Cliff Tan, the architect and feng shui expert behind @dearmodern, offers valuable insights on how to place your desk for optimal comfort and productivity. Here’s a summary of his recommendations for desk placement according to feng shui principles:
1. Understand the Desk’s Orientation
Cliff emphasizes the importance of recognizing that a desk has a front and back. He states, “In every desk there’s a front and there’s a back where you sit and you’re looking towards the front” [1, {ts:41}]. This understanding is crucial for proper placement.
2. Utilize the Command Position
The command position is a key concept in feng shui. Cliff explains, “The command position is about feeling good and protected in your space” [1, {ts:91}]. He recommends placing your desk so that:
- Your back is against a solid wall for support
- You can see the entrance to the room
- You’re not directly in line with the door
Cliff warns, “Never place your desk like this,” referring to a position where your back is exposed to the door. He adds, “If someone comes in and jumps on you, you wouldn’t know. You feel very unsafe, you feel very uncertain, it makes you feel vulnerable” [1, {ts:91}].
3. Incorporate the “Five Animals” Concept
Cliff introduces the “Five Animals” idea in feng shui, which includes:
- The Tortoise: Represents support behind you
- The Phoenix: Represents the energy from windows
He advises, “You want to get good energy which comes in the form of windows” [1, {ts:140}]. This suggests placing your desk where you can benefit from natural light and outdoor views.
4. Balance Protection and Energy Flow
Cliff recommends finding a position that balances protection (solid wall behind you) with the ability to receive positive energy. He states, “Sitting here is much better because you can feel the nice energy coming from the window” [1, {ts:280}].
5. Avoid Facing Walls
While not explicitly stated in the provided transcripts, it’s implied that facing a wall while working is not ideal, as it doesn’t allow you to see the room’s entrance or benefit from window views.
In conclusion, Cliff Tan summarizes his advice: “You want to have a nice wall behind you, you want to be able to see the door on the entrance and all the dangers that come with it, and also be able to receive the nice energy from the windows” [1, {ts:280}].
By following these principles, you can create a workspace that not only looks good but also feels comfortable and conducive to productivity. As Cliff often says, “So now you know,” empowering his audience to apply these feng shui principles in their own spaces [2, {ts:1}].
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