Psychological Design Secret

Do you know how your environment is impacting you? Is your environment making you feel exhausted, uninspired and joyless? Is it depleting your energy and inhibiting you from living the life you dream of living? In today’s article I will share some psychological secrets of how and why your environment can be setting you up for failure in your relationships, mood, health and business. Let’s take a look…

Your brain and what it thinks on a conscious and unconscious level has a huge impact on your level of wellbeing. You might think that you have more say in what you are thinking at any given time. I am here to tell you that contrary to common sense, a large percentage of your thoughts and actions are actually repetitive reactions that you are completely unaware of happening. Understanding this is the first step in creating habitual patterns that you choose because they support you, who you want to be and the life you want to live.

Unfortunately it is sometimes hard to uncover the underlying processes that have become habitual. These are things like thought patterns that were created years ago that have become routine. Sometimes these patterns are good and other times they can be negative. You can use your environment to trigger positive thought patterns or reactions that will have a beneficial impact on you, your everyday life and the dreams you hope to create.

One example is to find something that inspires you and include it in your home or office. It can be a picture, object or saying. This will remind you of the inspiration and uplift you each time you walk by the item. Initially you will consciously be aware of it, but eventually the object will fade into the background of your mind and you will no longer notice it. However, your subconscious mind will still make the connection influencing you in a positive and life affirming way.

Whether you are trying to create a harmonious inner & outer environment, build a big business, improve your health, form strong connections or find vibrant energy & joy, you can use your abode to nurture and support you and your dream life. Your thoughts create your reality. Use your environment to shift the habitual thought patterns to design a reality that you love.

I would love to hear what item you are going to incorporate in your home or office space that will help to trigger beneficial thoughts and actions. Please share with the Home in Harmony community on the Home in Harmony FaceBook Page! I look forward to seeing what you share!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Photo credit: highperformancelifestyle dot net

Do you know what is blocking you?

Do you know what is blocking you? Did you know your home can help you “see” what those blocks are?

I wanted to share an article I wrote in the Fall of 2014 that has some valuable tips at how your home can help you overcome mindset challenges that are holding you back. Your home can be the key to unlock the door to habits and patterns that are hindering your success in every area of your life.

I would love to hear if there are hints your home is giving you… share your story on the Home in Harmony Facebook Page by clicking here!

Have you ever heard the saying, “How you do one thing is how you do everything?” When I first heard this mantra I questioned its validity but, as I looked closer, I began to see how this tenant is oh-so-true! It is often much easier to see these types of patterns in other people’s lives instead of our own. You know, the friend who never follows through or the aunt who is meticulous about everything. Interestingly, when you began to look at the patterns or habits in one area of your life, it can help you move through blocks that are holding you back in all areas. I invite you to begin noticing the patterns of your life. Especially in your home environment! Your home can shed light on these patterns because your outer world is a direct reflection of what is going on inside your head. Yes, really. The best part is when you begin to notice the connection and take action, miracles can happen! Let’s look at the patterns that may be holding you back from home in harmony and your best life!

Have you ever noticed that when you are feeling overwhelmed you misplace things, stuff begins to pile up, or you have trouble keeping items organized? Don’t beat yourself up, instead realize this is natural and it gives you a clue as to what is going on in your head. It also reminds us that the adage, “The way you do one thing is how you do everything” is sage words of wisdom. Many times your home environment will begin to hint at what is truly going on for you emotionally, psychologically or physically before you notice that things are out of balance or in disharmony in your internal world. Gaining an awareness of what your environment is sharing and the patterns it is reflecting can help you navigate the habits that have become obstacles in your life.

When overwhelm creeps in and begins to roar that mighty roar take a look around and assess your environment. Notice if this is a pattern that is showing up for you in more than one area? How to address the pattern is a whole other subject. But, noticing that they are there is the first step in unwinding their hold on you.

Do you have a tendency to have undone tasks in many areas of your life? Maybe you haven’t gotten around to choosing that new paint color for your family room for the last five years, the work project you know you should begin sits waiting for your attention on your desk, and you haven’t hit the reply button on the emails you need to respond to in your inbox… these are all a sign of procrastination. Again, notice in your life where you are procrastinating and begin to take small steps to move through this block.

Perfectionism is the sister (or brother) of procrastination. They both reflect an unconscious need to control your environment. Again, this can be seen in your internal world (the mind) or your external world (the environment). Noticing that this is a pattern that comes up can help you navigate the hurdle and move through it.

