Holistic Home [antikvár]

introductionMore and more people are looking for ways of improving the quality of their lives. The trend toward downshifting and more flexible working arrangements, the popularity of complementaty therapies, and the widespread concern about pollution and the natural environment are examples of this new consciousness.Few of us, however, are able to give up our nine-to-five job and urban existence for a natural wilderness and a self-supporting lifestyle. But the desire to make significant and life-long change has never been stronger.This book provides the encouragement, inspiration, and information that will allow anyoneno matter where they live or what they doto carry out simple and effective adaptations that will make their existing home truly hoHstic. And in making these changes to their physical environment, change will also be rendered to their health, and emotional and spiritual life.What, though, does "holistic" mean? A dictionary definition is confusing rather than illuminating. A better model for a meaning comes from its practical application in health care. A hoHstic health practitioner takes into account the social, emotional, and spiritual concerns as well as physical and psychological ones of their patient. This all-encompassing definition, 1 believe, perfectly reflects what this book is about.A home is more than just bricks and mortara physical barrier against the world. It should be seen as a second skina protective and nurturing envelopethat caters to your social needs for a welcoming meeting place forfamily and friends, and your psychological needs for rest, play, and study. A home has to be a sanctuary, a very personal place where your emotional and spiritual lives can be fulfilled, but at the same time it has to interact with the wider environment.To fulfill such a wide brief, the hohstic home is one that does more than provide warmth, shelter, and a place to hang your hat: it is a partner that has a positive impact on your health and well-being, and makes a contribution towards conserving the Earth's resources.But that is not where change ends. By incorporating the principles of the ancient Chinese philosophy of feng shui into your home, you can manipulate ch'i (qi) energies to your advantage.Each section of this book has a specific remit. The first section explores the principles and practicalities of holistic design and feng shui; the second is a room-by-room journey through your home and garden showing you how to use natural materials, color, texture, light, and scent. The final section is about an holistic lifestylelooking after yourself, using complementary therapies, managing your time, and breaking the stress cycle.The best thing about holism and feng shui is that the process of harmonizing your life with your immediate environment will not break the bank, nor will it send stress levels through the roof. On the contrary, you will only come to feel better and happier with every change you make. Why? Because you are making changes that will have positive effects for a lifetime.