The essence of decorating

A vase of fresh cut flowers can brighten any space. It symbolizes beauty. I also see it as a symbol of nurturing because I'm physically tending to and nurturing those flowers when they require water. The specific color of the flowers can be symbolic all on its own, creating even more meaning and depth to a simple bouquet. Adding a small mirror beneath the vase, next to it, or behind it adds reflective light. The mirror visually expands what is reflected. Take it a step further and add a candle; symbolic of ritual or ceremony. Do you have a small framed picture of someone or something you love? Add it to this collection. Now you have a vignette! Not only is it beautiful but it's meaningful. Together, these items represent beauty, nurturing, reflection, and ceremony. When you tend to the flowers, do it slowly. Light the candle and pause. Take a moment to really see the framed picture. Breathe. Immerse yourself in the essence. You've just created a new habit and a story you can repeat as often as you want.

Here's the story I tell myself when I engage with the vignette I above. While I'm adding fresh water to the vase, I tell myself that I'm tending to and nurturing the beauty and growth (symbolized by the flowers) in my life. As I light the candle, I tell myself I am celebrating (symbolized by the candle) joy/love/adventure (symbolized by the framed picture)  and I want more (symbolized by the mirror) of this in my life. 

I began looking at ordinary decorative items as symbolism when I learned about the Bagua Map, a tool used in Feng Shui. My favorite definition of Feng Shui comes from The Spruce that states it is the practice of arranging pieces in living spaces to create balance with the natural world. My personal way of decorating is a simplified version which I call "decorating with intention." While I'm aware of the symbolic meaning of items, I take it further by creating stories of what a grouping of items means to me.

Another item that can be used to symbolize that you want more of something is an empty vessel. I will often place an empty pretty bowl or vase in a vignette and when I take the time to notice, I remember to tell myself that I'm open for new opportunities. I often place money in a decorative vessel to symbolize that I'm open to more wealth in my life. The picture below shows a dish of coins that I placed in the career area of my office cubicle when I followed the Bagua Map more carefully. In the background, there is a picture of money symbols from around the world, a picture of me giving a presentation, a picture of Brene Brown and Elizabeth Gilbert on stage, a block M, and the words House + Love = Home. At the time, these things were like a hidden message specifically for me. Nobody else would understand unless I told them but it was a symbolic representation of how I was dreaming of my future career. When I took the time to notice these items, it would excite me about the possibilities of what I was working on at that time.

Books are also a decorative item I frequently use that are symbolic of different things. Sometimes they may signify learning and growth to me. Other times, I display them for their pretty colors, words, or pictures. Books can also symbolize pleasure or relaxation because that's my experience when I'm engaging with them. 

If you're not already doing this, I hope you start decorating with intention. Most importantly, create opportunities for yourself to slow down and appreciate the items you own. There is symbolism everywhere! Choose the meanings that resonate with you in the moment and create your own stories. Place your vignettes where you will see them frequently. One of my favorite places is in the corner where my kitchen sink is because I'm standing there often. Sometimes, the simple act of washing dishes and wiping down counters becomes a beautiful ritual that I treasure. 

If you're like me and want to follow more precise instruction, print out a Bagua Map (easily found by a Google search). Use it to identify specific areas of your home or a room and have fun adding symbolic messages with decorative items. I hope that you'll discover, like me, just how uplifting, inspiring, and motivating this can be.