When East meets West by design, it’s magic and all of your senses will come alive. This conscious styling offers possibilities for self-exploration and creative expression. The comfort-centric philosophy is legendary. How far you take the look or mindset is up to you, but whatever your intention is, whether it is to add a more traveled look or to create a meditation sanctuary, it has never been this easy to bring in some Zen.
Good feng shui is only on click away. You can quickly transport yourself into the Zen zone by mixing in some thoughtfully placed decorative accessories.
Whether your vibe is rustic, modern, or English garden, an Eastern influence will elevate ordinary into extraordinary. Even by adding a Buddha sculpture, you mix in the magic. His image is a simple reminder to connect to mindfulness, not to mention how well he pairs with the beautiful pillows below.
These pillows, made by an artist in India, depict the intricate, ancient doorways of long ago. Learning about different cultures is an added benefit as you go about your shopping exploration.
Tea is a dual sensory delight from the East. Teatime is often defined by the way it is made and how it is consumed. Be it casual or formal, the teapot used for brewing sets the tone. This Eastern tradition is steeped with incentives.
We know today that many teas offer some great health benefits. Green or ginger, for instance, are two noted for their incredible detoxifying properties and have even proven to help prevent the onset of some cancers. The benefits of certain teas are well-documented.
Celebrate its medicinal qualities with a friend in proper teapot style. Make it a daily ritual for your mental and physical well-being. In other words, tea for two, please.
Moving on from flavors to scents. This is one of my favorite things to help me unwind. Walk in and light it up. The incense, I mean.
The practice of using incense originated in the Far East, as it was burned in Asian temples. In the West today, aromatherapy has gone mainstream. We have taken note of its pleasantries. The burning of incense and warmed oils have some unexpected benefits, as well as their pleasant floral and woodsy aromas. There are scents to calm, soothe, and even awaken the mind.
Studies have shown scents can improve your ability to concentrate, and are considered a blissful part of a meditation practice for that reason. But here’s a fact that may surprise you; while we enjoy the scent of sandalwood, mosquitoes do not. Scents are a great way to infuse your space with some Eastern energy while enjoying the bug-deterrent benefaction. Who knew!?
In closing, I leave you with this image: Close your eyes. Now imagine yourself exactly where you would love to be. There’s a warm, gentle breeze and the subtle scent of jasmine in the air. You haven’t a care in the world, and there are no mosquitoes. (Burning incense, remember?)
But wait, let’s take it to the next level, near Nirvana, add a wind chime. You’re all in at this point, mix in a little East with your West, and you’ll find your bliss. Knowing that you’ve helped NOVICA improve the lives of talented artisans in distant parts of the globe is the final touch for pure harmony.
Namaste
