Natural and Sustainable

I am going to start to bring some interesting topics into my blog for a spicy change of pace. On Fridays I am going to do a posting on something that is “off the topic” so to speak. The topics will still deal with being good to your self and the Earth, but it will be off the topic of Natural and Sustainable Living. It will be more about Whole Living and what you can do to yourself and the people, places and things around you to live a more whole life. I will start this Friday off with a great little learning curve about the bedroom. Enjoy!

Transforming Your Bedroom Into A More Peaceful Place….The Way It Should Be. Here Are 10 Ways How!

1. SOFTEN THE COLORS: Bedrooms are meant to be “yin rooms”, which facilitate passive, feminine spirit rather than generate active masculine yang energy. Yin rooms should be clam so you can walk into them and relax.

2. CLEAR THE CLUTTER: You need not sleep in a Zen den, but a clean, open space allows you to rest better at night. Throw out, or put away items you haven’t read, worn, or looked at in a few years. If you don’t love it and you haven’t used it in several years, get rid of it. Reducing clutter is modern day alchemy. Anything you don’t love only drags you down more.

3. PURIFY YOUR PILLOWS: One of the best ways to purify your sleeping space is also the cheapest. Replace your current pillow with an organic cotton or wool pillow or cushion. Your nose is right there breathing in fumes from the foam. For less than $60, you can make a significant change in your health.

4. TAME THE DECOR: Displaying photos of loved ones brings positive energy into a bedroom, as long as the wall décor is kept simple. Don’t put up too many pictures. One per wall is plenty, and avoid art with violent or chaotic imagery. In feng shui, the first thing you see when you wake up is very important. If it’s a great piece of modern art, but the imagery is jagged, that’s not great for your energy upon waking.

5. DIM THE LIGHTS: Streetlamps and other outdoor lighting can wreak havoc on your sleep cycle because melatonin, the hormone that helps govern sleep, responds to light and darkness. For the soundest snoozing, din your bedroom at night with a think, dark cotton canvas, and let in the morning sun when it’s time to wake; this will help you stay synchronized with your own body rhythms.

6. SEND IN THE SCENT: Filling the air with a luscious yet subtle fragrance makes your bedroon nearly spa-like. Add a few drops of calming essentail oil like neroli, rose, and/or jasmine to an aromatherapy diffuser. Or try a combination of chamomile, lavender, or clary sage.

7. CLEAR THE AIR: Keeping your windows open works wonders toward purifying indoor air and dust, mold, pet dander, and chemicals from household cleaners. Fresh outdoor air is essential for good health.

8. POWER DOWN: Television pictures tubes, wireless Internet connections, electrical wiring, and cell phones emit electromagnetic fields that may contribute to frequent waking, aches and pains, and muscle spasms. To reduce your EMF load, remove electric cords and devices from the bedroom or at least from within 8 to 10 feet of the bed. And disconnect Wi-Fi and multihandset cordless phones.

9. MODIFY THE MATTRESS: The bed is where your go to spend your key rejuvenating time, it’s where your wipe the slate clean. But you do know what’s underneath you. A typical foam matress is made from petrochemical derivatives with fire retardants and other chemicals added, all of which can be absorbed through the skin. A matress made of organic cotton, pure grown wool and natural rubber is prefered for a better nights sleep.

10. REMAKE YOUR BED: When shopping for new bedding, look for 100 percent natural fibers, ideally organic cotton or organic hemp. To avoid chemically treated linens, make sure your purchases aren’t labeled “permanant press”.

*Natural and Sustainable Living Tip: Grow your own herbs inside your home. The plants will add happiness and harmony to your kitchen or bedroom and will also provide you with an abundance of natural, pesticide-free addings to your cooking.