A sanctuary to our mind and body needs can reduce stress, provide a sense of stability, and allow complete relaxation. It's not something we can establish overnight or by simply seeking it externally; rather, it requires time, patience, and a gradual adaptation to our surroundings.

In this blog, I'll share some methods to cultivate ourselves and our living space so we can foster a harmonious and soothing environment.

Simplicity Allows Room for More

A truly comfortable living environment begins with the flexibility of space usage, allowing it to become a place that nurtures our well-being. When our surroundings are cluttered with various items, our space becomes overwhelming to our senses. To reclaim the true value of our living space, we must practice the art of decluttering and embracing the concept of minimalism.

Decluttering is a skill that requires practice, and it involves having meaningful conversations with ourselves.

If you find it difficult to decisively clean up and determine what to keep and what to discard, consider using this method to assist you in making decisions. Grab a pen and paper and imagine moving into a completely new, empty house. You can only add one new item per day. What would be the first thing you'd buy? From day one to day thirty, list the thirty items that you genuinely need and are essential in your life.

This exercise not only applies to decluttering your home but also serves as a valuable tool when shopping. Ask yourself, "Is this item on my 30-day essentials list?" Don't force yourself to achieve everything at once. Without a clear understanding of your needs and habits, a massive decluttering effort may lead to retaliatory shopping, and soon you'll find yourself back at square one!

Take it slow, practice, and remember, creating a comfortable living environment is an ongoing journey. Embrace the art of letting go, decluttering with purpose, and discovering the true value of your living space. By doing so, you'll not only transform your home but also gain insights into your own preferences and priorities.

Shopping with Intention

Once you've established a solid foundation for your sanctuary, the next step is to be mindful of the items you bring into it and the way you arrange them. Shopping with intention is the simplest and most sustainable method of managing your space effectively.

Cultivating the habit of conscious shopping begins even before making a purchase. Start by asking yourself why you need to buy something. What specific function should the item serve to solve your problem? Prioritize practicality and then consider additional values, such as appealing designs, environmentally friendly materials, ethically produced goods, and fair trade practices. Use these principles to establish your own shopping guidelines.

Another approach is to consciously select items that serve more than one purpose. Proactively merge different functional needs to minimize unnecessary clutter in your living space and create more flexibility. For instance, opt for a uniquely designed coffee table that also offers storage space on the side and can double as a lightweight stool!

By thinking before shopping, each purchase becomes more meaningful and intentional. As you carefully curate the items you bring in, you'll appreciate the value they add to your space and your life.

Aligning Your Space with Your Habits

Understanding your needs and habits is the key to creating a living space that truly reflects your ideals. Discomfort in your living environment, or even unnecessary troubles, often arise when your habits clash with the setup of the space. While these may seem like minor inconveniences, these accumulated frustrations can significantly impact your mood and overall well-being.

Take some time to observe your habits closely and identify areas where you feel uneasy. Once you've pinpointed them, take action to make the necessary changes. By arranging the flow of movement and the placement of objects to suit your habits, you'll create a space that is efficient and easy to use, enhancing your overall comfort.

Remember that everyone's spatial needs and requirements are different. It all starts with understanding yourself, but it should also take into account the needs of your housemates and pets. Collaboratively adjusting the space will help bring it closer to the ideal state for everyone involved!

Creating Comfort for All Senses

Your own personal sanctuary can come in all shapes and sizes. It could be a balcony with a cozy recliner, a peaceful spot for an afternoon nap, or a tatami mat where you can stretch and roll freely. Here, you can completely relax, release external pressures and negative energy, and just be yourself.

Start by reducing sensory distractions. Our senses play a direct role in our experiences, and we might not always be conscious of all the information they receive. This is especially true for highly sensitive individuals, as visual clutter, auditory disturbances, temperature fluctuations, and even smells can easily trigger emotions.

Try to simplify your living space as much as possible. Minimize the number of items, opt for a minimalist and timeless design that won't go out of style, invest in good soundproofing, and choose household appliances with low noise levels. Begin by removing elements that might excessively stimulate your senses. Then, gradually add back elements you truly enjoy, like using sheer curtains to create captivating light and shadow effects or incorporating your favorite natural scents. These additions will help cultivate a sensory comfort zone.

In this space, you can recharge, rejuvenate, and rediscover yourself. Embrace the serenity and peace it brings, allowing you to embrace the fullness of your being. Let your senses guide you towards a state of contentment, making your home not just a place to live, but a sanctuary for your soul!

Bring Home Elements of Nature

Immersing in the beauty of nature is a shortcut to reducing stress and enhancing happiness. Scientific research has also shown that being close to nature can reduce depression and anxiety while boosting our immune system. If you can't escape to nature every day, why not bring a bit of nature into your home?

A great starting point is setting up an aquarium. Watching the flowing water can calm your mind, ease stress, and relax tense muscles. Keeping fish can stimulate creativity and imagination, stabilize emotions, and even improve sleep and health.

You can also bring some greenery into well-lit areas like your office desk, windowsills, or balcony. Planting some greenery or placing fresh flowers not only adds a touch of beauty to your environment but also helps you unwind.

Plants change their appearance and condition with the seasons, allowing you to discover something new every day. Observing plants and feeling the changes of the seasons remind us to live in harmony with nature.

By incorporating nature into our living spaces, we create a tranquil sanctuary where we can recharge, find inspiration, and connect with the natural world even in the midst of urban life.

To me, people and the natural environment grow and evolve together. Living in a nurturing space makes it easier for us to maintain stability and positively impacts our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It becomes a sanctuary where we can find healing during challenging times and setbacks.

When we lead comfortable and content lives, we have the capacity to care for others and the space around us, creating a positive cycle of nurturing and growth.

Let's strive for harmony with our surroundings, nurturing each other and fostering mutual growth. May we all find solace and nourishment in our spaces and thrive together!

Nurturing Your Own Living Space

Healing Journey