BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR: HOME AND SPIRITUALITY
Deep
down, we all long for a place where our heart and soul can belong, and our mind
feels at home. We often think of home as just a physical structure, but in
essence, it's so much more. Home is a place that gives us a sense of safety,
comfort, and love, where we reminisce, laugh, and our spirits soar.
WHAT IS YOUR DEFINITION OF HOME?
As
we journey through life, our idea of home evolves, growing with us, comforting
us in hard times, and celebrating our triumphs. Home reflects our values,
beliefs, and dreams. It’s a symbol of our strength, creativity, and capacity to
love.
Despite
its intangible nature, home is a intrinsic human need, a universal yearning
that transcends cultures, borders, and generations. It's a place where we can
be whoever we want to be, it's where we find peace, it's where we feel alive
and most importantly it's where we feel safe.
“I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” ― Maya Angelou
Let’s
discover the art through which a house can be transformed into a Home.
A HOUSE IS NOT A HOME
A
house is merely a physical structure, a collection of material things like
walls and furniture, whereas a home is a sanctuary that nurtures the soul and
is built with intangible elements of love and care. A house provides shelter
from the elements, but a home provides comfort and solace from life's
challenges. A house is a physical space, but a home is an emotional haven
filled with memories, laughter, and love. While a house can be built with
bricks and mortar, a home is built with the intangible threads of family,
friendship, and community. A house is a mere physical existence. A home, on the
other hand, is a living, breathing entity that pulses with warmth, security,
and a sense of belonging. Ultimately, the home is a place where you return to
after draining your mind and body.
CREATING A HOME: THE PHYSICAL ASPECT
Bricks
and mortar, walls and windows, a physical habitat is the tangible
representation of our deepest desires for safety, comfort, and belonging. A
physical structure is the foundation of a home, providing shelter from the
outside world and a sense of safety within its walls. A house is more than just
a roof over our heads; it’s a nest that satisfies our basic needs for warmth, consolation,
and tranquillity.
A
physical house offers us a sense of permanence and stability, a place where we
can establish roots and create memories. It provides us with a space to rest,
recharge, and refocus, allowing us to face the challenges of life with renewed
energy and determination. The physical aspect of home is essential to our
well-being, as it directly impacts our physical and mental health.
By carefully
curating and designing our physical space, we can create an environment that
exudes warmth and cosiness, providing a sense of belonging and safety at first
sight. Consider incorporating elements like:
Soft lighting and calming colours
Cozy textures and inviting furniture
Nature-inspired elements and plants
Personal touches and sentimental decor
By
intentionally designing our physical space, we can create a sanctuary that
envelops us in a sense of security, comfort, and belonging, the moment we step
inside.
CREATING A HOME: THE INTANGIBLE ASPECT
Beyond
the walls and roof, a home is made of intangible qualities such as memories,
love, and laughter. It's the place where our hearts feel most at ease, where we
can be our true selves without judgment, and where we create meaningful
moments. Our emotional connections with loved ones, memories we create
together, and laughter we share in our homes make a space feel special.
It's
the late-night chatter that spills into the early hours, family traditions that
become treasured rituals, and inside jokes that only make sense to those who
share our walls. It's the smell of freshly cooked meals, the sound of
whispering from the cozy corner, and the feel of a warm embrace on a cold day.
Feeling
safe, secure, and accepted by our loved ones is what makes a house a home. It's
a sanctuary from the outside world where we can be vulnerable and truly
ourselves.
THE SOUL OF A HOME
The
soul of a home is the unique character and personality that a space develops
over time, reflecting the aura of people who live there. It’s the sum of the
memories, experiences, and emotions that have occurred within the boundaries, making it feel truly special. The
soul of a nest is evident in various aspects, including:
Family photos and heirlooms on display, telling the story of a family’s history and values.
Cozy reading nook with a favourite armchair and a collection of beloved books, representing a love of literature and learning.
Well-worn kitchen table where countless meals and conversations have taken place, representing a home’s role as a hub for connection and nourishment.
Colourful garden or vibrant artwork, expressing the creativity and personality of the home’s inhabitants.
Comfortable and inviting living room where friends and family gather, symbolizing warmth and hospitality.
Home office or studio where creative work or hobbies are pursued, reflecting a passion for innovation and self-expression.
Collection of sentimental objects or mementos, such as a grandmother’s antique vase or a child’s artwork, holding emotional significance and telling the story of a family’s history.
By
recognizing and nurturing these aspects, we can care for the soul of our home,
just as we would care for our own souls. This care and attention help to create
a space that truly feels like a reflection of ourselves and our loved ones, a
space that provides comfort, inspiration, and a sense of belonging.
CREATING A HOME BEYOND BRICK AND MORTAR
As I
sit in my cozy living room, surrounded by the warmth and love of my family, I
am reminded of the journey it took to create this sense of home. For years, I
struggled to find a place that felt like my own, a place where I could rest my
heart and build a life. I moved from apartment to apartment, never quite
feeling like I belonged. But one day, I realized that home was not just a
physical structure, but a sense of comfort, security, and love that I could
create for myself and my family.
After
that realization, I started building a home from a house. I began by creating
an environment where everyone feels loved and cared for. Where after a tiring
and hectic day, we all sit down to enjoy a home-cooked happy meal and discuss
everything that has happened during the day. Where on weekends, we stay up late
and gossip all night long with a cup of coffee or a bucket of our favourite ice
cream. To me, home is a place that gives me the feeling that I am untouchable.
No matter what, my family would always be standing beside me, to support me and
guide me. Similarly, I would also put my needs aside to comfort my family in
times of need. For me, home is the safest place on the planet that anyone could
ever wish for.
CONCLUSION (Building a Home from a house)
As
we conclude this journey of rediscovering the true meaning of home, let us
remember that a house is not just a architectural framework, but a sanctuary of
comfort, security, and love. It is a place where memories are created, laughter
echoes, and tears are dried. Let us make our homes a true reflection of our
soul, a place where we can be our genuine selves, and where our loved ones can
feel seen, heard, and loved. We must also honour the struggles and triumphs of
the family in creating a home through sacrifices and sharing that transcends
brick and mortar. Let us cherish and nurture this sense of home, and may it
forever be a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration to us all.
“The ache for home lives in all of us. The safe place where we can go as we are and not be questioned.”― Maya Angelou
