Good Feng Shui brings relaxation to cramped dorm room
Natalie Albanese
Issue date: 10/18/07 Section: Entertainment
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Feng Shui is a phrase that has been thrown around a lot lately in popular culture. For some, it is a chic way to decorate one's house, but to others, it is respected as a centuries-old practice in Eastern Philosophy.
Last month, Notre Dame had the opportunity to learn from certified Feng Shui Consultant Kathleen J. Horvath. She focused on ways to make our dorm rooms more of a relaxing living environment than merely a place to leave our books.
According to Horvath, Feng Shui can give you a "renewed sense of finding balance in life, where you can find a sense of harmony in your space."
Throughout the presentation, Horvath gave her audience special tips to "feng shui" a dorm. One practice that she was adamant about was the reduction of electronics, if not eliminating them completely, from the bedroom.
The electromagnetic fields are said to be bombarding to someone's system because "you don't feel it, but it does go in your body".
Another interesting practice concerned harsh corners, that someone sees everyday, such as a desk or a sharp wall corner. If there is an intrusive corner blocking your chi, make sure to add a crystal or a hanging plant to soften the area.
In Feng Shui, there are numerous ways to soften a room but the most important practice is the use of the five elements.
"It is key, key, key when it comes to Feng Shui, this is a nurturing cycle."
All of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood, have their purpose.
Fire, can mean light, passion or represent something as mundane as electronics. Overall, it is not a very relaxing efor sleeping.
Horvath suggests the use of water elements (which puts out fire) to soften up a dorm room. This would mean darker colors, mirrors, or anything with a flowy movement such as fabric. Carpet and a few curtains are a great way to relax a space and make it feel more like home, even if that space is a dorm room.
Mary Ann Burman of Notre Dame's health and wellness center organized the event in JB lounge.
"I really believe in bringing people in touch with their souls", a mentality that Burman brings to all of her campus events.
Whether you believe in Feng Shui's effect on the soul or not it still has sage advice that many could agree with. If you feel safe and protected, says Horvath, you are in an optimal space.
Last month, Notre Dame had the opportunity to learn from certified Feng Shui Consultant Kathleen J. Horvath. She focused on ways to make our dorm rooms more of a relaxing living environment than merely a place to leave our books.
According to Horvath, Feng Shui can give you a "renewed sense of finding balance in life, where you can find a sense of harmony in your space."
Throughout the presentation, Horvath gave her audience special tips to "feng shui" a dorm. One practice that she was adamant about was the reduction of electronics, if not eliminating them completely, from the bedroom.
The electromagnetic fields are said to be bombarding to someone's system because "you don't feel it, but it does go in your body".
Another interesting practice concerned harsh corners, that someone sees everyday, such as a desk or a sharp wall corner. If there is an intrusive corner blocking your chi, make sure to add a crystal or a hanging plant to soften the area.
In Feng Shui, there are numerous ways to soften a room but the most important practice is the use of the five elements.
"It is key, key, key when it comes to Feng Shui, this is a nurturing cycle."
All of the five elements: fire, earth, metal, water and wood, have their purpose.
Fire, can mean light, passion or represent something as mundane as electronics. Overall, it is not a very relaxing efor sleeping.
Horvath suggests the use of water elements (which puts out fire) to soften up a dorm room. This would mean darker colors, mirrors, or anything with a flowy movement such as fabric. Carpet and a few curtains are a great way to relax a space and make it feel more like home, even if that space is a dorm room.
Mary Ann Burman of Notre Dame's health and wellness center organized the event in JB lounge.
"I really believe in bringing people in touch with their souls", a mentality that Burman brings to all of her campus events.
Whether you believe in Feng Shui's effect on the soul or not it still has sage advice that many could agree with. If you feel safe and protected, says Horvath, you are in an optimal space.
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