Curating Our Work Spaces
For authenticity and creativity
Season: Spring
Element: Wood
Moon: Quarter
Happy Thursday!
Tomorrow is a quarter moon in the element of wood. Can you believe it is already April? March just flew by. How did you all do with the big energy of the new super moon and Neptune entering Aries? I hope you weathered it well, but I am sure you all have experienced some surprising reveals over the last month. As we walk through this world as our authentic selves, many of us will face the reality that some certainties of the past no longer connect with us energetically. It can be a lot. If you need support, the next Rest Walk is on Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm and the next Rest Curation is on Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm. Please sign-up to reserve a spot and remember, as Tricia Hersey writes in her aptly named book, Rest is Resistance.
My last two posts have focused on the internal work of authenticity. This week’s post is going to work on the external — specifically curating work spaces (i.e. offices and workout spaces). As we transition into warmer weather, spring is the perfect time to reflect on spaces in our homes that are used for the yang activities of work and working out. After many months of cold, we will feel more motivated to get away from our desks and out into nature that is once again awakening. In my house, my office and workout space are in the same area which works well for me. I enjoy the connection of these spaces because I want a calm aesthetic for both and the adjacency reminds me to take breaks during the work day. I am trying to do more stretches and qigong throughout the day to keep my energy flowing and muscles loose. Taking more breaks during the work day is essential and there is more and more information coming out about the health risks from sitting too much. If you need some strategies for taking breaks at work, check out Wirecutter’s article You Should Take More Breaks During Work. Here’s How to Make Time for Yourself.
In feng shui, one of the most important rules for an office is to place the desk in the "command position.” This means that ideally the desk is positioned to allow you to see the entrance without being directly in line with it, and with a solid wall behind you for support. Also if sharing an office, avoid desks facing each other directly, as this can create conflict. If your desk is facing a wall, choose an inspiring view such as a window to nature, an artwork with colors that relate to the gua your office is in, or a photograph of your favorite people, places, or things. Make sure that the space is uncluttered since this can lead to stagnant energy and ensure that the desk is the correct size for the work that needs to be done. The desk should not be so small that it feels tight and not so big that it feels overwhelming.
For workout spaces, I recommend making sure that the space is clear of clutter. In feng shui, yang (active) energy is light and bright so consider your lighting in the space. Perhaps have ceiling lights on a dimmer if the room is multipurposed like mine so that you can have the lights on high for high intensity workouts and on low for yin and restorative practices. Natural light from the exterior is always a plus, but if you don’t have access make sure that the interior light bulb color is warmer to emulate the sun. I like really warm (i.e. 2700K-3300K) light color but if get hot when working out consider a 4000K which is bright and more cool. Adding plants and/or artwork of nature can also bring yang energy to the space. In the workout zone, make sure there are not too many mirrors. Consider using only one mirror, but if more are needed make sure that mirrors are never facing each other. Having two mirrors facing off creates a distinct energy conflict that can be disorienting and overwhelming. For the walls, make sure that the color connects to the gua your workout space is in. I tend to stay with lighter colors to bring the yang energy. Stay away from colors with high saturation since these can be too intense and can cause energy depletion.
These times are trying, so give yourself permission to REST. Information on upcoming Rest Curations, Rest Walks, and Sound Curations are at the bottom of the post. And please pass this Substack onto a friend or family member to broaden this amazing CRC community and to give the gift of rest to those who need it. If you don’t live in West Michigan and want to hold a Rest Curation in your local community, please email me at abby@cascadefengshui.com for the script and music information. Or email me if you would like to organize a private Rest Curation for friends, family, or colleagues.
Note: Rest products are still in the works, but I am leaving the paid subscriber Rest Readings, Rest Recipes, Rest Rituals, and Rest Recordings on the newsletter for a month or so. If you want to contribute, consider becoming a paid subscriber through Substack:
REST READING
Check out all of the rest reading recommendations in Resources on my Substack page.
REST RECIPE
I use a yoga mat almost everyday so I try to remember to refresh it regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria, sweat, and dirt, which can lead to unpleasant odors and potentially skin infections. This cleaner recipe is super simple to make and just needs a few ingredients and a reusable spray bottle. Look for bottle that is amber or cobalt to ensure the essential oils keep fresh. So here is the recipe for a Yoga Mat Cleaner:
3/4 cup distilled water
1/4 cup alcohol-free witch hazel or white vinegar
2 drops of tea tree essential oil
7 drops lavender essential oil
Fill the 4 ounce spray bottle with witch hazel or vinegar, then top with the distilled water. Add the essential oils and shake well. To use, spray a light mist over your entire yoga mat, then wipe gently with a clean cloth. Be sure to let your yoga mat dry completely before rolling it back up.
*Lavender is widely recognized for its calming and soothing properties, often used in aromatherapy to reduce stress, anxiety, and promote relaxation and sleep.
REST RITUAL
As I mentioned in my last post, this spring season of the wood element is a time for creativity. We can use creativity to revitalize our energy and to get it flowing when we have hit a slump at the office or when we are working out.
To add a little more creativity into your work spaces, consider some of the following:
Add a watercolor field set and sketch book to your office desk drawer to pull out when you need a creative break. Or if original artwork is not your thing, try an adult coloring book with felt tip markers.
Bring a plant into the space to clean the air and bring the wood energy of growth. This Zen Desktop Garden from Gardenuity is so adorable and can calm your mind with the gentle racking of the sand.
Make your own yoga mat strap. Erin Boyle’s instructions in her blog Reading My Tea Leaves is very instructive, but you can also check out her book Making Things, which she co-wrote with Rose Pearlman, for more amazing craft ideas.
Infuse your office and workout spaces with invigorating smells to bring creativity. I got this Vorda wood diffuser for Christmas and think it is the perfect desk accessory for this time of wood. To boost creativity, consider essential oils like frankincense, lavender, lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, rosemary, and jasmine, known for their calming, uplifting, and focus-enhancing properties.
Get creative with your breaks at work and consider doing a few exercises to get the blood flowing. Check out Healthline’s 30 Office Exercises to Try Right Now to mix up your movements at work.
Thank you so much for reading! I hope this has been enjoyable. May you have a restful and calm end of the week and weekend.
Below are the upcoming 2025 Cascade Rest Curations (links to Eventbrite are underlined):
REST CURATIONS
Guided body scan, energy clearing, vagus nerve reset, yoga nidra exercise, rest / sleep, wake up, and meditation over an hour and a half. All Rest Curations will take place on the Sunday near the new moon at the Liebestraum Chalet in Alto, Michigan:
Rest Curation - Sunday, April 27, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm
Rest Curation - Sunday, June 1, 2025 from 1:30pm - 3:00pm
REST WALKS
Monthly dynamic walks to bring both energy and relaxation. These guided walks will start with a circle to stretch and to set an intention to ponder based on the element of the season. The first 30 minutes of the walk will be in noble silence and the last 30 minutes will be open to conversation and observation. The walk will finish with a circle to reflect, share, integrate, and finally stretch. If you have been hesitant to join a Rest Curation, please consider signing up for a Rest Walk since this a more active entry into yin energy. All Rest Walks will take place on the Saturday near the full moon at a park near Grand Rapids, Michigan:
Rest Walk - Saturday, April 12, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rest Walk - Saturday, May 17, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
Rest Walk - Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 10:00am - 12:00pm
SOUND CURATIONS
Join us to celebrate the element of each season with sound immersions by Kara Markovich at the Liebestraum Chalet in Alto, Michigan:
SAVE THE DATE: Fire Sound Curation - Summer solstice, Friday, June 20, 2025 from 6:30pm - 8:00pm
And if you are interested in my feng shui and interior design services, please see my website at www.cascadefengshui.com and contact me at abby@cascadefengshui.com. I’m also on Instagram at cascade.feng.shui.