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Things feel better when they are in their place, relative to the next thing. That’s what helps define comfort. This is natural, especially relative to some other defined construct…that isn’t this.
A peaceful environment also has an appreciation for things in their comfortable place. Like, when a mouse is in the woods, we pay no mind. Or when the dirty dishes are in the dishwasher, it’s peaceful because it’s in its proper place. It’s not to say that things need to be tidy, but relative to here, it’s often better that things are there. This blog is dedicated to zones.
Planning a peaceful layout includes zones. Talk to any architect about functional design. Talk to any feng shui consultant about energy flow. Talk to your child about why the stuffed animals are positioned as such. It’s simply natural to want things in their place, especially relative to where you are standing. Do the toys bother you when they are in the play room? This simple appreciation for ‘proper space’ (not tidy space) is what helps us define a sense of easy peace. It’s something that we can’t ignore – our brains are programmed to auto file. When things validate our auto filing system (the earth is green, then the turf must be grassy), it only makes them stronger. So when we recognize a segment of our kitchen that is meant for food prep, it doesn’t feel right when someone’s homework is there. Even the most relaxed individuals have these constructs, and we say they’re there for a reason. Make the best of them, otherwise you’re defying human tendencies… and why create more work?
Consider proper zone planning – the kids room (or level), the family zone, the entertaining space. This way, when you have friends over, you’re not worried about the dysfunctional layout of your kitchen… (hopefully it is fully peaceful and functional), but it doesn’t matter because you’ve created a zone, on your patio or living room, that supports your needs. No need for extra stress here. Reach out to an architect for ideas for making your space just so.
Back to school, a new season, and a feeling of change – in the air temperature, in daily schedules, in traffic patterns. The kids are settling into their own schedules and perhaps setting their own goals for their school year, their athletics, or recitals.
As much as now is a time for change from the summer speed, it’s also a chance to implement new habits before the newness of change fades to normal. See the change in season as a chance to set a new peace plan before a new groove makes it difficult to change habits. Don’t wait to settle into your new groove to set your plans for peace.
Set an example for yourself and for the kids or others around you, as well. If yoga has been on your mind, go ahead and incorporate yoga into your plans now. Not only will you help yourself through your own zen plan, but you can also help those around you get used to carving out time for themselves. If you’ve been talking for a while about doing something about your crammed quarters, why not work that into your peace plan? If your children seem to be struggling with time management, why not show the way by prioritizing what projects or aspects of your day really matter. And then demonstrate action.
One can never be too young or too old to implement new opportunities for your own harmony…and theirs. Start them early. Get them used to taking time for themselves and be the example to keep it going. In support of being the inspiration for peace you and others need is AV Architects + Builders and House of Steep. Please share your ideas and reactions to present living and implementing a peace plan.
For further reading, consider the blog Be Well, which offers a venue for sharing ideas of being peaceful in daily life with other readers aiming to do the same.
Welcome to placidhouse.com, a blog promoting harmonious living in our often fast-paced and unbalanced world. The authors aim to provide regular ideas on achieving peaceful living, either through their own experiences or through ideas they come across through friends and blog followers also in search of relaxation and rejuvenation amidst daily living.
The background:
Francisca Villarroel Alonso, president of AV Architects, and Lyndsey Clutteur DePalma, owner of House of Steep, both in Northern Virginia, decided to collaborate on this blog because each of their very different businesses share one thing in common: a message that you don’t have to depart from your daily life in order to find relaxation.
In the busy DC metro area, where both of these entrepreneurs live and work, it is very easy to fall into a pattern of haste and speed with so much to access and so many obstacles (traffic and volumes of people). But rather than feel weighted down by these elements, move to a different part of the country, or board a plane for several weeks to recharge, the authors believe you really can find your own zen not so far from your home.
AV Architects designs homes that aim to truly help the homeowner relax through high-quality materials and well-designed layouts, specific to the needs of the homeowner. House of Steep is a tea house and foot sanctuary that is an accessible and comfortable place to relax, re-center and heal your body while sipping a pot of hot tea or relaxing in a hot herbal foot bath.
We’d love to hear from you. Please share your thoughts and ideas with us.
