Welcome In - Heart Feng Shui
Whether in person or viewing 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 within our everyday lives? Our homes can reveal much about our personalities, or nothing at all. Some people 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. This was not an ideal layout for promoting a harmonious, soothing, and inclusive environment. While I loved the house 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” (aka a one-level ranch style), I cast a strong vote for more environmental harmony with an open floor plan.
I learned of the concept of feng shui while pursuing my home décor hobby and we prepared to break ground for our new house. At first, I wasn't certain about the pronunciation (foong shway is acceptable), nor was I sure of its definition. Feng shui is an ancient Chinese practice based on the idea that the arrangement of objects and buildings can affect spiritual forces. Certain elements of feng shui just made sense to me, but I did not consider myself an expert nor a proponent. Mostly, I was happy that an open concept floor plan would give me sight lines all around the kitchen/living/dining areas. I could envision the family members and friends that would fill 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? Do I make a concerted effort to welcome Him in numerous times during my day? I picture my heart undergoing a frequent de-cluttering and re-inviting process…removing 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 reality should be the focus of my interior design energies. For my own spiritual self-improvement and feng shui of the heart, an open-concept attitude of love, prayer and hospitality will create the sacred space required.
May His peace reside in your heart and home.