Q&A Sunday: Feng Shui and Autism

Anjie Cho November 17, 2019

I found your blog last week and I totally love it. I've already done a couple of simple adjustments that have actually made a great impact on the space. Like moving my couch into a commanding position and clearing my entry way. I also noticed that my son, who is severely autistic, has been affected as well. Our living room seems to now be his perfect place to sit and do a quiet, focused activity- usually reading a picture book. How do you think feng shui applies to those with sensory issues, like autism and Asperger's syndrome? Do you have any recommendations on applying feng shui to an autistic child's bedroom?

Danielle P., Columbia, MO

Hi Danielle,

Aww thanks so much for your kind words. I’m so happy that the feng shui adjustments have impacted your son in such a positive way! I think this is a really important subject, so I also consulted with two other experts. My sister, Stephanie Cho, is a psychiatrist at George Washington University, and my friend Nancy Guberti, practices functional medicine and has worked with dozens of autistic children.

We all (Stephanie, Nancy and myself) agree that placing autistic children in the commanding position creates a safe and soothing environment. From the feng shui perspective, the commanding position sets you up so that there are fewer surprises; you can literally see what or who is coming into your space. For an autistic child, this helps to prevent opportunities for disturbances and creates a calming space.

Stephanie advised that for aspects of the environment that are sensory oriented, such as colors or smells, the feng shui guidelines are not as applicable, as this depends on each autistic child. Their associations with their senses are highly individual. Therefore it's best to notice and be aware of what colors, scents, or objects have positive associations with each child. Then it can be helpful to place that in their bedrooms. But by far, the commanding position is the way to go with the bed and, if possible desk or sitting areas.

The commanding position would place the bed (or other major furniture) such that when one is lying in the bed, that they can see the door while not in line with this door.

Nancy also suggested clutter-free environments for autistic children's bedrooms. The less busyness, the better. Less sensory input and "noise." I would recommend using storage with doors or bins. This is a great way to cut down the clutter and reduce the amount of noise in a space. :)

I'm thrilled to hear that the small changes you made as a result of our blog have made such an impact in such an important area of life. You and your son are proof that feng shui really does work! Please let me know if you make any of the adjustments Stephanie, Nancy and I have suggested and how they work out!

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!

Why Fancy, High-Tech Diffusers Are Taking Over the Decor World

Anjie Cho November 13, 2019

Anjie Cho was featured on Hunker

Fancy diffusers are having a moment - and with good reason. Not only do designer diffusers disperse essential oils into the air so that you can reap the benefits of aromatherapy (which include more restful sleep and improved breathing), but when thoughtfully designed, they can look pretty in a room, too.

It's no surprise then that wellness enthusiasts and holistic interior designers around the world are going gaga for essential oil diffusers. "A diffuser distributes olfactory information directly to your limbic system and hypothalamus, and depending on the essential oil you use, can offer anything from calming to energizing effects," says feng shui architect and designer Anjie Cho. "So, having one at home can make for both a happier and healthier interior space."

Not to mention that high-end diffusers suddenly seem to be infiltrating the home decor arena — and our respective Instagram feeds. Case in point: Poosh founder (and celeb juggernaut) Kourtney Kardashian's newly released, limited edition aromatherapy diffuser for Saje Natural Wellness. It's sleek (made of stone), it's healthy (100-percent synthetic-free), and most importantly, it's Kardashian-approved.

…read full article

Q&A Sunday: Adding Fire to a Bedroom with Art

Anjie Cho November 10, 2019

Q&A Sunday - Adding Fire to Your Bedroom with Art.jpg

Dear Anjie,

Concerning your Favorite Things series on Fire element, can I add the Mars yantra in a bedroom to add a bit of fire? I'm looking for subtle way to add fire, as pure red color feels overwhelming to me. Thanks a lot in advance!

Giuliana G., Lille, France

Hello again Giuliana! You always send such great questions! Thank you!

This is an interesting question. When you sent this in, I wrote you back and said that Mars is good, as is Durga, but now a few months later (sorry we have a long queue for these Q&A Sundays!), my intuition says that Mars is too intense, definitely not “subtle,” as you’re looking for.

If you look at the Mars yantra, there are LOTS of triangles, and it’s very fiery. It’s almost as overwhelming as a pure red color, because it has the red, plus the triangles, plus the symbology of Mars. Mars is the god of passion and war! A very strong planet.

Another thing I wanted to mention is that last year I went to a yantra painting retreat where we had our Vedic astrology read. It was enlightening, and one thing I learned was that I was “manglik,” which, according to Wikipedia, means I have Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house of my ascendant chart.

Wikipedia explains:

It is believed to be unfavourable for marriages, causing discomfort and tension in relationships, leading to severe disharmony among the spouses and eventually to other bigger problems. This is believed to be caused due to the "fiery" nature of the planet Mars, named after the Roman god of war. Also, if two mangliks marry, the negative effects are believed to cancel each other out. However, Mars is not the only planet in Astrology that is supposed to affect the relationship and these effects should be seen in a broader perspective of overall astrological compatibility.

Now this is the funny part:

There is a belief that the negative consequences for a single-manglik marriage can be resolved if the manglik first performs a ceremony called a kumbh vivah, in which the manglik "marries" a banana tree, a peepal tree or a silver or gold idol of the Hindu God Vishnu.

What I gathered from all that, is that maybe it’s not a good idea if you’re “manglik” to have the Mars yantra in your bedroom, because it may increase the disharmony in a marriage, or with a single person, if they are manglik. I think if both partners are manglik, it’s OK.

So, after all that…I think that a subtle way to add fire can be with a red pillow, red throw, another fiery yantra like Durga (that’s a bit more mellow, and on the small side), or you could put a red sheet UNDER the bed, or put red somewhere it’s not visible. The fire element will still influence you, but it will be more subtle. Of course, one could use triangular shapes as well!

Even if your intuition (and mine) says that a solid red placement or an addition of Mars art is too intense for your bedroom space, there are still plenty of ways to welcome passion and fire. You can also take another look at the My Favorite Things post: 5 Ways to Bring the Fire Element Into Your Space. The pillow case there might be a great choice for you!

by Anjie Cho