House Therapy

Often, when people are clearing clutter +/or purging, starting to Feng Shui, or changing rituals and routines in their lives and homes, I notice a need for speed and perfection and winning. We start out with so much hype – and the hope for immediate transformation feels like rocket fuel in the veins. I've been there – it's intoxicating.

We're doped on the BIG picture, the finish line, the glory of results on the other side of our efforts. But we have less experience in the HOW to get there. So, we hold BIG expectations with not enough regard for the patience, practice, and – this one is SO important – PACE of our work.

Feng Shui is not a shortcut anywhere. Working with wisdom requires patience and presence. In this episode, I break down the three most common pacing problems that I've observed in people's practice of Feng Shui. And I offer up three simple things you can start doing right now to treat your space at a winning pace.

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

Today's episode of House Therapy is all about YOU! We're spending this whole episode answering your questions. We learn so much more when we're exposed to situations and challenges that aren't necessarily ours. So even if today's Qs don't feel immediately relevant – lean in and listen because inevitably some nugget of wisdom within our conversation will be useful later!

The top Qs in today's Q & A:

1. "One thing I wonder about is how long a "cure" is good for? If you do one, does it go stale?"
2. "How can I do feng shui on my property to bring good energy to my neighborhood?"
3. "Any Feng Shui advice for a child's playroom?"

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

Today, we are talking all about the real bedroom goals - from layering our light to living with what we love.

The bedroom is a sacred sanctuary – a place devoted to our comfort and vulnerability. It's where we sleep; bare our bodies sensually; and return ourselves to equilibrium. And as a feng shui practitioner, a bedroom is very revealing because it tells me within a glance what you think you're worth. Having worked with clients for over 15 years, there are some familiar patterns I find no matter the home / no matter the income / no matter the family make-up / no matter the life challenges…

Across the board, I can tell you it is universal that we maneuver resources to the more social areas of our home, making the bedroom an afterthought – a room we will eventually prioritize. (Hmmm…so you're not worth being at the top of your list?)

A bedroom speaks to self-care, boundaries, and intimacy. When we funnel our attention and resources elsewhere, it conveys we care more about the people around us than we do ourselves – a belief that, left unchecked, will eventually dim our wattage. We cannot multi-task our own well-being, and no one will pat us on the back for putting ourselves last on the list.

If we aren't good at holding boundaries in this sacred space, our boundaries out in the world are often infringed upon / taken advantage of / questioned. Again, when it comes to what you're worth, let me step in and say YOU ARE DESERVING of YOUR BOUNDARIES. IT IS OF VALUE THAT YOU KNOW WHAT REALLY, REALLY WORKS FOR YOU. And having a space that prioritizes you and your well-being is not only hella important, it is hella effective for remaining firm and clear about what works for you and what doesn't.

The bedroom is one space where we restore our personal reserves. I also happen to know that when we lovingly attend to the details of sleep, sensuality, and stillness in our bedroom, we engage some pretty powerful magic – the kind that everyone usually benefits from.

First up, I want you to FOCUS ON EASE & BEAUTY.

Straight talk: The focus of a bedroom deserves to be the bed – not the TV, accoutrements of work, piles of laundry or exercise equipment. We get out of life what we tolerate. By eliminating any pandemonium and making your bed the star attraction, you emphasize the importance and pleasure that can only come from rest, relaxation and romance. Which means… you want to be deliberate with this space.

Next, I want you to commit to simple. A bedroom's template is pretty straightforward – a good bed / mattress; quality linens; a couple lighting options; a pair of bedside tables; a dresser or armoire; and whatever you find restorative. If your space has stretch, finish it off with a personal place for lounging – somewhere you escape to fully catch your breath.

Third, let's talk about the importance of a headboard.

You might be familiar with what we call "command position" – where you situate your desk or bed so you can see who is coming into the room. If you have heard of it, you are essentially pulling from those very beginnings of Feng Shui. Which is how the concept of a headboard emerged with importance. You are essentially creating a sense of protection at your back – much like a mountain offers, a headboard is seen as a steady, still, and reassuring presence.

My fourth suggestion is to – in the words of Charles Eames – take your pleasure seriously.

Self-care is nothing to blush over – soothing fabrics and luscious linens are absolutely a worthy investment. And because the bedroom is where our sensuality will often frolic, indulge yourself. Buy the best you can afford. Quality doesn't need to be impulsive – it's intentional. And sometimes that means intentionally saving money and watching for a good sale or the right investment.

Speaking of pleasure, COUNT BY TWOS in the bedroom – or, keep things in pairs.

