Where Energy Flows

How do you see the world?  With optimism and hope?  As safe and nurturing?   As exciting and enriching?  As abundant and opportunistic? 

Views Make a Difference

There are many studies that document the healing qualities of a good view. By a good view, I literally mean what you see when you look out the windows and doors of your home or workspace. Dr. Robert Ulrich, PhD. and current professor of landscape architecture at Texas A & M conducted one such study entitled, “View Through a Window May Influence Recovery from Surgery.”  In this report, Dr. Ulrich notes the improved recovery rates for surgical patients whose views from their hospital windows included nature elements as compared to those that faced brick walls. Dr. Ulrich has since conducted more studies which have influenced the nature of health care interior design that focuses on improving patient recovery and reducing stress. He says, “There is limited but growing scientific evidence that viewing gardens can measurably reduce patient stress and improve health outcomes.” (1)

 What do you see day in and day out?

So how does Dr. Ulrich’s research pertain to you?  To answer that question, it is important to inventory the views in all of your rooms, whether you are looking outdoors or into another interior space.  Set aside some uninterrupted quality time and diagnose the views in your doorways, walkways, and windows and from places where you occupy the most time, like your bed or favorite sitting spot. Use your ‘feng shui eyes’ to really see. By that I mean, interpret your views symbolically. For example, let’s say you see constriction and neglect while looking out your front door. It is very likely you will experience some form of contraction and lack of opportunity in your life that is symbolized by this neglect and constriction.

While doing this exercise, take note of your experience.  Do you find pleasant and nourishing views?  Are your windows dirty?  Do you find yourself feeling relaxed or annoyed?  Are you disturbed or agitated by what you see?  Write your observations in a notebook and rate the experience as very pleasant, pleasant, so-so, unpleasant, very unpleasant.  Or use a rating scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score.

Change Your View, Change Your Life

While doing this exercise, did a pattern emerge? For example, good views on one side, bad views on the other?  Good views on one level, bad views on another?  Mostly good views or mostly bad views? 

Also consider the views others see of you and your surroundings.  Do you have a garbage heap behind the garage for your neighbors viewing pleasure?  Are your surroundings nourishing and uplifting to others?  What does your living space broadcast about you to your community? 

In the situations where you have anything but pleasant or very pleasant views, consider changing them. For example, camouflage interior views with plants, screens, curtains, or alternative furniture arrangements. Use focal points to redirect the eye away from the unsightly area. Sometimes the solution is as easy as removing the offensive object or item.  For outside views, consider creative ways to add flowers, vines, or shrubs as the focal point.  Stained glass art and etched glass are beautiful ways to improve what you see through a window.  Find inspiration in books, magazines, catalogs, and from family, friends and professionals.  Change your views and be amazed at the difference and your outlook in life!

(1) “Surroundings, Places and Space That Make You Feel at Home in the World,” Natural Health Magazine, July/August 2004

© Catherine Hilker, 2008. All Rights Reserved.

Tags: , , , Catherine Hilker, Feng Shui, improved recovery, interior space, landscape architecture, patient recovery, robert ulrich