Decorating
Create a Soothing Home Environment
Through Decor by
Liz Hekimian-Williams
Did you know that our bodies can
automatically react to certain environmental changes and stimuli,
even to symbols you might use as decorative accents?
I have a little experiment for
you to try in a moment so you can experience the power of this idea.
Once you see the reactions that can occur, you may find you will want
to to use this idea towards creating more soothing and peaceful home
and office surroundings.
You can try this brief experiment
to see how your body and mind reacts to some changes... Right now,
pretend you are angry for a moment- feel the tension in your
forehead, the wrinkles starting to form as you frown and all that...
also, lean forward right now in your chair and clench your fists.
Hold this and let yourself think
an unpleasant thought. But now, let's change something- force your
mouth muscles into a big smile and hold it there, smile! Now lean
back in your chair. Hold this reclined position.
Also, loosen up your hands again
and keep a gentle smile... So, how are you feeling now?
Most people report feeling they
are unable to continue feeling angry and that they become relaxed.
Yet all they changed were positions of their own body muscles! Did
you realize that there are certain things our bodies become
conditioned to with repeated exposure? For instance, when we recline
in a chair, our brains interpret this posture as, "ah, I am
relaxed." So, simple physical posture changes can trigger
automatic changes in a person's thoughts and feelings.
Here's an example of how things
in your surroundings can trigger changes in your thoughts and
feelings. Picture a place you have enjoyed visiting. It's like the
sights and sounds there speak to your soul! Can't you suddenly get
lost in that place, feel lighter, more at ease? There are certain
symbols that many of us have become conditioned to throughout the
years and that prompt changes in our thoughts and feelings as well.
For instance, does saluting the flag or singing the national anthem
ever get you feeling patriotic, teary eyed or choked up? If so, you
are reacting to the symbolism, to that imagery, to those sounds.
Now that you can see the power of
symbols and how they can prompt certain reactions, why not use this
to your advantage in creating more soothing surroundings at work and
at home?
Here is a list of several symbols
that have been used throughout the ages to represent such things as
peace, tranquility, serenity, balance, life, faith, hope and
goodwill. You may wish to consider one or more of these elements in
your decorating plans since many individuals react favorably to these
symbols and enjoy their essence.
a.. Dove of peace
b.. Angels (some even have
angels holding a dove of peace)
c.. Serenity prayer or
other prayer for joy or peace
d.. Peace sign
e.. Bless this home
f.. Native American peace
pipes and such replicas
g.. Water element or fountain
h.. Yin yang (balance)
i.. Peace crane
j.. Rainbows
k.. Color blue
l.. Color white
m.. Olive branch
n.. Chinese characters
proclaiming peace, joy, love or harmony
j.. Candles
k. Flowers
As you discover that your body
and mind reacts to soothing symbols, you will want to consider
including some of these symbolic elements when decorating your office
or home. Adding these accents will not only help you feel more
relaxed and inspired, but will also help your visitors experience
your surroundings as more soothing and inviting.
About The Author
Liz
Hekimian-Williams is founder of Giftsprings.com, an online gifts and
home decor shop where you can find a large variety of home and garden
accents, holiday, personalized, and special occasion gifts. http://www.Giftsprings.com
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