For my singletons or even those in a relationship where it feels like you're single, look around your bedroom. There is usually something in the room unwittingly anchoring strong single energy. I know you think there's not, but trust me this one is SO sneaky… If you want partnership, minimize the emphasis on that single energy. You don't have to overdo it, but find ways to play with pairs and express your desire for things that feel like a relationship in your room.

Layer your light.

Ceiling brights on dimmers, bistro twinkling lights, glowing candles, spirited night lights, a yawning fire, or even a prayer for Spirit's white light – every single one illuminates, navigates, and leads our way. And with different types of light within reach, we can effortlessly accommodate our moods and needs in the bedroom.

Live with what you LOVE.

When I speak of your bedroom telling me what you're worth, it has nothing to do with cost or décor. For me, a luxurious bedroom is not synonymous with expensive or spacious. Rather, it is about drenching this sacred space with beauty the way you see it. When we choose to love our bedroom, it's a glowing statement that we prioritize our own felicity.

When we make this space count, little by little, that effort has a cumulative effect. And in a room that nourishes sleeping deeper and waking more refreshed, we find ourselves – mind, body, and spirit – restored. And that will have you feeling like the master of your universe.

Our focus determines so much of where we go, and given that the bedroom bookends our days, it matters. So do something – just one thing even – to dress your room with LOVE and watch how the universe shows up spectacularly, scattering some magic, love, and carrying plenty of sunshine in your pocket!

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

Today we're going to talk allll about your front door, your ENTRANCE. In fact, this episode just might have you taking notes! Your front door is like a first impression. It's very symbolic of how we greet the world. So, in my conversations and consultations, the front door space is always high on my list of considerations.

Everything happening at the front door – landscaping, lighting, the colors, your pathway / hardware / doormat and more – is either depositing some chi in your energetic bank account or it's costing you. And when it comes to the front door, ignoring its prowess is like leaving money on the table — abundance in the form of opportunity, possibility, visibility and potential – right there for the taking!

That's why I'm sharing some practical ways to improve the front door to rig better energy in your favor.

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

The practice of Feng Shui is to bring your home and you into alignment with the energy of fortune. And you're already practicing Feng Shui, whether you knew it or not.

If you have space that holds stuff, Shui is happening all around you. Just like you don't "choose" to notice that the energy is off when you enter a room after an argument, or choose to feel the spirit when you enter a church, Feng Shui is a conversation between these seen and unseen energies. EVERYWHERE. Feng Shui is a practice and wisdom that considers everyone in your space – home improvement meets self-improvement.

Scientists agree, too, as study after study continues to reveal that our brains and bodies are influenced by the buildings we visit and inhabit.

Since you're already in the conversation with the spaces and energy around you, here are three simple places to start mindfully participating:

1. Pay attention to your front door. I explain why in this episode!
2. Notice what you see when you first walk into your space – and if you use another door than the front door, look at both. That first impression is the energy marquee of your home.
3. Describe your bedroom for me in 3 words. Tuck this away for an upcoming episode – there's a fun "whoa" moment coming your way!

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

One of the questions I get asked most is, how did you get started in Feng Shui?

And people are always surprised when I say I came to it as a skeptic.

I didn't see the logic of how my house was going to improve my life circumstances. So, I came into it adversarially. In fact, it was in my attempts to disprove the promises of this ancient practice that I found myself falling in love with it.

Since my home was the origin of my study and practice of Feng Shui, I thought it fitting to begin our podcast journey there as well.

To go deeper, tap one of the below!

Simple Shui | https://simpleshui.com/

Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/amandagibbypeters/

Simple Shui for Every Day | https://simpleshui.com/book/

Simple Shui Services | https://simpleshui.com/services/

I am Amanda Gibby Peters, creator of Simple Shui, a modern and love-based practice of Feng Shui, and now Mother Superior of House Therapy, the Feng Shui podcast where we keep the conversation simple, straightforward, and smart. If you're ready for a new relationship with your space, WELCOME! You're in the right place.

An expert in communication, I nudge people closer to realizing and experiencing their full potential by helping them tell better stories. Words, choices, intentions and our surroundings are all forms of communication. And within each of those conversations lies an opportunity to empower ourselves. So, my work is about generating new energy with some straight talk. And my medium most days: your house.

I LOVE homes.

They are a source of tremendous potential and support – and even more so ONCE WE UNDERSTAND how to work with and optimize their energy – that EMPOWER you to make the kind of changes that will trip your lights!

So, if you're curious what your home can help you do, this podcast is for you.

You can also visit https://simpleshui.com to learn more.