At a recent Mindfulness group session, a grandmother, mom, and her daughter, Sandra, shared the joy of Sandra ‘being home’ for a couple of weeks.
“
#3 in the series – Cultivating Emotional Balance in the HOME
`
Sandra, a recent college grad who interned with a Chicago company the past year, is home for 2 weeks before moving on to a great job opportunity in the Netherlands.
So I asked Sandra what ‘ being home’ meant to her.
Sandra explained that she felt grounded at home because the house has:
- a soul
- a memory
- a life
`
This is the Feng Shui that we strive for –
surroundings that support us with pleasant emotions for our well being.
`
Sandra loves:
- walking in the natural garden her dad made with clusters of blooms wafting a sweet fragrance, and fully ripened veges brimming with natural flavors and medicinal benefits
- the warm memories of the 3 generations of the family getting together to play, share their perspectives, and make s’mores around the fire
- being able to ‘relax’ in the cozy chairs / sofa feeling the sensuality of soft pillows and throws to cuddle up with for reading or day dreaming
- mom’s home cooking served at the kitchen table with the family instead of the usual take-out eaten on the run
- the feeling of easily transitioning from the indoors to the outdoors filled with plants, trees, and the sounds of birds instead of honking cars and wall-to-wall cement (the rocks nestled among the succulents were reminders of what was dragged home from many fun trips to the beach)
- actually being surrounded with hand-crafted items made with love instead of the manufactured stuff with labels that do not reflect her unique personality
- being in her own room that can be a little messy if she feels like it-with no judgements from room-mates, etc.
- the feeling of being secure and at ease to practice mindfulness / meditation when stressed out
- the lavender scented, good quality sheets that promise a peaceful nights sleep
`
Although Sandra loves ‘Home’, she is looking forward to the adventure of meeting new friends and experiencing a different culture and way of living in the Netherlands.
`
Recently, the Netherlands was rated as one of the top 5 Happiest places in the world to live. They believe in simple life styles that emphasize:
- lots of daily outdoor exercise – bicycling and walking to the store, work, homes of friends / family, community activities, etc. It is certainly cheaper and healthier than working out at boring in-door gyms with nothing but metal, florescent lights, and recycled air instead of sunshine, trees, and breezes caressing the skin… Studies have shown that movement in the outdoors helps to lift one’s mood and attitude; thus, we are more prone to living contented lives
- cozy, simple homes filled with the aromas of home-cooked foods and lots of family and friends to connect with – very wabi sabi, with no worry about perfectionism
- honoring traditions while also traveling to unfamiliar places to gain new perspectives on other cultures, ways of worship, and issues that may make life difficult for those in different circumstances. Experience and first hand knowledge helps us to be more compassionate.
`
I am sure that Sandra will cultivate a new Haven in the Netherlands
to nurture her Hopes, and
to overcome her Fears.
`
‘A journey of a thousand miles begins with a simple step’ Lao Tzu
Call Nadine at 510-525-1116 to start your journey.