Feng Shui in the Oval Office

I haven’t heard from anyone in Washington yet, but just in case someone calls (like Michelle or probably her assistant) requesting some Feng Shui for the Oval Office, I’m starting to put some ideas together. I figure when the call comes in, I’ll have to move quickly.

So here are some initial thoughts and ideas. Aware of President-elect Obama’s national plea to work together and make sacrifices as a unified team, the round/oval shape of the room is a benefit. This shape reflects unending unification; it creates a potential for communication and discussion; and it is symbolic of heavenly energy—the kind of strength and support our new president will certainly need. So thankfully no major renovations will be needed.

Due to the three doors opening into the room, the desk does need to be positioned in the back part of the room. The problem, however, is that here sits our President with his back to a window. This window wasn’t always there----earlier pictures of the Oval Office show a solid wall. Of course, the President will be outfitted with a state of the art chair which I’m sure will have a tall back on it, but shouldn’t we be extra cautious these days? I will strongly suggest to First Lady Michelle (or whomever) that the President not only have a high-backed chair, but also a solid wall. Out with the window. And no artwork will be hung behind him to distract anyone from looking directly at our President.

I draw your attention to the center of the room. It is no wonder this last presidency had some issues play out what with the two sofas opposing one another----a statement about continual opposition and arguments. I will suggest no sofas, but chairs that can be moved and re-arranged as needed, reflecting a theme of flexibility and adaptability in this presidency. I will also suggest a round coffee table in the middle of it all to act as a stabilizing hub.

I was struck by the photo of President Bush and the President-elect meeting in the Oval Office for the first time. Although the chairs are positioned at an angle to support communication, what you don’t see is that there’s a door from the hallway behind them making them both vulnerable. There is also a definite break in their rapport evidenced by the line of energy coming from the presidential desk and the coffee table, in effect, placing them on different sides of the issues. Another reason to support changing the layout of this central area.

Finally, because our new President seems to be fearlessly breaking new ground, I might venture he coordinate that idea in his Oval Office as well. What if, instead of all the chairs/sofas/coffee tables in the center of the room, he install a large round conference table where he could meet with heads of state in an equal yet focused way? Where it would take on a board-room look—professional and business-like, yet supporting productive discussions.

Well, I’m ready if anyone should call. Who knows, they might decide they need a full-time resident Feng Shui consultant to be just steps away from the action. For my country, I’d be there.