors,
wrought iron, and hardwood furniture represent yang qualities and bode well in
social areas. Upholstered furniture, tapestries, floor pillows or large cushions
soften the energy and invite the human body to sink into the furnishing and just
let go.
Lighting
Natural lighting and
incandescent lights cast a uniform light source balancing the energy over a wide
area. Using uplighters creates a yang effect by driving the energy upward. This
works well in areas that do not receive enough light, especially in the
northwest and north side of the home. Low wattage bulbs and candles work best in
the bedroom. Strive for a calm yin feeling in this space to prepare the body for
rest and relaxation.
Yin and yang are two
interdependent polarities that drive the forces of the Universe and the human
body. With an understanding of these polar opposites you can adjust your space
accordingly and reap the benefits. Knowing the effects of yin and yang in
different parts of your home according to room purpose and sun position goes a
long way when choosing proper design features from a feng shui
perspective.
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Happy Designing!
Mary Jane ~ Feng Shui Master & Yogi
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Simple Ways to Balance Your Life!
Monday, June 11, 2012
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