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Practical Steps Part 2
In order to make our home a supportive environment, we saw that the first principle is to keep only what gives us energy: once we have accomplished this with a good spring cleaning and keeping only what inspires us at this time, we can apply the second principle: 
Create space by ..creating structure!This is a simple yet powerful principle. Even if we have a small space, creating boundaries within one space to have particular areas dedicated to special activities, actually has the impact of multiplying our space! it literally feels bigger because it offers a multiplicity of experiences.

• Start by taking a moment to imagine what spaces you would like to create, in addition to the necessary sleeping, eating and work areas: maybe you would enjoy a Self Care area, maybe a Fun area!

• Then Focus on how you would like each space to FEEL. Then adjust and recreate.

To take just a few examples here: 

1. How about making your Sleeping Area a wonderful place to retreat, to rest and dream? 
   For this to happen it needs to feel safe and peaceful. it can also be a place conducive for fun as long as it is in a calming way: we would want to remove anything that that keeps you alert and feels busy, like our phone, the news, but it could be, rather that the business of TV, watching a movie or documentary instead that helps you unplug, or books to read or with great pictures to look at, or simply soothing music .. In brief anything that makes you want to go to bed and rest and dream at the end of your day.
2. In the same way, I want to encourage you to dedicate an area for Self Care . If you exercise at home, it's helpful to have a dedicated area with a yoga mat stored or your living room rug as long as it’s uncluttered and inviting for you to use it. Or if you exercise outdoors it can also be your bathroom with soothing light, a lush plant, a candle, a visible message that feels uplifting for you whenever your eyes come across it!
3. Similarly, for your Work Area or the Kitchen that are more functional spaces, it is typically good to have them ready to be used, organized. 

• For work: in a way that’s ideal for your productivity.
• For the kitchen:  inviting, clear, appetizing, with fresh food available, anything joyful to you personally!

1. In addition, reserving a space as a Fun Area is paramount! What can it be like for you? Maybe music instruments, or games, books, craft and art supplies ready to use in an area of your choice. Think of it as your own game room : )
2. Finally the Entrance Area by the front door is also a crucial space that is best kept clear, uncluttered, inviting to go in and out your home smoothly. It needs to be organized so it is easy to go out: for example without spending time looking for keys! So we might want to have a dedicated place to hang coats, to store shoes and keys, as well as something homey, nice to welcome you when you get home : )
   Overall it is highly beneficial to have a clear circulation between the spaces so you can enjoy going from one to the other, just like going from one neighborhood to the other in a city, in a way that supports your organic daily flow with ease and joy. 
   
   I hope this helps opening possibilities and empowering your unique flow in your home: Enjoy exploring and adjusting and discovering as you go! 

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​How has it been for you to be home? Probably more than ever before, like most of us. For the people I know and myself, it’s been both a blessing and a curse. On one hand it’s been liberating: “Yay!” say some, “I don’t have to be anywhere!” On the other hand: well we might feel like “I’m in the same place I was yesterday and the day before!” So when we feel trapped, how do we get out of the box and like the cartoon SpongeBob use some good Imagination?

Let’s look at both sides of the box so to speak:

On the positive

1. We’ve gained time and for some, a lot of time, avoiding commute. We’ve also gained flexibility in our schedules.
2. We have so much more energy available since we don’t have to deal with traffic, public transportation, how stressful and tiring it can all be! 
3. If you are a home lover like me, we can enjoy being cozy at home.
4. We have choice, freedom to mix it up at any time! 

On the negative

1. It’s all in one place! it may feel small after a while.
2. We don’t get to move as much.
3. It may feel like one uninterrupted long chunk of time since we don’t have a structure any longer that can support in giving its own space and time to the diversity of our needs and interests. 
4. We may be scared to go out again out of fear of being unsafe in the re-opening transition.

Yes we have choice! and it can be overwhelming. Either way, with Being home: It’s all up to us!
Whatever the situation we are in, whether we are financially or health challenged or we are lucky to be safe and healthy in these times, we can make our home a supportive environment. We can take it as a good challenge that can benefit us now and in the long run. 

Practical Steps Part 1So today I want to offer practical steps with two main principles for making your home a supportive environment: nurturing, inspiring, relaxing, just however you like it!
The first principle is overall to keep ONLY what brings you energy. What is needed to accomplish this is:
 A: Create Space In order to create space, we first need to discard what is not needed.

a: Sorting out and discarding is a process all in itself that can be a tough one at first but soon enough, it can be liberating like “getting rid of dead weights.”
I find that it really helps to break it down in separate tasks:

• Sort out your clothes this week.
• Sort out your paperwork next week.
• Sort out your Fridge tonight etc..

The more we create space, the easiest it becomes to clear any corner filled with unnecessary stuff. We can make it a hobby or a game for a while : )
b: Complete with your past with peace and gratitude You may want to take a few special times to sort out belongings with sentimental value to decide on their new place in your life. Unexpected positive benefits from clearing out can come as:

• Discovering hidden treasures: like brand new clothing or dishes you forgot all about.
• When you uncover a forgotten drawing or music instrument you might be reminded that this old hobby would bring you joy again and it is time to give it a fresh start!
• Enjoying giving away what you are no longer using but can benefit someone else, may it be friends or a second-hand store.
• Finally, if something from the past only has sentimental value, then an easy way to keep the sentimental memory and still create space is to take pictures of it, and lovingly store it in a digital file.

In addition to the benefits of creating space and cleanliness, most people find that it also helps clear and organize their mind, which makes making good choices that much easier!
B: Bring in Energy and Joy

• A simple way to do this could be to adjust the lightning, or play with the colored lighting depending on the mood and the time of the day.
• Bringing in a new plant, some flowers!
• Making a teapot or other utensil part of your new daily routine.
• Put a special picture in a visible place: a loved memory, a beautiful image, a message to inspire you or makes you laugh!

I hope this helps opening possibilities and empowering your unique flow in your home and I would love to hear your ideas as well : )