Sacred Design Tips: Textiles

As with furniture, so with textiles and bed accessories. We ought to pay as much attention to what we wrap around our bodies as to what we put into them. Most of us unwittingly wrap or cover ourselves in materials that have been heavily treated with toxic pesticides. Traditionally, cotton sheets are the norm for bedding. They are more body-friendly, comfortable and of better quality than synthetic fabrics. But shockingly, in the United States, one fourth of all pesticides used are applied to one crop – cotton. Roughly a third of a pound of synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used to grow enough cotton for a t-shirt. (sustainablecotton.org) And cotton grown in third world countries isn’t much better. Scary, isn’t it?
So support healthy, eco-friendly cotton and reduce the health risks for your family by purchasing organic cotton sheets and clothing. A number of organic cotton sheet sets with thread counts of over 300 are available for under $100. And 1000 thread count organic sets are available for the luxury shopper as well. Finding them is as easy as heading to Bed Bath and Beyond, or going online. Either way, it’s worth the trip and the extra expense.

Cheap carpeting and bed accessory fabrics are harsh on the body. They disturb the subconscious and creates disharmony, making you feel less than completely relaxed. Part of this effect is the quality itself. Another part of it is the message you give to yourself when you buy inferior bedroom items. You’re basically saying, “You’re not worth the extra expense.” So always invest in quality when it comes to bedroom carpets, blankets, sheets, pillows and pillowcases. You don’t have to buy absolutely top of the line. But buy quality. Your comfort and well-being are worth a little extra expense. The difference between cheap items and quality items monetarily is affordable, and its noticeable.

By choosing textiles imbued with spirit and purpose, materials that are soft and touchable, and surrounding ourselves with plush pillows and bedding, we are creating our own version of a cradle. This safe, soft space is vital to making the family bedroom a place for gathering. In order to encourage our children to share our bedroom with us, why not try making the bed a bit more accessible? If your small child is walking, a small step stool conveys the message that their presence in bed is important. Plenty of pillows and family friendly bedding ensure that children will always feel welcome.