Touch is one of the most personal of the senses. We all have individual comfort zones that surround us and when they are invaded we often feel violated and tense. Think about how it feels to ride a subway during rush hour, not a pleasant experience! While some of us have larger zones than others, most of us average about five-feet of “safe space” around our bodies. This is important to know when “feng-shuiing” your home or office. Imagine what it would feel like when you held your arms out parallel to the floor you ended up touching something. A room needs to flow, to be welcoming to our sense of touch, and that is why it is essential to take into consideration our personal space.
How often have you been at a friends house and their soft (maybe not-so-attractive couch) calls your name, whereas another friends house has a leather couch that does not seem as appealing to sit on. It is important to balance not only the yin and yang but style and functionality as well.
For example:
- Why do so many people insist on placing marble on their bathroom floors? There is nothing worse than stepping out of a hot shower or bath to have your feet greeted by cold marble. If marble is what you are looking for then make sure it is heated.
- A shower curtain made of hemp or cotton is more inviting to use than a clear plastic one.
- A bed with 100% cotton bed sheets as opposed to synthetic ones are much more inviting and pleasing to the senses.
We all know what feels pleasurable to our sense of touch but bringing it into our conscious awareness is the key. There are endless examples of what feels better to our touch and what does not and these will vary based on individual preferences. It is important to address your personal preferences of touch and texture to discover which appeal to you how to implement them into your home or office space.
Words of Advice:
- Try removing things from pathways
- Relocate protruding objects from the wall
- Place rugs on wood floors in winter
- Use a natural fabric bath mat
Try this advice and see if your senses are able experience the difference. Be conscious of the textures in your home or office and be aware of the feeling that they evoke. Keep this in mind the next time you buy new furniture, bedding, towels, etc. You will be pleasantly surprised.
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