Unfortunately, when you are not able to see the unconscious habits that have you moving along on life’s path unknowingly being swayed by your own routines your route can be bumpy. Taking the time to assess where you are, why you do things a certain way and where you want to be. This will help you begin to design the life of your dreams. Examining the clues in your environment can help you assess the patterns of your home and life. This will help you create home, health and happiness.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Humble, Kind, and Grounded

Have you heard Tim McGraw’s song “Humble & Kind”? Every time I hear the beautiful lyrics I think of my husband who embodies so much of the serenade and encourages our children to embrace these standards in their own character and way to engage with the world. I just learned that Tim wrote this song after he had dropped his daughter off at college. This is so appropriate as we embark on the next phase of parenting in our home. We are about to launch our oldest to university life and my hope is that he will climb the mountains of his dreams and realize his aspirations while remaining grounded, humble and kind.

When I hear this song, I wish these blessings for all of us. What if every person lived life from this vantage point? It made me think of how I interact in the world. How could I change thoughts, behaviors and reactions to stay grounded, humble and kind?

It is also a reminder to slow down, take in the beauty around you, find gratitude in the small things in life and love.

I have included the lyrics in this week’s article section along with a YouTube Video of this award winning song for you to enjoy. Along with the eloquent music are scenes from Oprah’s groundbreaking series “Belief”. This spectacular combination demonstrates the unique, awe-inspiring beauty that each individual holds and contributes to the tapestry of the incredible landscape of life here on this planet. It expresses the power we each share in bringing light, joy and love to others and harmony to our own hearts.

Here are the lyrics:

“You know there’s a light that glows by the front door
Don’t forget the key’s under the mat
Childhood stars shine, always stay humble and kind
Go to church ’cause your momma says to
Visit grandpa every chance that you can
It won’t be wasted time
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

Don’t expect a free ride from no one
Don’t hold a grudge or a chip and here’s why
Bitterness keeps you from flyin’
Always stay humble and kind
Know the difference between sleeping with someone
And sleeping with someone you love
“I love you” ain’t no pick up line so
Always stay humble and kind

Hold the door, say please, say thank you
Don’t steal, don’t cheat, and don’t lie
I know you got mountains to climb but
Always stay humble and kind
When those dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you
When the work you put in is realized
Let yourself feel the pride but
Always stay humble and kind

When it’s hot, eat a root beer popsicle
Shut off the AC and roll the windows down
Let that summer sun shine
Always stay humble and kind
Don’t take for granted the love this life gives you
When you get where you’re goin
Don’t forget turn back around
And help the next one in line
Always stay humble and kind”

I would love to know what part of the song or video resonated with you. Will you go out into the world today and be humble and kind?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Video and Lyrics Credit: Tim McGraw’s song “Humble & Kind” on YouTube

Image Credit: Tim McGraw’s Instagram Page

Do you need to take care of you?

Do you feel overwhelmed, stressed or depleted? Are the people around you telling you that you need to take care of You? Or, maybe it’s the little voice inside your head that is nudging you to take some time for You. It is time to listen to these wise sentiments?

In this week’s article I am going to give you 1 Simple Solution to help you find calm in the midst of chaos while simultaneously having the additional benefit of detoxing your body which has the bonus effect of making you feel more vibrant and allow you to shed some weight. (This is one of the little secrets that I share with my Fresh Start seminar participants & I am going to let you in on it.)

Even though I am the “Guardian of Harmony” I know what stress feels like! I think that we experience stressful times so that we can fully see the contrast of what we want or don’t want to experience in our life. The contrast also gives us appreciation for the moments that are flowing with ease & grace. That being said, moving back into graceful flow from moments of stress & overwhelm is key for harmony, peace and joy. Arming yourself with techniques that can help you shift from a state of anxiety to one of calm is important in today’s world that can exacerbate feelings of pressure, strain and discomfort.

I can relate! For months my husband has been advocating the idea that I take some time for me, add in more yoga and go get massages. It has been a busy year running around with the 4 kids and all they do, fitting in time for business projects and dealing with our primary home that was destroyed in the winter of 2015. The stress has definitely taken its toll. Unfortunately, I didn’t heed his insight quite as much as I should have. While working on a staging project 3 weeks ago I attempted to move a large mirror and inadvertently injured my back. Well, as I often tell my clients, the Universe will begin to whisper in your ear messages that it hopes you will hear. If you are not listening the messages will get stronger, louder and harder to ignore. So, in my case, initially it was my own inner GPS that began to nudge at me to take care of me. Have you heard your own inner GPS whisper in your ear? I didn’t listen and the voice became louder and my husband would gently urge me to take care of me. I only half-heartedly listened by saying all of the right things but not actually taking action. “I did go to yoga a couple of weeks ago, I’m too busy this week.” Well, the Universe wanted me to hear the message loud and clear. And, I eventually understood the wisdom when I was unable to get out of bed. Ok, I will slow down and start making it a priority to take care of myself. Do you hear the whisper?

