Lighting is the answer to getting what you need
top feng shui lighting tips
But I also say this: that light is an invitation to happiness, and that happiness, when it’s done right, is a kind of holiness, palpable and redemptive.
Mary Oliver
I’ve been ping-ponging between two worlds lately.
One world is vibrant and alive. It’s filled with designing new workshops, teaching classes, and collaborating with colleagues.
The other is quiet and reserved. It’s focused on calming my nervous system, doing inner healing work, and dreaming of a brighter tomorrow.
The transition between these two worlds can feel awkward and disjointed. It’s where I trip over my words and offer too many apologies for simply being myself.
It occurred to me this week that I’ve been subconsciously using the lighting in my home to soften those transitions.
I use it to support how I feel in the moment and to guide me toward how I want to feel in the future.
Light, it turns out, is one of my most intuitive mentors. It encourages me to go inward when I need discernment and invites me to step forward when it’s time to be seen.
Before we dive into how to use lighting to support our needs, let’s start with some lighting basics.
FENG SHUI LIGHTING BASICS
In feng shui, light is associated with the sun. It’s yang energy. Active, bold and expansive.
Dimmer switches are your friend. They let you adjust the amount of yang energy you want or need in any given moment.
Burned-out bulbs and broken fixtures represent stagnant or draining energy. Be sure to replace them.
Natural light is more supportive to the human system than artificial light. Maximize it by opening your blinds, cleaning your windows, and using mirrors to reflect light deeper into the room.
Warm white light bulbs create a softer, more restful energy that’s ideal for bedrooms, living rooms, and meditation spaces.
Cool white light bulbs are better suited for focus-driven spaces like kitchens, bathrooms, or workout rooms.
HOW TO USE LIGHTING TO MEET YOUR NEEDS
When your nervous system is on overdrive and you need to go within ::
Avoid overhead lighting. It can feel intrusive. Opt for ambient light like fairy lights, a small table lamp, or a candle. As you begin to regulate, slowly add more light.
When you’re not feeling seen ::
Open the drapes and let natural sunlight flood in. Avoid sitting in dim rooms. Use multiple light sources in a single space - like an overhead light, a floor lamp, and a table lamp - to feel more supported and visible.
When you’re feeling off balance ::
Avoid a single source of light in a room. Instead, include at least three different light sources spread throughout the room to achieve a sense of balance.
When you want to invite new opportunities into your life ::
Your front door is the mouth of chi. It’s where energy, opportunities, and abundance flow into your home. Turn on your front porch light each evening from dusk until bedtime as an invitation to possibility.
When you’re feeling stuck and lack motivation ::
Darkness can amplify inertia. Nudge yourself into movement by gradually turning on lights. Start with a lamp, then overhead lighting, then open the blinds. Let light pull you forward.
When connecting with your inner self is needed ::
Yang energy pulls us outside of ourselves. Softer, more feminine yin energy brings us back to ourselves. When contemplation and discernment are needed, opt for small table lamps, fairy lights, and candles.
When hope feels distant ::
Light a candle. Let it be a simple, sacred act of calling hope back in. Pair it with an affirmation of renewal or faith.
When you want to make a big impact ::
Replace a “blah” overhead fixture with something that makes you feel fabulous, playful, inspiring, or bold.
When focus is required ::
Opt for task lighting that's bright and concentrated for the activity at hand.
NOW OVER TO YOU
What do you need?
How might lighting support you in this moment?
And tell me…what are some of the fun and witchy ways you use lighting in your home! I’d love to hear.
Dorena
Space Doula®
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Oh this is fascinating. I recently replaced my bedside lamp with one of those cubes that produces wavy, swimming type of light as in the ocean (using the blue and green colors). It is so much more soothing than the white light I had previously.
Love this, Dorena. Lighting is so important and so impactful to my mood and overall sense of well-being, I find. You've offered a wonderful framework for thinking about it here - thank you!