Play. 5 Simple Ways To Encourage Interaction With A Space.

7:10000, what in the world is that? The ratio of our brain input. As we walk into a space, in one second, just one single second, our logical, conscious mind, left side of the brain, takes in and processes 7 inputs (possibly smell, light, sound). 10000 inputs are taken in by our creative, right side of the brain, the inputs that go directly to our subconscious mind.

Ever have the experience where you walk into a room and you  feel the need to become quiet, or the opposite experience, where you walk into a lively, colorful room, and you just can't help smiling or babbling?  Well now you know ... it's the 10000 inputs/second that our creative side of the brain is taking in. Who knew!

So where does interaction with space come in ? What do I mean by that and why even do it?

We are in constant energetic dialog with our immediate space (home, office, cubicle, whatever space we spend time in).  By now most of us are on board with the idea that everything is energy, a vibration.

The structures around us are made of 5 gross elements (water, fire, air, earth, and space) and 3 subtle elements (sound, light, and time). The gross elements absorb sound, light, and energetic vibrations. The air (gross element) around us absorbs our feelings and emotions (energetic vibrations)....ever walk into a room after an argument?  Even if the people arguing aren't there anymore most of us are able to sense the uneasiness. Or walk into an empty room right after a fun party....you almost always feel uplifted.

So what is interaction with space?

Interaction with space means setting up a small area/object/space that encourages us to interact with it, play with it or be driven to take some action with it. It could be as simple as placing bells in such a way that anyone walking by is tempted to ring them.  Placing a few blocks on the table (open and accessible ... you want to encourage anyone present to build with it) 

Companies at the top of their game, companies like Facebook, Google, Microsoft and Box among others —make their employees' office work spaces creative, fun, interactive, and colorful. Their strategies are based on research showing that employees do their most creative and best work (which translates to more money) when they are encouraged to express themselves, play, and have fun. Such an environment fosters open communication, stronger interpersonal relationships, and happier places to be.

Now why would I want to create such spaces in my home? I don't have the time for this! 

It has been observed that children (in particular) and people we share our living spaces with are constantly changing their behavior with us based on the subconscious inputs they receive from our living space. Remember the 7:10000? Well the 10000 inputs/second direct to our subconscious is driving our relationships! 

Homes where interaction with space, fun, and play are subtly found in the living environment have happier people. Children in such homes are more likely to share their thoughts with family (especially issues like bullying, depression, and peer pressure they may be facing outside the house). Couples are more communicative. There have been fewer incidents of drug and substance abuse in people coming from homes where there is open communication. 

Here are 5 simple ways to encourage interaction with a space, be it your office, your cubicle, your home or your dorm room.

1. Doodling. Paint a small section of a wall with chalk board paint. A dry erase marker board with easily accessible colorful markers hung where there is the most traffic in the space. Even fun erasable window markers will do fine. Remember to set the inspiration going by doodling something fun and simple.

2. The Color Yellow. Paint a section of the wall where you spend time with most members in a beautiful yellow. You could even use bright yellows in accents. The color yellow (at the subconscious level) brings forth uplifting feelings, optimism, and encourages communication

3. Play. Set up small stations (on side tables, window ledges, get creative! ) with a few Lego bricks, puzzles, wooden blocks, and toys. Again remember to set the inspiration going so that people are encouraged to play with it.

4. Personalize. It is very important to allow all members to personalize their own space. When we are allowed to personalize our space, we immediately feel at home, become elated/uplifted, and 'emit' positive vibrations. So anyone else coming into that space will immediately feel the positivity vibrations (remember, air, a gross element, absorbs feelings).

5. Bells/Gongs/Singing Bowls. These are a fun way to put in some interaction with space. They encourage you to ring them. Another interesting fact about bells esp Tibetan bells, Temple Bells, bells made of brass and the special bell metal : they help 'clear' the space. As we've mentioned the space around us absorbs sound, light, and energetic vibrations from living things. Bells and gongs emit vibrations outside the human audible range that help 'clean up' or 'clear' the air. 

 

Have you ever walked into a room after a fun event? How did it feel? Was it positive? Was it negative?

If you have fun ways to encourage interaction with a space that have worked for you let us know in the comments below.