Tips For FENG SHUI-ING Your Desk

Chances are you’ve heard something about the concept of feng shui (pronounced FUNG-Shway). Webster’s Dictionary defines the ancient Chinese practice as “a system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of energy, and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when designing buildings.”

Basically, feng shui is the idea that, if you arrange a space a certain way, it will feel better and create a stronger sense of well-being. For the office, practitioners adhere to the notion that proper feng shui will inspire greater productivity, organization and success.

Now, whether or not you get on board with the whole “positive energy” notion, it’s undeniable that a neat, well-organized space is conducive to clear-headed thinking. And, nowhere is a clear head more necessary than in your workspace.

According to sources like Feng Shui Manhattan, the art of creating this positive flow of energy starts with dividing a space, any space, on a 9-part grid. Called a Bagua Map, this is considered to be a basic tool of feng shui, applicable to any space – including a desk. Here’s what a Bagua Map could look like when applied to your desk. 

• Prosperity – back left corner of the desk. Display something related to growth. Some suggestions include a plant, or a jar of change.
• Fame and Reputation – the back center of desk., Experts suggest this is a great spot for a lamp, diplomas, business cards and other signs of status and accomplishment.
• Love and Relationships – back right corner. A great place for flowers, photos of the special person in your life, or other sentimental possessions.
• Family and Health– middle left of any space. Put frsh flowers here to represent health. Or you can put something green, wooden or a family photo.
• Mind, Body and Spirit – center of the desk. This is not a placement suggestion as much as a state of mind. Keep this central location uncluttered, and use it as a reminder to take pause during the workday to clear your mind. This is designed to promote clarity and constructive thinking.
• Children and Creativity – stationed at center-right. For you literary types, this could mean a notebook, a journal or something similar. The more technically minded are prompted to use this space to display anything that inspires or motivates in any personal way.
• Knowledge and Wisdom – front and the left. This is the spot for a dictionary, a reference book, or anything used to hone a new, desired skill.
• Career and Purpose – featured front and center. This is a space usually occupied by a computer, which is definitely a tool of career, but for the purpose part, place something near this space – a note, a quote, etc. – that reminds you of what you’re doing, and why.
• Travel and Helpful People – left side of the front of the desk. This is a choice space for your phone or an address book to keep those friends or associates handy. 

Some other thisngs to consdier when creating a feng shui desk are:

• Desk Position
  You should be able to see as much of the room as possible and you must be able to see the door. You cannot control what you cannot see.
• Organization
  De-clutter your desk. A cluttered desk indicates procrastination and mental confusion. The only items on your desk should be items that you use daily and you should be able to reach everything easily. In addition, hide wires and cords. 
• Desk Shapes
  • Rectangle: A rectangular desk is good for concentration. It is an appropriate shape for office work.
  • Circle: A circular desk is good for brainstorming and creativity.
  • Curved: A curved shape desk is great for concentration if you are sitting on the inside of the curve as this is because the energy is pulling inward towards you. The outside curve will keep people from lingering.
  • Close front: A desk with a closed front establishes boundaries.
  • Open front: A desk with an open front feels more intimate—people will feel more comfortable approaching you.
• Desk Color
  • Black: moves energy down and in, encourages introspection, opens up possibilities
  • Brown: supports and strengthens physical body, does not activate mind
  • White: energizes the mind, drains physical body
  • Gray: focuses mind, drains physical body
  • Green: balances body and mind, sustains longer efforts
  • Muted tones: increase mental focus without draining physical body as much as gray
  • Bright colors: activate eye, making the body and mind restless
  • Most wooden desks or medium-toned surfaces provide just the right amount of contrast with white paper to alleviate visual strain.
• Desk Material
  • Wood: solid, sturdy, reliable, predictable, supportive, long lasting
  • Metal: sharp, penetrating, lots of mental energy, concentration
  • Glass: revealing, you have nothing to hide* (energy moves too quickly through a glass desk, slow it down with wooden accessories or a plant)
  • Laminate: energetically neutral