The everyday life in recent years has been perpetually preoccupied with piles of work, buzzing mobile devices, and notification alerts from different social applications. Having to miss out on recent trends is not an option. As everyone yearns for a work-life balance, it tends to leave them multitasking and ironically, actually miss out on the present; to be in the moment.
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present and aware of where we are and what we’re doing. While there are numerous techniques in the practice of mindfulness for the self, you could start its application to where you are truly comfortable with: your home.
A contrast to lavish Baroque styles, spaces are now conceived to be lived in, not to impress.
MINDFULNESS IN CONTEMPORARY HOMES
A contrast to lavish Baroque styles, spaces are now conceived to be lived in, not to impress. Awarding high importance to essential pieces promotes introspection through distinct elements that result in less physical and visual divisions; a contemporary approach that lets us be in harmony with our surroundings.
One meditating activity proven to be an effective practice for mindful relaxation and deep breathing is a nature walk. Aside from the fresh cool breeze, long meditative walks besiege you with tactile connection to the outside. Bring this experience home through the conspicuous grains and fibers of wood in all its splendor. Natural materials evoke a relaxed, close-to-nature feel as they tend to people’s need for authenticity. Soft velvety fabrics in organic colors of coral, deep jewel hues of rich blues, moss and olive greens keep the space grounded and further connected to the outdoors.
Natural and soft neutrals set the tone in the space creating a peaceful home retreat while eliminating cramped up thoughts for a deep ponder-worthy meditation; a color of choice for anchor pieces like sofas and bedding. Visually calming Earth tones are easily complimented with soft glows that set the mood for a quiet reflection or an ambient for intimate quality moments.
The flicker of candlelight produces a lovely ambiance that simply cannot be replicated. Lighting a few well-placed candles in your home can really add effect and create a cozy and intimate atmosphere. Adding a candle here-and-there will create softness in your room and instantly make it feel warm and welcoming.
Bringing mindfulness into your home also means finding a dainty space or laid-back corners where you can simply relax. Some may choose to go for built-in reading nooks, but even just a simple corner with a comfortable chair paired with a soft light will do. It’s all about creating spaces where you feel well and take pleasure with the time you spend at home. Indoor plants and succulents, blankets, and cushions are all great ways to add a hint of cozy to corners.
Houseplants get pure and natural air to circulate the room, leaving your senses relaxed as well as improves breathing. Gardens offer a visual appeal, sensory pleasure and have proven therapeutic value. You can transform your own backyard into a sensory delight for you and your guests with simple yet sophisticated metal planters. Even just a lone pot for corners inside the home calms and opens up the whole living space.
DISCONNECT TO RECONNECT
As we dig deeper into the digital era, technology is becoming more of a persistent distraction which hinders us in finding serenity and peace. Though you may need a laptop and a mobile phone on a work-filled day, you may take some time off of it once you’re home. Instead of browsing, play on some tunes while cleaning. You can take the time you use looking through social media to declutter your bedroom, rearrange the living area, grow and tend on indoor herbs on your kitchen, or take a journey on new reads as you sit back on your reading nooks.
Mindfulness applied to living spaces bears immemorial impression, influence, and inspiration not only for style and aesthetic function but also for an overall well-balanced and deliberate way of thinking and of living.