Well, the main thing I began to incorporate back into my daily life was taking a bath. Why you ask? First of all it soothed the soreness in my back. But, that wasn’t the only reason that I turned to this self-care habit. I knew it would be a great way to decrease stress, detox the body of unwanted chemicals and rev up the metabolism so that I wouldn’t feel so disappointed for missing my daily workout routines while I recovered.

Taking a bath is a relaxation technique that is beneficial in so many ways. It decreases cortisol levels that can be brought on by stressful situations. This is helpful on many levels. First, cortisol causes fat to be stored around your middle. Second, cortisol increases inflammation. It is important to include things in your daily routine to reduce cortisol. This is especially important because we live in a culture that induces cortisol just by participating in daily life. Taking a bath also decreases fatigue and benefits your nervous system. Baths increase your circulation and lowers blood pressure. For optimum benefit this is what I recommend (although, always ask your doctor if this is a good idea for you).

Harmony Bath(20 minutes each day in a hot bath)

Ingredients:
-2 Cups Epsom Salts
-1 Cup Baking Soda
-10 Drops Organic Lavender Oil

There are many benefits to the Harmony Bath. First the Lavender relaxes the nervous system and lowers cortisol levels. The Epsom Salt enhances the effects of the detox. The baking soda promotes a balanced pH for optimum healing and detox benefits.

Of course, it goes without saying that the bathroom environment should be supportive and nurturing. That is, take some time to make it pretty and inviting. Your experience will be less beneficial if you are looking at piles of laundry in the corner and are reminded of your to-do list instead of enjoying the blissful 20-minute restorative experience.

Are you going to listen to the whisper that is telling you to take time for you?

I included a picture of a bathtub from our recent trip to The One & Only Resort in the Bahamas. The ocean vistas complimented this serene setting. I would love to see pictures of your serene setting or your ideal vision of your dream bathroom. Come over to Home in Harmony on Facebook and share your pictures!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Image Credit: Nickolas Sargent

Simple Tips for Focus, Success, Harmony, & Health

In our culture self-care is often seen as an indulgence instead of a necessity. This perception contradicts the reality that studies demonstrate. That is, self-care creates inner calm, a healthy body, more creativity & inspiration, greater efficiency and effectiveness. In this week’s article lets look at self care and how your home can be utilized to form the foundation to take care of you so that you can live your best life!

Have you ever gotten “the look” when you tell someone you have gotten a massage? You know the look; it has the critical indictment that you are sitting around lazily eating chocolate bonbons all day. Instead, in our current culture, anxiously racing around focused on a to-do list that is miles long is worn as a badge of honor.

Our society promotes and idealizes those that swiftly move through life while taking on mountainous loads of responsibility. More is seen as better, a larger to-do list or excessive responsibility is applauded. Taking time for you is often seen as a weakness or gluttonous. I invite you to examine how you feel about self-care. Do you see it as something only necessary for certain situations or people? Are you willing to incorporate it in your life? Taking time to examine these questions will help you clear away any unconscious feelings associated with self-care that might be buried deep in your subconscious mind and hindering you from incorporating this important dynamic into your life.

Studies have demonstrated that self-care (be it massage, time in nature or reading your favorite book to name a few) can have a tremendous positive influence on your body, mind & spirit. These studies also demonstrate that when you are involved in task-oriented situations you are more efficient, effective and creative when you incorporate self-care in your life.

Often times we go through our daily lives expending energy and we don’t take the time to fill our proverbial tank. This leaves you feeling depleted. Take some time to think about what truly brings a smile to your face, joy to your heart and a sense of contentment. Is it playing hockey, going to a yoga class, watching birds dart here & there, or painting? Whatever it is for you, add more of these activities into your day and week.

You can include your home in your self-care ritual. Do you have an area in your home that nurtures and supports you? Do you have a favorite spot that you love to go and sip some tea? Create a little oasis within your home that is a respite for you to steal away when you need a moment to recharge. Studies show that particular colors and objects have a direct impact on your physiological and psychological well-being. Begin to notice how colors make you feel. Could you include an object in your space that brings a smile to your face? These simple tips can help you begin to create a home environment that is designed to inspire, nurture and support you in living your best life.

Here are a few things to consider:

What does self-care mean to you?

What are your current self-care habits?

Can you include more activities that fill you with joy?

How could you include self-care into your life? What would that look like for you?

Is there a space in your home that nurtures and supports you when you are feeling depleted? If not, can you begin to create this special area?

You were meant to live a life filled with joy, harmony and ease. Implementing self-care into your daily ritual will expand your capacity to be more creative, feel healthier, increase your ability to effectively tackle that to-do list and create greater focus and success. Use your home to support you in implementing positive habits that will allow you to create the life you deserve!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO