The literal translation of Feng Shui – wind and water – feels more alive than ever during a Cypriot summer. It speaks not only to the elements we see and feel daily – the sea breeze over the sea, the warm whisper through bougainvillea – but also to the deep harmony we can cultivate between our inner world and the natural rhythms of the land.

One of the foundations of Feng Shui is aligning ourselves with the cycles of nature and the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. These are not abstract concepts; they are living forces. As the seasons shift, they call us to gently recalibrate how we move through the world, how we rest, and how we shape our spaces. And in summer, everything glows with fire.

The summer solstice marks the peak of Yang energy – the most active, vibrant, expressive force. This is the season of passion and movement, of sunlight stretching deep into the evening, of open windows and outdoor laughter. Yang energy brings boldness and colour, but if left unchecked, it can also overwhelm and bring restlessness. This is where the art of balance steps in.

Creating seasonal balance isn’t about drastic changes or curated aesthetics. It begins with awareness. Walk through your home this summer. How does it feel? Which corners feel over-stimulated and which spaces crave life? In Feng Shui, red is the colour of fire – dynamic and energising. If your living room feels dull or passive, a splash of terracotta, coral or even sunflower yellow might spark the flow of conversation and creativity. But in your bedroom, where calm is sacred, those same tones might invite agitation. There, let the palette lean into Yin: softer hues, cooler fabrics, quieter tones.

Cyprus in the summer invites us out into the world. Terraces become dining rooms and gardens turn into sanctuaries. The garden is not separate from the home – it’s an extension of its energy field. Nourishing that field means tending to the simple things: healthy plants that thrive in our climate, textures that feel inviting and lighting that makes the night as welcoming as the day. A soft lantern under the lemon tree, a clay pot brimming with geraniums, the distant hum of cicadas – these details carry more energy than we realise.

And while we bask in the sun, it’s water that quietly teaches us balance. A small fountain tucked near the entrance, a bowl of water catching reflections on a windowsill, or even a ceramic jug left out for birds – these are more than aesthetic touches. In Feng Shui, water is a symbol of abundance, wealth and clarity. It’s no coincidence that so many ancient Cypriot sites are built near springs. Water has always drawn life toward it. If you choose to incorporate it into your home or garden this season, let it flow inward rather than away from the house. Energy, like water, should be invited in and appreciated.

And then there is sound – the often-forgotten element. The sea has its song, the trees their whispers, and in Feng Shui, we use wind chimes to activate the unseen energy around us. The gentle clinking of a wind chime in the summer breeze can shift the mood of a space without a single word. Hung with intention – in the areas associated with creativity or travel – it becomes an invitation. An invitation for joy, for fresh ideas, or simply for the right people to arrive at the right time.

Of course, there’s always the temptation to over-style or over-correct. But Feng Shui, at its core, is a practice of mindfulness. If something brings you peace, lifts your mood or sparks joy – it is already good Feng Shui. And here in Cyprus, we’re surrounded by elemental teachers. The fire of the sun, the cool wisdom of the sea, the grounding of ancient stone. We don’t have to look far.

So as the summer unfolds, let your home become a space that honours this season – not just by how it looks, but by how it feels. Let it hold the energy of long dinners, slow mornings, light laughter and shared stillness. Let it breathe with you.

And above all, remember: balance isn’t something we force – it’s something we listen for.