"No Place Like Home"

I don't think you have to see The Wizard of Oz to appreciate what those words mean........there's no place like home. You only have to venture out, either someplace far away or not so far away and realize how precious your own space is, especially when you're not feeling well. But what is it about our space....our home, that is so comforting to us? Does it have to do with what is in our homes.....the smell....the location....who is there with us? That's a really good question for us all to ponder, because I believe that in the future, it will help remind us that even when we do venture out, we have the safety of our homes to comfort us when we return.


As much as we all have to accept the fact that the world functions with us in it, the world is also counting on how we spend our down time in order to replenish our energy and minds so that we can stay on top of our respective jobs. I would hate to see the world as a sea of insomniacs living on the edge each day, wondering who was going to explode next. So our space, our respite, our hiding place from the world is really one of the most important things that we have on this earth, so it's no wonder I would be interested in what makes it the haven that it is?


It's always fun and downright helpful for us all to step away into another space, if for no other reason than to appreciate the one we left behind, but I'm wondering if we often take those things that bring us comfort for granted. After all, it's just stuff...just a home......a place in which to dwell so we aren't laying around in the streets. What is it exactly that makes a space or home so comforting, and if it isn't, what could you do in order to make it that way? For after all.....you know me and looking at things that can be changed. We can't control very much, so I grab hold of those things I can change.....and every day.


I've talked some about those things in my space that have been passed on to me by people I know or have no clue about.....enjoying them, soaking up their energy, and then passing them onto the next person. I guess I'm talking more about the energy of your space. Is it open and clear, which is how we want our minds to be.....everyone wants that. Or is it cluttered and busy? Are things situated so that when it is time to rest, it brings comfort instead of chaos? Being careful to realize, I am not talking about becoming a type "A" personality where if things are not in order, it implies a serious character flaw. I'm talking about what your space does to your mind. Does it make you want to leave most often, wish you were in someone elses space, constantly wondering what it is that's actually missing?

I believe a huge clue here is not really taking the time to realize what is actually good for you, your mind and your body. After all, we are all made completely different in so many different ways. What affects my body, weakens it, energizes it, or brings it peace can be completely different than how the next person experiences his/her surroundings. The sooner we realize that, the more peace the whole world will experience. My body craves quiet, living alone, and being around people who are kind and understanding to me as well as others. My childhood was not your typical Leave It To Beaver, as much as I craved that sort of environment, my reality was quite different. So there is good reason why I need to be surrounded by the comforts of peace and quiet.

On the other hand, some people are energized by activity, lots of people, and are not so sensitive to their surroundings. That's great....it really is. My point here is not that one lifestyle is better or more appropriate than the other, it's finding the one that works for you. The one that brings you the most comfort at the end of the day, whether you're sick or well. I think it's important that we not only recognize what feeds our soul when we venture out into the world, but more importantly what feeds our soul when we're in our own home. Whether you feel your space right now is temporary or permanent, take time to look around and take in what it offers you emotionally and spiritually.

Find those things that hold memories and feelings......that bring comfort and peace, and let the other stuff go. After a while you'll be able to walk in each room of your house or apartment, and connect with everything that surrounds you, for these are the things that you will treasure when you venture out and hunger to return to.