Heart Feng Shui
Whether in person or on HGTV, I enjoy visiting other people’s homes. I like to see something about their personalities revealed in the type of house and floor plan they prefer. Decorating styles are always interesting to me. How do we arrange (and rearrange!) our furniture? What do we choose to surround ourselves with in our everyday lives? Our homes can reveal much about our personalities, or nothing at all. Some live simply the motto of less is more. While others are more comfortable with an abundance of special reminders taking up residence in their rooms. For example, would a new visitor to your home quickly surmise you are a person of faith? Do you display a crucifix, statues, or other religious icons?
The old farmhouse we lived in when we first moved to Dwight had a kitchen that was separate from the living/dining area, which was the main gathering space. While I loved this home and the 19 years we lived there, I did not like feeling cut off from family and visiting friends when I was working in the kitchen. When Mike and I had the opportunity to build what my husband termed “the home of our old age” (i.e., a one-level ranch style), I cast a strong vote for more environmental harmony with an open floor plan.
With my interest in home decorating and design, I eventually came across the concept of feng shui. At first, I neither knew exactly how to pronounce it (foong shway is acceptable), nor the definition: an ancient Chinese practice which claims to use energy forces to harmonize individuals with their surrounding environment. Certain elements of feng shui just made sense to me, but I did not consider myself a proponent. Mostly, I was happy that the open concept floor plan of our new home would give me sight lines all around the kitchen/living/dining areas. I could envision so many family members and friends filling this space in the years to come.
During a recent homily, our pastor encouraged us to furnish a place in our hearts for our Lord to stay. That advice stayed in my mind and the image spoke to my heart. What does my heart-home look like to the Lord? What improvements can I make to create a more welcoming space? Am I fashioning a heart where He wants to remain? Of course, it makes no difference to my God whether I take out the room dividers or keep the space cozy. I do anticipate on ongoing de-cluttering process as I remove the "stuff" that gets in the way of a healthy, growing relationship with Him…my fears and worries, my pride and self-importance.
God wants to meet me, at my invitation, right there in my heart. That awesome reality should be the focus of my design energies. How can I create that sacred space? For my own spiritual self-improvement and feng shui of the heart, I think an open concept attitude of love, prayer and hospitality will provide the best and only furnishings needed.
Praying for peace within you.