How can we mindfully make our houses and spaces more open to nature?

[Anonymous]

Greetings, everyone,

I live in the US and have, over the years begun to really notice how “sterile” we make ourselves – we live in boxes completely sealed off from nature (which is how we are typically buried as well), we go to work in bigger boxes completely sealed off from nature, we sterilize our yards with pesticides, it is basically a crime to go barefoot and feel our earth when go into public (no shirt, no shoes, no service), and we generally try to put nature into a sort of box that we can control (putting the trees in a “tree museum” as the song goes).

While I would welcome your thoughts about all of these things and how we in the west can return to a relationship or connection with our mother earth without destruction but through peace and understanding, what I really seek is what we can do if we happen to live in a suburban house or condo and still be connected to nature without making conditions worse. What I mean is that generally a central air system helps to prevent mold, and just opening the windows permanently in the spring and summer and then shutting everything in the winter would invite mold to begin growing. Does someone know of a way to “modify” the current western home into something more natural, where nature’s breath of life can meet us? I would welcome any of your thoughts and ideas.

[Anonymous]

Hi! Great topic. I guess using organic disinfectants, organic sanitizers and keeping a plant beside the window is a great start.

[Anonymous]

Many many things. The living conditions you describe could be far worse.

Just do one thing at a time and pretty soon it will all be transformed.

– get rid of the chemicals … you can probably wash most things with hot water and lemon juice … try it it’s fun, look up old home remedies

– cosmetics … I threw out everything, shampo, face wash, shaving foam etc… and now just do it old style with a safety razor, soap and brush … soap to wash myself, simple shampoo … nothing else … saving a fortune

– garden … not an expert here but you better be sure that if you are using “Roundup” in your garden you are turning into a poison field …

– indoor healthy plants … get some, you kind find some that purify the air … I have an Anthereum which is nice

– ventilation … do you have mould problems ? Well certainly Air-Con is a total disaster … perhaps having sunshade blinds and leaving the windows open, some combination like that, would give you the right internal temperature

– many many things you can do … just start trying things, bit by bit, month by month

[Anonymous]

You can put some indoor plants and keep your stuff to a minimum to increase the space. Organic air-fresheners and natural aromatic oil will at least make the atmosphere at your home closer to nature.

[Author]

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