"Blue Hill Bay, Remembered" (c) Katy Allgeyer
“Friends are like windows through which you see out into the world
and back into yourself… If you don’t have friends you see much
less than you otherwise might.” ~ Merle Shain
WINDOWS ON THE WORLD
Windows are such an integral part of all architecture that sometimes we hardly notice them
unless our space doesn’t have any at all. When we don’t have any windows, we notice
their absence immediately. We may feel closed in without windows to provide a connection
to the outside world.
* Windows let in light to dark places.
* Windows provide us with a view to other spaces, generally outside, but not always.
* If they open, windows give us a means to circulate fresh air into our space.
* Well designed windows add a focal point to any room.
* Windows can create moods and uplift our ch’i (energy).
In feng shui terms, windows are generally a good thing for all of the functional
reasons mentioned above. There are instances where too much of a good thing can
be harmful and needs to be balanced with some feng shui cures.
POISON ARROWS
Do an inspection of your home. If you have windows lined up at the front of your home
that allow you to see clear through your home to the backyard, you have a situation known
as a “poison arrow”. Being able to see through the entire home leaves you vulnerable and
feeling unprotected. Anyone passing by from the street (especially at night when your interior
is lit) can see right through your home and capture a glimpse of your backyard.
Best to keep the windows at the front of the house covered for privacy.
You can do that a variety of ways. It could be done with outdoor landscaping or interior
window treatments (as simple as roller blinds) or a combination of both.
GLASS WALLS
Windows are made of glass and glass is equivalent to the element of Water. Many contemporary
buildings have floor to ceiling walls made of glass. While this can be great at home when you
want to enjoy the view from your dining area, at work you will want a solid wall behind you
as you are seated at your desk. If it’s too late and you already work in an office where there is
a glass wall directly behind you, you must take steps to counterbalance the “fishbowl” effect.
Through use of window coverings, frosted glass, screen systems, or creative use of plants, you
can modify the wall of glass to strengthen your position and make working a lot easier.
FAUX WINDOWS
If we leave windowless walls barren of any decoration, the feng shui can feel very stagnant.
Sometimes we need to add the look and feel of a window where there is none. Mirrors
are good substitutes. In fact, I’ve even seen some mirrors that are designed to look like
paned glass windows. Mirrors can bounce the light back from an existing window, or, they might
reflect a scene from an existing window to make a room look double the size.
Another illusion of a window can be created through placement of art. Whether the art
is painted to actually appear to be an outdoor scene or not, sometimes a well chosen piece
will make us feel that we have a portal to another world. So, look at your rooms and see
where you have too many windows, or, not enough. Work on bringing balance and beauty
to your home or office. And remember, keep those windows clean! 🙂
Feng Shui By Fishgirl 