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A busy thoroughfare, like a dining room, is not the ideal placement for a student desk setup. Avoid dining room desk study areas if possible. A reserved area that includes the required technology, and above all is a quiet space conducive for healthy engagement and participation in online classes, like a roomy guest room or a large bedroom space, a nook, loft or basement for a study setup, is ideal. Think airy, light and bright "studio vibe" and involve your student in as much of the design, colors, wall art, or furniture picks. Enjoy the journey, try more patience, and work toward creating a sense of joy in bringing your shared vision to life.
Try your best to look at your home with fresh eyes regardless of how you set up online learning last spring. Were there any lighting issues that required correction? How was the sound? Was the area quiet enough? Apply the Bagua map over the entire home and next, place the Bagua over the room you choose for the study setup. Go slowly, methodically, and develop a personal space for your student that will inspire and encourage focus on study success.
Some basic Feng Shui concepts you may already be familiar with should be implemented first, like the "Commanding Position" for desk/bed placement and the importance of creating organized storage for study materials and books. Feng Shui colors of blues or greens can enhance online learning, as well as other initial activators like inspiring wall art, abundant lighting, and even fragrance with diffusers. Connecting to nature can help your student thrive. Start by sitting in the Commanding Position arranged desk. What will your student see out a window? Is a connection to the nature outdoors (sky, trees, mountains) possible to help balance out stress?
Overlay the Bagua map (Page D10) over the actual study room layout, and imagine the space with a "refreshed" energy or new look. Sit at the "Commanding Position" desk (ideally diagonal and opposite the door) as your student would. Is there a solid wall behind you? Reevaluate the space and ask questions about what worked and what didn't during spring 2020 distance learning. Avoid glass desks; a solid desk represents being supported with studying and learning.
Of all of the Five Elements, the Wood Element is maybe the most fun to incorporate anywhere in a home, but especially in a study room. Flowering, fragrant, leafy plants are an immediate way to activate heady Wood Element Qi to encourage your student's upward growth, focus and study diligence.Plants are powerful cleansers of indoor air pollution. Incorporating the natural world and it's healing energy can also include gentle fountains, Koi and water features, sculptures, gardens, musical metal bells or bamboo wind chimes.
The area of the Feng Shui Bagua that governs Wisdom, Self-Cultivation, Knowledge and Studying/Online Learning, is left of the door wall. Activate Earth with memory filled shells and rocks placed on a student's desk, place a digital photo of a favorite mountain like Mount Tamalpais, or hang a metal 7 Tiered Pagoda from the ceiling of the Wisdom, Self-Knowledge/Learning area of the study room. This reinforces for your student, a desire to take a deeper dive, to be curious, creative and consistent, all hopefully designed for self-development, maturity and gained wisdom.
Remember, during this fall 2020 that it's helpful to know that you're not alone. Stay positive, go with the flow, and allow your inspired home to reimagine itself as a place for world-class online learning for your budding Einstein ("Everything is Energy").
Reach the reporter at:
Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA