A day when I learn something new is a day well spent. My Dad had something to say about that. It’s no surprise that spending time in certain environments can support learning, and in others detract from it, thus since school has resumed, we’re focusing on classes and classrooms.

As an example, I saw a news broadcast about an Illinois school that is experiencing more violence so they installed metal detectors and heightened security. I couldn’t help but notice the lockers in the hallway are painted red. I wonder if they know that can be a trigger. Red is a fight or flight color. It resonates at a high frequency which means it emits strong energy. When the eye’s pupils see it, they typically enlarge. The heart can beat faster. We can become more agitated or aggressive. In a school riddled with violence, I’d minimize red – as a matter of fact, I minimize red in learning and health centers.

What are your thoughts? Are there other ways to create a positive learning environment? You bet! Of course, architects incorporate such principles as light and natural, renewable resources, but I’m talking about something else. Choosing colors based on the Feng Shui energy of a building (based on formulas and algorithms) can help Jimmy stay awake versus snooze. Appropriately selected colors can help Janie focus rather than daydream. Beyond colors, there are buildings that attract abuse (drug, physical, mental, animal, etc.). That’s why Feng Shui is an important equation to the building/renovation process. As a matter of fact, the Feng Shui of a building can lessen occupant stress (administrators, teachers, as well as students). A case study about this is forthcoming.

Having talked with teachers and guards from Ohio Education Association/National Education Association, a concern arises that they can’t paint their classroom (as an example) and don’t have control of the environment (which means the environment controls them). Two thoughts about that: 1) That’s why we coined the phrase, manage your environment consciously, or unconsciously it manages you©; and 2) if there’s a will (or need), there’s a way. I’ve heard back from teachers and prison guards that what we discussed made a difference!

One of my favorite Native American sayings is we didn’t inherit the Earth from our forefathers, we’re borrowing it from our children. We can do more to help our and our children’s learning environment. Learn how.

May you be exceedingly, generously, and joyfully blessed,©
~Diana