... Whether we are conscious of it or not, our home and its contents are powerful statements about ourselves. They also exercise enormous influence on our lives, both perceived and unperceived. Our souls are mirrored in these objects and personal belongings.
..... You can recognize the “calling of your soul” when an object captures your attention and “pulls” you into its being. Follow your instincts. Listen to what “speaks” to you. Each element or object in the home plays a role in the relationship between our inner selves and our soul.
..... When you bring something “new” into your home, you bring that objects’ energy into your life. Where you place that object creates an energy field that affects your mood and the activities that take place in that room.
..... Objects, furniture, or art with strong memories attached to them are particularly prone to affect the energy of your home, and especially a given room. Antiques, for instance, contain the energy of the generations that have used them, as well as the “vibes” of the original artisan. They can contribute to our state of well-being, cherishing another place and time. To assess an antique that you are thinking about bringing home, place your hand very closely over it. Close your eyes and take a long, quiet moment. Wait until you feel the energy of its past. You may feel something instantly, or it may take a few minutes. Stay focused. Listen with your feelings, your gut, your soul. Never take anything home that gives you a negative feeling.
 

 
..... Be discriminating about your art. Choose art that uplifts, is joyful, that represents life and happiness. Avoid “dark” art and objects that depict death, fear, or otherwise negative emotions and energy. There are very powerful, though often subtle, ramifications that can occur in a home from the affects of “dark art.” Be aware.
..... When something is given to you by parents, friends, a lover, or child, it contains the energy of that person. This energy is real as well as the association it carries with the person. The thoughts, feelings, and emotions are contained in its vibration. Be aware of the feelings the object evokes. Are they happy, romantic, upsetting, sad, anxious, relaxing? Remove the things in your home that evoke feelings that do not contribute to your sense of well-being and happiness. You will be happily surprised to find a refreshing and uplifting new presence in the rooms where you have eliminated objects carrying a disturbing emotional or spiritual connection.
..... Spiritual leaders tell us that it is how we love that brings us happiness. Today, the new decorating approach is to infuse our homes with loving energy. This loving energy can be found in the objects in our home that hold special meaning. Love and delight in the objects and possessions in your home. The happiest people in the world are those with abundant love in their life and their home.

The preceding article "first appeared" in the March/April 2000 issue of
Healing Retreats & Spas Magazine