We Filled a 2-Foot Drop in Our Backyard and Our Side Hustle Tripled
Location
Austin, TX, United States
Property Type
Single-family house
Room
Backyard
Direction
Northwest
The Problem
Our backyard had a weird sloping terrace—about two feet lower than the house. It was basically a dirt patch where nothing grew, and I hated going out there. My wife kept saying it was a waste of space, but I didn't know what to do with it.
What They Tried
My buddy, a contractor, said we should just fill it in and level it. So we did—brought in a few tons of fill dirt, compacted it, and poured a small concrete pad. I added a little fountain, some potted flowers, and a bench. It took a weekend and cost about $800.
What Happened
Honestly, I wasn't expecting much, but within a month, I noticed I was feeling more focused. My Etsy shop, which had been flat for a year, started getting steady orders. My wife and I also started having coffee out there every morning—something we never did before.
Spatial Orientation
| Bagua Sector | 乾 ☰ · Qian |
|---|---|
| Direction | Northwest |
| Element | metal |
What works best here
Qian (6) · Metal. Northwest should feel open, organized, and uncluttered.
Place: clean-lined storage, metal objects, minimal decor, organized shelving.
Recommended crystal
Clear Quartz or Hematite — placed on a desk or shelf where it stays dust-free and visible
This sector supports clarity and order — keep it clean and intentional, not crowded
Source Analysis
1. The Original Principle
Original Text
Sandy debería rellenar con tierra aquel terraplén hasta ponerlo al mismo nivel que la casa. A continuación, lo haría pavimentar, con objeto de obtener la influencia estabilizadora y sólida del elemento tierra, dejando un espacio para instalar una fuente al aire libre, macetas con flores y un banco.
English Translation
Sandy should fill the slope with earth until it is level with the house, then pave it to create a stable, solid earth influence. Leave space for an outdoor fountain, flower pots, and a bench.
2. About the Source
Feng shui para Occidente by Terah Kathryn Collins · United States · 1995
Feng Shui for the West is a practical guide that adapts classical Chinese spatial principles for modern Western homes and lifestyles. Written by one of the first American authors to bring Feng Shui to a mainstream English-speaking audience, the book translates ancient Bagua concepts into actionable room-by-room advice using familiar Western design language and contemporary case examples.
3. How This Principle Applies to This Case
The principle here focuses on the area behind the house—often associated with stability and long-term growth. A sloping or sunken surface is said to destabilize what you're building. Modern psychology supports this: uneven, neglected spaces can subconsciously signal disorder, making it harder to concentrate. By leveling the ground and adding a fountain and seating, the couple created a contained, intentional environment. The act of physically improving a space often boosts motivation and reduces stress—what psychologists call 'environmental mastery.' It's not magic; it's about how our surroundings shape our mindset.
Bring the Purest Energy Into Your Home
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Zen Den Reiki & Feng Shui
Midwest energy wellness space. Combines Japanese Reiki healing with Chinese Feng Shui. Specializes in creating decompression spaces for spas, therapy clinics, yoga studios, and private homes.