Soothing Symbols as Home Decor?

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, 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.

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

Copyright 2003 Liz Hekimian-Williams, Giftsprings

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