In this episode of the Belly Button Musings podcast, host Harinder Virdee is joined by internationally acclaimed Feng Shui expert Cathi Hargaden for a deep dive into the ancient art of Feng Shui — and how it applies not just to our homes, but to the "home" of the self. Drawing on over 30 years of experience and visits to more than 11,000 homes worldwide, Cathi explains how our external environments — clutter, colour, architecture, even the products we buy — mirror our internal state, and vice versa. The conversation moves from the five elements (wood, metal, water, fire, earth) and how they correspond to our organs and emotions, through to the "rooms within us" that remain unopened due to fear or shame, and the power of breath to clear inner clutter. Cathi and Harinder also explore how energy lingers in spaces and objects — from the imprint of a home's previous occupants to the energy poured into the things we buy and eat — and why clearing, cleansing and intention-setting matter both in our homes and within ourselves. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN What Feng Shui actually means and its 4,000-year-old origins in China How our homes act as a mirror for our internal emotional and physical state The five elements of Feng Shui and how each corresponds to a bodily organ Why breathwork is a form of internal Feng Shui and decluttering How energy from previous occupants, workers, and even manufacturers can linger in a space or object Simple everyday practices for cleansing and inviting new energy into your home and life KEY TAKEAWAYSThe Outer World Reflects the Inner World – Cathi explains that clutter, colour choices and the state of a home consistently reflect a person's health and emotional state, and that this relationship flows in both directions. The Five Elements Live Within Us – Wood, fire, earth, metal and water aren't just design principles; they correspond directly to the liver, heart, stomach, lungs and kidneys, meaning imbalance in the home can echo imbalance in the body. Breath as Inner Feng Shui – Deep, consistent breathing—particularly belly breathing—is presented as a way to "declutter" internally, oxygenate the body, and support the immune system. Energy Lingers in Spaces and Objects – From the emotional residue left by a home's previous residents to the energy embedded in mass-produced goods, Cathi encourages awareness of what we bring into our lives and spaces. Small Rituals Create Big Shifts – Simple acts like cleansing a new home with incense, fixing a leaking tap, or tidying a front doorstep are framed as meaningful ways to shift energy and support wellbeing. BEST MOMENTS "Feng Shui is all about what is your environment talking to you about? It's got a message, what is it saying?" "There are many rooms within us as humans that have never been opened... because of fear, shame, or not wanting to see that aspect of the humanity within ourselves." "You're doing acupuncture in the house. You're taking away what's blocked." "If you don't discern what has to go, eventually when we all go, somebody else decides." GUEST DETAILS Cathi Hargaden is an internationally acclaimed expert in the ancient art of Feng Shui. She has 30+ years' experience consulting and teaching, and in that time has worked with both businesses and individuals using Feng Shui across a broad spectrum of services. She is the host of the Feng Shui Mastery Show. Contact details: Email: wealthyspaces@gmail.com Phone: UK: 07840094904https://linktr.ee/fengshui4you HOST LINKS Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/harinderkv LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/in/harinder-virdee-73a54630 ABOUT THE PODCAST I am Harinder. Having worked closely with people from all over the world professionally in a corporate setting and since, carving out my own path in the past few years. I am an illustrator, artist and designer. I use intuitive creativity and my leadership skills for transformational coaching. I also create tools for personal and team development. Not new to podcasting, I have previously co-created a mini podcast series called How to Land Your Ideal Job. With this podcast series, I wanted to share my life learnings particularly during the fallow period of life when my life's direction has not been clear and I've had to dig deep below the various identities I had collected and assumed to reconnect with who I really am. Digging through the proverbial lead to share golden nuggets of insight. I hope to take people on mellow belly button contemplations that lead to questions for self inquiry and open up new imagined possibilities to new realities. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
