Feel the vacation feels...right at home

I recently returned from a glorious week in Spain. While there, we meandered through the narrow Gothic passageways of Barcelona, hiked up and around old volcanoes in the countryside, and traversed the narrow staircases lining the waters on the Costa Brava. It seemed like each time we turned a corner, there was another breathtaking view to behold.

At the shore, turquoise waters surrounded a rocky shoreline, dotted with old castles, cacti and wild flowers. Further inland, a charming city built long ago, was adorned with colorful buildings curving along a winding, green river. In Barcelona, lively city squares, built of old stone, smelled of fresh seafood and echoed with faint music, laughter and camaraderie. My senses reveled in the now. No time to think about everyday stressors. It was too stimulating to not to be fully present and just enjoy.

Recently, I've noticed how focusing on input from my senses takes me out of my head and puts me clearly in the here and now. The things I find really joyful usually come in small packages, and these things generally stimulate my senses in some way: a warm breeze on my face, a beautiful sunset, the smell of fresh herbs on a terrace patio….

Sitting on sun-kissed stones, gazing over azure waters, I wondered how I could bring this feeling home with me. How could I make my own spaces illicit joy, bring me peace, and help me stay fully present in the moment?

A few thoughts came to me. I think they'll help me capture some of the feeling I got from my Spanish adventure. Maybe they'll help you find your peace and presence, too.

1) For a fresh start, clear the clutter. You'd be surprised how much better you feel when you're space is organized and free of piles. They say your space is a reflection of your mind, but you can change your mind by changing your space! Clearing your environment can help you feel calmer and more organized. No need to get out the heavy equipment and excavate… start small by choosing one area you'd like to reorganize—a desk or nook, perhaps. For best value, tackle a place you'll enjoy immediately after the clutter is gone.

2) Bring in plants. They make your rooms, literally, come alive. Growing fresh greens in and around your home not only cleans the air you breathe but also has been shown to increase feelings of peace and decrease symptoms of depression and anxiety. Plants also give color, shape, and movement to a space. There are so many varieties available, both large and small. Some prefer well lit areas and some need lots of attention. Choose according to the environment it will inhabit and your willingness to care for its needs.

3) Think about the kind of energy you'd like your space to inspire. How do certain colors make you feel? Generally speaking, warm hues like reds, oranges and yellows bring feelings of comfort, passion and power. Cool colors like blues, greens and purples are typically calming. To test this, you can imagine yourself surrounded by a color and see if it brings up anything for you. Your body will tell you. When you find a color that resonates in a way you desire, use it heavily or just as an accent. The options are endless.

4) For me, textures also help create the vibe. Earthy things ground me and bring me peace, so I lean toward accent pieces made with wood, rattans, ropes, canvas and other natural elements. If you like to feel powerful, you may like metals and geometrics. If you’re going for dreamy, florals may be your jam. Getting creative with picture frames, accent pillows, tablecloths, planters and other decorative pieces can bring the whole project home.

5) Finally, surround yourself with mementos that are meaningful to you. This can be as simple as setting out grandma’s teapot or stacking a few of your favorite books on a nearby end table—anything that lifts your spirit. Blowing up pictures from your travels and mounting them on the wall or even setting out tray of sand and seashells from your favorite beach can make the experience of being in your space feel comforting and special to you and anyone lucky enough to share it.

So, clearly, I have a project on my hands… I’m looking forward to seeing what takes shape.

And now that the weather’s getting nicer, I’ll have some outside spaces to tackle as well.

Have an area you want to make magical? Share your progress in the comments below.