Positive Change Now Trending

Trend, on-trend, trendy and trendsetter in the design world can be dangerous words.

The dictionary describes the word “trend” as:  flow, current, now. “the general course or prevailing tendency; drift”

Unfortunately, the word “trend” is perceived as an impermanent thing…  Here today, gone tomorrow.  It’s an ideology that as a Designer I stay clear of.  How could we as a design firm advocating the creation of living spaces that embrace classic longevity, ecology, health and wellness cave in to the latest “trend”?  I’ll tell you.  When the latest and greatest “trends” fall into line with what we are endorsing and promoting.

As the calendar year ends and a new year begins we tend to look back at what was and ahead to what will be.  The endless top 10 “trends” lists, crystal ball gazing and wild predictions of the near future shouldn’t influence your hopes, dreams and desires.  Our company and personal goals are set, intentions stated, positive vibrations embraced and ready with gratitude for the gifts we have asked of the Universe.

So to avoid being trapped in Trendsville we will be moving forward creating the cutting edge, pushing the envelope and pursuing positive change in our world.  Let’s see if that “trend” catches on… 2016 has been great so far!!

Green Jobs | A little Speech

While juggling a few different things in business right now, I have an exciting update on a recent event we were very pleased to participate in. Canadian Green Building Council (CaGBC) had invited us, well… Katherine, to speak to students and those interested in a career that revolved around the environment. The speakers promoted passion but also sustainable business structures to help inspire those interested in this field.

With approximately 50+ students and those interested in changing career paths, it was actually a larger turn out than we expected. The few other speakers were engineers and large corporate businesses focusing on sustainable environmental factors from a much larger scale.

With a quick speech from most speakers, Katherine insisted on telling us where she got started in the business. When we spoke to the many people eager to chat with us, they seemed inspired and enlightened to find a natural business… on a smaller scale. This made us very happy!

Of course our evening went much longer than we anticipated… with hearing hopes and dreams from many others, we attempted to guide them in the best direction possible to help achieve their goals. It made us both so excited to see so many eager faces ready to jump into the work of environmental design (and living!).

Suffice to say, Katherine enjoyed telling her story so much she (and I) can’t wait to go and do something like this again! Despite her recovering from illness, she did very well in her speech… come take a look for yourself!

Designs From the Mat … Finding Creativity in all the Right Places

My mat of choice, at one time not long ago, was in a dojo for martial arts. Despite the joy of punching, kicking and throwing others to the ground… and reciprocated… that practice didn’t allow for contemplative time not to mention the unexplained bruising.  Time and space that I use for planning spaces ended up being in bed at night when I should otherwise be sleeping soundly… not possible when working out spacial challenges and clients’ expectations. Fortuitously, an injury to my foot led me away from the combat arts.  The kinder, gentler me has taken to the yoga mat and found peace and a better time and place to be creative.

Besides reducing blood pressure, improving sleep or relieving body pain, mindfulness helps creativity.  Meditation quiets the mind and allows the brain more room for creative thought.  Everyone is creative, not just artist, writers or musicians.  We all carry out tasks in our daily lives that require us to think creatively to solve, improve, nurture or manage.  Finding a connection to your creative self is not always as simple as bruised toes.  Your journey will differ from anyone else.  There are studies to verify the positive aspects of all sides of the creative spectrum.  Find and nurture what works best for you.

Everyone’s creative process differs.  Even my own depending on what challenge I’m working on such as writing.  I prefer a busy coffee shop and a deadline to achieve my best work.  Then when I’m on the computer laying out spaces or drawing plans with AutoCAD, I want quiet, no distractions. Doing math… Do not disturb.

“If a cluttered desk is a sign of a cluttered mind, of what, then, is an empty desk a sign?” ~ Albert Einstein

Silence your inner critic. Talk your ideas over with someone who will listen but not be unkind to your thoughts.  Be creative with your love. Share it often.

I’m done writing… out of coffee … back to the yoga mat. I’ve got a new smoothie bar that needs some creative attention!!