Page 33 - The New Age Chronicles Newspaper No 1 Vol 1

Living Creatively with Nature 33

Living Creatively with

Nature

Continued from Page 33

We gathered stones to heat, water to pour
and wood to burn. It became a ritual of seeing,
doing, being, allowing. We created a sacred
mound with an elk bone and deer antlers found
along our journey, to connect us to the animal
spirits. We created fire to heat our souls and
illuminate our hearts. We gathered some good
ol’ Montana sage, rolled into balls and placed on
a tray of pine bark to burn, in order to purify
ourselves and cleanse the layers of feelings and
emotions that create separateness in our modern
world. This brought us more into balance with
ourselves, each other, and the natural life around
us.
The simple act of collecting stones has a
way of grounding our attention closer to the
earth. Once the stones are heated and removed
from the fire, poured water sizzles, spats and
bubbles over the rocks, creating the wet, hot
atmosphere, unleashing the imagination, dreams
and emotions up to the stars. With intention, we
would breathe the steam into our bodies and
release our prayers to the heavens above. We
continued this until the stones were cooled from We named our sauna Kilkipoana, the Finnish Red is stimulating, vibrant and exciting. Red
the water, no longer glowing red as they had word for Turtle. A space designed for going inspires desire with a strong link to sexuality and
inward. Representing our need to slow down increased appetites. In Chinese culture red
moments earlier.
Sensing something was different in the and follow a peaceful path. Forming a sanctuary represents luck and prosperity. Use red when
forest on the cool autumn night, elk were drawn to unplug from the phone and computer, and you want to get pulses racing and to inspire
to take a look the sweat as well. This made us focus on our breath. Indeed, the sauna ignites the action. However, use carefully as red can evoke
realize that we are not so separate from the elk. lost art of being present in the moment. feelings of aggression and cause visual strain.
As creatures on Earth, we all have a primal We are living in an unprecedented time
yearning to explore the curiosities of the world where it’s easy to become focused on the latest Orange Color Meaning – The color of
around us. trends and alternative facts. Those are encouragement. The combination of yellow and
The next morning, we returned to the temporary. red makes orange convey excitement, warmth
Connect with something timeless. Listen and enthusiasm. Social and inviting, this is the
cold stones and cooled ashes of charred wood. It
was a moment to be still, reflect, and share our to wind in the trees. Float down a river. However color of the extrovert, exuding happiness and
visions from the steam filled experience. While you connect to the elements, follow the spark joy, releasing inhibitions. Need to be inspired
staring into the void of chilly morning darkness, and let it ignite your own fire within. into action or have a positive outlook on life?
we imagined how we can bring the wildness of Orange is a motivating and encouraging color.
such a journey into our home of “domestic” life. About the Author: Orange is appealing to young people. It
So, we decided to take our curiosity Kirby Hancock is an architectural stimulates the appetite and is associated with
home to become a regular part of our daily lives, designer, avid outdoorsman, craftsman and healthy good. However, the negative
transforming an old cement slab in the yard founder of Transformative Ecologies, LLC. connotations of orange include insincerity,
Years of building experience shaped his pursuit exhibitionism and self indulgence.
where a tool shed had once been, into a natural
building that can harness the power of steam to for healthier buildings, structures and designs
improve wellbeing. The need for a personal that positively support the human experience Yellow Color Meaning – The color of
sauna to lounge, love and laugh was realized. and connection with the physical world. His optimism. Yellow is a compelling color that
We re-created our adventure from the mountains work serves the needs of people and conveys youthful, fresh energy. This color of
in a new form at our Bozeman home with a communities by fusing human emotions and sunshine is uplifting and illuminating and
Finnish style sweat. It has become a sacred experiences with the use of natural building associated with success and confidence. Yellow
space to us, that physically, mentally and materials, holistic design and engagement with stimulates the left side of the brain, helping with
spiritually alters us and renews us from the the natural world. Inspired by the mountains and clear thinking and quick decision making.
rivers of Montana, he enjoys exploring wild Yellow grabs attention because the eye sees
mundane.
In the few steps taken from the house to places with his significant other and their yellow first. The downside of yellow is that it
the sauna, there is a sensory realignment. energetic bird dog. can induce anxiety and cause one to be over-
Feeling the crunch of snow between the toes, an Website: www.transformativeecologies.com critical. It also signifies cowardice.
autumn breeze on our skin, the soft summer Email: kirbyh@transformativeecologies.com
grass beneath our feet, and getting a glimpse at Phone: 406.589.6957 [] Yellow Color Meaning – The color of
the changing light patterns, remind us of the Color Meanings and optimism. Yellow is a compelling color that
season’s influence that is always around us. conveys youthful, fresh energy. This color of
The process of sauna is meditative. We Psychology sunshine is uplifting and illuminating and
slow down. The sound of the steam on the rocks associated with success and confidence. Yellow
dances in our ears. The smell of cedar calms our stimulates the left side of the brain, helping with
Red Color Meaning – The color of passion and
mind and the warmth seeps deep into our bodies. clear thinking and quick decision making.
drama. This color attracts the most attention and
We listen, we think, we feel. A space made of Yellow grabs attention because the eye sees
is associated with strong emotions such as love
natural elements has a way of soothing the yellow first. The downside of yellow is that it
and anger. Red is the color used universally to
senses. can induce anxiety and cause one to be over-
signify danger, courage, strength, and power. critical. It also signifies cowardice.