Have you ever walked by a room with beams of sunlight streaming in and noticed how inviting it was? Perhaps sunlight was shining on a comfortable bed or sofa, or even just a bright sunny patch on the floor? Cats waste no time finding these spaces to occupy, and we, too, are naturally drawn to them.

We can use this “sunny window effect” to support us in any area or activity of our home depending on which needs and goals we want to enhance. When the sun is shining into a space we feel drawn in, it’s much more attractive than when the sun is hidden behind clouds or curtains. Even an already beautiful room is more appealing when the sun shines in.

Knowing this sunny window effect is a universal experience, think about the activities you would like to encourage and support. If, for example, you want to make sure to keep on top of your reading list, placing a reading room or study in a location of the home that gets direct sun exposure can give a little support and encouragement. A nice sunny reading nook is a good place to spend some time each day, or a couple of hours each week if that is all the time you can manage.

What kinds of activities would you like to encourage? Cooking, exercising, practicing a favorite instrument, doing more artwork, or crafting? We can use the sunny window effect and our natural response to it to help us reach our goals, and enrich our lives.

It can also aid us in doing things that are essential to running the bigger picture of our lives, even though we might not especially enjoy these activities. It is not hard to image how setting ourselves up in a sunny window can make paying bills, folding laundry, or changing diapers a little more pleasant. We will explore more opportunities to apply the sunny window effect as we go through the essential spaces chapters…

Note: This writing is excerpted from the book Conscious Home Design – The Guide to Living Your Best Life by Designing for Happiness, Health, and Relationship Success. Conscious Home Design is available through your favorite retailer or online bookseller. You can also download a free copy on my website here: https://conscioushomedesign.com/book