Six Ways to Create Healing Environments

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Six Ways to Create Healing Environments

Adapted from Enlightened by Design,

by Helen Berliner (Shambhala Publications, 1999).

Learning how to create an intentional healing environment is important for maintaining good health, and especially of value if you have a loved one who is ailing. The use of colors, ways to lift loneliness and depression, the invalid's choice of lighting, and the very symbolic meaning of the objects and pictures surrounding them, are all important.

Here are six guidelines that will clarify how best to make the surroundings of anyone who is sick the most renewing, serene, and healing possible.

1. Purity - of air, physical surroundings, medicinal supplies, food, and water - is essential.

2. Focus/form makes your vision of healing/health a reality and shapes clear-cut ways to reach your goal.

3. Order and simplicity help compromised energy and the energy of caregivers to move easily in the space. (Chaos and complexity are too demanding.)

4. Sight lines are especially important for bedridden patients. If a room doesn't have an uplifted view, bring in artwork, create a wall installation with backdrop and flowers.

5. Meaning can be introduced by placing meaningful pictures and objects where they can be easily seen or reached.

6. Peace--in the form of a peaceful, cool space that is undemanding--supports recovery.