Finding Healing Spaces

I’ve been reading about the concept of Evidence-based Design in healthcare and its impact on patient healing. 

You may have noticed that there’s a great deal of attention paid to the environment in the lobby or common area of hotels and hospitals- lots of focus on color, light, music, artwork, fountains or fireplaces, gathering areas with comfy chairs and the like. 

The science behind that design is driving healthcare institutions to think about the same concept for patient rooms and the more interior parts of the hospital to decrease stress and encourage healing for both patients and staff. 

Pretty interesting stuff.

This Healing Space infographic puts some of the information together if you’re interested.

Healing spaces final infographic

That exploration started me thinking about how our home spaces impact our moods, our health and how we interact with others. 

We’ve all had the experience of walking into a stunning house that feels like a museum, but not really like anyone lives there. 

We also may have had the experience of walking into a space that made us feel really anxious, uneasy or stifled with its clutter and disarray. 

Some spaces feel cozy, relaxing and calm. 

There are tons of books on organizing, reducing clutter and decorating that make their way into the public eye. 

So I started to think about my own home.  I haven’t been here very long- just about a year and a half- and it is such a dear cozy place for my daughter and me. 

A friend of mine says it has good “juju” and it does.  It’s not fancy or large, but it represents who I am.  All the eclectic parts: the little altars scattered throughout, the space for meditation & to roll out my yoga mat, a warm inviting kitchen, artwork that makes me smile…. it’s all part of the journey.

When I walk in after traveling for work, I’m grateful to have found this space with its desert beauty & backyard mountain views. 

A place for my daughter to find her wings and for me to spread mine.