Environmental psychology is a fascinating, interdisciplinary science focused on fostering a greater understanding of the interplay between human beings and their environments. The field defines the term broadly; it can include natural environments, designed environments and learning, social and informational environments. It is believed that protecting, building and creating a “preferred environment” increases a sense of well-being in all human beings and facilitates behavioral effectiveness.
The questions addressed by this discipline are these: Do our homes, offices and public spaces make us feel peaceful, happy and sheltered? Do they feel like the safe havens they were meant to be? Are they calming, sustaining, mood-elevating and strengthening? All of this is attainable, and can be made possible with natural ventilation, lighting, plants, colors, shapes and views.
Looked at from a greater perspective, environmental psychology is about our relationship with Mother Earth. There are many different theories as to why we, as a species, have found ourselves seemingly intent on destroying our own planet. Some environmental psychologists believe that when we left our tribal way of living, we were separated from our mothers far too early in life. Under this theory, we experienced premature separation from the mother at the same time as we were being isolated from the natural world. This abrupt disconnection, the theory holds, has led us to suffer a kind of post-traumatic stress disorder. Underlying this hypothesis is the belief that feeling connected to the natural world is an essential component for proper maturing and responsible behavior toward the environment.
Others in this field hold that we as a species are suffering from a “disassociation syndrome.” While similar to post-traumatic stress disorder and multiple personality disorder, this thinking is based on a belief that many, if not most, people are no longer able to respond appropriately to the natural world. The complex causes, as argued by the advocates of this particular theory, involve advertising, economic systems, politics, and our schools and universities, all of which reportedly have “disassociation” built into their fabric. Yet another theory is that humans may just be suffering from a form of collective amnesia. We have forgotten about our inherent link to nature and the lessons of our forefathers. If you want to look into this in depth, I encourage you to do your own research and draw your own conclusions. The more people who study this subject, the more aware we will all be. This can serve us as a society and bring us closer to living responsibly.
As I studied and undertook new projects, my findings took me by surprise. I could clearly see how environmental psychology could be integrated with feng shui and green and sustainable practices to enhance and deepen the human experience in our indoor spaces and in our world. Now I had my three-legged stool and EcoChi began to take shape.
As I said earlier, and it bears repeating throughout this book, what we look at, hear, taste, smell and touch influences our mood, our health, our success, our happiness and our future. Spaces that are birthed and bathed in the golden light of EcoChi create an inviting atmosphere and a place where people feel safe, secure and embraced.
A Ribbon of Light…
In the course of working with clients, it is sometimes beneficial to take them through a guided meditation. This is definitely not for everyone but it does have its place. Professional athletes often use this technique to visualize their goals, master their strategy, envision winning the championship, imagine what it would feel like and try to actually feel the sensation of the championship rings on their fingers. Much like an athlete, when you are busy running a business or dealing with a personal challenge, it can be difficult to empty your mind and clearly define your vision. The goals for your project or the next chapter of your life may be locked away inside of you. Utilizing meditation as one of my many tools is often the key that opens up clients to new ideas and a clear understanding of their own vision and goals.
To begin, I have them visualize a warm, healing, glowing golden energy that turns into a ribbon of light. With feet firmly on the ground, this glowing ribbon of light enters our bodies through the earth and travels through our organs. As it glows, it heals the intestines, liver, spleen, lungs and heart. This warm golden ribbon of light travels into our minds, and heals all of our emotions, stress and anxieties. The ribbon then travels through our heads and reaches to the heavens, thereby connecting us to all other energies and all possibilities as we become one with the universe.
This ribbon also runs through the EcoChi system. It is the link that interlocks the three major ingredients of this system—classical feng shui, green and sustainable living and environmental psychology—and puts us in the right frame of mind to nurture the environment, support our health and well-being and live up to our fullest potential.
It’s been said before in many ways and has been attributed to Buddha, Confucius and others: “Wherever you go, there you are.” EcoChi is built on the fundamental belief that “home” is wherever you are, and that it is essential to nurture your indoor space so that it nurtures the spirit within.
But how exactly does one do that? Let’s move ahead to the front lines of people’s lives, to see EcoChi in action and learn how it can provide you with the tools you need to enhance your life, both personally and professionally.
IF YOUR PARTNER’S SIDE OF
THE BED HAS A LARGER TABLE
THAN YOURS, IT OFTEN
MEANS THAT HE OR SHE IS
CARRYING MORE OF THE
RESPONSIBILITY IN THE
RELATIONSHIP.
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