What We Hang On Our Walls Matters
The impact of our intimate spaces is shaped by the objects around us. Photos, art, and other items on our walls cocoon us in personal significance or intellectual appreciation, but are we aware of the emotions they elicit—emotions we absorb both day and night?
When I moved to my new home, I began to arrange a collection of pictures of my son that meant a lot to me at my old place. I wanted to find the perfect place for them, where I could see them from my bed. But then I stopped. You see, my son turned eighteen last year and moved away to study. Every time I look at those pictures, I'm reminded of how much I miss him. This is not the feeling I want just before I go to sleep. Sure, I shouldn't ignore or bottle up my feelings, but there's a time and place for everything.
What we hang on our walls matters. We want to create an environment of beauty, comfort, joy, and energy, and also of positivity. When it's time to deal with difficult emotions, this environment will be the space that nurtures and supports us.
It is easy to become so familiar with our surroundings to the point where we don't notice its beauty anymore. But when we do take the time to live in the moment—perhaps allowing ourselves to take in a beautiful painting or the view from a window, contemplating colour, form, the flow of light, or the play of shadow—such pondering can bring us stillness and peace. It can flood our bodies with joy and energy.
Consider, for example, this photo of a wall in my new home, in a space where I spend most of my time. It encapsulates a unique essence of who I am, my unique imprint: one of my first sketches, of Susan Sarandon, whom I admire as a human being. Three photographs of Syrian historical sites that evoke a wonderful visit with friends and family long ago. A needlepoint by my amazing sister. An experimental print by my friend, artist Cecilia Feng. An early watercolour I painted, still one of my favourites. An art student's multi-media piece, purchased in a Calgary cafe while having a blast with a good friend. And finally, a handmade clay cross from Mexico—broken, glued and taped in three places—reminding me of the funny little comments my son used to make about my clumsiness.
This wall makes me smile. It brings warmth to my heart.
Look around you. Rediscover how your walls reflect you, the feelings they provoke that you carry with you all day and night. Consider how much—and in what ways—your surroundings touch you.
Check out “The role of art in our wellbeing” article for further exploration.
Wanna Learn More?