Q&A Sunday: Making Space for Music and Love

Anjie Cho December 8, 2019

I'm about to start a new job, change states, and move into a townhouse where the master bedroom is a huge room and has high ceilings with an attached sitting area to the side of the bedroom. I was wondering - can I use this sitting area as a music practice space? My instrument is large and made primarily of beautiful rosewood with a little bit of metal (I play the marimba).

There is a spare bedroom, but it was smaller than expected. I had originally planned to use that as an office plus music space but after visiting the unit I realize it would be tight to put the instrument there as well as a desk (if the desk is to be in the command position), and I know I shouldn't put the office in the master bedroom. I'm not sure if having an instrument in the bedroom would disturb the peace or increase harmony. I'm hoping to start playing more as I stopped because of other life commitments. I also am single and want to be open to finding new romantic love.

Thank you!

Lin O., Los Angeles, CA

Hi Lin,

Thank you so much for your email! My husband is a musician; he plays clarinet! I asked him for his two cents on this too! First, congrats on the new job, the new move… the new home! All exciting stuff!

My intuition says that the instrument would be better for you in the living room, or in a spare bedroom. The instrument is large and is part of your work. It holds a big place in your life, and you want to create space for a partner. It’s better to keep both the office and the instrument out of the bedroom in your case. Is there room in the living room? I think it would be ideal there because you’d see it more often, and hopefully be inspired to play it. The living room represents the more outward social aspect of your home. I think it would be great to play music with friends or in your social space.

My husband also agrees, good to keep the musical instrument separate. He says music is social, so it’s great in the living room. Or dedicate a bedroom and just get a smaller desk and laptop.

If really the only space you have is in the master, perhaps you can separate it out with a partition, curtain or bookshelf. But I really love the idea of having a spacious and open master bedroom to help to invite a partner into your space and life. When your spaces are all filled up, the universe sees that you don’t have room for anything new. However you want to find a new romantic love! So give the universe the signal - loud and clear - with an open welcoming bedroom.

Be sure to also read the other posts on using feng shui for love, peach blossom luck and setting up a new home. These may all prove very helpful in getting comfortable in your new space! I look forward to hearing how you choose to design your holistic space, so please send photos once you're settled in!

by Anjie Cho

Mindful Design is a new way to learn feng shui. Our a unique training program takes an holistic approach to learning the art of feng shui design. Mindful design is about becoming aware, and attentive, to the energy around you: both inner and outer qi. It is about promoting a better way of living and creating sacred spaces that support, and nourish. Visit us at mindfuldesignschool.com.

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Q&A Sunday: Rose Quartz for Love

Anjie Cho October 27, 2019

"Hi Anjie, when you suggest adding a pair of rose quartz crystals to your bedroom to promote trust and harmony with your future or current relationship, does it have to be a pair or will one do the trick?"

- Jill H., Brooklyn, NY

Thanks for your question, Jill!

As a rule of thumb, my teachers answer most things with “it depends!” This is true for this question.

In general, I recommend a pair of rose quartz for love and harmony, to attract a partner or to support an existing relationship. But it really does depend. Without tailoring the question specifically for one person, it’s difficult to address most issues in a general blog post. However, most of the time the general answer is OK.

Generally, a pair would be most helpful for a current or future relationship. But, there are times when one would also be appropriate. For instance, someone who’s always in a relationship and never single may benefit from one, rather than a pair, since he or she may be co-dependent and have a hard time being alone. Another situation where a single stone may be more appropriate is when someone is experiencing a separation and needs to do some soul searching to see if they’re better alone or back with their partner.

Also, if one is all you have, there may be a reason for that. But if you are perhaps too lazy to get another piece, that says something too! I think your question is a great one because it’s not an easy one to answer and requires you to really examine your situation.

The fact that you're seeking to add rose quartz to your space at all is a very promising sign, whether for your love life or your relationship with yourself. Before you pick up a pair, spend a little time thinking about exactly why you're looking to make this adjustment in your space. Once you've got the intention pinned down, any addition you make will be that much more powerful.

by Anjie Cho

Thanks for reading our "Q&A Sunday". We will be answering questions submitted by our readers. Click here to submit any Feng Shui or Green Design questions!

Attract Love with Feng Shui

Anjie Cho September 11, 2019

Feng shui is an ancient Asian art of placement that gives us guidelines for arranging our outer environments to reflect what we want to manifest in our lives. Many people are particularly interested in how they can use feng shui to attract some love. Here are three feng shui tips that you can carry out in your bedroom to let the universe know you are ready to meet that special someone. In fact, you can also use these tips to create more stability and harmony in any current relationship.

The Bed

If attracting a romantic partner is what you’re looking for, the first place to make feng shui adjustments is in the bedroom. In feng shui philosophy, the bedroom and bed represent you and also your future partner. First, be sure that you have at least a full size bed. A single bed tells the universe that there is no room for anyone else for you to share your life with.

Second is the bed location. You want the head or headboard of the bed pushed up securely up to the wall. Then, if possible make sure that there is room on both the left and right sides of the bed. In other words, it is ideal to set up the bed so that there is clear and balanced open space on both sides. If one person is more crammed in, it may represent an unbalanced dynamic in the relationship. One partner may feel more locked in or controlled. If the left or right side of your bed is pushed against a wall, this send the universe the message that the balance of energy between you and your future partner is not equal.

A Pair of Nightstands

Now that you have your bed situated so that there is equal space on left and right sides, make sure to have a nightstand on each side of the bed. The nightstands do not necessarily have to match or be exactly the same, but it is best if they are similar in size. It is even better if you can have similarly paired lamps for each nightstand. Pairs symbolize you and your future partner. When there is only one nightstand, you are expressing to the universe that you don’t really want to have a partner that you treat as an equal.

A Pair of Rose Quartz Stones

My final suggestion to further reinforce your desire to attract a partner is to activate the Relationship corner of your bedroom with a pair of rose quartz stones. If you stand in the doorway of your bedroom, facing into the room, the far back right corner is the Relationship area.

For this adjustment, place a pair of rose quartz stones in this area with the intention that one represents you and the other your future partner. Rose quartz heals the heart chakra, which encourages emotional healing. The pair of rose quartz pieces promotes trust and harmony with your future relationship.

I encourage each of you to implement these three simple feng shui tips to attract the love that you deserve in your life.

by Anjie Cho

If you’d like to learn more about feng shui check out the Mindful Design Feng Shui certification program. Laura Morris and I launched our program in September 2018. To get on the list about it, sign up at: www.mindfuldesignschool.com.