There’s not much argument anymore that there is a connection between the concrete and the conceptual. Sometimes, this connection between concrete and conceptual creates a consciousness of its own. Artists, musicians, and authors will tell of their experiences of being lifted out of their presumed and planned direction with their art, music, or plot into something they hadn’t expected. An exciting intervention took place that was beyond them which was better than what they had planned.
As a painter, I’ve experienced some ethereal guidance leading me in a direction I wouldn’t have considered on my own. I have been strongly encouraged at times to step out of the way to enable a new idea, image, color, or even technique to present itself onto the canvas. It was always a surprise to me and better than what I could have imagined. As a result, my relationship with that painting has changed forever.
It follows that, in that same vein, a home can also step forward into a relationship with its occupants and likewise create something magical. Like painting, this exalted experience requires trust, patience, and openness.
Here are some ways to open the door (maybe even a literal one) to fostering a relationship with the place you call home:
- Get in the habit of silently saying “hello” and “good-bye” when going in and out of your home.
- Find a name for your home. This doesn’t require you to publicly announce its name or have a sign painted, but it enables you to greet the space quietly in your heart when you can call it by name. You may need to try a few name options before you find one that both you and your home like.
- Write letters to your home. Trust me: this is a therapeutic and rewarding exercise for both you and your space.
- Get its opinion on changes that are under consideration. Feel its reaction. Be open to the idea that your home may have a better plan or maybe even a cheaper one.
- Make a scrapbook of photos of your home. It will capture the changes you’ve made over the years. Think of it like a baby book.
- When something major goes wrong (broken garage door, leaking water heater, etc.), ask your home what that was about. There will be a message here.
- Find a space where you can successfully connect with your home – a study, a den, a special chair, a certain time of the day.
- Homes do not like clutter, so keep things in order.
- Thank your home on many occasions for keeping you safe, dry, and warm. If appropriate, write a thank you note.
- Keep in mind that this is a relationship, and you may need to give and take on some issues.
So, get to know your home as you would do with any new relationship. Ask it questions and determine its preferences. Does it like privacy or parties? Listen to it. Bring it flowers. Keep it clean. Your rewards will be forthcoming as you nurture this unusual but rewarding relationship.
By finding ways to connect with your space, you will not only be able to access answers to questions but also explore new possibilities and create the life that your home dreams for you.
The painting “Purple Silence” exemplifies the concept of relationship. It is a pair of similar images but not the same – related but different from one another. By the way, some brushstrokes and color selections were not my idea, but they worked. Relationships.
If you’re interested, check out my website for additional Feng Shui-inspired pieces at carolehyderart.com
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