Home Environment

(The first three pictures above are the "old" kitchen, and the last three are the "new".)


Is it wrong to love your kitchen and want to kiss it? If so, then I'm guilty as charged!


For over 10 years, I've wanted a different kitchen floor. This Fall, we finally did it. The whole project became a bit of an ordeal. To get the new floor we had to install a new dishwasher and sliding glass door. It seems that our old dishwasher had metal brackets all the way to the floor and it starting a slow leak just before the new floor plan. (Much nicer than just after the wood laminate was put in!)


The previous sliding glass door was commercial grade and actually slid on top of the vinyl. Not really a great idea, especially for wood.


Originally the kitchen's colors were black and white. This is something my previous husband really liked. Not so much my taste, but in any marriage you make compromises. So to add some color, we painted the walls red (yes, red!), got a new kitchen light (my partner, Mike, thought the old fixture looked like a space ship), and purchased my first wooden kitchen table!


All said, the project cost about $6,000 and took almost six months.


Now when I enter the kitchen (even though I'd still like to change the black and white cabinets and counter tops), I feel a sense of comfort. And, yes, I have lied down and kissed the floor.


I realize attachment is not a positive, and in Buddhism it's touted as the reason for all suffering. In Yoga, we practice letting go every class during savasana/corpse.


However, I simply LOVE our new kitchen!


This reminds me of something a wise friend once asked. At the time, I was working as an engineer from home and feeling unsatisfied with it. However, the money was great, and it allowed me to stay home with my boys. Sarah, my friend, asked, "What does your work space look like?"


I stared blankly at her.


"Do you light candles? Incense? Is there artwork that you love?"


"Well, no." I still wasn't sure what this had to do with my job.


"Then go home and set up a new space. Get some pictures that you like and set a ritual that is meaningful to you. Do this each time you begin your work day."


Honestly, I had no idea what an impact this would have on me. I went to IKEA and purchased two very colorful pieces of art. I put up some fun trinkets people had given me -- a bobble head turtle, gumby, and a dancing elephant statue. Every morning I lit a candle, even though it was day time and enjoyed some incense. And you know what? I felt better.


My mind was calmer and more focused. My muscles relaxed a bit as I worked.


The point is, our environment really matters! Fill your home with things you love, maybe even kiss a newly painted wall or hug your comfy couch!


Who knows, maybe falling in love with a kitchen isn't so crazy after all.

Love Much,

Kris
http://www.totalhealthyoga.com/
http://www.totalhealthyogaclasses.blogspot.com/

Today is the first day of the rest of your life!