Modern World Views Clocks as Useful Tools
In the modern world, clocks are viewed as useful tools to help keep people on schedule and track the passage of time. Clocks are considered essential features of most homes and offices in contemporary society.
The vast majority of people today use clocks regularly throughout their daily lives. From waking up in the morning, to catching a bus or train, to arriving at work or school on time, clocks allow people to coordinate schedules and make sure they do not miss important appointments or deadlines. Both analog and digital clock faces have become ubiquitous, appearing on walls, desks, nightstands, ovens, computers, phones and even on wrists in the form of watches. It is hard to imagine modern life functioning smoothly without the ability to precisely monitor and regulate time.
While clocks used to be luxury items, they are now inexpensive commodities that are truly woven into the fabric of everyday life. People rely on clocks not only to tell the exact time, but also to provide structure, routine and organization. Clocks help facilitate the fast-paced lifestyles that many now see as normal. Without clocks providing points of reference, it would be challenging for people to meet work demands, socialize, travel and plan activities.
In both homes and offices, clocks are viewed as essential tools for keeping track of the hours in the day and managing schedules. They help ensure people are where they need to be when they need to be there. The near universal adoption of clocks in modern society speaks to their perceived value and indispensability.
Feng Shui Rules Still Guide Placement
Feng shui, the ancient Chinese art of placement, provides guidance on clock positioning within a home or office that can still benefit us today. Two key feng shui rules relate to the number and prominence of clocks within a space:
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Have no more than one clock per room – While it may be tempting to have multiple clocks in a room for convenience or design aesthetic, feng shui principles advise limiting it to just one clock per room. Having several clocks can lead to too much focus on time and disrupt the calming flow of chi energy.
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Have only one main clock in house or office – Along with the one clock per room rule, feng shui recommends designating just one clock as the main or primary timepiece for the entire home or office. This main clock takes priority over any other clocks in other rooms. The main clock sets the rhythm and pace for the space.
By following these simple feng shui guidelines on the number and hierarchy of clocks, you can avoid unnecessary clutter and distraction. The focus becomes clearer on your intentions, goals, and inner calm.
Best Living Room Clock Placement
According to feng shui principles, the best directions to display a living room clock are on the south, northwest, east, and southeast walls or sectors.
The south wall or sector is associated with reputation, recognition, and fame in feng shui. Placing a clock here can activate these areas of your life.
The northwest wall or sector represents helpful mentors, blessings, and encouragement in feng shui. A clock in this area of your living room can promote positive support and guidance.
The east wall or sector is connected to health, family, and prosperity in feng shui. Putting a clock in this section of the living room can nurture these aspects of your life.
Finally, the southeast wall or sector represents wealth and money opportunities in feng shui. Locating a clock in this space can activate financial abundance.
Focus on displaying your living room clock in one of these auspicious feng shui areas to amplify positive energy and intentions. The south, northwest, east or southeast sectors make the best feng shui placements for your living room clock.
Feng Shui Clock Placements to Avoid
Feng shui teaches that the placement of clocks in certain areas or orientations can disrupt the flow of qi energy. Here are some clock placements that are best avoided according to feng shui principles:
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Below or above eye level: Clocks placed too high or too low can cause an imbalance of energy in a space. The best placement is for the center of the clock to be at average eye level when standing.
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On a window or door: Having a clock positioned on a window or door can block the flow of energy as it enters a space. It’s better to place clocks on solid walls away from windows and doors.
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Above doors or windows: Similar to placing on a window or door, putting a clock above a door or window can interrupt the movement of energy.
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In dining room: The dining room represents nourishment and relationships in feng shui, so clocks are thought to interfere with those energies in this space. It’s recommended not to place clocks in dining rooms.
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Opposite an outside door: When a clock is directly facing the front door or another outside entry point, it can symbolically push energy right back out again. Avoid placing clocks where they are staring straight at exterior doors.
Bedroom Clock Placement
In the bedroom, the most common place to put a clock is on a bedside table. This allows you to easily check the time when you wake up or before going to sleep.
According to feng shui principles, you should never place a clock directly above the bed. Having a clock hovering over the bed can create too much yang energy right where you sleep, which can be disruptive. The ideal spot is to position the clock next to the bed on a nightstand, so it is easily visible but not right overhead.
Avoid mounting or hanging a clock on the wall above your bed. The bed should be a place of rest and rejuvenation. Looking up and seeing a clock stimulates the mind with thoughts of schedules, deadlines, and other timely matters. This goes against the calming nature a bedroom should provide. For good feng shui, keep the clock on a nightstand by the bed or on a dresser across the room. Above the bed is one of the worst placements for a timepiece in the bedroom.
