What SPACE makes you most creative? 

Did you make the commitment to slow down and block off a bit of unbroken time for yourself last week? Perhaps now you’d like to explore some fresh, seasonal changes that foster personal growth and creativity. New year resolutions – the ones that really serve us – originate in our creative center. They provide us the opportunity to begin tending those seeds that we planted in the dark. NOW is the time to enter the cave. 

Cave (n.): a hollow or natural passage under or into the earth, especially one with an opening to the surface; a natural opening in the earth large enough for human exploration.  

What is key in this definition is “under the earth.” Metaphorically, this can be translated as beneath the surface. Inside. An enclosed, private space where you can explore. Sounds a lot like the Brumbylon Cave! Do you see the connection? Are you ready to design your cave? Let’s get rolling. 

Feng Shui is the way to go 

I love making seasonal changes in our home. It’s a lot of fun to transform an interior room into a beautiful space. Take some time to create this space because it’s YOURS and you will want to spend time there. 

First you want to choose the location. Then, very importantly, you will need to clean the space: dust out corners and disturb anything that feels stagnant or stuck…or worse yet, causes anxiety or other emotional discomfort. You are about to engage in the practice of Feng Shui (pronounced fung shway). This is the Chinese art of creating harmonious surroundings that enhance the balance of yin and yang. This is really powerful stuff. Small changes can make a big impact on how a room affects you psychologically, spiritually and emotionally. 

Five FUN ways to Feng Shui your cave 

#1 – Place objects you love into the room. Be very intentional about this. Plants are always a wonderful choice because they bring fresh air and nature inside when all the outside plants are in their dormant stage. 

#2 – Sound therapy. Consider purchasing a small circulating water fountain. The soft sound of flowing water is universally regarded as peaceful…like a babbling brook. It must have brought great comfort to our ancestors to be near a source of clean water. Music can also create mood. What makes you happy to listen to? Be super-conscious about the vibe you want to create before you introduce it into the space. 

#3 – Shape matters. Move furniture and objects into the corners facing out toward the center to round out the room. Round is a cave shape worth considering because it can have a profound effect on the psyche. Round softens hard edges. Our lives are surrounded by hard surfaces and square spaces – yang. You want to introduce some yin here. Remember, it’s all about balance. 

#4 – Lose the overhead lights. Dim, peaceful, indirect lighting in the corner areas is much kinder. How many caves are brightly lit? If your cave has windows, bright natural light is glorious during the day. After dark, however, you will want to soften up any harsh lighting. I like to cover lampshades with colored cloth to create ambiance and to reduce brightness.

Choose the colors and patterns that make you happy. Place lamps on the floor, perhaps even behind furniture. Tealights and candles are a great choice. Metaphorically, think firelight. 

#5 – Focus on both form and function. Beauty is essential, just be sure to include a comfortable chair, sofa or pillow to rest on, and an area where you can write, meditate or read. Comfort is key. 

Look around when you are finished and assess what you have just created. Walk out of the room for a few minutes, and then enter the space again. Does this room make you feel good? Does it invite you to spend time inside? If the answer is yes, you have created your very own cave. Bravo! 

In next Sunday’s post we will explore the inner cave, and examine strategies to help you tap into your creative center. This is the best piece! Stay tuned! 

Thanks for hanging out with me – have a great week!

~ Lisa 

“The seed that grows toward the light begins in darkness.”