In feng shui we associate this energy with the trigram Ken/Gen, Mountain referred to in the I Ching as “the Stable”. 

In nature it takes thousands of years for a mountain to form, the essence of this energy is slow and methodical; its development is inward and downward, going deep and building foundations to form something of great quality over time.

The I ching symbol Ken- stillness, the mountain, has an association with accomplishment, stability and slow and persistent single-mindedness in our progression. 

Its nature is one of contemplation, deep thinking, inner knowledge, accumulated wisdom and retreat.

The shape of this trigram looks like the outline of a mountain with the yang line depicting the top of the mountain and the two yin lines representing the entrance to a cave. 

The invitation to stillness

The bagua area associated with this energy offers an opportunity to make space in our lives for stillness. 

Mountain earth relates to hidden inner strength, our true self, our character. The essence of this energy taps in to our capacity for change and revolution. This space in our built environment “houses” the conception of all things.

This energy is associated with strength of will and the struggle to become established. 

This area of the bagua in feng shui is associated with our capacity to take time out to regenerate so that we can then reemerge refreshed, changed and revolutionised.

This is one of the most important areas of our home to provide ourselves with support in our “busy being busy” modern lifestyle. It is absolutely essential to take time out to “unplug” from technology and the constant external stimulation of modern living. In order to do this, silence is the perfect antidote.

This aspect of our lives is more to do with BEING rather than doing.

Activating this energy within our homes

The grounding and stabilising nature of the Earth element can be introduced with the addition of stone, marble or terracotta, or with heavy furnishings which add stability. Symbolism such as Mountain imagery will bring in the essence of this energy as will the colours brown, ochre, and yellow. Introducing decorative elements to represent earth, add a sense of stability here. Imagery and ornamentation which reminds us to take some time-in, to be still and quiet and listen for the answers we have within us is also very useful to create the atmosphere of stillness and stability.  

Tuning in to our inner light

If we are lacking focus, feeling untethered or scattered this is a space to remind ourselves to be still and tune in to our inner light. It is very supportive to develop this as a formal daily practise. This time of stillness needs to be as central to our day as brushing our teeth and getting dressed to go out, because it is just that important.

Adding the Earth element to ground and calm our energy when we feel scattered or untethered

Earth does allow change, but it is very slow paced. It is a very useful addition, if we are “all at sea” or feeling “a bit all over the place” or in need of a calm port in a storm. When things get overly volatile, and we need to pull in our horns and go into our cave and regroup we add the earth element. In times of major global transition such as we are living in now, it is ever more important to focus on our own individual sense of stability and calm.

Creating Sacred Space

Creating a dedicated space indoors or outdoors where you can invite in the stillness each day honours our innate need for stillness.

If we set it up so that its easy to access a quiet space, we will be more encouraged to go there regularly.  Even if its just a floor cushion in a quiet corner of our room. 

“We spend so much of our life in activity…we almost feel uncomfortable just being – but that is a huge restorative break in the wild swirl of activity around us – it’s like pulling back the bow in archery – like taking that big deep breath in before you dive into your day.” 

“At our core there is silence and stillness…that is truly who we are, when you peel away the titles, the ego, the thoughts, the beliefs, the intellect….once you get REALLY naked –we will see that who we are has nothing to do with all that we have given meaning to.” Davidji

Now more than ever we need to retreat into silence, even for a short time, each day. 

Ideally gift yourself this quiet time twice per day; 

• Early in the morning to set our trajectory for the day and then 
• At the end of the day, to release the stress of the day so that we can dream a new dream for ourselves and for the world around us. 
• You can introduce some aromatherapy oils such as spikenard, or frankincense to further enhance this practice.

The gift of balance and belonging

To read more about this and all aspects of feng shui design for your home read my book “A place to Call Home” your feng shui design guidebook for balance and belonging.