Jun 17, 18:49
Creativity and Children
When I told my wife, Cecilia, that I would be writing about each area of the ba-gua, she asked that I start with children. Interestingly this area of the ba-gua relates to both children and creativity. As children, life is an expression of creativity, imagination and wonder filled with great moments of play. As we grow older, playtime meets worktime and the importance of earning money and managing an increasing number of responsibilities factor into our schedule . Generally by our thirties the idea of playtime seems either irresponsible or impossible with one’s schedule.
In my feng shui questionnaire I ask, “what do you enjoy creating?” This question stumps a lot of people, especially men. So, how important is being creative to the fulfillment of a happy life? Apparently, the ancient Taoist masters thought being creative as important as love and family/health. Other cultures have developed a longstanding appreciation for hobbies, and the idea of being an amateur. The definition of an amateur is someone who does or takes part in something for pleasure rather than for pay.
So how does one cultivate an intention for being more creative? First, we need an appropriate space to call our studio, whether it is a garage, (no clutter, please), a bright and warm basement or an unused guestroom. Next, remove anything that distracts from your desired activity. Then we create the structure to support your interest. If you are a painter, make certain your easel and paints are in the commanding position of the room. If you are a writer, make certain your desk is in the commanding position of the room. Another key to good desk placement is accessibility. Once you are seated, you should not have to get up. Next, hang pictures of admired artists and enthusiasts of your craft. Finally, make sure that you honor your creations and accomplishments by displaying your art, quilts, woodwork or trophies. If, by creating this space, you find yourself making time for your interests in your busy schedule, you will have been successful in bringing more creativity and joy into your life. Good luck!
Regarding children and feng shui it is especially important to note that children are more impressionable and much more sensitive to their environments. Second, a child’s room really is their little home serving several different functions: bedroom, study, playroom, place for sleepovers, etc. Taoist philosophers believed that our mental and physical health depend heavily on our ability to bring balance to the many facets of our increasingly complex lives. Here are some tips to bring good feng shui into your child’s room.
Creating Balance: Yin and Yang
Being in an environment that has a natural expression of balance is most important, particularly for children. When creating or changing a children’s room, ask yourself whether there is an overall sense of balance regarding bright and dark colors, furniture/toys and open space. As your child develops, try being sensitive to his or her energy. For example, too many bright colors, piles of toys and video games can stimulate hyperactivity and restlessness, whereas an imbalance of dark colors and dark furniture can promote sleepiness, dull energy/ch’i and a lack of interest towards school.
Bring in Nature and Diversity
Today our interaction with nature has been become so increasingly limited. According to feng shui, our living spaces should help us reconnect to the harmonious aspects of nature. Incorporating the gentle sounds of water for your child or or the inspiration of life with plants, pictures of wildlife and sounds of nature works beautifully. An aquarium with different colored fish is an excellent addition to a child’s room.
The neurological development of a child is related to the diversity of stimuli they receive. A children’s room should have a balanced expression of the five elements found within nature: water, wood, fire, earth, and metal. This can be achieved through color, materials and lighting. For example, a collection of river stones reflect the Earth Element and encourage a sense of stability and security. To stimulate creativity and reflect the Metal Element, use a mobile inside, or wind chime on a nearby tree.
Furniture Selection and Arrangement
Choose furniture that doesn’t have a lot of sharp angles is well made with quality materials such as solid wood. Traditionally, expecting parents would seek out master carpenters or personally make the furniture themselves. Objects that have been lovingly created enhance a child’s bedroom, whether it is a bed, blanket or just a little pillow.
Bed and Crib
As infants, the position of the crib should have the infant’s head facing towards the parents’ room or along an inside wall. As they grow older, the bed placement can be changed to face the door. Later, find a headboard to promote self-confidence and security. Be careful of headboards with compartments, they will attract clutter. Avoid placing either a crib or bed underneath beams or in the direction of sharp angles or corners. To protect a child from existing beams or sharp angles, use a four post bed or canopy crib for infants.
Quick Tip: If there is a sunny window, hang crystal to bring rainbows in the room. This is great for infants, especially when they can see the rainbows from the their crib.
Desk
Avoid having your child sitting at a desk with their back to the door or facing directly out the window. These desk positions will discourage good study habits and attract clutter. If the desk cannot face the door, place a mirror so the child can see the door behind them.
Clutter
A balanced life depends on our ability to naturally give as much as we take. Having a room full of clutter, whether it is toys, books, clothes, etc, ultimately discourages a sense of connection and focus. Learning to enjoy letting go is a fundamental lesson to teach our children.
Feng Shui is a wonderful philosophy and method for encouraging both balance and positive development. As your children grow, share with them the concepts of feng shui so they can learn how to create a living space that encourages their positive aspirations. In the meantime, I encourage you to rediscover what you enjoy creating.
-edited by MJHB
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