Clock Placement Tips
When placing and using clocks according to feng shui principles, there are some helpful tips to keep in mind:
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Always keep the time displayed on the clock correct and accurate. Having the wrong time showing is considered inauspicious.
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It’s fine to have a clock that runs slightly fast, but you want to avoid having one that loses time and runs slow. Slow clocks are seen as blocking positive energy.
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Make sure to keep clocks in good running order. Batteries should be replaced promptly when needed so the clocks don’t stop.
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If you have any clocks that are broken and have stopped working, remove them from sight. Non-functioning clocks that are visible will have an adverse effect.
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Choose clock styles and designs that match the feng shui element of the sector where they are placed. For example, place earth element clocks like cube or square clocks in earth areas like the southwest. Or display circular metal element clocks in the west and northwest metal sectors.
Clocks and the Resource Area
The resource area in feng shui relates to wealth, prosperity and abundance. Since the presence and placement of clocks can impact these energies, it’s important to place your clocks mindfully in this area.
The best feng shui clocks for the resource area are round-shaped clocks, which represent the continuous flow of money and resources. Wood element clocks can strengthen the wood energy in this area and encourage growth and expansion. Avoid water element clocks like wavy shapes or water imagery, which can over-emphasize the water element.
When placing a clock in the resource area, choose the farthest wall from the entrance. Position the clock at a diagonal facing the center of the room rather than pointing outward. Keep the clock slightly higher than eye level to lift money energies. An excellent place is above the desk or workspace in the corner.
With thoughtful placement, clocks can help activate, strengthen and balance the vital resource area of a home or office. Avoid clocks that are broken, as this can drain resources. By honoring feng shui principles, your clocks can support rather than inhibit prosperity.
Where to Set up the Kitchen Clock
The kitchen is often considered the heart of the home. In feng shui, the kitchen relates to health, family, and nourishment.
When selecting a spot for your kitchen clock, avoid placing it directly above the stove, sink, or refrigerator. The energy from the clock can conflict with the energy from these appliances.
Some feng shui experts recommend placing the kitchen clock on an east wall, as this supports beginnings, growth, and positive energy in your life. Others suggest a south wall brings enhanced communication and creativity in the kitchen.
If possible, position the kitchen clock so it’s visible when you’re cooking or washing dishes. This allows you to keep an eye on the time without constantly turning your head. But be sure it’s not so close to the sink that steam or splashes will harm the clock.
Some traditional feng shui guidelines advise against digital clocks in the kitchen. Their numbers are considered too harsh. Instead, choose a round analog clock with soft, curved lines echoing the circular cookware and plates. A wooden clock can complement the natural materials often found in kitchens.
When selecting and placing your kitchen clock, balance feng shui principles with your personal taste and kitchen layout. With a little forethought, you can find the ideal spot to set your kitchen’s tempo.
Time Management and Productivity
The flow of time itself holds energy – fast clocks speed up energy, while slow clocks drain it. This relates to how productive you feel throughout the day.
Keep clocks set accurately to local time for best energy flow. If it gains time, gently move the minute hand backward to synchronize it. Fast clocks subtly raise energy and productivity. However, very fast clocks create an overly rushed sense. Slow clocks have the opposite effect, causing sluggishness. Stopped clocks severely block helpful energy.
Check monthly that battery operated clocks stay correctly set. Replace batteries in frequently used clocks every 1-2 years. Wind chime clocks should be rewound daily.
Manage your time mindfully, not by the clock’s demands. Set technology-based clocks 5-10 minutes fast to gain time. Use extra moments to prepare for upcoming events or tasks.
Keep Your Clocks in Good Working Order
Feng shui emphasizes the importance of keeping clocks in good working condition. Clocks that are broken, stopped, or consistently show the wrong time are considered bad feng shui.
Make sure the batteries are fresh and replace them regularly so the clocks don’t stop unexpectedly. If they stop, restart or replace them promptly. Don’t allow clocks to remain stopped for prolonged periods.
Similarly, ensure clocks always show the correct time. If they are fast, reset them to be accurate. Fast clocks are acceptable in feng shui but slow clocks are inauspicious.
Clocks that are outdated, broken or don’t work properly accumulate stale and stagnant energy over time. This creates an unfavorable environment. Strive to keep all clocks properly maintained and in good working order. Replace any that are irreparably damaged or faulty.
By giving your clocks attentive care and making sure they run smoothly, you enable them to fully harness their positive energy. Well-functioning clocks support you in staying on time, on track and in rhythm with life’s natural cycles and flows. Their upbeat energy helps propel your own productivity and success.
