A Space For Healing
December 24th, 2010 01:37 PM
A physician’s clinic, a massage therapist’s or any holistic practitioner’s is a place we come to in search for healing of body, mind and soul. We seek the tremendous knowledge and experience that is available, and we have hope and an expectation to find significant improvement to our health.
One factor that is often overlooked by the providers of those services is the way we experience a space. Many of these clinics are designed in a way that says “efficiency”, and decorated in a way that says “neutrality”. Benefits that might be gained from a place designed with inspiration are being lost.
Awareness to the way our physical world affects us will result in a space that makes the healing experience a more holistic one. The environment could enhance the results of the treatment and also provide support to the caregivers themselves.
When we seek healing we look inward – to learn about the physiological changes or challenges we are faced with, or to understand our mind’s thought process or the way we experience our emotions. An environment that provides a sense of safety, calm and focus will help us to integrate the verbal, energetic and physical information we are provided with.
A space designed to create harmony brings that to our state of mind too - lighting, colour and furniture choices are key to that balance. Objects of beauty and art, even the reading material we are offered affect us profoundly as they bring pleasure to our senses and touch us in deeper ways.
As we enter we like to feel welcome and safe. We might come with apprehension, we might be experiencing physical pain, or we might be accompanying a child who is frightened. A space that is well designed wraps us with warmth. Feeling comfortable allows us to relax and be prepared for our appointment.
We crave intimacy. A space that is unique will help us feel that way too. The furniture’s layout and a creative fashion of placing functional and decorative objects will allow for some privacy, and the effort to achieve that will make us feel appreciated.
Natural materials represent the beautiful world outside of our urban environment. A live plant, a gentle sound of a fountain, stone, wood and linen– they all bring us balance and healing. Colour affects our mood and by choosing ones that represent the state of mind we wish to achieve, we will instantly be moved in the direction we wish to go.
The physician and healer are affected by the space too. They prepare for the treatments they provide – either by becoming informed about their patient’s condition and needs, meditating and becoming centered before an energy healing session, or replenishing their own energy before facing a new patient. A calming and inspiring environment will assist them in the ability to focus throughout the day, to maintain their well-being and their creativity. As a result the person coming to be healed will receive the best possible treatment.
Achieving a perfect composition with space and budget restrictions is challenging, but colour, focal points and beautifully set elements can be used even in the smallest or most modest spaces.
Completing our treatment and turning back into the world outside, we can be supported by a gentle transition. A functional object such as a washroom basin could be chosen for its beauty – and will make a simple act as washing our hands a pleasing and calming one. A painting that lifts our spirit, a scent of freshly cut flowers…they all will help us gather our energy to face the world outside with added confidence.
Daniella Amit is the co-owner of In Residence Design Group Inc. and La Penna, children’s fashions.
Contact information:
Cell: 604.551.3842 daniella@inresidencedesign.com www.inresidencedesign.com
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Apr - May 07
One factor that is often overlooked by the providers of those services is the way we experience a space. Many of these clinics are designed in a way that says “efficiency”, and decorated in a way that says “neutrality”. Benefits that might be gained from a place designed with inspiration are being lost.
Awareness to the way our physical world affects us will result in a space that makes the healing experience a more holistic one. The environment could enhance the results of the treatment and also provide support to the caregivers themselves.
When we seek healing we look inward – to learn about the physiological changes or challenges we are faced with, or to understand our mind’s thought process or the way we experience our emotions. An environment that provides a sense of safety, calm and focus will help us to integrate the verbal, energetic and physical information we are provided with.
A space designed to create harmony brings that to our state of mind too - lighting, colour and furniture choices are key to that balance. Objects of beauty and art, even the reading material we are offered affect us profoundly as they bring pleasure to our senses and touch us in deeper ways.
As we enter we like to feel welcome and safe. We might come with apprehension, we might be experiencing physical pain, or we might be accompanying a child who is frightened. A space that is well designed wraps us with warmth. Feeling comfortable allows us to relax and be prepared for our appointment.
We crave intimacy. A space that is unique will help us feel that way too. The furniture’s layout and a creative fashion of placing functional and decorative objects will allow for some privacy, and the effort to achieve that will make us feel appreciated.
Natural materials represent the beautiful world outside of our urban environment. A live plant, a gentle sound of a fountain, stone, wood and linen– they all bring us balance and healing. Colour affects our mood and by choosing ones that represent the state of mind we wish to achieve, we will instantly be moved in the direction we wish to go.
The physician and healer are affected by the space too. They prepare for the treatments they provide – either by becoming informed about their patient’s condition and needs, meditating and becoming centered before an energy healing session, or replenishing their own energy before facing a new patient. A calming and inspiring environment will assist them in the ability to focus throughout the day, to maintain their well-being and their creativity. As a result the person coming to be healed will receive the best possible treatment.
Achieving a perfect composition with space and budget restrictions is challenging, but colour, focal points and beautifully set elements can be used even in the smallest or most modest spaces.
Completing our treatment and turning back into the world outside, we can be supported by a gentle transition. A functional object such as a washroom basin could be chosen for its beauty – and will make a simple act as washing our hands a pleasing and calming one. A painting that lifts our spirit, a scent of freshly cut flowers…they all will help us gather our energy to face the world outside with added confidence.
Daniella Amit is the co-owner of In Residence Design Group Inc. and La Penna, children’s fashions.
Contact information:
Cell: 604.551.3842 daniella@inresidencedesign.com www.inresidencedesign.com
Copyright North Shore Magazine Issue Apr - May 07
Photos
