Have you ever stepped into a garden feeling instantly relaxed and happy? It's no coincidence. You're probably in an outdoor area designed with Feng Shui principles in mind. After all, a carefully balanced living space nourishes the mind, body, and spirit.
The primary objective of incorporating Feng Shui in your indoor and outdoor areas is to allow positive energy flow—also called 'Chi.' Thus, each element and placement must sync with the environment to promote abundance, stability, and serenity.
But have you ever considered paver sealing to enhance your garden design? This important outdoor enhancement not only restores your surfaces' natural beauty but also promotes the overall energy flow in your Feng Shui garden.
Read on as this blog discusses how paver sealing restores and maintains a harmonious balance in your yard. You'll also discover valuable insights into choosing the right sealant and boosting 'Chi' before and after sealing. Let's begin!
Paver sealing and Feng Shui
Paver sealing involves applying a protective sealant to outdoor surfaces, including pool decks, paver patio, and walkways. It safeguards your pavers from damage caused by harsh weather and elements, including ultraviolet or UV rays, water, and strong impacts. Paver sealers also instantly uplift your yard's appearance and increase its longevity.
And because your garden is teeming with living objects, each element must seamlessly combine nature and energy. Your pavers—whether made from natural stone, concrete, or other materials—play a key role in enhancing energy flow in your garden. Here's how:
- Sealed pavers provide positive energy flow
Spending time with nature is linked to various mental health benefits. A 2021 study, for instance, discovered that over 51% of participants felt calm, while over 30% said they felt happier. (1)
However, an unkempt yard may not generate this desired impact. In Feng Shui, neglect and visual clutter can absorb negative energy, leaving 'Chi' to stagnate within the affected spaces. Worn-out and unsealed pavers can have the same effect.
Adding a layer of paver sealant prevents trapped and negative energy from seeping into the ground. So, restoring your concrete pavers, paver patio, or those on your pool deck can instantly restore its vibrancy and create a more inviting space. The result? A balanced and free-flowing energy around your garden.
- Paver sealing helps maintain energy balance in your garden
A Feng Shui garden aims to balance the five elements—earth, fire, metal, water, and wood. Unsealed pavers can disrupt this harmonious energy balance as they can cause water stains, soil erosion, and weed growth. That said, keeping your pavers sealed minimizes these imbalances, helping restore a calm environment.
While it sounds straightforward, sealing pavers yourself can lead to future headaches. It's best to work with a reputable paver sealing company to enjoy the benefits and maximize your investment. These professionals are equipped with the right tools and techniques for proper preparation, application, and curing—producing the best results. Besides ensuring your paver sealing is done right, professionals can also recommend the best type of sealant based on your functional requirements and desired outcomes. It doesn't mean you can't incorporate Feng Shui principles, though.
Choosing the right paver sealant
Applying the ideal sealant is the key to a visually appealing outdoor space. Remember, the best sealant should complement your garden's overall design and enhance Feng Shui garden elements. So, consider the color, finish, and eco-friendliness of each option and weigh their pros and cons:
Water-based vs. solvent-based sealants
Feng Shui discourages toxic chemicals as they can generate a negative energy flow. Water-based sealants, on the other hand, are more eco-friendly as they contain less volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage the environment and cause health issues. A 2021 Chinese study, for instance, revealed that various indoor and outdoor sealants contribute up to 78.14% of VOC emissions in the country. (2)
Glossy vs. matte finish
Aesthetically speaking, glossy finishes create a more vibrant look. But they can be slippery when wet. Matte finishes offer better traction and look more natural than glossy sealants.
Color-enhancing vs. natural-looking sealants
If you want to revive the natural shades of your concrete pavers and natural stone pavers, a color-enhancing sealant may be your best choice. Opt for colors associated with positive Feng Shui, for instance, green for growth and renewal and brown for stability.
The energy you wish to generate will dictate the best sealant choice. For example, those seeking a calming garden can opt for a water-based, matte, and non-color-enhancing sealant for a natural look and feel.
Sealing techniques for positive energy flow
Selecting the perfect sealant is only the first step. You can infuse specific Feng Shui techniques pre-and post-application to promote positive energy flow, for example:
Cleansing before sealing
Feng Shui practitioners often burn sage to cleanse the negative energy in an area. Similarly, you can add lavender to your water-based cleaning solution to attract wealth and prosperity. Cleaning your unsealed pavers well allows the sealant to adhere to the surface properly, so you're hitting two birds with one stone. (3)
Setting your intentions
This ancient practice believes in the law of attraction. This means you can manifest what you want to achieve. While paver sealant professionals do their work, you can visualize positive energy flowing through your pavers and into your garden. You can continue this affirmation by appreciating your yard's transformation after the sealant has cured or dried.
Wrapping up
Whether in Feng Shui or Western design philosophy, gardens are seen as an extension of your indoor area. While the main principles apply—from the arrangement of plants within the nine auspicious directions, the integration of the five basic elements, and color choices—designing a Feng Shui garden involves balancing functionality and aesthetics.
Armed with Feng Shui knowledge and aided by your trusted paver sealing contractor, you can turn paver sealing into an essential activity that enhances energy flow in your outdoor spaces.
References:
- "Exploring the beliefs and perceptions of spending time in nature among U.S. youth", Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8381719/#:~:text=(%E2%80%9COverall%20positive.%20Calms,me%20happy%E2%80%9D%3B%2030.3%25).
- "Emission factors and characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from adhesive application in indoor decoration in China", Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721002357#:~:text=The%20beautiful%20sealant,based%20beautiful%20sealant.
- "Does lavender attract wealth? This fragrant plant could be the secret to prosperity, say Feng Shui experts", Source: https://homesandgardens.com/solved/does-lavender-attract-wealth