EcoChi® blends the powerful ancient and modern lessons of classical feng shui, green and sustainable living and environmental psychology, to revolutionize how people feel when they are indoors. Our actions, energy and thoughts, as well as our physical well-being, are all profoundly influenced by our surroundings. Feng shui is a core component of the EcoChi system and a design method that involves purposefully arranging a space so that it has an uplifting and life-enhancing effect on the people who occupy that environment.
So how can our hotel room truly feel like a home away from home? Follow these simple tips, and in five minutes, create a healthier, more restful and enjoyable indoor experience when traveling:
1.When choosing a room look for windows that open, and be sure to air out the room before you go to sleep.
2. Location, location, location! Choose a room that is away from vending machines, elevators, bars or restaurants, street noise and any electrical hubs such as air conditioning or heating systems.
3. If you must keep your cell phone turned on overnight, keep it at least five feet away from you. From that distance the electromagnetic fields are much less likely to disturb you.
4. Unplug all unnecessary electronics in the room before you go to sleep, including the alarm clock next to the bed. This helps the planet by eliminating phantom energy loads, and may keep you healthier by reducing your exposure to unnecessary radio waves and EMFs. Bring a small, battery operated alarm clock with you instead. For insurance, you can call the front desk and ask for a wake-up call!
5. A piece of clothing that you love should be a staple in your overnight bag. It can be a beautiful scarf, t-shirt or a ratty old hooded sweatshirt that brings you comfort. Wear it while you hang out in your room and then use it to cover the mirror if it is directly facing the bed. Seeing your reflection first thing when you wake up can make you uneasy and jumpy and is bad feng shui.
6. If you are going to do work in your hotel room position your chair so that your back is up against a wall and you can see the door to your room (the "Black Turtle" position in feng shui). The wall symbolically protects you and your goals. The sightline to the door keeps you in control.
7. If your hotel stay is more than one night, buy a small bamboo or jade plant and place it on the dresser. Bringing nature indoors makes us feel grounded. The color green represents birth and renewal and is relaxing to our eyes. Another great plus? Green plants could help clean the air of toxins.
8. Listen to your favorite music as you get dressed in the morning. The good vibrations clear out the energies of the previous guests.
9. Is this a romantic get-away? Fresh flowers in pink, mauve and peach bring the energy (chi) of romance into your room. Be sure to change the water every day and discard the flowers as soon as they start to wilt. Dying, dead or dried flowers have a negative energy.
The gifts of this planet belong to all of us. Fulfillment, happiness and nature's beauty are for all to enjoy. It is a right we earn just by being born. Happy and safe travels!
Debra Duneier is an accredited LEED® Green Associate, Certified Eco-Designer, Feng Shui Master Practitioner, Creator of EcoChi® and Author of EcoChi: Designing The Human Experience. For more about Feng Shui and Debra Duneier visit www.ecochi.com 