1- In order to truly absorb knowledge and make it your own 
we each need a place where we can spend time studying, sorting
out our life or simply dreaming. It is often be difficult to separate 
our personal talents and interests from the expectations of others; 
we need some time alone. Perhaps we want to try writing poetry 
or dream of building our own boat.  We may not be ready to 
announce our plans to the world; we need a place and time to 
experiment with possibilities. 

This personal space may simply be a corner of the room secluded 
from the traffic in the house.  Perhaps there is a shelf for your 
favorite books or you may have a small disc player with earphones 
to listen to music that you love. Sometimes it's a matter of timing. 
You may decide to get up early and spend time at the kitchen table
reading alone, or retreat into the bedroom to write while the family 
is watching TV in the evening.  Be creative about this. How can 
you find a bit of space and time for you? How about the rest of 
your family? Do they each have a bit of personal space?

2-We need to have a sense of seclusion and safety in this special place.  
Some of us may need to explain to our family that a certain time is for us 
alone and we would prefer no interruptions; others may find simply 
arranging their space a bit away from others is all they need. You will 
have to discover what works for you.  We each have different needs 
and tolerance of distractions.

Also consider the feeling you get in your special space.  Does it feel 
warm and inviting?  If not perhaps a lamp or more comfortable chair
will make all the difference. Moving a desk to face the door or your 
chair to face the hall can keep you from being startled out of your 
reverie. Are the materials you need at hand so you can sit down and 
engage in your interests without a great deal of preparation? 
This spot is yours so consider what YOU want there.

3-A home is not showplace but instead it is a delightful reflection 
of the personalities and interests of the family living there.  
Each person needs a bit of space that expresses their unique 
interests and the house as a whole needs to feel comfortable to 
everyone. Compromise is necessary of course, but overall your
home can develop a character that fits your family.

Often we have things in our home that no longer suit us.  Look 
through each room in your house and notice which pictures and 
decorations mean something to you and your family. Often we 
leave a picture up that was a gift or a long ago purchase when we 
really don't like it that much.  Perhaps we never did or perhaps our 
taste has changed.  Your home is a living changing thing that
reflects the living changing people who live there. 

4-As humans we are biological creatures and we need to have living, 
growing things around us. We are comforted by soft fabrics, floral 
decor and objects made from wood.  Natural light is always more 
warming andwhere you must use artificial light use natural spectrum
light when possible.  

How we care for our plants is an indictor of how we care for ourselves.
If you're one who says you can't keep a plant alive think about yourself 
for a minute.  How are you doing on keeping YOU alive and healthy?  
What changes can you make in your life that will make you more aware 
of your health and the health of your plants? 

If raising plants simply doesn't interest you silk plants and flowers 
can be a beautiful substitute. They will still bring those soft lines 
and sense of life into your home.