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elements of dining and the dining room are related to earth. This is a place where
we replenish our bodies with the earth's harvest- a place of gathering- conversation-relaxation-interaction.
It also is a place of friendship and relationships, as we don't often invite unwanted
people to share our meals with us.
The dining room is one of the rooms
often left out of modern home design, or it is incorporated into a large open
style layout as an extension of the kitchen and living room. The busy lifestyles
of today and the breakdown of the traditional family unit have left the art of
the dining room either absent or not used.
The essence of the dining room
combines a feeling of warmth and gathering with an overtone of respect. Rushing
through a meal served on a beautiful dining room table feels inappropriate. We
often come to the table in resistance, as we have somewhere to go, and find ourselves
relaxing, unwinding, and actually tasting and enjoying our meal. The need to honor
ourselves, traditions, and each other is critical in these chaotic times. Cell
phone, home phones, television, and texting messages can be put on hold for a
quiet hour. Our health will benefit, and our relationships will glow. If the table
is large, and there is only one or two dining, set one side of the table to gather
in the energy and create an intimate ambiance. Set the table with beautiful linens
and candles.
In designing a dining room, choose dining room seating that
is strong and secure, supporting the diner in comfort.
The style of the table
is a personal preference, just watch for dangerous sharp edges and points.
Do
not have table toes or legs protruding out to hit your knees or bump your toes..
Take time to sit in the chairs and notice the back of thee chair.. Does it poke
you or feel uncomfortable?
Avoid King and Queen seatings, with all the servants
at your sides. Use equal style chairs around the table.
The table shape defines
the energy dynamic of the room. A square table represents earth, and is desired
by many
Oriental families for the energy of balance and grounding. A round
table invites conversation and full equality in power, such as King Arthur's Knights
of the Round Table. Rectangular tables are popular, and are often set up in a
formal style with the power seats at each end of the table.
Lighting over
the table is traditional and creates a beautiful atomosphere. Avoid ceiling fans
over a table as they create a cutting disturbing energy. Mirrors are often a topic
of controversy. The benefits of a mirror is that it doubles the view of the table,
symbolically doubling "wealth". The negative aspect of a large mirror
in the dining room is that it can cause diners to rush.
Colors are another
deep topic incorporating personal preference, style, room location, and energetic.
A general color recommendation for a dining room is a soft orange or peach as
it represents gathering, conversation and joy.
Artwork representing a full
harvest, including portraits of beautiful fruits, flowers, and landscapes. Feng
shui professionals can guide the choices to enhance the area of the home by including
important elements and symbolism. Enjoy
! Renae Jensen
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