11.26.2008

A Healing Home








































This is a phrase that has been stuck in my head over the last few days. I must have seen the phrase somewhere and not read on, but somehow, those words have stuck in my mind.


Although I have not fully thought it through, the idea of a healing home is very appealing to me.


The thing that comes to mind straight away is the immediate home environment. We joke about the state of our houses and put housework on the back burner because there are more important things to do, but for me, the household environment has a significant impact on your emotions. It is difficult to wake up and feel good about yourself and have a good start to the day when you have to climb over a pile of junk to get out of bed and then are faced with last nights dirty dishes all over the kitchen! Contrast this with stepping out of bed in the morning and walking out into a totally clean kitchen. I know which one would make me feel uplifted.

So, the first step to a healing home for me will be a clear and uncluttered environment. This is easier said than done!



The second idea that pops into my mind when I think of a healing home is a place of comfort and joy. It has only been in the last five years or so that I have become more 'homey'. It struck me once that if you walked into my home and I wasn't here, you would know nothing about me or my family. There were no photos, nothing of significance to tell the story of who lived in the house. Once I realised this, I started to slowly bring a little of myself and my family to our home. I chose photos that brought us joy and we had them framed to put around the lounge room. I hung up other things like the cross- stiches that my mother made to celebrate the birth of each of our sons and some other significant gifts that we had. I didn't put out a lot of stuff, because I like a more minimalist look, but I brought out some things that celebrated who we are as a family.


The third thing I think of when I imagine a healing home is a fresh smelling. chemical free home. One thing I would really like to get established is a great flower garden. I am not sure what I would grow in it, but I would love to have long stemmed flowers to bring inside every couple of days. I love to have fresh flowers, but usually only have them once a year on a special occasion. Buying cut flowers is just not in my budget, so I really must try and grow more or take better care of the few roses that I have. I love the look they bring to the place and the smell. I really don't like fake air fresheners, they seem to stick in the back of my mouth! I would much rather boil some lemons in water on the stove or burn some pure essential oils with cleansing smells if I want to bring a scent into the house. The best smell however, is no smell at all, just freshness. ( actually, the best smell is baking cookies!)


The final thing that comes to mind for a healing home is a positive, safe environment without shouting and abuse, where spirits are uplifted and everyone has a sense of relief to be able to come inside and relax. A healing home is a peaceful refuge from the world.


What comes to mind when you think of a healing home ? Have you recently been trying something new? What do you do to create a healing home ?

3 comments:

Karen said...

Here, here - well said! I think homes are becoming even more important these days in the respect that they are our safe little havens from a mad and busy world! I love the idea of burning essential oils but I have not find one I like the smell of yet. I also like to play rainforest type music or my african singing type music with sounds of birds and water, etc, etc. Ahh, bliss.

Momzoo said...

Lovely post. Gave me some things to think about. You paint a beautiful picture that is very do-able.

Chris said...

I like this post and can appreicate it from personal experience. What I remember most from home as a kid is mum's big, warm cuddles. She always had one for me if I asked, but most of the time I wouldn't have to. She'd offer one first.

I have a saying for my daughter now too, when I first see her in the morning or after we walk in the door after school. It's called, "snuggle huggles."

I just have to say that and she comes running for mum's big, warm hugs. Nothing says home to me more than being embraced by your family.

Harnessing Old Wisdom for a Fulfilling Modern Life

If you have been around here for a while, you know that I love to look to the old ways to find wisdom to apply to a modern world.   I ...