Spending Time in Soothing Spaces

This is my Nineteenth post in a series, where each Monday (if possible) I will post about a point of reflection or insight that I will use to reflect and meditate on during the week. In order to make it a bit more focused and interesting, I will attempt to do this with topics beginning with letters from A to Z. I have often found that having a specific topic to reflect and/or meditate on during the week really lends itself to interesting insights and growth, because you not only have several days to reflect and meditate on the topic, but you have several days to put any lessons and insights that you discover to work in your every day life. For those that follow me on Twitter (@JasonLivingNow) I will try to write updates as the weekly topics come up during meditations, moments of reflection, or just during everyday life. To view the current and previous entries in this series, please visit the: Reflections and Insights A Through Z section.

The Cigar Lounge- My absolute favorite room in the Guthrie Scottish Rite Temple

S= Soothing Spaces: The spaces that we live and interact in have a great deal of impact on our moods, emotions, and general well being. If we live or work in cluttered spaces, feelings of being overwhelmed or disorganized will likely result. In the same vein, if we live or work in bleak spaces, feelings of inadequacy, stress, and even hopelessness may result. On the other hand, pleasing spaces that are warm and inviting, or pleasing natural environments, can drastically boost our mood, as well as our mental and physical well being. I know that this may seem out of place in regards to my more insightful posts in this series, but making spaces tidy, warm, and inviting, can do so much to boost mental health and general well being, that it is worth taking some time to explore.

Here are five steps that can be easily implemented to create soothing spaces:

1. Keep spaces tidy: This should go without saying, because as mentioned above, cluttered or dirty spaces can wreak havoc on our emotional well being. First, cluttered spaces cause our physical and visual senses to go into overdrive, because our minds instinctually seek order, so the more chaos and disorder that is present, the harder your mind has to work to make sense of the mess. Also, untidy spaces cause you to work harder and be less productive, because you have to search for items that you need.

2. Add Plants: Some of the people at my office swear that my office looks more like a greenhouse than an office. Studies have shown, that people who have plants in their work spaces are happier, more productive, more creative, and in general more satisfied with their jobs. There are a wide variety of indoor plants, that will grow in just about any lighting condition. To find a plant that works for your lighting environment, check out: This page from Gardening Know How.

3. Add Pleasing Scents: Science has proven that scents can dramatically effect our thoughts and emotions. By placing invigorating scents in our work spaces, we can become more mentally alert. Placing warm and inviting scents in our home is always a good idea (baking smells seem to always be popular, but may make you hungry). And incense is always appropriate for meditation or reflection spaces.

4. Add Photos of Family and Friends: Adding photos of family, friends, or activities that we enjoy to our spaces can instantly bring back fond memories, and remind us why we work the 9 to 5 to begin with.

5. Add religious or spiritual symbols: Spiritual and religions iconography can be an important aspect of our lives. Tasteful incorporation can boost our spirits, keep us grounded, as well as remind us of the more important things in life. I say tasteful, because I once had a co-worker place a large hot pink crucifix on her wall, and while try not to judge, that just bothered me. 😉

Practical Tip: Explore the spaces that you live, work, and interact in and try the above techniques, or whatever you think up for yourself, to make them more peaceful, soothing, and enjoyable.

I would love to see your thoughts and comments on what you have done, or plan to do, in order to make your spaces more soothing and enjoyable.  I would also love for you to share any thoughts or insights that come up.

Please come back next week for the next installment of this series, and as always if you enjoyed what you read, please share on social network sites, subscribe to this site, and share this site with others!

Also please check out my book, “The Path: Using the Religions of the World as a Guide to Personal and Spiritual Development.” (Click on the book cover to view on Amazon.com)