Many friends often come to me and say they’re having a streak of bad luck—things aren’t going well at work, relationships are falling apart, families are breaking down, and so on. There’s just too much of this going around. So today, I’d like to share some ways to help you overcome these difficult situations.
Life is full of ups and downs. Sometimes everything goes smoothly and you rise with the tide. Other times, you feel stuck in a rut, and no matter what you do, it seems like nothing works. Some people feel stagnant in their careers despite working hard; others lose more than they gain financially, no matter how carefully they manage things; and some face repeated heartbreaks or ongoing relationship struggles that never seem to improve.
So, how can we break free from these temporary setbacks?
Besides making adjustments in your actions and mindset, it’s also worth considering changes from a Feng Shui perspective. You might be surprised at the results. A person’s life path is influenced not only by their innate destiny (BaZi or Four Pillars of Destiny), but also by their surrounding environment. Both play important roles. In reality, success often depends on the harmony of timing (Heaven), location (Earth), and people (Man). One of the most practical ways to shift your fortune is by adjusting your environmental Feng Shui.
Here are several suggestions:
1. Change the energy of your broader environment.
If you feel that your general surroundings are working against you, consider whether it might be time to switch industries, change jobs, or even move to a new city.
2. Adjust your personal or local environment.
If the issue seems to be within your home or immediate space, consider changing houses, rearranging furniture, switching rooms, altering the direction you sleep or work in, wearing different colors, or choosing new accessories or symbolic items.
3. Take a break to recharge.
If your life or work feels stuck and you don’t currently have the strength to change it, it might be wise to temporarily step away. Consider taking a course, attending a retreat, or learning a new skill. This not only allows you to escape the stagnant energy but also gives you a chance to gain fresh energy and clarity.
4. Physically distance yourself from negative energy.
If changing your environment isn’t an option, then temporarily separating yourself from it can also help. When everything feels off, chances are the surrounding energy field is clashing with your own. Taking a trip—even a short one—can help dissipate this negative energy. Whether it’s a vacation, a business trip, or a simple getaway, the goal is to break away from the unfavorable energy and come back refreshed, potentially bringing positive new energy with you.
5. Choose your destination based on your personal element.
If you’re planning to travel, it’s even more effective to pick your direction based on your personal element (the “Useful God” in BaZi). For example:
If your favorable element is Wood, go east or to a place rich in vegetation like forests.
If your element is Water, head north or to places with rivers, lakes, or the ocean.
If your element is Metal, go west or to places associated with metals such as mines or industrial zones.
If your element is Earth, stay local or go to hilly or mountainous regions.
If your element is Fire, go south or to sunny, warm places.
If your destiny calls for a mix of elements, prioritize the most vital one or simply choose a location that contrasts starkly with your current environment.
