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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?
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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. |
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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, 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.
* Dove of peace
* Angels (some even have angels holding a dove of peace)
* Serenity prayer or other prayer for joy or peace
* Peace sign
* Bless this home
* Native American peace pipes and such replicas
* Water element or fountain
* Yin yang (balance)
* Peace crane
* Rainbows
* Color blue
* Color white
* Olive branch
* Chinese characters proclaiming peace, joy, love or harmony
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. |
