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Taking steps

By on January 2, 2013
The New Year is a time when we generally look at taking steps in our lives. Staircases themselves certainly relate to this phenomenon of moving to different levels on our lifepath. As major passageways for energy ow, they can, however, also be a challenge with keeping things moving at a sustainable pace.

Energy ows much like air and water (hence Feng Shui’s literal meaning of “Wind & Water”), and if you imagine how water (an easier example to visualize) would ow around a staircase, you have a good idea of what happens with energy: it ows down. This means that if you are facing a staircase, there is the sense of moving against the grain of energy ow; it does, after all, take more energy to walk up a ight of stairs than to walk on the same level.
 
Because of the energy required to walk up a ight of stairs, their presence can be challenging to a sense of supported ow. A layout traditionally seen as ‘inauspicious’ nds the staircase directly opposite the door; in Feng Shui lore, this is said to be unlucky because ‘good fortune’ ows out the door. That’s because energy going down the stairs has momentum and a clear pathway to the door. Perhaps a bit more comprehensible is the fact that when immediately faced with a staircase when entering the home, a place meant to be a relaxing refuge, one tunes into the realization that “there’s more to be done”. This can lead to thinking that “there’s always something else”, “I can never truly relax”, or “it’s an uphill battle” – hardly attitudes consistent with feeling blessed and supported.

Fortunately there are some solutions that can help mitigate this layout and any staircase location. Both at the base of the staircase and closer to the door (if it is some distance away), having earth-toned mats can help to dam the energy ow. Artwork with perspective on the walls between the staircase and the door help give the energy somewhere else to go, scenic vistas to explore. It is important not to have any artwork with owing water around the staircase, or to paint the area blue, in order to avoid adding momentum to the already-present downward ow of energy – and water fountains are a de nite no-no.

Because staircases require lots of energy to climb, you want to help ease the ascent by lightening the area. Red-toned artwork at the top of the steps helps to attract attention and creates a spark of motivation to move from where you are to a higher vantage point. Images that display themes of soaring and ascension – birds ying or a Buddha – can also help make the climb seem relatively effortless.  

There are a few hazards I’ve seen around staircases that are best avoided. The stairs should not be used as a storage area for papers, clothes, toys, or groceries; anything that narrows the walking area will also accellerate the downward ow, so keep the area clear. Decorative objects on landings should only be used if there is a wide enough area that you can easily get by. Mirrors are not suggested in positions where they re ect the staircase and therefore create the illusion of it being twice as long; to the side of the staircase at the bottom, however, is a benecial position, as it gives the impression of expanding the space and thereby absorbing some of the downward ow. And avoid placing multiple pieces of artwork on the wall that accentuate the downward slope of the stairwell – ideally all pieces should together create a single horizontal line to help create a sense of stability.

May you move to higher ground with ease and lightness.

Mark Ainley is a Contemporary Feng Shui Consultant and Emotional Stress Consultant living in Vancouver. A former 5-year resident of Tokyo, Mark consults with clients internationally to help them design living and work spaces in alignment with their goals. He also provides consulting in emotional stress management, as well as in the connection between facial structure and innate behavioural and communication patterns. He can be reached through his website: www.markainley.com

About Mark Ainley

Mark Ainley is a Contemporary Feng Shui Consultant and Emotional Stress Consultant living in Vancouver. A former 5-year resident of Tokyo, Mark consults with clients internationally to help them design living and work spaces in alignment with their goals. He also provides consulting in emotional stress management, as well as in the connection between facial structure and innate behavioural and communication patterns. He can be reached through his website: www.senseofspace.com and www.markainley.com.