If you live in a studio and think you cant use Feng Shui Principles to create your own small sanctuary, think again. The idea of Feng Shui is to promote peace and harmony in your surroundings and to implement changes to a positive flow of energy. There are simple and inexpensive things you can do to help you achieve this, even in a studio.

I know many articles have been written about clutter, but particularly in small spaces, organizing is an absolute essential way to begin. You always need to clear out the old to allow room for the new but with limited space it is particularly important to keep clutter out. What exactly IS clutter? Simply defined, it is something you dont need, use or love. It doesnt mean to keep something in case you think you may have a use for it next year. And youre not going to fall in love with something that youre not particularly fond of now.

Its time to let it go. You can donate it or try selling it. Clothes that you no longer wear or that dont fit can make you a little money on ebay if you have the time. Or sending it to a specific cause such as the victims of Katrina can give you a wonderful feeling. Do it, youll feel better!

Now that your closets are clean take a look around your room. Is the furniture size appropriate for you space size? Are the pictures overwhelming on your walls? Generally speaking, in a small space less is better. Although a coffee table may be useful, removing it can open up your space a great deal.

A widely used Feng Shui Principle is to let the outside IN. Take advantage of any windows you have that would allow natural light in your space. If the view isnt the best youve ever had, use a few sun catchers to still allow the light in but deflect the less then desirable scenery.

Check the Bagua to see where each area of your home has an association and then compliment that area. For example, standing at the front door, your left back side of your space is your wealth area. Enhance it with a plant, a money frog or a small Red Feng Shui Money Envelope which could be hidden behind a picture. Remember to put three like coins in it first. Always remember with Feng Shui that your intention is 90% of what youd like to accomplish by making a change so keep that in mind always when changing anything.

The back right Center of your space is Fame. The meaning of Fame is how you are known to the world (as a mother, a student, an artist) but also how you would LIKE to be known. If possible we use something with the color red in this area (to light up your fame) and add your name (which in Feng Shui puts it out to the Universe).

The back right side of your space is your relationship area. Pictures of two are highly recommended here. If you have significant other, grace this area with pictures of the two of you. If youre looking for one, add a picture of yourself with a profile of someone you are looking for. Were not talking looks here, on the back I would like you to list the qualities you are seeking in that special someone. This opens our lives not only to meeting someone new but also that we actually like and are in tune with.

Check the very center of your area as we relate this to health. Something here in the color green (a small floor mat or lush plant that is thriving) will help keep US healthy. Needless to say, this area should always be kept especially clean!

Over to the front right side we find Helpful People. I love this area and think it is very much overlooked in Feng Shui. Here you can put simple things that loved ones have brought to you as a gift. When someone says I was thinking of you and saw this, youll know where it goes. By putting things that loved family and friends have given us in the past you will draw more helpful people into your life. Remember the law of Six Degrees of Separation!

The left front center indicates your knowledge area. It is a good place to store some books you plan to read again to put new ones that you have been meaning to get to. If you have a desk, its also a good place for it if it works with your layout.

And what to do for your doorway, the entrance to your lovely studio? Always Welcome people into your space, either with a mat or a wreath that uses the word. We always want to make people feel welcome before they even enter our space. This also represents Career. Think about your career, if youre happy with it, would like to be promoted or if youd like to look for something else altogether. Put a business card on the inside just above the door and if youre seeking a promotion, something next to it that would indicate a higher rank, such as another title. If youre looking for something else entirely, put something up there that reflects what it is youre looking for, whether its working with a certain company or in a different field.

All of these changes should promote peace and enhance your lives with the Intention of what youre looking to create with Feng Shui and are simple and inexpensive. So get a start on it and watch things change in a positive direction!

Written by: Carole Provenzale, Certified Feng Shui Consultant

Feng Shui Long Island

Http://www.FengShuiLI.com

FengShuiLI@aol.com