Feng shui has no scientific evidence behind it. Studies haven’t shown that arranging a room by its rules changes your health, money or luck, and the energy it describes, called qi or chi, hasn’t been measured as a physical force. It remains an old and interesting cultural practice, though, and a few of its habits are useful if you want a pleasant place to roll out a mat.
What is feng shui?
The words mean “wind and water”. Feng shui developed in China over many centuries, first as a way to choose sites for graves and buildings, and later as a way to arrange rooms. Practitioners believe that qi moves through a space and that placing things well keeps it in balance, drawing on ideas such as yin and yang.
Two main schools grew up. The Form School reads the shape of the land, such as hills and water. The Compass School uses a special compass, the luo pan, and works from directions and calculations. Most modern practitioners borrow from both.
You’ll also come across three common tools:
- The five elements. Wood, fire, earth, metal and water are each linked with qualities such as growth, passion, stability, clarity and calm.
- The bagua. This eight-sided map is laid over a floor plan to link parts of a home with areas of life, such as family, wealth and health.
- The commanding position. Key furniture, such as a bed or desk, faces the door without being directly in line with it.
All of these are traditional beliefs, and you can enjoy them as such. None has been shown to work as described.
Which feng shui ideas help a home practice space?
Take the practical parts and leave the theory behind.
Clear the floor. Feng shui says clutter blocks qi. A simpler reason is that a pile of laundry beside your mat is distracting. Clear a space a little wider than your mat, and keep what you need in one basket.
Choose your position. Facing the door, or at least being able to see it, can help you relax, especially in a shared home where someone might walk in. Try it, and keep it if it works.
Use natural light. Face a window if you can. A mirror can brighten a dark room, and it’s also useful for checking your posture, though some people find it distracting during meditation.
Bring in something living or natural. A plant, a wooden block or a linen cushion makes a corner feel looked after. The elements can serve as a loose palette if you like having a theme: wood for plants, earth for stone or ceramics, water for blue tones.
Make it easy to return to. A set place encourages a routine. Leave your mat rolled out or within reach, as this probably does more for your practice than any layout will.
How does this work in a Maltese home?
Most Maltese homes come with their own good points and challenges, so start with what you have.
- Tiled floors. They stay cool in summer, but they’re hard on the knees and cold in January. Put a rug under your yoga mat, or use a thicker mat.
- Limestone walls. They make a calm, warm backdrop, so you won’t need much decoration.
- Humidity. Damp is a real problem in many homes. Open the windows, keep the mat away from cold walls and let it dry fully.
- Noise. Traffic and building work are common. Early mornings are often quieter, and a fan or soft music can mask the rest.
- Small rooms. A mat needs little more than the space beside a bed. An enclosed gallarija or a shaded roof can make a good place to sit, if there’s room and it isn’t too hot.
What can you safely skip?
You don’t need crystals, water features, a compass or a paid consultation. Be wary of anyone who says that moving your furniture will improve your health, finances or relationships, or who sells expensive objects on that basis.
If poor sleep, low mood or stress is what’s sending you towards rearranging the bedroom, speak to your doctor. A nice room can help you unwind, but that’s as far as it goes.
For the practice itself, start with our guide to meditation in Malta, or try a few minutes of mindfulness in your new corner.