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The impact our environment has on us by James Sleigh
Our environment can have a powerful influence on how we feel, think and behave. This article explores how simple changes to the spaces around us can support wellbeing, peace of mind and a more positive atmosphere.
The impact our environment has on us by James Sleigh
This month, we explore the relationship between ourselves and the environment: how our environment shapes not only the way we live, but also how we feel, think, and behave. The spaces we inhabit have a profound impact on our mental clarity, emotional well-being, and even our physical health.
There is a subconscious feeling one gets when entering a home, a room, or even an organisation. Some may describe it as a ‘good energy’, a nice feeling, or an uncomfortable one. This feeling reflects the environment that has been created, one made up of lots of little subtleties, that can be worked on to create this feeling.
The Chinese developed this into an in-depth study, called Feng Shui, which can help us understand the unconscious sensing of our environment. By practicing some of the techniques, we can improve and change the energy of a place. According to Feng Shui, when energy flows freely through a space, it supports vitality, productivity, and peace of mind. Conversely, cluttered or poorly arranged spaces can lead to stagnation, stress, and even misfortune. Simple adjustments, such as allowing more natural light and clearing unused objects, can shift the energy in a room and in our lives.
In Feng Shui, a Bagua (or map), divides a space (be it a room, a living space, or a workspace) into 9 sections – each representing an aspect of our lives. By becoming conscious of these areas, we can declutter them, rearrange them, or place strategic objects, to energise, or harmonise these aspects of our lives. This is a simplified description. Feng Shui practices go very much deeper on than this.
I look around my office while writing this article. Things are out of place: documents and brochures that I intended to get to, places that naturally attract clutter, bare areas, items stored that I intended to deal with. I subconsciously look at these things many times a day, and they must have some effect on my wellbeing and productivity. I take a break from writing and start clearing up.
The environment of our village reflects openness, trees, outdoor spaces, an outdoor lifestyle that celebrates the seasons and routine of the farm. It has an influence on all of us who live and work here. For everyone’s wellbeing, we need to take note of our physical spaces, and bring our awareness on a daily basis to improve, declutter and enhance our village, inside and out.